Month: March 2025

Rev. Stephen McKinney-Whitaker • Pastor

March 27, 2025

I’m excited to announce that next year — March 7-14, 2026 — Derry Church will sponsor a trip south to explore the roots of the Civil Rights Movement. Participants will travel from Atlanta to Memphis, with stops in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, to learn about those who fought for civil rights in that turbulent time.

The tragedies and triumphs that took place during the Movement in the 1950s and 1960s awakened an entire nation to the reality of racial injustice African-Americans faced nationwide. In that era, African-Americans fought to gain equal rights in the United States and were met with resistance, and often violence. We can learn from their struggles, their successes, and their perseverance, but also from the mistakes and abuses perpetrated by the nation, the church, and individual Christians so we do not make similar mistakes in the future.

In order to better understand the Civil Rights Movement, we need to walk through the places where it happened and learn from those who shaped it. So we are partnering with Dr. Todd Allen of Messiah University, who has developed relationships with veterans and scholars of the Civil Rights Movements over the 25 years he’s been leading these tours. Click here to watch a 30-minute documentary about a past trip. 

Dr. Allen says, 

The fight for civil rights in America spanned decades and locations. During this journey participants will visit many of the key Southern sites of the freedom struggle and along the way engage with veterans of the Movement hearing first hand their testimonies of what it means to stand up for freedom, justice, and equality then and now.

Lynn George, daughter of Sue and Jim George, joined Dr. Allen on a 2023 bus tour and had this to say:

Travel always expands your world, but this trip makes history come alive. I thought I knew the history of the civil rights era, but this pilgrimage opened my eyes to the realities of living and fighting for the rights I take for granted every day. Not only do you walk in the footsteps of civil rights leaders, but you visit historical sites and meet with civil rights leaders as they tell their stories. This is not an easy, vacation-style trip: this adventure will rock you to your core and make you realize that everyone has a role to play in fighting against injustice.

My hope is that we will gather a diverse group of Derry travelers that spans the generations. I believe this trip will be an eye-opening, sobering, but ultimately hopeful and life-giving journey that will inspire us to continue to proclaim God’s word, share God’s love, and practice God’s justice.  

If you would like to experience and explore the roots of the Civil Rights Movement, let me know. I will keep a list and share updates, itineraries, cost, and how to sign up for the trip later this year. 

March 2024 Session Highlights

March 26, 2025

  • Welcomed new members: Joong Mo & Hwayoung Ahn, Kelsey & Scott Kuntz, Dennis & Kelly Renaud, and Rachael Shocket & Kane Haga.
  • Received the Treasurer’s report for the month of February.
  • The Session discussed the Capital Procurement Requisition submitted at the February meeting which proposes installing two monitors in the Lounge for viewing and participating in the 10:30 worship service. This CPR will be voted upon at the April meeting, allowing more time for committee discussion, and to encourage people to visit and worship in the area on Sunday morning.
  • Approved the installation of new cabinets and sink in Derry Discovery Days’ Ladybug classroom and the installation of a playhouse in the playground area. Both projects will be paid for by Derry Discovery Days.
  • The Building & Grounds Committee requested approval to purchase new security software at a cost of $7,000 to be taken from the Capital Facilities fund. The request was approved.
  • Pastor Stephen submitted a sabbatical proposal for early spring of 2027. During the sabbatical, he plans to focus on the political and theological aspects that led to the rise of Wiemar Republic and Nazism in Germany and what role, if any, the church should play in politics. He plans to study theologians and Christian leaders such as Bonhoeffer, Barth, and Niemoller. The proposal was approved.
  • The Christian Education and Mission & Peace committees recommended that the Session approve a proposed Civil Rights tour for March 7-14, 2026 exploring the roots of the Civil Rights Movement and learning about those who fought for civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s. The tour will partner with Dr. Todd Allen of Messiah University who has been leading these tours for over 25 years. The proposal was approved.
  • Approved Craig Kegerise to assist Summer Hakkinen with counting and depositing church offerings.
  • The Building & Grounds Committee submitted a proposal for Sanctuary choir loft
    renovations to address safety and acoustical concerns. More information on the proposal will be presented at a congregational information session to be held after the 10:30 am April 13 (Palm Sunday) worship service in the Sanctuary.

Pam Whitenack • Derry Member

March 20, 2025

While today the role of women as leaders in the church is not questioned or challenged (at least not at Derry Church or the PCUSA), it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the Presbyterian Church began taking steps to recognize the rights and benefits of including women in leadership roles.

The development of Presbyterian female leadership followed trends in the United States. In August 1920, Presbyterian President Woodrow Wilson signed into existence the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States granting women the right to vote. As women were gaining ground in public matters, they gained ground in ecclesiastical affairs. 

During the 19th century women had established organizations apart from men. Women became deeply involved in the support of and participation in educational endeavors such as Sunday Schools, and home and foreign mission work. They formed their own societies to further causes that interested them. At Derry, one of the Presbyterian church’s oldest women’s missionary societies was established in 1838.

For Derry Church, women also played a critical role in the construction of the Chapel in 1884. It was largely due to the efforts of two women that our Chapel was erected. Mrs. Charles Bailey of Harrisburg, a descendant of one of the original founders, became interested in reviving the church at Derry. She succeeded in interesting Mrs. Dawson Coleman, of Lebanon, in this goal. Given the fact that Derry Church had only six or seven members and no pastor, this was a bold undertaking. They sought no recognition and their efforts and leadership for this project were hidden to history by the public records signed by their male counterparts. 

While they might not have had the opportunity to serve as Elders, Deacons, or Trustees, Derry’s women’s groups played important roles supporting and funding the church. Women also led the way in promoting and funding various mission projects.

The Ladies’ Guild, established in 1909, played a significant role in Derry Church life. In addition to Bible studies and fellowship, fundraising played an important role in the Guild. During the Guild’s first ten years, these women raised funds to improve the Chapel building. Fundraisers were often held in downtown Hershey because there wasn’t space for such events in the Chapel. The women held strawberry festivals and oyster dinners, sold magazines such as McCall’s and Ladies’ Home Journal, sewed and sold aprons, and even offered weekly embroidery and crochet lessons to add to their treasury. With their funds, the women paid for pews in the Chapel, repaired the church walls ($150), tuned the Chapel piano, purchased a Brussels carpet ($263.75) and the church’s first electric vacuum cleaner ($20.38). In 1917, the Ladies’ Guild paid for Derry Church’s first indoor toilet.

The Women’s Missionary Society offered mission study classes. Each month was devoted to studying a particular group or issue, such as migrants or China, to raise awareness of the worldwide need for financial support. These efforts encouraged Derry’s interest and commitment to supporting mission work.

The Presbyterian Church first granted the right of women to serve as “brother deacons” (as they were called) in 1922-23, and “brother elders” in 1930. Many churches, Derry included, were slow to recognize the value of including women in leadership roles in the church.

Derry Church ordained its first women as deacons in 1957. That year Ruth Hoffer and Alma (Mrs. James E.) Bobb were elected to Derry’s Board of Deacons. They would be the first and last women elected to one of Derry’s Boards until 1971. There are many possible reasons. The pastor who had encouraged the inclusion of women in 1957 took another call in 1959, and Derry’s next pastor, Reverend Ira Reed, faced many challenges when he first arrived: building a new sanctuary, confronting growing social unrest regarding civil rights for women and people of color, the VietNam war, and significant social change. But throughout the 1960s, the topic of women serving as Elders and Deacons was under consideration by Session and the congregation in general.

In 1969, when the Nominating Committee was seeking candidates for various church offices, the committee discussed whether women should serve as officers. While the committee did not nominate any women to the Boards for 1970, early that year Clara Owens, a member of the Nominating Committee, conducted an informal survey with the question: “What do you think of having women as officers of the church?”

The responses were published in the February 1970 church newsletter. Some of the responses:

“Why not?”

“I can see them serving as Deacons and Trustees, but to as Elders. I feel that the position of Elder should filled by a man.”

“I see no reason why women should not serve in an official capacity in the work of the church if they are qualified. Everyone should commit themselves fully to the work of the church.”

“Whether a church officer is a man or woman is not important. It is the fact that the person have the spiritual qualities and good sense that God would want a church officer to have that is important.”

“Women are active in other areas of the church and should therefore serve as officers.”

“It is a good idea, but they should not be in the majority on any of the boards.”

“Women are as qualified as men and sometimes they have more time to get to the meetings at church.”

“I am a fence sitter and have thought about this for many years. Women definitely have their responsibilities in the work of the church, but I am not certain that one of their responsibilities is as Elder. If women are to take their place as members of the Boards, I do feel that there should be two on each Board, not just one.”

These responses encouraged the 1971 Nominating Committee to include one woman, Josephine Baum, to be elected to the Session. The following year, Clara Owens was ordained as an Elder and in 1973, two women were elected to the Session. Since that time, women have been elected to each class of Elders and Deacons.

Trio Gaia to Perform at Derry Church

March 19, 2025

7:30 PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 26 | SANCTUARY

Market Square Concerts present the award-winning Trio Gaia from Boston. Violinist Grant Houston, cellist Yi-Mei Templeman, and pianist Ariel Mo will perform a delightfully eclectic program ranging from Robert Schumann’s fiery Piano Trio No. 1 and Debussy’s youthful Piano Trio, to Reena Esmail’s ethereal “Saans” (Breath), written as a wedding gift for a close friend, and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Four Folk Songs inspired by melodic motifs and rhythms of her mother’s homeland, Peru.

Single tickets are $35, $30 for seniors (65+), $5 for college students and free for school-age students with a $10 ticket available for one accompanying adult. Purchase by phone at 717-221-9599 or online at EventBrite, marketsquareconcerts.org/concerts or email aquist@marketsquareconcerts.org. Remaining tickets available at the door.

Wellness Team Invites You on a Two-Day Bike Trip to Jim Thorpe

March 19, 2025

Join us August 6-8 (Wed-Fri) for two days of biking and two nights of lodging in Jim Thorpe. You will stay in the heart of downtown Jim Thorpe and experience 57 miles of riding on the D&L Trail. Check in at the Inn at Jim Thorpe the night before your ride, and take time to explore the quaint shops, museums, and history of this quaint town.

Day 1
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Broadway Grille and gear up for your day of bicycling. Then take a short walk to our bike shop, just a few buildings away. Next, we will shuttle you to the north end of the rail trail. You will ride The Full Monty from Glen Summit to Jim Thorpe. During your 36-mile ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, you’ll encounter wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, scenic overlooks, railroad history, and more. The ride ends in historic Jim Thorpe.

Day 2
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Broadway Grille. After another short walk to the bike shop, you will be shuttled to the Lehigh Gap section of The D&L Trail. Then, ride along at your own pace for 21 miles. The trail follows the Lehigh River as it bends through small river towns. Along the way you will cross the Appalachian Trail, pass the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, as well as explore the ruins of the Lehigh Canal. Your rail trail biking ride ends when you cross the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge in Jim Thorpe and arrive back at your car in Jim Thorpe.

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot. Or, call the Pocono Biking office at 570-732-5007 and secure your space with a $100 deposit. Ed will be happy to answer your questions and take care of all the details of your reservation, including lodging.

Pricing:
Individual with own bike: $275
Bike rental (if needed): $48
e-Bike rental (if needed): $160
Single supplement: $150 (for those traveling solo)

Presbyterian Women Offers”Treasured” Bible Study Retreat

March 19, 2025

JUNE 6-7 AT THE PENN STATER IN STATE COLLEGE

The retreat also includes a mission project: making cards for Peace Promise of Camp Hill. Registration is $200 for a double room and $289 for a single room. Scholarships of $100 are available. Roommate registrations must be submitted together.  

The fee covers lodging, participant materials, lunch and two snacks on Saturday. Sessions begin at 7 pm Friday and end at 4 pm Saturday. Find registration forms on the PW bulletin board by entrance #4. Registration deadline: April 30. If you plan to attend, notify Doris Feil so the scholarship can be applied.

Orange Day is March 25

March 19, 2025

Orange Day on March 25 is a day dedicated to showing awareness of exploitation of females worldwide and some of the work being done to end it. North Star Initiative advocates for and supports survivors 0f sex trafficking by providing physical, psychological, emotional, educational, and spiritual development through a Christ-centered focus. Until 2024, they had the only 24×7 restoration home for these survivors in the entire region. A second home was opened in Berks County. Their program has a 4-phase plan with number of months allotted to each phase up to 12 for the complete program. This has been in operation since 2011 in Lancaster County. They also educate the public on how to stay alert and recognize tactics traffickers my use.  Wear orange or an orange ribbon on the March 25 to show support for this staff as well as others working to end the exploitation.

Dan Dorty • Director of Music and Organist

March 13, 2025

We’ve all heard of bats in the belfry, but have you ever heard of squirrels in the organ? In November and December last year, we discovered that a couple of adolescent squirrels had made their way into our building and found plenty of places to hide their winter acorn stores among the 2,795 pipes of our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. With the help of Shawn Bentley, the squirrels have now been rehomed and returned to the trees to roam freely.

These fluffy-tailed creatures are known for hiding acorns in organ pipes, chewing on metal pipework like a tin can, severing wiring, and enjoying the Italian leather that seals the corners of the bellows. As you can imagine, I was concerned about the potential damage that might have occurred during their stay. In conjunction with the infestation, I noticed that the organ was losing air, especially when it was played with all the stops engaged. This indicated that there were significant leaks within the instrument. There were numerous possibilities for these leaks, including the wind lines, wind chests (where the pipes sit), bellows, or even the blower itself.

Nicholas Thompson-Allen and his team arrived in Derry last Monday to assess the damage to the instrument. Fortunately, our worst fears—that squirrels had caused extensive damage—were unrealized. The bellows, pipes, wind lines, and wind chests showed no signs of gnawing. However, we were still left wondering about the source of a massive air leak.

After hours of searching the organ chambers, Nick eventually identified the leak beneath the floorboards of the chamber. On Tuesday morning, the team cut into the floor and discovered a displaced large rubber gasket on the main wind line. This gasket had been dislodged for many years and worsened recently due to deterioration. This deterioration likely dates back to when the Reuter organ was still in use here at Derry. After installing a new gasket and ensuring everything was in proper working order, our majestic instrument is now functioning beautifully, playing better than it ever has during its time here at Derry. My deepest gratitude goes to Shawn Bentley, Nicholas Thompson-Allen, and the entire team. Our magnificent instrument now sings with all its might and grandeur.

Serve Dinner at the Racetrack

March 12, 2025

Derry’s next opportunity to serve the evening meal to the Penn National race course community is Monday, March 31. Volunteers meet 4:30 pm at Derry Church, travel to Grantville to serve the meal at 5:30 pm, then return to the church by 7 pm.

Our hospitality coordinator Amanda Bentley prepares the meal. You can help by donating desserts that can be dropped off in advance in the kitchen. Label treats for the Race Track meal.

The meal is provided in partnership with the Race Track Chaplaincy and is served prior to their weekly prayer service.  Click here to learn more about the Race Track Chaplaincy. Reverend Phillip Burch serves as the Chaplain for Penn National race course.

To volunteer to serve the meal or to provide a dessert, contact Craig Smith (717-574 9296).

Coin Return on Sunday Supports Change 4 Children

March 12, 2025

Look for Change 4 Children collection baskets for the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE). As part of God’s family, ACE Zambia helps moms and caregivers to raise SAFE KIDS, grow strong families, and build sustainable communities. ACE shows the love of Jesus by bringing orphaned and vulnerable children into secure families, schools and communities through House of Moses, Bill and Bette Bryon Crisis Nursery, food relief, skills training, savings groups, seed capital, Faith Works primary schools, and Helen DeVos Christian School.

Closure of USAID has stripped millions in funding, leaving children across Zambia and Malawi without food, health care and education. Half of essential services have been halted. ACE has set a goal of $1,000,000 to help fill the gap left by the UASAID stop work order.

Dollars and checks welcome. Place coins in zip-closed bags, remembering to bag any foreign coins separately. Check that the bag is free of paper clips, pins, batteries, buttons — anything that is not legal tender — as these clog the coin sorting machine.  

Change 4 Children for ACE is collected quarterly at Derry Church. The next offering will be received on Sunday, June 8.

Easter Egg Hunts

March 12, 2025

10 AM SATURDAY, APR 12 • GATHER IN FELLOWSHIP HALL 

For children age 0 through fifth grade! Egg hunters will be sorted into these three groups: 

  • Birth through 36 months
  • Age 3 – first grade
  • Grades 2-5

Bring your own basket/bucket/bag to collect eggs. All egg hunts begin at 10:15 am. In the event of inclement weather, egg hunts will be held indoors.

Derry’s Playing Indoor Pickleball!

March 12, 2025

3-4:30 PM MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Pickleball beginners and enthusiasts, you’re invited to join the fun! To sign up for a session, download the Team Reach app (directions below) and join “Derry Presb Pickleball.” Up to 8 people can RSVP for a date/time, and we ask that you to play doubles to accommodate more players. No cost to play, but we do have a few simple rules:

1) Have fun.
2) Don’t take it seriously.
3) Say only positive things to yourself and others.
4) Better players are asked to adjust their level of play to the level of the group on court with you.
5) Be willing to help folks learn how to play.
6) If your plans change, please update Team Reach so someone else can play.
7) Be patient. Like with anything new, expect a few glitches.

Install TeamReach on iPhone 
Install TeamReach on Android 
Enter code: P7175339667

Click on the calendar icon to see what dates are open. To RSVP for the date(s) you want to play, touch the date for that day and click YES. 

Direct any problems, questions or concerns to Sandy Ballard (717-435-5176).

Now Collecting Gently Used Spring & Summer Clothing

March 12, 2025

We are so grateful for the generous clothing and shoe donations you have given in support of the Allison Hill Community Ministry. Every day, clients visit the church for food and they have truly enjoyed “shopping” the racks of beautifully donated clothes that we carefully hang and display. As the seasons change, we ask for gently used (or new) spring and summer items to help our neighbors feel comfortable and confident. We believe that clothing and looking nice can uplift spirits and even change the trajectory of a person’s life. Donations can be placed in the bin in the mission closet near entrance #1.

Kristen Campbell • Derry Member

March 6, 2025

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In March we’re lifting up the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

As we enter the season of Lent, Derry Church invites you to take part in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, a tradition of generosity that continues through Easter Sunday, April 20.

Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our congregation, we surpassed our goal of $19,000. This year, we are setting our sights even higher, with a goal of $22,000.

Your contributions will be divided equally:

  • 50% will support the Presbyterian Church (USA) through three vital programs:
  • 50% will go to Bridges to Community, Derry’s mission partner in the Dominican Republic, where we’ll send a team in June to build a home for a family in need. This will be the 41st home built by Derry Church since the first trip to Nicaragua in 2001.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) brings hope and relief to those facing hardship, especially in today’s challenging environment, where rising food and shelter costs, along with job losses, are making it harder for many to meet their basic needs.

You can find OGHS envelopes in the pew racks or give online. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference.

Together, let’s make 2025 another year of generosity and impact.

Next Week Brings Two More Opportunities for Curious Conversations

March 5, 2025

12:45 PM MONDAY, MAR 10 | ROOM 7A
Pastor Stephen moderates a Prime Timers’ discussion on “I’ll always remember when (fill in the blank) happened.” Examples might be 9/11, the Berlin Wall coming down, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, or another big event in our community, nation, or world. Take this opportunity to practice asking curious questions, learning about others, and finding out how profound experiences can influence faith, politics, and passions.

6 PM TUESDAY, MAR 11 | HAMMOND LIBRARY
This evening discussion focuses on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and inclusion) initiatives. Share your views, your concerns, and especially your personal stories. Curious conversations are a space to listen and ask curious questions in an effort to better understand each other and the world around us.

Coming Soon: Mission Madness IX!

March 5, 2025

The excitement! The fun! The epic emails written by commissioner Pete Steelman! Yes, folks: it’s almost time to make your “March Madness” bracket picks in support of Derry Church’s “Mission Madness” fundraiser that benefits scholarships for Presbyterian Education Board students in Pakistan.

A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal or see Pete in the Narthex on Sunday morning. If you participated last year, you should be automatically re-enrolled in the Yahoo site where you will enter your picks. If you are new, or unsure if you played before, or have a new email address, just email Pete Steelman and he will add you to the mailing list.

In the past eight years, Derry has raised over $18,000 for the Sargodha Scholarship Fund, and we hope to build on that by eclipsing last year’s record of 200+ participants! A trophy and engraved plaque for the overall winner will be presented next month, as well as multiple engraved medals for winners of subgroups (Best Youth, Best in Staff, Best on Session, Best in Music etc). And yes, you can also look forward to Pete’s traditional nicknames, updates, and jovial banter that recaps the action after every round of games.

2025 Children & Sacraments Class

March 5, 2025

6-8 PM MONDAY, APR 14 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Second, third, and fourth grade students who have not yet participated in Derry’s Children & Sacraments Class are welcome, along with their families, as we gather to explore the sacraments and make plans to assist in worship at 7 pm on Maundy Thursday, April 17.

We will begin the night with a meal together. We will then prepare communion bread to be used for Maundy Thursday worship. Parents and students will also have the opportunity to talk about the sacraments in small groups. At the end of the night, we will walk through what will happen during the Maundy Thursday service so everyone will feel comfortable with their part. RSVP to Pastor Shawn

Dinner & Movie Night

March 5, 2025

6-9 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 12 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | NO CHARGE, DONATIONS ACCEPTED 

Join Derry friends for a movie-themed dinner followed by a showing of the 2008 musical “Mamma Mia.” Derry’s own Amanda Bentley is preparing a five-course Greek dinner, and your hosts for the evening are members of the Membership & Involvement committee. Child care is not available.

RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT.

Many Hands Needed to Make Reusable Pad Systems for MCC’S Dignity Kits

March 5, 2025

3-5 PM TUESDAY, MAR 18 IN ROOM 2 AND 10 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 26 IN ROOM 7A | RSVP APPRECIATED: EMAIL CLAUDIA HOLTZMAN

Derry Church is partnering with Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC’s) ongoing project to sew eco-friendly, washable menstrual pads for women and girls who don’t have ready access to these items. Access to these supplies increases school attendance.

MCC supplies the fabric layers, we supply the labor: people who can sew, people who can prep materials, people who can turn completed projects inside out and add finishing touches. 

This project will continue monthly on different days and at various times so that as many people as possible can participate. Keep an eye on the eNews for upcoming dates.

Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster

March 5, 2025

4 PM SUNDAY, APR 6 IN THE SANCTUARY • AN ARTS ALIVE EVENT • FREE WILL OFFERING

The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster is a community choral arts program serving more than 150 children and youth in kindergarten through grade 12. Representing nearly 55 congregations, 45 schools, and 12 denominations, singers develop a rich musical repertoire from around the world and across time while being equipped for a lifetime of service to the church and community. The mission of MCCL is training children and youth to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing. We honor and celebrate music as a gift from God by creating exceptional choral music, fostering community, and nurturing character.