Rev. Stephen McKinney-Whitaker • Pastor

One of the reasons I became a Presbyterian is because Presbyterians take educational mission seriously. The Presbyterian tradition values the importance of helping people to think for themselves so that they can form a relationship with Christ in a unique and personal way.

We are not a tradition that tells people what they must think. Instead, we teach about God and help people learn how faith touches every part of their lives. Christian Education helps us understand who God is and how God is with us and for us. It teaches us God’s better way to live and thrive in this world by being in right relationship with each other and with God as we follow God’s will and ways.  

As Presbyterians, we believe that education is part of the ministry of all members, that every person has the duty to be a teacher as well as a learner. When members join Derry, they promise to participate in some form of education. Membership is ministry for all of us, and being a Christian requires the sharing of our faith in God and Jesus Christ wherever we are, through our lifestyle, the way we spend our money or give it away, by living responsibly in our private and public lives, and by deliberately allocating time to make the world a more peaceful, just, and human place.

We are all called to become a beacon of God’s truth, whether we are sharing a meal at home, living out our vocation or avocation, or enjoying life with friends and family. Wherever we find ourselves, we are teaching others about Christ as we provide living lessons about what it means to be beloved children of God and followers of Jesus Christ. 

I invite you to take advantage of the educational opportunities at Derry Church to learn more about God, the Bible, the church, and the world that we live in: 

11 Minute Lessons: If you don’t have a lot of time, 11 Minute Lessons is a great educational option. Join me in the Chapel after both worship services or watch the videos on Facebook or YouTube. This year we’re going through the books of 1 and 2 Peter verse by verse, 11 minutes at a time. 

Sunday School: Classes for all ages meet 9:15-10:15 am. Sunday School is a chance to learn about life together with God and connect with one another. I’m teaching Sunday School for the 6th-12th grade youth this year along with volunteers, and we have a great team leading our children’s classes for Pre-K, K-2nd, and 3rd-5th grades. The adult Issues Class meets in room 7 and is live streamed. A Bible Study class will meet weekly in room 2 beginning Oct 8.

Sunday School is one of the earliest memories children have of church, and these memories can last a lifetime. Will you join our wonderful team of Sunday school teachers who are making a difference in the lives of Derry’s children? Taking a turn once a month or every other month would be a huge help in support of our Christian Education program. Just reach out to M.E. Steelman and let her know your availability.

Tuesday evenings are another opportunity to invest in the children of Derry and participate in their education as they learn stories, express their faith through art, and learn about the history of Derry through the 300th Anniversary book they will be creating together. 

Small Group Studies:  Choose from groups that meet weekly or monthly:

• A weekly Monday morning group meets at 11 am
• A Thursday group meets at 10:30 am
• Presbyterian Women offer a study on the third Wednesday of the month at 1 pm
• A monthly Monday evening women’s group meets on the first Monday at 7 pm
• A once-a-month Bible study for our Prime Timers meets on Mondays at 12:45 pm
• Men’s Breakfast, which includes devotions, meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 am 
• A Women’s Journey in Faith and Friendship meets twice a month on Sunday evenings

I’d love to add at least one more small group this year. If you are interested in helping start a small group discussion/study group or being a part of a new one, please contact me. I’d be glad to help you get started and suggest some discussion guides or studies to direct your time together. 

Education is a gift that no one can take from you. Education has the power to inform and transform our lives. It can help us build stronger relationships with each other and with God. I encourage you to take advantage of Derry’s many educational opportunities as we grow in faith together this year.