Author: Susan George

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18 

If you haven’t already heard or read about it, next year Derry Church will commemorate 300 years of being Presbyterian and witnessing to our faith in Christ. Planning has been under way for almost three years now. It is my hope that we will not only look back, but also celebrate who we are today and what we aspire to be in the future.

To that end, 2024 will be filled with opportunities to celebrate, to explore our history, and to fulfill our mission to proclaim God’s word, share God’s love, and practice God’s justice. The year-long celebration will feature events and educational opportunities to learn more about Presbyterian history and Derry Church’s past, special musical performances, church family gatherings, special mission projects and a rededication of our church cemetery, established in 1734.

HERITAGE
Derry Church has a rich and sometimes uncomfortable history. To help us better understand our past, each month we will be sharing an essay in the weekly eNews that explores different aspects of our history.

Sadly, many of Derry Church’s earliest records were destroyed in a fire. At that time Derry did not have a pastor, the old Derry sanctuary had been torn down the preceding year and the Chapel was under construction. The church records had been moved to the attic of the Paxton Presbyterian Church manse, which caught fire on August 24, 1894. Without those records, it would be difficult to try and write a formal church history. Instead, our goal with these essays is to put Derry Church in context with a broader history of the region and the state.

Once a month our worship services will include a heritage moment focused on the monthly topic. On another Sunday each month, a heritage moment will focus on a profile of one of our saints buried in our cemetery.

An important part of the anniversary year will be the rededication of our cemetery. During the past two years, the cemetery has undergone a major restoration. Two of the cemetery walls were rebuilt, gravestones were repaired and straightened, and volunteers cleaned gravestones. The cemetery was regraded and reseeded. Plans are underway to rededicate the cemetery as part of our Homecoming Sunday celebration that will be held next fall.

EDUCATION
The Adult Education sub-committee has developed a series of classes to explore the history of Native American and European settler relations during the 18th and 19th centuries. A series of five classes, one held each month as part of the Issues class, will be presented.

A learning tour to Lancaster County is planned to explore parts of our history that we might not know regarding Presbyterian and European settler relations with Native peoples. It is our hope that these opportunities to learn about our past will help us to ask questions about how we might respond to this history. 

Pastor Stephen and his wife, Courtney, will offer classes to explore the Scottish and Irish origins of Presbyterianism and why Derry’s founders chose to settle here in Central Pennsylvania.

There will also be an opportunity for all Derry members to join together in reading a special book. Authored by Reverend David Latimer, A Leap of Faith: How Martin McGuinness and I Worked Together for Peace, is a memoir of how two men stepped out of their comfort zones to work together towards change and reconciliation in Derry, Northern Ireland. A variety of discussion groups will be created to explore this book. Reading and discussing the book will be a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the arrival next fall of the author, David Latimer, Derry’s homecoming weekend special guest.

Derry Church children are already exploring our church history through the growth and development of the church campus over the past 300 years. Through artwork and writing, the children are creating a Derry Church history picture book that will be available for sale in the fall of 2024. Monies raised will be directed towards mission as decided by the authors and artists. A group of 11 Derry teens will travel to Northern Ireland next July to participate in a week-long program at the Corrymeela Community to build peacemaking skills.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP
The 2024 Arts Alive season will feature a variety of concerts and performances. Of particular note will be a performance by the Paloma School of Irish Dance on April 7. On March 17, our Director of Music Dan Dorty will present a Hymn Festival, conducted by Linda Tedford, director of the Susquehanna Chorale. The year will conclude with the annual Christmas concert.

Music is an important part of Derry in worship and outreach. Derry Church has commissioned David Gambrell, a noted hymnist, to write a hymn in recognition of our 300th anniversary. The hymn will be added to the pew hymnals and be introduced on Heritage Sunday, April 28, 2024.

HOMECOMING
While friends and former members of Derry Church are always welcome, a special Homecoming celebration has been scheduled for the weekend of September 21-22. The Homecoming celebration will be an opportunity to invite  past members, staff, and ministers to come and join in the celebration.

On Saturday night, September 21, a more formal ticketed dinner will be held with a keynote speaker and special program.

Sunday, September 22, 2024, will feature a special worship and homecoming reception following the 10:30 am service. Our special guest will be Reverend David Latimer, retired pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Reverend Latimer will be the keynote speaker for the  Saturday evening event and will preach on Sunday.

MISSION
Mission is at the core of Derry Church’s mission statement as we share God’s love and practice God’s justice. When we began making plans for how we might celebrate this significant milestone, the Anniversary committee asked the Mission & Peace Committee to propose a mission project that would reflect Derry’s commitment to serving others and sharing our abundant resources. In response, the Mission & Peace Committee proposed not one, but two projects: to support homeless veterans by funding the construction of a tiny home in a new community being created to support homeless veterans in Harrisburg, and to fund the construction of a new classroom for Logos Academy in Harrisburg. These two projects will allow Derry Church members to practice God’s justice and share God’s love, not only by sharing our financial resources but also participate in the construction. 

KEEPSAKE
At previous anniversary celebrations, a variety of commemorative items were created: plates at one time were very popular. For the 275th, a beautiful large print of the church was commissioned and a replica of a communion token was created. For this anniversary, we turned to blacksmith and former member, Mark Smith. As he has done for several years, Mark will create a Christmas ornament that will serve as our anniversary keepsake. Mark will use copper from downspouts and gutters that were replaced on Derry Church’s building. The ornaments will be offered for sale beginning next fall, with the money continuing to fund scholarships for students at the Sargodha Schools in Pakistan.

I hope everyone will be able to participate in one or more of the opportunities planned to celebrate and honor this significant milestone in our church’s history. 

Our stewardship theme this year is “God Gives.” God Gives. It’s a simple, yet powerful statement that undoubtedly has a different meaning to each of us. Two words. Boundless interpretation.

God gives us our health. God gives us food for our table and shelter over our heads. God gives us the sunrise and the sunset. These are just a few examples of the simple interpretation of this statement.

I have thought deeply this stewardship season about how God Gives to my family through Derry. I have the honor of serving as Derry’s Stewardship & Finance Committee Chair and my wife, Kristen, is a member of the Mission Committee. Our boys, James and Brooks, have grown up in this church and have been Pilgrims, members of the choir and participants in youth group.  In fact, James will be traveling to Ireland next summer with other members of the youth group to study conflict and learn about reconciliation and peacemaking. What a tremendous experience this will be for him, and one that he would not have, if not for God’s giving through Derry. 

God gives so much to our family through the opportunities afforded to us by our church. When the Mission committee began to consider how Derry might host a refugee family, none of us knew exactly what this effort might entail. Indeed, it has been an effort—a herculean effort–with so many individuals providing their time and energy to ensure a successful experience for the Haikal family from Syria. Kristen has enjoyed her time with Alaa; my kids have gotten to know the Haikal kids, spending time with them at HersheyPark and Adventure Sports. I can fully attest to the fact that while we have done our best to provide the Haikals with a loving home in Hershey, God has certainly given to us in the form of this beautiful family. We are better off as a family and as a church for this opportunity that God has given to us.

I encourage you to give some thought to how God gives through Derry; and by doing so, think through the importance of our gifts to Derry. As the stewardship campaign winds down for the year, the pledges that we make to Derry will determine the opportunities that Derry can provide us in the coming year, our 300th anniversary year as a church. It will be a significant year in the life of Derry Church, and we have the opportunity to help shape this milestone year through our individual gifts. To this end, please join us after church on Sunday, November 12 for a soup and salad lunch as we celebrate the many ways God Gives.

God gives in many wonderful ways, from the simple to the complex and everything in between. If you think about your own experience at Derry, maybe you have felt God’s imprint of giving through the wonderful acts of kindness and love that the church affords us. I know that we have, and this giving has meant so much to our family’s spiritual growth.

A young woman came to the door of Christ Lutheran Church and rang the bell.  As I opened the door and greeted her, I could see the expression on her face: she was concerned and looked uncertain. And she was very pregnant. She spoke no English, and my Spanish is limited. Thanks to Google Translate, I was able to discern that she was looking for the medical outreach clinic and she was told that the church could help her. I escorted her to the entrance of the clinic and explained to her in my broken Spanish that she could talk with a nurse who could help her directly. As we entered the lobby which had other people waiting to be seen, I introduced her to the nurses who immediately took her under their wing to offer her care and support.  

This is a typical day at Christ Lutheran Church and one of the biggest reasons I wanted to come to here. I serve as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church as well as the executive director of the health ministries. My background includes extensive history in politics and government, entrepreneurial coaching, and at a food pantry. During my previous call, our congregation did a variety of ministries with those who were unhoused and in poverty.  

I want to thank Derry Church for being a crucial partner for the Health Ministries at Christ Lutheran Church, going back to 2017.  I look forward to seeing that relationship grow and strengthen as we continue helping our neighbors in need.  

The Health Ministries at Christ Lutheran Church include a free medical outreach clinic which is visited by an average of 800 people each month with an assortment of health needs. The clinic is staffed by nurses from Penn State Health who offer care and support for every person who enters the clinic. Because of partners like you, Christ Lutheran Church is able to ensure that the clinic has all the supplies it needs including non-prescription medication, bandages, socks and underwear, reader glasses, and more.  

We also host a free dental clinic that takes place three times a month.  The clinic is staffed by dentists in the area who volunteer their time and expertise, as well as dental assistants who are paid by the church to be onsite for the clinic. The dental clinic sees between 6-12 patients each time it is open, and the main focus is on people who are experiencing active pain, offering fillings as well as tooth extractions. Plans are in the works to expand the dental clinic by moving it to the first floor, which would give us the ability to add an additional chair and be able to see even more patients.  

In January, we will be launching our newest clinic which we are calling “Healthy on the Hill.” One of our nurses recently became a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, giving her the ability to prescribe medication as well as refer people for tests. Much of the focus of this clinic will be working with people who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, which require more consistent medical attention and care for the patients’ wellbeing.  

Along with these ministries, Christ Lutheran Church also partners with Harrisburg Area Community College. Every nursing and dental hygiene student in their respective programs spends at least one rotation through the clinics at the church. This means that students are getting important hands-on experience that helps shape their career.  It’s been reported back to me from the instructors that the students’ time at the Health Ministries of Christ Lutheran Church are some of the most important and formative parts of their education.  

Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.  We could not do this without you, quite literally.  Because of your support, so many people’s lives are positively impacted, and they can start to receive healing. You help make Christ Lutheran Church and the health ministries that happen here a special place of healing. Thank you!

I am so incredibly lucky to have grown up in Derry Presbyterian Church. The number of opportunities I have been given from when I was in elementary school in Pilgrim Fellowship to now as a college senior have been so numerous. I remember in Pilgrim Fellowship being lucky to have opportunities like going out to the apple orchard together, having lock-ins, and shopping together for our Giving Tree gifts. It was the little gatherings that really showed me God’s love in big ways.

As I got older, I joined Youth Group and started to go on trips! The first trip I ever went on was our Philadelphia missions’ trip in 2017. I was a freshman in high school, and I was very nervous to go on this trip. It was the first time I had ever been on a trip like this on my own. However, that trip opened a door to a new part of my life, traveling and serving. I am so grateful that Derry continued to give us trips to go on after that, like Montreat and Triennium! Each trip has helped me grow in God’s love and show his love to others. Because of these trips I was able to continue my love of serving by going to Poland on a service trip in 2022 and going to Italy this past summer to work with refugees! I am also excited to be able to go on a trip to Ireland next summer to learn about our church and grow in my faith while we’re there. 

Derry truly provides so many opportunities to grow and share God’s love, and it’s important to appreciate them and take those opportunities. You may never know the kind of impact it can make in your own life.

Pastor Stephen asked Ron and me to write this article for the eNews reflecting on how we can relate to the theme “God Gives,” which has been chosen for the Fall stewardship emphasis this year.

Carrying out this request actually gave us the opportunity to stop and reflect on the many many gifts that we have received from God, especially since joining Derry Church in May 2022.

During my lifetime, I have developed a theory that has been proven over and over again. Ron teases me about my commitment to it, but he has seen real results many times…whenever we engaged in acts of “giving to others” (of our time, talents, money or other resources) we have been rewarded many times over in one way or another. I truly believe that God has provided us with our needs (and then some) because we have been among the “givers” of life. [You have heard, I’m sure, that humans are sometimes classified as “givers” or “takers”.] We have come to believe that because God first gave to us… in response, and in trying to follow His example, we give to others – which results in us being rewarded with good feelings and/or positive outcomes in return.

Throughout our lives, God has provided Ron and me with choices to make, which, because of our choices, led us in directions that have been good for us. One of the choices he gave us in 2021 and 2022, was to come to Derry and eventually join this congregation.

We have found that the Derry congregation, as an entity, could definitely be classified as “a giver.” We developed this premise from our very first encounters with the church and its members, and continue to feel this way today, as exemplified by –

The friendliness and genuine caring that we have received from those we encounter at whatever church activity we attend…

The manner in which members (and their friends and family) are prayed for, and provided with visits, prayer shawls, meals, transportation, grief support, and whatever compassionate care is needed and/or appropriate…

The myriad of opportunities provided by the church for individuals to utilize their interests, skills and God-given talents, as well as the utilization of the resources of the congregation to serve others through the diverse programs that Derry has designed to reach out to the community…

The sense of belonging and accomplishment that we have felt by being active with the Sanctuary Choir under the leadership and care of Dan Dorty…

The detailed planning by the staff, and active participation by congregational members, that we have observed, which results in the coordination of every aspect of each worship service to make it flow smoothly and reverently…

The attention paid by the Session members to appropriately carry out the responsibilities of the governing body of this church, particularly in the area of personnel changes and needs…

The passionate dedication to, as well as the resources solicited and committed to, mission projects — which span ages, socioeconomic circumstances, geographic locations and various categories of societal needs… and,

The way in which Pastor Stephen reminds us of our responsibilities to God to carry out God’s plans (for this congregation, our community and this world in general), through our actions and interactions.

At Derry we have observed the congregation’s stated mission in action: God’s word is proclaimed, God’s love is shared, and there is a conscious effort to practice justice in God’s name. In response to what God has given to Derry Church, the extensive programming is the congregation’s gift to each other.

We are thankful that God has given us the opportunity to worship and interact with the members of Derry Church, and by doing so, to “give back to God” by sharing God’s love with others through the many loving efforts of this congregation.

When Elise and I moved back to the Hershey area in the mid 1960s, we were looking for a church home where we could raise our family in a caring church, a place where we could grow our faith through worship, mission, music and the youth program. We found that at Derry and started our journey in 1968.

After several years, I was ordained as an Elder and joined the Worship Committee. In the early 1970s the Vietnam war was a contentious time for the youth and adults. The Worship Committee got the youth involved in plays and musicals starting in 1971. It was expanded with adults and youth, not only from the congregation but the community who participated in plays and full musicals. This was the start of the Vesper Series, which later began ARTS ALIVE! We continue today to praise God through music and the arts with ARTS ALIVE!  thanks to the support of our congregation and the community.

Elise and I had a number of opportunities to travel with the Derry travel group over the years. One of the most emotional trips was to Israel, where we had communion at the tomb, walked where Jesus walked, and touched the Jordan river where Jesus was baptized. Another trip was taking a journey in parts of Europe to many of the early biblical sites and tracing how Christianity spread throughout the world. In 1999 we traveled to Northern Ireland, where we traced our Derry heritage and witnessed reconciliation in that area.

We know that all of the programs at Derry require participation and finances. The foundation for my wanting to help others started when I was 10 years old. The church I grew up in was looking for a family to adopt in Germany after WWII and help them to recover. My family adopted a family of five in Germany.  Although we were a family of six children, we would send a care package to the family every three months for several years. Still, today I remember that act as forming my future giving ministry.

Over the years Elise and I supported Derry with our time and money as best we could.  We filled out the envelopes each week for many years before changing to online giving.

Elise was one who worked behind the scenes. She helped me prepare communion for over 25 years.  She cut the bread while I filled the cups, then she would check to see that everything was  just right on the communion table.

Elise’s journey at Derry ended earlier this year, but her journey continues with the Lord.  We appreciate the caring congregation we have at Derry for the many cards and prayers, and for the choir coming to our home and singing hymns for Elise. We also appreciated the comfort provided by the caring people of Hospice who saw us through this difficult time.

We were blessed to find a church home that provides so many ways to grow our faith — through worship and many programs, and through our strong mission focus locally and around the world.

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for that month. In October we’re lifting up the 2023 CROP Walk, one way we can take action to care for hungry people in our community and around the world. This message written by Jane first appeared as a feature article in the 2011 eNews and is just as relevant today as it was 12 years ago.

Post worship fellowships, Terrific Tuesdays, corn roasts, cookie walks: these are just a few of the food-related events that we enjoy here at Derry Church. We sure do love to eat! 

Fortunately for us, food is abundant. But that’s not the case for many people around the globe, as well as here in the United States. Worldwide, over a billion people are hungry – half of them are children. In the U.S. more than 36 million do not get enough to eat.

Sometimes when I hear troubling statistics such as these, I wonder what can I possibly do to make a difference? Perhaps you, too, have had similar thoughts. Well, one thing we can do is to make a commitment to participate in the 38th Annual Hershey/Hummelstown Crop Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 22.

Top reasons why you should support this walk:

• It is great exercise – a lovely 5k walk on the grounds of the Milton Hershey School.
• It is a family- friendly/pet-friendly mission event.
• It is an opportunity to socialize with folks from the community.
• Your donation will help meet our community goal of raising $10,000.
• In past years we’ve had as many as 60 walkers. With your participation, Derry could top that number this year.
• 25% of the money raised stays in our community to support local food banks
• 75% of the money raised is used by Church World Service to feed hungry people around the globe.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON YOU SHOULD SUPPORT THIS WALK: 

It is the Christian thing to do.

…if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noon day. 

(Isaiah 58:10)

Ok, now that I have convinced you to participate, here is what you need to know to get started:

1. Mark your calendar and join the Walk on Sunday, October 22 at 2 pm on the Milton Hershey School grounds. 
2. Invite family, friends, and leashed pets to join you.
3. Request donations from family, friends, and neighbors.
4. Register for the walk online or at the registration table in the Narthex on Oct 8, 15, and 22 between services and after the 10:30 am service. Registration and donations will also be accepted at the CROP Walk. Look for the registration table near the start line.
5. Make a donation: you can give online or make checks payable to CWS/CROP.
6. Contact Marilyn Koch, Carl Rohr, or me if you have questions.

That’s it. Simple! So mark your calendar, recruit your family and friends, lace up your sneakers, and let’s all help to end hunger – one step at time.

We have reached September and are entering a new budgeting season. It is time for the annual update on how the church is doing financially and my projections for the rest of the year.

We started the year in a very strong position with income exceeding budget and expenses well below budget.  However, the typical summer downturn hit.  In fact, August was the lowest income month in over 10 years. As of the end of August, we have received income contributions that are 61.7% of our budgeted $1,299,000 income and approximately 14% below 2022 contributions.  That relates to being $65,635 below budget. However, Y-T-D expenses are $74,278 below budget or 61.2% below the annual budget amount of $1,370,882. As of the end of August, our income-expenses are $8,643 under budget. If our expenses hold and our contributions return to those at the beginning of the year, we should finish the year at budget.

As the Session, the Stewardship & Finance Committee, and other committees look forward to the 2024 budget and the future, we are working to ensure that Derry Church provides for the needs of our church members and the community as well as the financial stability of the church. By planning for the future, we can make sure we are managing our resources responsibly.

Because of the generous support of the congregation, we have not only met our operating costs, but have accomplished many capital projects such as refurbishment of the cemetery walls, improved signage around the church and an improved sound system. We have been able to sponsor and support a refugee family. Because of the generous support of the congregation, a new van was purchased in addition to a fantastic new piano for the sanctuary. We have been able to do mission work in our community and throughout the world, whether it be helping youth with college scholarships or building a new wing on the school in Pakistan. 

I would like to thank the congregation for your continued support of the church and its mission work in the community and the world. As our new stewardship campaign, “God Gives” begins, I look forward to the support of the congregation for our ongoing programs and exciting new ventures.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything relating to Derry’s finances, please contact me. 

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. 

I admit there are times it’s hard for me to talk about my faith. I’d like to blame it on my stoic Lutheran upbringing, but I think it’s really because I’m not sure what kind of reaction I’ll get from whoever I’m talking with: what if they give me a funny look or ask me a question I can’t answer? Do I want to put myself out there in that risky way? I know I should, but it can be hard and awkward.

If only there was a way to introduce Derry Church in a non-threatening, easy way. 

But wait, now there is! 

This summer the Communications & Technology Committee (CTC) partnered with our Vacation Bible School leaders to create a Derry Church tote bag, enough for all the VBS families to have one and to make freely available to everyone in our church family who wants one.

As print advertising opportunities become scarcer, it’s on the CTC to find unique and engaging ways to make the church’s presence known in our community. Why not put our advertising dollars toward a nice item that people will use when they’re out and about? It’s exciting to think that this sturdy, simple bag could be a conversation starter. Or that people will see the bags all over town, in the grocery store or drug store or farmer’s market, and with repetition and familiarity, may think, “I keep seeing those bags. There must be something going on over there at Derry Church. I should check them out.”

If you don’t yet have a bag, I invite you to stop by the welcome table in the Narthex and get one. Don’t leave it in your car: use it on your errands and shopping, and make it visible in your shopping cart. But be prepared: anything could happen, from funny looks to faith questions. 

My bag’s ready, and this time I’m not going to wimp out. Bring on the sideways glances and questions: I’m carrying my bag proudly, and I’m glad to be an ambassador for Derry Church. 

PS: Later this fall, the CTC will be offering an opportunity to purchase shirts featuring Derry’s tree logo. It’s another way you can be an ambassador for Derry Church, especially as we head into our 300th anniversary year. Keep an eye on the eNews for details.

Dear Derry Church Family,

As summer comes to a close and fall swiftly approaches, I hope this letter finds you well and you are enjoying these warm days and beautiful blue skies. Where has the time gone? As you may imagine, our August has been chaotic and unpredictable. However, during these past weeks, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of prayers, letters, cards, flowers, offers of meals, and care embracing Sarah and me. Your unwavering spiritual strength and support have touched our hearts beyond what we can put into words. You have surrounded us in love, lifted us up, and encouraged our faith throughout this journey; thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

An update: my medical team has scheduled bypass surgery via laparoscopic robot for October 17 at UPMC Harrisburg. The prognosis is favorable, and recovery is roughly six weeks. My cardiology and transplant teams feel that despite the narrowing in my heart from nearly eight years of dialysis, I will live a long, healthy life after two stents and this upcoming bypass. Praise God, my gratitude to all who have overseen my medical care. In the interim, my cardiothoracic surgeon has cleared me to be back at the organ console and piano, directing and staying active to keep my heart healthy until the 17th. Thank you for your continued prayers throughout these next months.

On  August 24, the Sanctuary Choir began rehearsing for the fall season and will sing for the first time on Sunday. Repertoire ranges from well-known hymn arrangements to Mendelssohn’s Verleih uns Frieden (sung in German), Look at the World by John Rutter, and a world premiere of Psalm 13: How Long, O Lord, by composer Yakov Lychik, on September 24.   If you’d like to join the Sanctuary Choir for an exciting season of great music, please contact me or speak to any choir member on Sunday mornings following worship!

Terrific Tuesday kicks off next Tuesday, September 12, with dinner beginning at 5 pm in Fellowship Hall, followed by rehearsals for our children’s and youth music and God’s Hidden Hands Puppet ministries. Tuesday evening worship moves to an earlier time, 6:00-6:45 pm in the Chapel. Derry Ringers rehearse in the Music Room from 7:30-8:30 pm, and we need two more ringers to fill out the five-octave choir. If you can read music and are interested, please contact me!

At 4 pm Sunday, September 24, Tyler Canonico, nationally acclaimed organist and Minister of Music and Organist at Market Square Presbyterian Church, and I will present an Arts Alive concert of piano and organ duets in the Sanctuary. The concert will feature works of classical composers, hymn arrangements, and movie music including Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and more! Come hear our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ and Steinway & Sons concert grand piano in action for an afternoon of exciting music!

Christmas at Derry concerts are set for Sunday, December 10 at 2 pm and 5 pm. The concert entitled “Gaudete!” meaning Rejoice, will feature the Sanctuary Choir, Derry Ringers, acclaimed tenor Christyan Seay, lyric coloratura soprano Nina Cline, soloists from Derry Church, orchestra and percussion, with harp, organ, and piano accompaniment. Join us as we paint the scene of the manger, bright shining star, wise men from afar, and angels singing on high as Mary and Joseph adore the newborn babe, wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger!

As we look forward to this exciting season ahead, I ask for your prayers for a speedy recovery and for God’s healing hand to be upon me. Once again, thank you for your love and unending prayers; words may never fully express my gratitude.

Yours,

Dan

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month (or close to it), the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In September we’re lifting up the Peace & Global Witness Offering, and YWCA Greater Harrisburg, the organization that will receive a portion of the funds collected through this special offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s vision of creating a just community for all began 130 years ago. As the role and the needs of women adapted over time. The YWCA has historically expanded its impact, becoming a driving force that transforms lives.

We embrace a cultural commitment to our core values, through our leadership staff and volunteers, exhibiting respect, accountability, and inclusiveness. We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 

Founded in 1883 to create a safe place for young working women to live and gather, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg focuses on five general program areas: 

• Housing and homelessness
• Violence intervention and prevention
• Legal and family visitation
• Children and youth
• Employment readiness and support. 

In its 130-year history, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg has maintained its dedication to the provision of quality programs and services that meet the needs of women and families. Providing service to individuals living in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties, the YWCA actively serves as an advocate and resource to the community. 

The YWCA is working as the crossroads of society’s most pressing issues. We are providing critical health and safety needs by housing and case managing hundreds of individuals who may otherwise end up in emergency rooms. We are providing court accompaniments, so our victims receive justice. We are operating a full-time daycare to provide individuals the ability to return to work.

We are doing this work through the lens of our vision, mission, and purpose. The YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We work at the intersection of gender, race, age, ethnicity, and orientation.  

Today, we combine programming and advocacy to generate institutional, systemic and individual change, by impacting one life at a time.