News

Curious Conversations: One Law

If you could make or change one law, what would it be? Join Pastor Stephen and Derry friends as we take turns sharing our ideas about laws. Each person who shares will have two minutes to talk, then all participants can ask curious questions in order to better understand their neighbor’s thoughts and concerns. Grab a snack in Fellowship Hall and join the conversation. Everyone welcome!

February 2025 Financial Snapshot

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 1/31/25:

        ACTUAL        BUDGETED
Income YTD:      $214,588         $115,663  
Expenses YTD:       $ 99,718       $120,256
Surplus/(Deficit) YTD:        $114,870         ($4,593)

Back by Popular Demand: “A Matter of Balance” Class


2-4 PM WEDNESDAYS, MAR 26-MAY 14 IN ROOM 7 • RSVP TO NURSE BECKIE • FREE! 

Many older adults have concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning eight-week program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Sessions will be presented by Amy Bollinger, BSN RN TCRN.

This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to:

  • View falls as controllable
  • Set goals for increasing activity
  • Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
  • Exercise to increase strength and balance

Who should attend?

  • Anyone concerned about falls
  • Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength
  • Anyone who has fallen in the past
  • Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns

Just two spaces remain in the spring class, then names will be added to the wait list. Class is limited to 20 participants.

Arts Alive Presents the Lebanon Valley College Choir

4 PM SUNDAY, MAR 23 IN THE SANCTUARY | FREE WILL OFFERING

Under the direction of Tyler Canonico-Dilley, the 60-member Lebanon Valley College Choir will delight you by singing a variety of repertoire including Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “Shenandoah,” Eric Barnum’s “The Sounding Sea,” Hye-Young Cho’s “Evocation,” and Daniel Jackon’s “Hold On.” Come and enjoy the music of our talented down-the-road neighbors, and bring a friend!

Meet Prem, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients

Dear Donor! Greetings in the name of Almighty God! Hello, how are you? I hope you are doing well. I am good as well. I am a student of Class 8. I live with my mother as my father passed away before my birth. My mother is a tailor. Recently, I have been promoted to class 8 with outstanding grades. It’s my dream to become a doctor and to save life and serve humanity. My mother’s earnings are not enough to support my education. I am grateful for whatever you have done for me whether it’s my education or the strong and beautiful building that you have built for us. Thank you so much for your love and kindness.

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide 11 scholarships every year. You can help.

One share is $40, making it easy to support a portion of a scholarship so that more children can receive a quality, life-changing education. A full scholarship is $400/year for a day student and $800/year for a boarding student.  

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or click here to read more and make your donation online

This fundraiser continues through February 2025.

Derry Church Seeks New Sunday Sexton


Rob Zell’s last day as our Sunday sexton is February 23 as he prepares to move out of town. Hours for this part-time position are from 8 am – 1 pm on Sundays. The Sunday Sexton provides a consistent, recurring, centralized focal point for matters pertaining to hospitality, emergency management, and security of Church attendees. The sexton also provides operational support for church staff and programs on Sunday morning including preparing the church building and grounds and clean up of activities. Click here to download a job description. Those interested in the role are invited to send a resume to Pastor Stephen.

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? Some Possible Answers to a Complex Question

12:45 PM MONDAY, FEB 24 IN ROOM 7

Join Pastor Stephen and the Prime Timers to explore the question of whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Pastor Stephen will consider the relationship between the religious affiliation and views of the nation’s founders and the instituting documents of the nation, and reflect on what difference it makes for the Christian citizen today.

This study will be guided by Dr. John Fea’s book Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? A Historical Primer for Christians. Dr. Fea is a professor at Messiah University and has led classes on this topic at Derry. Everyone welcome: bring a friend! 

Winter Hike with Derry Friends

10 AM SATURDAY, MAR 1 AT THE BOYD BIG TREE PRESERVE CONSERVATION AREA

You are invited to join Derry”s Wellness Connection on a hike in Northern Dauphin County. There are options for a 5.3 mile hike of moderate difficulty or an easy 2.3 mile hike. Hikers, contact Tim Mosher for more details.

Timely Topics: A Positive and a Negative

8:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, FEB 23 IN THE CHAPEL 

Pastor Stephen is pausing 11 Minute Lessons to try something new: conversations and teaching around a timely topic in the news or community.  

In his recent Issues Class on managing polarities, Pastor Stephen said that the reason our society is so polarized is because often we only see and articulate the positive aspects of our pole/side while focusing on the negative points of the other side. This leads to more conflict and division because we end up comparing our best with their worst. We need to be able to articulate positive and negatives of each pole and listen with humility and openness as others share. 

The new Presidential administration has had an active first month in power with appointments, executive orders, and decisions. In this session, Pastor Stephen will invite participants to share in one minute what they see as one positive and one negative of any one action or order. This is not a time to debate: it’s a time to listen and gain a better understanding of our neighbor’s point of view. After everyone has shared, we’ll debrief and consider what we’ve heard and learned. This is an opportunity to practice being able to see and hear beyond our echo chambers and stay in the room with difference.

Meet Aliza, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients

Dear Friend of EMS Sargodha School, I’m Aliza, a sixth grader, and one of three siblings. I love painting in my free time; it’s my favorite hobby! Studying is my passion, but it’s tough for my father to afford it. Your donation is a blessing. Because of you, I can attend a good school and chase my dream. I am a good player in badminton. Thank you very much.

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide 11 scholarships every year. You can help.

One share is $40, making it easy to support a portion of a scholarship so that more children can receive a quality, life-changing education. A full scholarship is $400/year for a day student and $800/year for a boarding student.  

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or click here to read more and make your donation online

This fundraiser continues through February 2025.

Ash Wednesday Worship Options

9:15 AM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE SANCTUARY
Join Derry Discovery Days preschool families for a brief conversation with Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn, and imposition of ashes.

7 PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE CHAPEL
A contemplative hour-long service led by Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn includes hymns, a sermon, and celebration of the Lord’s supper along with imposition of ashes.