At the Oct 13 congregational meeting, new elders, deacons, and nominating committee members were elected. Elders: Bobbie Atkinson, Bill Alexander, Peggy Ladd, Kathy McGrath, Lynn Shirk & Matt Smoluk. Deacons: Courtney Garcia, Lynn Porter, Emily Spingler, Julie Harris, & Twila Ziviello. Nominating: Suzie Gloeckler, Heidi Keene, Chris Cooper & Sara Matthews.
At its October meeting, the Session reviewed Derry’s year-to-date financial report. The Stewardship & Finance Committee also shared a letter from independent accountants, Boyer & Ritter reporting on their recent review of Derry’s financial records. The review found no evidence of mismanagement or fraud regarding the financial procedures or records of the church.
Approved building use requests from:
Peter Sirotin on behalf of Market Square Concerts for a musical program on March 26, 2025 at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary – $600 fee plus piano tuning
Dan Dorty for a rehearsal of the Mt. Gretna Bible Festival Mass Choir on May 4, 2025 in the Sanctuary – no charge
Carly Wilfong for a Zumba Dance fundraiser for the Four Diamonds fund on Saturday, October 26 in Fellowship Hall – no charge
Approved a new Wedding Policy, which updates our policies and fees associated with weddings for both members of Derry and non-members.
The Mission & Peace Committee submitted several motions, all of which were approved:
November donation drive to collect hats/gloves/scarves, gas cards, & cleaning supplies for the Veterans Village in Harrisburg to coincide with Veterans Day
To offer English as a Second Language classes in Rooms 1 & 2 beginning Jan 6 through May 12, 2025
Hold a soup and bake sale on Tuesday, Nov 5 (election day) to benefit the ESL program
December donation drive for the annual Giving Tree items: $25 Walmart gift cards and hats/scarves/gloves for all ages
Fundraisers for Friends of Sargodha to benefit Pakistan scholarships: Greeting cards, ornament sale, Shares for Scholarships, March Mission Madness
The Session approved a Capital Procurement Requisition submitted by Building & Grounds in an amount not to exceed $25,000 to repair/paint drywall in the Pastor’s office, remove the 30-year-old carpet in the office suite, library, elevator and steps to the upper level, and install new carpet tiles in those areas. On September 22 a sewer line back up damaged Pastor Stephen’s office and portions of the office suite. As a result, drywall and carpeting was removed and discarded. Renovations are underway to repair the damaged areas and carpet installation is scheduled for early November.
Reviewed and approved the lease of 275 Mansion Road to Cory Earl for a one-year lease term beginning Nov 1 at a monthly rental of $1,600 and a security deposit of $1,600. At the end of the lease term the lease converts to a month-to-month term.
Approved presenting an offer of employment to Summer Hakkinen as Finance Director beginning on November 1