Oct 2024 Session Highlights

  • 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