News

12:45 PM MONDAY, JAN 8 IN ROOM 7A

This week Prime Timers offers an opportunity to learn more about traveling to Iceland. Join Pastor Stephen and others who’ve been there to hear their stories and advice, see pictures, and learn more about the country and its history, customs, and traditions — like a giant Christmas cat! If you’ve traveled to Iceland, bring along your pictures, souvenirs, and stories to share.

This winter, warm up with a good book in the Ruth Codington Library. Come find a new-to-you character who shares your inspirational word of 2024. Will you be Brave like octogenarians Ch’idzigyaak and Sa’ in Velma Wallis’s icy Alaskan legend? Determined like Phillis Wheatley who stood trial in front of our Founding Fathers to defend her poetry? Or maybe you’d like to reread warm and fuzzy favorites as you strive to be Kind like Summer in Wonder, or Loyal like wizard sidekick, Ron Weasley (there are more than 15 Harry Potter related titles in our library!)

Look for books any time in our online catalog. Or, stop in to browse the shelves (the library is just inside lower Entrance #1) and add your input on the graffiti wall.

3:30 PM SUNDAY, JAN 28 AT CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 421 DEERFIELD RD, CAMP HILL

The Presbytery of Carlisle invites you to celebrate the Ordination of Kevin Long to the Ministry of Word & Sacrament and his Commissioning as Organizing Pastor of the Intertwined worshiping community in Harrisburg.

In recent months, Kevin has presented two Issues Classes at Derry Church: one on Intertwined and the Need for More Worshiping Communities and one on Eco-Justice. 

7 PM MONDAY, JAN 15 IN ROOM 7B AND ON ZOOM

The first opportunity for you to discuss Derry’s church-wide anniversary book selection happens this month. Join in person or on Zoom as Claudia Holtzman leads a discussion of David Latimer’s memoir of how he and Martin McGuinness worked together for peace in Northern Ireland. Rev. Latimer was pastor of First Derry Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, and will be our featured guest speaker in September. Copies are available in the church library.

The following items are urgently needed and can be dropped off in the designated basket in Derry Church’s mission closet in the lower level atrium:  

• Regular feminine pads
• Super Tampons
• Household Cleaners
• Baby Wipes
• Baby Wash
• Baby Shampoo

Love INC’s Personal Care Closet Ministry is a place where neighbors in need who use one of our partner food banks can receive personal care, household, and baby items like toothpaste, laundry detergent, and diapers—items not covered by food stamps.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 11/30/23:

The annual Derry Church staff Christmas video will be delivered on Saturday morning. This one’s a bit longer (about 12 minutes), so pour an extra cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a virtual holiday treat that combines Derry-style competition and some sweet entertainment! 

Come to church on Epiphany Sunday, Jan 7, and choose a star gift for 2024! Baskets of stars will be at the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances. Choose a star gift and reflect on that word for the coming year. Take it home and hang it up where you can see it every day. Ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message. 

Observant users of the church website will have noticed a new “300th Anniversary” tab has been added that includes a listing of anniversary events and a brand-new interactive church timeline. Keep up with all that’s happening in 2024 by checking the events tab throughout the year.

Hershey New Year’s Eve returns on Dec 31 for its 19th fun-filled year! Revelers will enjoy live bands, great food and drinks, and family friendly activities culminating in the Hershey Kiss raise at midnight and a fireworks display. Click to view the 2023 schedule.

SUNDAY, DEC 24 IN THE SANCTUARY • LIVE STREAMING AT 10:30 AM, 5 PM & 7:30 PM

8:30-10 am: Breakfast in Fellowship Hall (donation supports mission)

10:30 am One service on the fourth Sunday in Advent.

Celebrate the birth of our savior at three distinctive Christmas Eve candlelight worship services:

2:30 pm: Worship includes Lessons and Carols and communion, with holiday music presented by the Derry Brass.

5:00 pm: A candlelight service of Lessons and Carols featuring participation by children and music for the entire family to enjoy.

7:30 pm: A traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service of Lessons and Carols, with music provided by the Derry Ringers and the Sanctuary Choir.

All Christmas Eve services include singing “Silent Night” and sharing candlelight, symbolizing that the Light of the World has come.

Child care available at 5 pm. The lounge adjacent to the Sanctuary offers a candle-free worship zone and a space where young families can move about freely.

10:30 AM MONDAY, DEC 25 IN THE CHAPEL

Come as you are for a worship service that includes carol singing and a Christmas story, followed by refreshments, fellowship, and a birthday cake for Jesus in the John Elder Classroom and Hammond Library adjacent to the Chapel.