News

6 PM TUESDAY, FEB 18 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY

In honor of Presidents’ Day, this month’s prompt will be, “My favorite President is…”  Volunteers from the group will take turns speaking for two minutes on who is their favorite President, and why. Then other group participants will ask curious questions to understand more about the speaker’s connection and affinity for that President. It’s a great chance to learn more about each other, our pasts, our experiences, our values, and our hopes. Pastor Stephen moderates the conversation and everyone is welcome.  

Emergency departments nationwide are seeing a sharp increase in Norovirus cases, alongside ongoing flu outbreaks. This highly contagious virus — also known as the “stomach bug,” gastroenteritis, or the “winter vomiting illness” — is the leading cause of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and foodborne illness in the U.S.

What is Norovirus?
Norovirus affects people of all ages and is most commonly spread during the winter months, although it can occur year-round. Symptoms often appear suddenly, usually within 1-2 days of exposure.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Symptoms generally last 2-3 days but can linger in some cases. Staying hydrated is critical, as Norovirus can quickly lead to dehydration. Warning signs of dehydration include:

• Decreased urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Sleepiness
• Dry eyes or reduced tears, especially in children

If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Keep infected family members home from work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent further spread.

How Norovirus Spreads
Norovirus spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or ingestion of contaminated food and drink. Because it’s so contagious, it can easily sweep through households, schools, and workplaces.

Prevention Begins with Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or when preparing food. Hand sanitizer is not effective against Norovirus.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly with bleach-based cleaning products and allow them to air-dry.
• Handle laundry with care by washing soiled clothing or linens in hot water and drying them thoroughly. Wash your hands after handling contaminated items.
• Avoid contact with others while symptomatic and for 48 hours after recovery.

Remember: wash your hands and say your prayers—because Jesus, germs, and Norovirus are everywhere!

MEETING ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7 PM IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM

FEB 3
“The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon | Led by Chris Gawron 
Set in 1789 Maine, this novel is inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned midwife. Martha is summoned to examine the body of a man found frozen in the Kennebec River. She suspects that the man was murdered and believes his death is linked to an alleged rape case she had previously documented in her diary. Martha decides to investigate the murder, and her diary becomes central to the scandal, implicating those she loves and forcing her to confront her own loyalties. Martha’s determination to uncover the truth and seek justice is a testament to her courage and integrity, given societal constraints placed on women during that era. This gripping tale intertwines historical events with a compelling narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the post-Revolutionary War period.

THREE-MONTH SERIES!
“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis | Led by Debbie Hough
MAY 3: “The Reluctant Convert” video & discussion: meet CS Lewis
APR 7: Did the Devil Make You Do It? Screwtape Letters 1-10
MAY 5: Screwtape Letters 11-31 & loose ends

This satirical novel consists of 31 letters written by a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter tasked with leading a young British man (referred to as “the Patient”) away from God and toward Hell. Screwtape provides strategic advice on how to subtly tempt the Patient through various means, such as exploiting family tensions, encouraging spiritual pride, distracting him from genuine faith, and manipulating his emotions and relationships. Set during World War II, the story explores the nuanced ways humans can be led astray through small sins and gradual spiritual deterioration, with Screwtape emphasizing that “the safest road to Hell is the gradual one.” Ultimately, Wormwood fails in his mission, as the Patient becomes a committed Christian and dies during the Blitz, going to Heaven—a result that leads Screwtape to threaten to consume Wormwood for his incompetence.

Contact Sue George to receive monthly reminders & updates by email.

11:30 AM – 1 PM SUNDAY, FEB 2 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | $10 PER PERSON • FREE FOR CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN & YOUNGER

The Derry Church-sponsored Cub Scout Pack 200 and Troop 2200 invite you to a spaghetti lunch fundraiser in Fellowship Hall. The meal includes spaghetti, sauce, salad, roll, drink, and dessert. Gluten free and meat-free sauce options available, as well as take-out. Proceeds will support scouting opportunities including summer camp and outdoor activities.

Cub Scout Pack 200 is for boys and girls grades K-5. The Pack meets on Mondays at Derry Church from 6:30-7:30 pm. Contact Cubmaster Willam Day for more information. Troop 2200 is for girls grades 6-12. The Troop meets on Mondays at the Derry Church Scout House from 5:45-6:45 pm. Contact Scoutmaster Jeff Hosenfeld for more information or find them on Facebook. Troop 200 is for boys grades 6-12, meeting on Mondays from 6:45-7:45 at the Scout House. Contact Scoutmaster Chris Kalmbacher for more info.

Meet-up at Ski Roundtop on Tuesday Jan 14
Calling all skiers and snowboarders to join the fun! (weather permitting) 

Winter Hike at Governor Dick Mt Gretna at 9 am Saturday, Jan 18
Winter is the perfect hiking season. Join Derry friends for a six-mile hike through the Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick. The trail is of moderate difficulty and hiking boots are recommended. Rain date: Jan 25.

To participate in one or both outings, email Tim Mosher.

In this winter season, plans can change quickly. When snowy, icy weather is forecast, here’s where you can find church schedule changes:

• At the top of the church website in the black ALERTS bar
• Posted on Derry’s social media channels (Facebook/Instagram)
• Messages to everyone signed up to receive text alerts from Derry Church: sign up here to get on that list

It’s our practice NOT to send email notifications for every closing and schedule change as these can be frequent and not everyone subscribed to our email list needs the same information.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 11/30/24:

The team that delivers meals to homebound residents in Derry Twp. on the first Friday of every month is looking for another driver. Time commitment is approximately one hour (8:30-9:30 am) and training is provided. Substitute drivers are also needed, and is a good opportunity for those who can’t commit to a regular monthly route but would like to help occasionally. Contact Mary Day for details.

2025 offering envelopes are available for pickup in the Narthex by those who told us they would like to continue using envelopes next year. Would you like to add or discontinue offering envelopes? Contact Summer Hakkinen.

Thanks to all who gave to the Thank Offering, which totaled $2,818. Thank you for your generosity.

Thanks to all who baked, donated, sorted, set up, sold, and cleaned up for the Cookie Walk/Jumbles Shop. PW collected just over $3,600: $2,200 from the cookie sale and $1,400 from the jumbles shop. All receipts are designated for the 2025 PW mission offering. Thank you!

The January-March issue of “These Days: Daily Devotions for Living by Faith” is now available for pickup in the lending library, Narthex, and entrances to the Chapel and Sanctuary. Take one for yourself, give some to those you love this Christmas season. 

REVISED 12/17/24

• To date, Derry has received 223 estimates of giving for 2025 totaling $1,091,825
• 78 giving families have increased their giving
• Derry has received 18 first-time estimates of giving
• To meet our stewardship goal and ensure a balanced budget, an additional $81,546 in commitments is needed

Thanks to everyone who has already committed to supporting Derry Church’s mission and ministry in the new year. Estimate of giving cards are available at church, or click to submit online.