News

4 PM SUNDAY, FEB 16 IN THE SANCTUARY | FREE WILL OFFERING

The Knotwork Band — Kevin Long, Tommy Kochel and Victoria Visceglia — is a Central Pennsylvania trio that performs Celtic folk music from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Brittany, as well as American and World music with ties to Celtic folk music. The band’s music has the strong influence of such modern groups as The House Band, Lúnasa, Old Blind Dogs, and Silly Wizard (as well as Andy M. Stewart solo).

The wide spectrum of musical styles (ranging from beautiful airs and waltzes to sprightly jigs and reels) and the variety of instrumentation (silver flute, high and low whistles, wooden flute and piccolo, guitar, resophonic mandolin, hardanger mandolin, banjo mandolin, cittern, bodhráns, bones, and vocals make The Knotwork Band at home performing at all venues imaginable.

Presbyterian Women are collecting items for hygiene bags that will be given to clients at the Domestic Violence Center in Harrisburg. Here’s a list of needed items:

• Wash cloths
• Large-tooth combs
• Tissue packets 
• Deodorants
• Disposable razors
• Travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, lotion and soap

Drop donations in the PW basket in the mission closet in the lending library downstairs. Donations accepted through May. Thanks, Derry!

• At the Session meeting on December 18, the Session met with incoming officers: elders Bill Alexander and Matt Smoluk, and incoming deacon Lynn Porter, to examine them as required by the Book of Order. All were approved and will be ordained/installed at Sunday worship on January 12, 2025.
• The Session approved a request from the Susquehanna Chorale to use the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 18 from 9 am-12 pm.
• Updates to the active membership roll were approved.
• Approved Derry’s 2025 operating budget as follows: $1,399,951 income, $1,443,081 expenses, leaving a projected deficit of $43,130. Historically, expenses are less than budget projections and with the addition of a portion of the income from the Anderson Trust, any shortfall, if it occurs, can be minimized. The Session also reviewed and approved the budget for the management of Derry’s rental properties.
• Stewardship & Finance reported that with the end-of-year giving and underspending of budgets by the committees, we will end 2024 with a budget surplus. The Session will address how to use the surplus at the January 2025 meeting when final 2024 figures are available.
• Using the Churches Helping Churches grant program, the Session awarded grants to two churches in the Carlisle Presbytery: Wells Valley and Monaghan. A third grant was made to Wesley AME Zion Church in Harrisburg through the Futures Fund.
• Financial counters who will assist Summer Hakkinen with the preparation of contribution deposits were approved.
• Approved a Stewardship & Finance request to obtain a credit card for Shawn Bentley from Northwest Savings with a $5,000 limit.
• Approved the Presbyterian Women 2024 collections: Blanket + Fund, Birthday and Thank offerings. The Cookie Walk Jumbles Shop event will be held Saturday, Dec 6.
• The Session is thankful for member contributions to the Terrific Tuesday free meal program. To bolster the fund for 2025, $7,500 was moved from the Futures Fund to the meal program.
• The term of active service will end in January for elders: Ryan Bartz, Cindy DeMuth, Becca Farbaniec, Tom Kitzmiller, Pam Whitenack and Julie Yutesler. Thank you to these elders for their leadership over the past three years, which included many upgrades to the church building, staff transitions, and celebrating Derry’s 300th anniversary.

10 AM SUNDAY, JAN 26 AT WESLEY UNION A.M.E. ZION CHURCH, 2219 N. 5TH STREET, HARRISBURG

Pastor Stephen has been invited by Pastor David Miller to preach at his church, and you’re invited, too! Pastor Miller has led two Issues Classes at Derry on the history of the AME Zion Church (part 1 and part 2) and our youth have also worshiped at the Harrisburg church. 

Pastor Shawn will lead worship at Derry Church on Jan 26.

5 PM SATURDAY, FEB 8 IN THE SANCTUARY

The night before Annual Meeting Sunday, Derry Church reprises “Basically Broadway:” members and friends of Derry singing new and classic Broadway favorites. It will be a fun night of laughter, music, and fellowship.

In person only, no live streaming. Nursery care available with RSVP: call the church office at 717-533-9667.

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: