News

The Thank Offering of Presbyterian Women began in 1888 and supports mission projects at home and abroad. In keeping with the by-laws, 40% of funded projects are related to health ministries. Of the 10 projects funded this year, seven are in the US. Two projects are in conjunction with local Habitat for Humanity groups. Several grants will support projects that are aimed at adults with disabilities.

In Talladega, Alabama Union Village is an innovative program by Presbyterian Home for Children in partnership with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind that turns unused farmland into much-needed accessible, affordable and secure housing for adults with multiple disabilities. This supportive housing community empowers independent living and is one of the few programs designed for this vulnerable population in the United States. The Thank Offering grant will support the construction of 16 tiny homes that provide special accommodations such as zero-step entry into the house and bathroom and strategic placement of lighting and sensory–assist devices.

Another program that supports adults with disabilities is Our Community Cup Coffeehouse in the Philadelphia area. When adults with intellectual disabilities and differences reach the age of 21, many supportive programs disappear. Our Community Cup Coffeehouse provides a space for adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers to feel welcomed and encouraged to grow in friendship, leadership and faith. Guests meet weekly to share a meal and participate in social activities like playing cards, coloring, singing with live music and participating in talent nights where jugglers, singer, comedians, poets, painters, fiber artists and dancers share their gifts. The Thank Offering grant will fund the use of the building, gifts for musicians, activity costs and food for the year. Since some regular funding was lost during the pandemic, this grant will allow the project to rebuild its financial infrastructure for the long term.

Please consider a contribution to the 2023 Thank Offering. Place checks in the offering boxes or mail to the church office, or give online as you are able in thanks for all the blessings in your life.

• Approved a donation policy for non-cash items with the purpose of assuring that such gifts are appropriately used by the church and to guide donors in their giving decisions.
• Reviewed a plan from the Communication & Technology Committee to upgrade our security firewall, WiFi access points, and install Zoom Room capability in room 7. These enhancements will improve security and online access, and the Zoom Room will provide a quality hybrid (in-person and online) experience for participation in meetings and classes. This item will be reviewed over the next month and voted upon in November.
• Discussed how and where to house the Syrian refugee family as their lease with Love INC will be ending in the next several months. This matter will be further discussed at the November meeting. 
• Approved updating church bank accounts at PNC, Northwest, and Truist to allow Vice Treasurer, Craig Kegerise, access to those accounts.
• Approved moving the annual per capita line item from the Stewardship & Finance budget to the Mission budget. This is a pass-through item and will not take funds away from the Mission committee’s support of charitable organizations.
• Approved Church World Service’s request to sell handmade refugee items in Fellowship Hall on Sundays throughout November.
• Derry will continue its support of Derry Township Social Ministry’s Giving Tree and Derry’s Racetrack Ministry by collecting $25 Walmart gift cards. These can be brought to the church during Derry’s “Season of Giving” November 27 – December 11 and deposited in the collection points located in the Narthex. 
• Christian Churches United was designated as the recipient of the Christmas Eve special offering.
• The annual chili cook-off and square dance is back and scheduled for February 25, 2023.

9 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, DEC 3 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL 

Start looking for that special cookie recipe! Each family is asked to donate one batch of homemade cookies (2-4 dozen or more). Drop off on Friday, Dec 2 or by 9 am on Saturday. Include a label with name of the cookie. If cookies contain nuts, peanut butter or almond extract and the name does not reflect that ingredient, please list that information on the label. Cookies are sold by the pound. Proceeds support Presbyterian Women’s mission goal for 2023. Contact Doris Feil to volunteer to set up on Friday or sell cookies on Saturday.

Due to limited space, Jumbles Shop donated items are restricted to jewelry, nice Christmas decorations, collectibles, and items suitable for gifts, all in good condition. Items can dropped off in Room 1 from Nov. 21-30. Anyone out of town at that time who wishes to donate, please contact Nancy Kitzmiller.

2 PM AND 5 PM SUNDAY, DEC 4 IN THE SANCTUARY • 5 PM LIVE STREAMING • FREE WILL OFFERING

Centering on themes found in Isaiah’s promise of a peaceable kingdom, Derry Church’s 2022 Christmas concert brings together the talents of our Sanctuary Choir and Derry Ringers, brass and percussion in a program that includes “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” “The Dream Isaiah Saw,” “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World.” Under the direction of Dan Dorty, you’ll hear Dan Stokes on organ and piano, sopranos Janice Click Holl and Julie Miller, mezzo soprano Amy Yovanovich and baritone Mitchell Sensenig-Wilshire. Don’t miss this joyful beginning to the holiday season!

6 PM SUNDAY, NOV 13 AT FENICCI’S RESTAURANT, 102 W. CHOCOLATE AVE, HERSHEY

Come to church for Basically Broadway, then join the Derry Day Trippers in downtown Hershey for dinner! Pay for your own meal: there’s no need to turn in money to the church this time. RSVP to Sue Whitaker by Monday, Nov 7 if you will attend so we’ll have seats for all who’d like to join. Everyone is welcome!

SUNDAY, NOV 13-SATURDAY, NOV 19

Family Promise families are returning this month to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 610 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey. Evening meals, van drivers, and overnight chaperones are needed.

Click the links below to sign up to deliver dinner, drive the van, and serve as an overnight chaperone. Questions? Contact Jane Robertson.

Overnight Chaperones: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4bacae2aa4f85-overnight3

Van Drivers: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4bacae2aa4f85-vandrivers4

Meals: https://takethemameal.com/OWXL5951

1:30 PM MONDAY, DEC 5 AT THE DI MATTEO WORSHIP CENTER/CHAPEL

Pastor Stephen will lead worship with communion, prayers, a meditation and carol singing, with organ accompaniment by Kathy Yingst. A time for fellowship follows the service.

Lend A Hand (LAH), a mission of the Presbytery of Carlisle, was founded in 1989 as a disaster response and assistance program. LAH will return to New Bern, NC, the week of Nov 13-19 to work on a new build. This house must be completed by Dec 31 in order not to forfeit a $200,000 grant.

The LAH team will travel by van and stay at New Hope Village, where bedding is provided. The $175/person cost covers lodging and food, but plan on additional funds to cover food expenses you may incur during travel and for dining out one evening. Questions? Ready to volunteer? Contact Pete Feil or register online.

The Thank Offering of Presbyterian Women began in 1888 and supports mission projects at home and abroad. In keeping with the by-laws, 40% of funded projects are related to health ministries. Of the 10 projects funded this year, seven are in the US. Two projects are in conjunction with local Habitat for Humanity groups.

In Toledo (OH), the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Ministry will be able to purchase materials such as siding, wood, paint, concrete reinforcements and windows for home repair in three areas designated in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. This program strategically focuses resources block by block to elevate home ownership, make critical health and safety-related updates and support neighborhood beautification projects. The project’s goal is to lift up marginalized neighborhoods so that residents want to live in the community, families find stability, and seniors are able to age in their homes.

The second Habitat-related project is in Chattanooga (TN). The Orchard Knob Collaborative is committed to restoring and strengthening the neighborhood by using a long-range, inclusive approach to assist low-income households with home repair. The Thank Offering grant will purchase materials to alleviate health, life and safety issues, address code violations and increase energy efficiency. By making repairs and reducing exposure to lead paint, asbestos and allergens, residents will live in safer and more inviting homes and will lead to improved quality of life.

Please consider a contribution to the Thank Offering. Place checks in the offering boxes or mail to the church office, or give online as you are able in thanks for all the blessings in your life.

Presenting Derry’s 2022 keepsake ornament handcrafted by blacksmith Mark Smith!

Starting Nov 1, you can purchase ornaments in the church office (ask for Sue George). On Sunday mornings in November, you can buy them in the Narthex. These charming metal tree ornaments are 3″ wide by 4″ high and cost $15 each. 

Proceeds fund scholarships for students who attend Presbyterian Education Board schools in Pakistan. Only 150 ornaments have been made, so don’t wait to get yours.