News

On this special Homecoming Sunday, Derry Church will receive an offering in the pews. Click this link for more information and to sign up to serve as one of eight ushers next Sunday morning. 

Change 4 Children has been a project of Christian Ed for many years. Your donations go to Alliance for Children Everywhere in Zambia, which states: “Family is at the heart of everything we do. We show the love of Jesus by bringing orphaned and vulnerable children into secure families, schools and communities.” Their temporary crisis homes are House of Moses (0-2yrs) and Bill and Bette Bryant Crisis Nursery (2-5yrs).

Additional programs include food relief, skills training, savings groups, and seed capital for micro-enterprises for parents. There are seven FaithWorks primary schools and the Helen Devos Christian School for secondary education. Change will be collected Sunday, Sept 15 in baskets outside the Sanctuary and Chapel. Place coins in zip-closed bags, making sure there are no extraneous items included such as paper clips, batteries, pins, buttons, tokens, etc.  Place foreign coins in a separate bag. Thanks for your support.

Presenting Derry’s 2024 keepsake ornament handcrafted by blacksmith Mark Smith! These copper ornaments are 3-1/2″ wide by 4-1/2″ high and cost $15 each.

You can purchase ornaments in the Narthex after both services. During the week, stop by the church office and ask for Sue George. A few ornaments from previous years are also available for sale ($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 and add to (or start) your collection. 

12:45 PM MONDAYS BEGINNING SEPT 9 | ROOM 7A

SEPT 9: Prime Timers kicks off with “Where is God When it Hurts?” a Bible study and discussion with Pastor Stephen. This hybrid session meets in Room 7B and on Zoom: click to join.
SEPT 16: Get a first look at the picture book the third-fifth graders worked on over the past year for Derry’s 300th Anniversary celebration. Jill Peckelun and Courtney McKinney-Whitaker, who led the project, will be on hand to read the book, tell about the process, and answer your questions.
SEPT 23: Membership Connections committee members lead Derry Bingo!
SEPT 30: Enjoy a special 300th Anniversary heritage trip review. This is an opportunity to learn more about what happened on the trip, what we learned, and what travelers took away from the trip. Everyone who went on the trip is invited to come and share their memories and reflections.

4 PM SUNDAY, OCT 6 | SANCTUARY | FREE WILL OFFERING

Internationally celebrated pianist Thomas Pandolfi returns for his fourth Derry Church concert. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees earned as a scholarship student, Mr. Pandolfi was recently appointed as Dean of the Piano Department and Professor of Piano at Midwest University.

In recent seasons, Thomas has appeared as guest soloist with The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, Symphonicity, the Florence Symphony, Londontowne Symphony, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, Monticello Chamber Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, and Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra. He has also been guest soloist with The Manassas Symphony, Western Piedmont Symphony, The Altoona Symphony, The Piedmont Symphony, The Chesapeake Orchestra, and The National Symphony Orchestra of London.

A recent recital tour took him to 18 states, and his international concerts have carried him across the globe to China and Europe. Click to enjoy a musical sample.

Pastor Stephen’s 11-Minute Lessons return on Sunday mornings in the Chapel beginning Oct 27: delve into the Sermon on the Mount 11 minutes at a time.

The Sunday morning Bible study returns on Oct 6. Join the discussion in Room 2 to continue the study, “Breathe: Making Room for the Sabbath.”

The women’s Monday night study group offers hybrid meetings once a month at 7 pm in Room 7B and on Zoom. For more information and to be added to the distribution list for monthly reminders, contact Sue George. 

Sept 30: Short story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor
Leader: Chris Gawron
Hybrid participants, click to join on Zoom

Nov 4: “Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace” by Kathy Izard
Leader: Lori Klucker 

Dec 2: Christmas potluck, location TBA

Jan 6: “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton
Leader: Cindy Wolfe

Feb 3: “Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation” by Brenda Wineapple
Leader: Chris Gawron

Mar 3: Video introduction to C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis with discussion following.
Leader: Debbie Hough

Apr 7: Did the Devil Make You Do It? C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, #1-10
Leader: Debbie Hough

May 5: Screwtape Letters #11-31 & loose ends
Leader: Debbie Hough

• Approved baptism for Owen Lee Webber, son of Derry members Corinna and Lee Webber on Sunday Sept 8
• Approved the use of the church building for the following events:
  • Wedding of Elizabeth Latsha and Benjamin Hoy (non-members) on Saturday, April 5 19, 2025, to be officiated by Rev Shawn Gray – use of the Chapel plus rooms for the wedding party.
  • Boy Scout Troop 2200 for a Court of Honor and reception in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
  • Capital Area Intermediate Unit #15 to continue offering speech/language therapy to Derry Discovery Days students and children of Derry members throughout the school year in Derry classroom #1.
• Approved a request to purchase cemetery plots received from Andy and Beckie Frieberg. 
• Received a financial report from the Stewardship & Finance Committee.
• In conjunction with Derry’s 300th anniversary and in honor those individuals and organizations who throughout Derry’s long history contributed financial aid when Derry struggled to stay afloat, the Session approved a motion to select a church in the Carlisle Presbytery in need of financial support and contribute up to $10,000 to that church. Pastor Stephen will contact the Presbytery for information on congregations that are in need.
• Approved a revised Building Use Policy which outlines the procedure and establishes rules and fees for requesting use of areas within the church building for meetings, classes, concerts, and family celebrations. This policy covers all requests except weddings and funerals.
• Approved the Communication & Technology committee’s Capital Procurement Requisition to install a second “zoom” room in classroom #2. With the creation of the zoom room in room 7B, demand for a second room to conduct hybrid meetings has grown. The cost of the installation is estimated not to exceed $12,000, with funds taken from Derry’s Capital Facilities fund. 
• To refresh the landscaping surrounding the church building and mission house, the Building & Grounds committee requested approval of a Capital Procurement Requisition to hire Nye Guy Landscapes at a cost not to exceed $17,000. The plan includes a general clean-up of all flower beds and addition of new, low maintenance, drought resistant bushes/plants prior to Derry’s anniversary weekend. The Session approved the request which will be funded through the Capital Facilities fund. The Gardeners of Derry group will continue with periodic maintenance of the church grounds.
• As part of the 300th celebration, children in third through fifth grades participated in creating a picture book on the history of Derry Church. The book has been completed and printed and will be offered for sale at the anniversary dinner and on Homecoming Sunday (Sept 22) at a cost of $20/book. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to a mission chosen by the children who participated in the book’s creation. 
• Gather the Spirit for Justice, a community support group located in the Allison Hill district of Harrisburg will be the recipient of Derry’s portion of the Peace & Global Witness offering. 
• Approved Derry Discovery Days’ request to hire Megan Rhen and Nadia Misbahuddin as teacher aides. 
• Derry Discovery Days will be holding its fall festival on October 5 featuring a biking fundraiser, crafts, food, games and music. The Session approved the request to raise funds by asking families for pledges to sponsor students as they walk/ride laps.
• A gift from the estate of Mary Jane Mease will be deposited into Derry’s Capital Facilities fund. Officers of the church were authorized to sign the legal documents associated with the estate.
• On Sunday, Sept 25, it was the joy of the Session to receive the following as new members of Derry Church: Lynn Clements, Joseph Dows, Bruce & Mary Hinkle, Colleen Mullikin, Ann & William Rundorff, Stephanie & Marty Vance, Meghan Walter, and Rob Zell.

Amanda Bentley, Hospitality Coordinator
abentley@derrypres.org
Amanda is a wife and mother of all boys. She has had her own bakery business for over 15 years, and has worked in professional kitchens for more than 20 years. She loves to cook and come up with new recipes, but her true passion is decorating and making their home feel welcoming. The family loves to go on adventures, and Amanda loves the beach: they dream of moving to the Carolinas someday. Amanda is excited to bring her knowledge to Derry Church and to serve you.

Shawn Bentley, Assistant Property Manager
custodian@derrypres.org
Shawn is a father and grandfather. He loves to fish, hunt, and golf, and play an occasional board game as well.

With 30+ years of experience in both ministry and construction, Shawn has honed his skills in leadership, project management, and community development. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to serving others through his work in the church. He has a passion for building relationships with church and community members, and strives to create spaces that are functional, inviting, and impactful.

In ministry, Shawn has served as a pastor, mentor, and counselor, guiding individuals through life’s challenges and helping them find purpose and fulfillment. He has a deep understanding of the importance of faith and spirituality in people’s lives, and is committed to spreading love, compassion, and hope to everyone he meets.

In construction, he has managed a wide range of projects, from residential  renovations to commercial spaces. Shawn has an eye for detail and a strong focus on quality craftsmanship.

Overall, his years of experience in ministry and construction have shaped Shawn into a dedicated and compassionate person who is committed to making a difference in the world. He is excited to continue use these skills here at Derry Church.  

Both positions begin Sept 3. Amanda will be working alongside Loretta for the next few weeks. You’ll see her on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings, and other occasions as fall programming gets under way. Shawn will be partnering with Jeff Miller over the next two weeks. His regular schedule is 8-11 am Monday-Friday, and he’ll help his wife with room setups and cleanup as needed.

SEPT 22-28 TO PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA

Make plans now to join Lend A Hand on its next work trip to repair flood-damaged homes. Cost is $125 (includes room, board, and transportation), departing from Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill at 9 am on Sunday, Sept 22. No tools required, but you can bring your favorites if you wish. Register online. Questions? Contact Pete Feil.

10:30 AM THURSDAYS BEGINNING SEPT 5 IN ROOM 7A

The Thursday morning Bible study group has been studying Great Themes of the Bible, Volume 1. The group completed chapters 1 through 4 in the spring, and will dig into chapters 5 through 13 this fall, taking a break for an Advent study at the end of the year. Newcomers welcome. Questions? Contact Tim Guenther.

1 PM ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH BEGINNING SEPT 11 IN THE LOUNGE
Note: the October meeting will be held on 10/16/24

“Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation” is the PW Bible Study for 2024-25. The nine lessons include Environmental Justice, Land Justice, Food Justice, Water Justice, Air Quality, Climate Change, Economic Climate Justice, Intergenerational Justice, and Sustaining Creation’s Health for All. Join the PW Circle to discuss these timely issues: all are invited to participate. If anyone is interested in doing the study at another time, contact Doris Feil.