News

• The Session participated in an exit interview with members of the Carlisle Presbytery following Pastor Marie’s retirement. The Presbytery regularly conducts these interviews following the departure of a pastor, which presents an opportunity to reflect on the ministry the pastor and congregation had together, its strengths and weaknesses.  
• Use of the church building was approved for: a summer brass recital featuring Air National Guardsman, Tom Mahovsky on May 21 at 7 pm; an Eagle Scout Ceremony on June 6; the marriage of Matt Smoluk and Taylor Ross on October 8, 2022; and the Susquehanna Chorale’s 2023 spring concert.
• The baptism of Lydia Webber, daughter of Richard and Corinna Webber was approved for July 10, 2022. 
• Approved hiring Kathy Yingst as church Administrative Assistant.
• The Treasurer reported that contributions continue to be ahead of budget expectations. Expenses are slightly above spending in 2021, driven mostly by an increase in mission support.
• With the impact of Covid remaining low, there was no change in Derry’s policy.
• Approved the request from the Building & Grounds Committee to repair and restore all remaining stained glass windows in need and to protect seven basement windows along the back of the church with safety glass. The approximate cost for the project is $40,230 with funding coming from Derry’s Stained Glass Window Restricted Fund. 
• With the arrival of the new church van, the Building & Grounds Committee will be reviewing Derry’s van usage policy and making recommendations for its revision and implementation.
• There will be a Called Session meeting on May 22 to receive new members and Derry youth who are enrolled in the current Confirmation Class.   
• Approved a request from Derry Discovery Days to hire Jennifer Harman and Vickie Bender.

11:30 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 5 • RSVP BY MAY 31

Get ready for food, fun and fellowship as the children’s ministry team hosts this year’s church picnic! On the menu: pulled pork, hot dogs, cookies, cole slaw, veggie tray, watermelon, chips and beverages (vegetarian option available on request). Cost is $8 per person, free for ages six & under. RSVP and pay online or on Sunday morning in the Narthex. 

BIBLE STUDY: THE ROAD TO EMMAUS – LISTENING TO THE MARGINS • ROOM 2 • LED BY MEARA KWEE

In Luke 24:13-35, we read about two people walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus who reflect on Jesus’ death and who are disappointed that Israel has not been redeemed as they had hoped. A stranger joins them who begins to interpret the scriptures and explain to them how Jesus has indeed redeemed Israel. But it is only in an act of hospitality that their eyes are opened to the identity of the stranger. Why do they only recognize Jesus when they invite him to stay with them and share a meal? After Jesus’ resurrection, why does he appear to these two people on the road to Emmaus before he appears to the disciples in his inner circle? What can we learn from this story about listening to those from the margins?

ISSUES CLASS: TAKE A TRIP WITH DERRY TO SARGODHA, PAKISTAN • ROOM 7 & STREAMING ON DERRYPRES.ORG, YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK • LED BY DEBBIE HOUGH

If you have never been to Pakistan, come along with Derry members to visit the city of Sargodha. Once there, we will check on the building progress of the Boys’ School and all the ways that Derry Church is making a difference in support of the work of Veda Javaid Gill and the Presbyterian Education Board.

Derry will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2024. A committee is being formed to plan for this historic event. Those interested are invited to a meeting at 5 pm Tuesday, May 17 in the Lounge. If you would like to be part of the planning but cannot attend, please contact Pam Whitenack.

Derry Discovery Days Preschool is hiring teacher aides for the 2022-23 school year!

• Great schedule (approx .15 hours a week) with holiday breaks and summers off
• Discounted DDD tuition and first chance to register your child
• Continuing education and training provided
• Pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid training provided
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• A chance to make a difference in a young child’s early education journey
• Best of all….lots of laughs and hugs from sweet children!

Email Laura Cox, preschool director, or call her at 717-533-9667 ext. 201.

This year the Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates the century mark of generous giving. In this centenary year, two projects are being funded. The first is Mission at the Eastward (MATE) McCleary House Transitional Housing in Farmington, Maine. The Birthday Offering grant will help renovate McCleary House for people experiencing homelessness.

Poverty has been increasing in Maine, with a growing number of vulnerable people losing their homes due to job loss, eviction, sickness or economic hardship – all complicated in the last years by the pandemic. This transitional home will provide a warm and healthy place to live for 3-4 families or 6-8 individuals over the course of a year, as most guests stay just a few months. The renovated home will provide a safe place for individuals to begin the psycho-social, educational and vocational work needed to move forward with their lives.

This offering will be collected through May 25. Give as you have been blessed, generously and as led by the Holy Spirit. Contributions can be made online or place checks in the wooden boxes at church or mail them to the church office.

11 AM WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 IN HARRISBURG

Join the Derry Day Trippers fellowship group as the Harrisburg Senators take on the Altoona Curve. Cost is $23 per ticket. RSVP to Pat Meilands by May 1, payment due to church by May 8. Notate checks Day Trippers B-ball.

Thank you, Derry! The egg-citing silent auction of Ukrainian peace eggs handcrafted by Sue Copenhaver is over! The successful bidders raised $965 for our One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, bringing the 2022 total to $16,950!

It’s not too late to make a gift that will take us over the goal of $18,000: click here to donate.

When you call the church office, there’s a good chance the person answering the phone will be our new administrative assistant, Kathy Yingst. She began her duties on Monday, April 25. You’ll find her in the office Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Reach her by phone at 717-533-9667 or by email at kyingst@derrypres.org.

Love INC of Greater Hershey is looking for a new board member from Derry Church. It just so happens that their Executive Director, Dale Forshey, will be leading Issues Class on Sunday, May 1 (9 am in Room 7 and streaming) — it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the work of one of our community mission partners. Their office is right across the street from the church. For more information or to volunteer, contact Pastor Stephen.

This year the Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates the century mark of generous giving. Launched in 1922, the Birthday Offering is an annual tradition for givers and receivers around the world. Grant funds have impacted the ministries of more than 200 organizations and transformed the lives of countless people. Today the Birthday Offering continues to provide a message of hope in the United States and around the world. This offering will be collected through May 25. Watch for information on the two projects funded this year. Give as you have been blessed, generously and as led by the Holy Spirit. Contributions can be made online or place checks in the wooden boxes at church or mail them to the church office.

9-10 AM SUNDAY, MAY 1 IN ROOM 2 • BIBLE STUDY LED BY MEARA KWEE

In Luke 24:1-12,three women go to Jesus’ tomb to find that the stone has been rolled away and that Jesus has risen from the dead. Who are these women? How do these women (as well as other unnamed women) bear witness to Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection? In the same way, how will we follow Jesus and bear witness?