News

1. The mini blinds on the enclosed porch at one of the Homes of Hope transitional houses need to be replaced. The blinds were measured and ordered by a professional, and one volunteer is able to help. One or two more volunteers are needed to help hang the blinds, preferably during the day. There are about 10 blinds to be hung.
2. A client is looking for someone to come into her apartment to do a hair cut. It needs to be someone experienced with African American hair. She is willing to pay for this service.

If you can help, contact Michelle Miduri, Director of Operations for Love INC of Greater Hershey (717-835-0101).

The Derry Township community is now in an area of high COVID spread and transmission. In response, our COVID Task Force met on Zoom recently to consider changes to our current policy and submit its report to Session. At its Aug 18 meeting, Session approved the following task force recommendations:

• In keeping with CDC guidelines, require masks for ALL indoor gatherings, including worship services
• Continue choral and congregational singing with masks and social distancing
• Continue mask requirements for all children’s events (under age 12) 
• Recommend mask use for outdoor gatherings

When our region returns to moderate or low community spread, the task force and Session will make changes in keeping with lower transmission rates.

Welcome Derry’s newest members, who were received by the Session on Sunday, Aug 8! You’ll see their video introductions in 10:30 am worship on Sunday, as well as in next week’s eNews. L-R, top row: Reath Edwards, Bill & Lisa McGregor and Bob & Carolyn Foster and their son Kevin. Bottom row: Pat & Ivo Meilands, Emily & Joe Spingler and their daughter Frankie, and Barb & Joe Sciacca.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 7/31/21

Notes from the treasurer:

• Contributions are behind 2020 and budget at this point, but the last week of July hasn’t been booked yet.
• Committee spending generally in line with budget. 
• Cash flow at 7/31 is in line with last year.

SANCTUARY CHOIR 
Rehearses 7-8:30 pm Thursdays in Room 7 beginning Aug 26
Sings for 10:30 am worship services

DERRY LOW VOICE ENSEMBLE (TENOR-BASS)
Rehearses and sings occasionally

DERRY HIGH VOICES (SOPRANO-ALTO)
Rehearses and sings occasionally

DERRY MINI ENSEMBLES (SKILLED SINGERS)
Rehearses and sings challenging repertoire on occasion

Contact Grant Wareham for more information and to sing with any of these groups.

Singing opportunities for children and youth coming soon.

The scale of the disaster facing Haiti after the Aug 14 earthquake is becoming clearer. The quake and its aftershocks have left almost 1,300 people dead, thousands more injured and an unknown number of people are still missing. At least 13,000 homes were destroyed and roads, bridges and communication systems have been severely damaged. This catastrophe comes on top of Haiti’s ongoing struggles with endemic hunger and poverty, COVID-19 and continuing civil unrest, and as Tropical Storm Grace bears down on the region.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery in the impacted areas through our established local partners and in collaboration with ACT Alliance and its members. The PC(USA), through PDA and together with regional World Mission colleagues, will remain active throughout the entire recovery process, accompanying our partners in the area as they determine long-term program needs and providing financial support for rebuilding and resilience.

As this earthquake (followed by a tropical storm) continues to cause destruction and loss of life, please pray with us that the communities affected by this event and those offering assistance will be strengthened, have their needs met and be reminded of the hope found in God. 

To support the work of PDA in Haiti and around the world, give online by clicking here and selecting the PDA box, or write checks to Derry Church notated PDA.

Presbyterians Today is the award-winning, general-interest magazine of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Inside every issue you’ll find:

• Uplifting stories and photos about individual Presbyterians, congregations and church leaders
• Bible studies and reflections
• Christian perspectives on contemporary issues and events
• Mission news from home and abroad
• Denominational news and updates

Want to read it first? Feature articles available at this link.

In past years, there was a nominal charge to subscribe to the magazine, and now it’s FREE! Whether you’re a current subscriber who wishes to continue — or a new one — simply email Jackie Carter from the PC(USA) staff and let her know that you wish to receive Presbyterians Today. Include your name and address in the email. To unsubscribe at any time, email Jackie. 

Derry will no longer have a group subscription, or be involved in the subscription process. If you prefer, you can also choose to receive it digitally. 

How is the denomination able to offer the magazine free of charge? The annual Planning Calendar, used by many church staff across the denomination, includes paid ads that generate enough revenue to cover the magazine’s cost.

Dear friends, thank you for your prayers, visits, flowers and phone calls through all these years! Prayers were answered throughout this time. Praise the Lord! Sharon Jenne

I would like to thank my church family at Derry for their prayers, phone calls, the prayer shawl, and flowers during my recent tests and surgery. Bob White

11:30 AM WEDNESDAY, SEPT 22 AT MEMORIAL LAKE STATE PARK, EAST HANOVER TWP, LEBANON COUNTY 

The Derry Day Trippers is a new group for active adults interested in taking local (and perhaps not so local) day trips. 

Join Sue Whitaker and Pat Meilands on Sept 22 to talk about the possibilities: Wolf sanctuary (and time in Lititz), Longwood Gardens, Sight and Sound Theater, SpringGate Vineyard, and more. Bring a side dish or desert to share, and we’ll provide chicken as the main dish. Bring your ideas for trips!

RSVP to Pat Meilands. Please include your name, how many attending, and your phone number. 

As Loretta recovers from a recent hospital stay, here’s your chance to make a meal for the couple who spends a lot of time feeding all of us: Gary and Loretta Chubb. Click here to sign up.

Scroll down to the blue box to sign up for meal trains for Teresa Hutcheson and Steve Miller.

Are you interested in joining Derry’s Fantasy Football league? Contact Pastor Stephen for information on how to join the league. We’ll do online-only live drafts this year.

Volunteers are needed to take meals to Family Promise during the week of Aug 22.  Currently, there are 4 adults and 7 children staying at the shelter. Please sign in at takethemameal.com with last name: Promise and password: Derry. Questions? Contact Jane Robertson.

Can’t take a meal? Giant gift cards are always appreciated. Also, Family Promise is holding “A Back- to -School Supplies Drive” through Sept 3. Backpacks, notebooks, folders, #2 pencils, glue sticks, etc. are needed. School supplies and gift cards can be dropped off at the church.