News

Amid all the fun and excitement of Derry’s big anniversary weekend in September, a blocked pipe caused a big plumbing problem in the office suite. Pastor Stephen’s office and bathroom, being the lowest point, suffered the greatest impact. Our stellar Building & Grounds committee and maintenance team got to work. Charlie and Marilyn Koch have been replacing drywall and sanding and finishing the walls. Rooms will be painted and plans are underway to replace 30-year-old carpeting in the office suite and atrium library. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in to help, and for the staff’s fortitude in bearing with the upheaval.

New carpeting will be installed Nov 15-18. The church office will be closed Friday, Nov 15.

The double-screen setup was installed last week in Room 2 to expand our options for hybrid meeting space, which has been in high demand by many groups and committees. Contact the church office if you’d like to schedule a meeting in Room 2 (or in any room at the church).

In honor of Veterans Day, donations of bathroom cleaning products, paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels), and Sheetz and WaWa gift cards are being collected by the Mission and Peace committee for the Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA), where Derry Church sponsored the building of a tiny home for homeless veterans in Harrisburg. Drop donations in the VOPA bin in Derry’s Mission Closet (lower level) by Sunday, Nov 10. For more information, contact Ashley Shields.

It is almost the end of October, but it is not too late to get your flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get a yearly flu shot. The shot can be given anytime during flu season beginning in September, however, the earlier the better.

After getting the shot, it takes an average of two weeks for immunity to occur. A flu shot helps protect from getting the flu, or if you do get it, decreases severity of the illness. It can also prevent hospitalizations and associated illnesses, especially in the elderly.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the flu shot as preventive care. Flu vaccination is also offered to the public at either low or no cost to those with no health insurance. People with an egg allergy may now get the vaccine.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Nurse Beckie or your health care provider.

Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere!

• The host for each Sunday is expected to be in the kitchen by 10 am to complete any final setup that’s required. There may be some instructions on the kitchen counter from Amanda, our Hospitality Coordinator.
• The host is responsible for pouring drinks, greeting folks and getting to know other members and guests following the 10:30 am service.
• The host should refill drink pitchers as needed.
• Cleanup involves returning all food and drink items to the kitchen counter, and refrigerating any items that require refrigeration.
• Do not bring any food items with you unless you have made arrangements in advance with Amanda. You can call or text her at 717-395-3461. 

Everyone is welcome to be a host: individuals, families, groups, Shepherd Groups, friends! Be sure to sign up on the volunteer portal so we know who to expect that day. Or you can call Kathy Yingst at the church office (717-533-9667) and she will sign you up.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. Remember, you do not have to bring or make anything, just show up and be a great host!

Karen Carns, Chair
Membership Connections

Derry bakers, donate your favorite sweet creations to Derry’s first-ever Election Day bake sale. Your efforts will support a new initiative from the Mission & Peace Committee: English as a Second Language classes that will begin early next year at Derry Church.

Drop off individually wrapped baked goods on Sunday, Nov 3 or Monday, Nov 4. The bake sale will take place on Tuesday morning in the atrium library and hallway leading to Room 7, and include soup made by Amanda Bentley, our hospitality coordinator. Questions? Contact Jane Robertson. 

8 AM – 3 PM MONDAY, NOV 11 CARPOOLING FROM DERRY CHURCH

Members of the Monday Night Study Group invite you to join them for a tour and volunteer opportunity at the Mennonite Central Committee’s Material Resource Center in Ephrata. We’ll learn about their operations, then they’ll put us to work doing whatever projects are available that day. Dress comfortably. When we finish by 1 pm, we’ll stop for lunch at Fox Meadow Creamery (you’re responsible for your own meal) before heading back to church. RSVP to Claudia Holtzman by Thursday, Nov 7.

4-7 PM SUNDAY, NOV 10 AT THE HERSHEY COUNTRY CLUB 

Join the community for an evening of great food and fun! Attendees will enjoy unlimited food tastings prepared by chefs from local restaurants, two tickets for complimentary wine and beer, live music and a silent auction. Click for tickets and more information.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 9/30/24:

The conference center and its campus took a wallop from the storm and, in the immediate aftermath, shifted to be an emergency and information hub for the community, supporting the town staff in their efforts to locate residents and gain access to homes.

Meanwhile, it has received an outpouring of support from past visitors of the center concerned about the staff and the surrounding community. Read more in this report from the Presbyterian Mission Agency.