News

INTRODUCTORY ZOOM MEETING AT 4 PM THURSDAY, JULY 25: CLICK TO JOIN

Derry’s Mission & Peace Committee is exploring the possibility of offering English as a Second Language classes at the church for arriving immigrants. The first step is finding people who would like to learn how to teach the classes. Interested volunteers would then take a certification class in Harrisburg, offered Friday evening and all day Saturday, Sept 20 – 21. The cost to attend is $50 per person. 

Join a Zoom meeting next Thursday to learn more. Questions? Contact Sue Whitaker.

7 PM FRIDAY, JULY 26 IN THE SANCTUARY • FREE WILL OFFERING

Hear some of the most talented professional musicians Central Pennsylvania has to offer! Nina Cline, soprano, Leah Kaye Serr, mezzo-soprano, Christyan Seay, tenor, Matthew Robinson, baritone, and Dan Dorty, accompanist, present an eclectic voice recital including opera, oratorio, Broadway, and sacred music. 

1 PM THURSDAY, SEPT 19 AT ROYAL OAKS GOLF CLUB, LEBANON

Golfer check-in starts at 12 pm. Entry fee is $100 and includes greens fees, use of cart, hot dog lunch, beverages, practice balls and a hot buffet dinner following play. Golfers have a chance to win hole-in-one prizes. Tournament prizes will be awarded for three flights and contest holes. Proceeds benefit Londonderry Village’s Good Samaritan Fund. Register online or call Olivia at 717-838-5406 x 3052 to request a brochure with registration form. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome! Questions? Contact Jim or Cindy Warnock.

During a week in early June, five Derry folks and friends from Morgan Stanley were able to build three houses in the Dominican Republic. The dedication of this new home was especially moving since Yokenia, her partner and their five children had just been evicted from the tiny house which they were renting. The group also held Bible school activities, first in an open field, and then on the local bar veranda which had been closed so we could use it! Thank you, Derry, as this was all possible through your generous support of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.

• Approved Baptism for the children of Derry members Ashley & Brian Shields – Jack (age 5) and Benjamin (age 2) – for Sunday August 18
• Approved the use of the church building for the following events:
  • Wedding of Keiren Quaid and Devon Campbell (non-members) on Saturday, Oct 19, 2024, to be officiated by Rev Shawn Gray – use of the Chapel plus rooms for the wedding party.
  • Market Square Concert for a musical program in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
  • Member, Bob Foster’s request to conduct a swordmanship seminar on Friday & Saturday, Sept 27-28, 2024 in Fellowship Hall.
• Approved hiring Austin Pease as a summer AV intern on a part time basis (25 hrs/wk) for six weeks.
• Received a financial report from the Stewardship & Finance Committee.
• The Communications & Technology Committee will be selling polo shirts embroidered with the church logo at a cost of $25 each. 
• Out of an abundance of caution, the Building & Grounds Committee made a motion to lock all church doors, except #9 (courtyard entrance) on Sundays from 10:40 to 11:30 am beginning on July 14. We have had no security threats to the building. However, the committee believes it is a simple step we can take to increase security. The full Session agreed and approved the request.
• In conjunction with this request, Personnel introduced motions to approve an updated job description for Derry’s Building Sexton and to hire Ron Zell in that position. Ron will be working part time between 8 am and 1 pm on Sundays as he handles room setups, makes sure our walkways are clear and safe, welcomes people into the building, and oversees security cameras and emergency response. These motions were also approved. 
• Several other requests from the Personnel Committee were received and approved:
  • Job description for a Finance Director position as we prepare for Sandy Miceli’s retirement at year end.
  • Hiring of Megan Rhen as a substitute and Stephanie Crandall as a lead teacher for Derry Discovery Days. 
• Approved Derry Discovery Days’ request to add Anna Melcher and Meghan Eirkson to the DDD Board beginning in August. 
• DDD will be holding its fall festival on Saturday, October 5 offsite. In case of rain, they requested use of Fellowship Hall on that date, which the Session approved.

9:15 AM SUNDAYS, AUG 4-11-18-25 IN THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM

In the summer series of New Member Discovery Classes, you’ll learn about the mission and ministry of Derry Church and discover how you can to share your talents in the life of the church. You’ll meet staff and leaders over the course of four weeks and tour the building. Those who decide to join will be received on Sunday, Aug 25.

Registration is appreciated by not required: sign up online or call the church office (717-533-9667).