News

• Reviewed the Treasurer’s report for the year to date. Contributions are in line with the budget and 2020 giving. Expenses are also in line with the budget.
• The Session reviewed recommendations from the COVID Task Force and approved the following: 
  • Up to 50 worshipers in the Chapel at 8 am with face masks optional for those who are fully vaccinated
  • Up to 150 worshipers in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am, face masks required
  • No registration required for in-person worship
  • Singers & wind instrumentalists continue to be masked at 10:30 am worship
  • Nursery care for children 1-3 begins June 13
  • Masks optional at outdoor worship & fellowship
  • Groups/committees decide among themselves whether or not to wear masks
  • Beginning in June funeral meals may be served with a maximum of 75 people
  • Live streaming continues
• Approved a Capital Procurement Requisition to perform lighting upgrades throughout the church building. The upgrades will include replacement of emergency lighting and exit signs, upgrading the light quality in Fellowship Hall with more efficient LED fixtures and bulbs, and conversion from fluorescent to LED lighting in the church office, basement corridors and narthex. Funding for the project provided by the Capital Facilities Restricted Fund.
• Accepted with appreciation a $200,000 donation from an anonymous donor. The funds will be used for four different purposes:
  • $100,000 to be deposited into a newly created “Transportation Fund” for the purpose of purchasing and maintaining a new van or other church-owned vehicle
  • $50,000 to be used to build a new wing on the Sargodha School in Pakistan
  • $30,000 towards cemetery restoration
  • $20,000 placed in a new “Youth Transformation Assistance” Fund which will support community youth with life transforming experiences
• Received a report from the Buildings and Grounds Committee on recommendations for restoring the cemetery to address broken & dislocated grave markers, deteriorating portions of the cemetery wall, remove trees whose roots are disturbing the grave markers and wall, and regrade/reseed the turf. The project will span the next three years with the goal of completion prior to Derry’s 300th anniversary celebration at which time the cemetery will be rededicated. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $202,000, with funds coming from donations, cemetery plot sales, and Derry’s Legacy Fund. The Session approved the project.
• Approved a revised position description for Derry’s Sexton position.

10:15-11:30 AM IN THE NURSERY SUITE

• For ages one to three
• Plan on extra time to check in as sign-in procedures have changed for the safety of all children in our care
• Drop off and pick up outside the door to the nursery suite 
• Please label all items belonging to your child 

As in person worship gains momentum, it’s time to recruit some extra hands to help out at 10:30 am worship. Here’s what you need to know about the new role of Derry Church host:

• Two hosts needed every Sunday: one by the courtyard entrance, one by the choir room/elevator
• Arrive by 10 am
• Welcome people arriving for worship
• Offer assistance as needed
• Count how many people are in the Sanctuary during worship
• During the service, sit near your assigned Sanctuary door to greet latecomers and help anyone who needs assistance
• Sign up online or call the church office (717-533-9667)

5-7 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 6
8-10 PM THURSDAY, JUNE 10

Games on June 3 are cancelled.
Games played at Veteran’s Park off Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. Bring a comfy chair and cheer on the team!

6-8 PM MONDAYS, JUNE 21-AUG 30 IN ROOM 7

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who walk alongside people through one of life’s most difficult experiences, offering support to those who are dealing with the loss of a loved ones from death.

Participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the safety of all who attend. Register by contacting Marie Buffaloe or call the church office (717-533-9667). No cost to attend. Child care is not available.

Legendary 96-year-old American-born pianist Ruth Slenczynska began her piano studies in Europe at age four and took lessons with Arthur Schanabel, Egon Petri, Alfred Cortot, Joseph Hofmann, and even performed for Sergei Rachmaninoff. She performed her debut in Berlin at age six, and made her debut in Paris with a full orchestra at age 11. She became an instant musical sensation in Europe, heralded as the first child prodigy since Mozart. However, the strain of practice and the touring schedule imposed upon her by her father caused great emotional stress, and by the age of 15 she withdrew from performing.

In 1954 the artist resumed her concert career and established herself as a pianist of impeccable technique and considerable musical insight. In 1964 she accepted a full time position at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville as Artist- in-Residence, a title she retained until 1987.

For this recital, Ms. Slenczynska played lesser known works of Frédéric Chopin, including the Fantasie in F Minor, Op. 49 and the Poloniase in F Minor, Op. 71 No. 3: the exact program she will present at the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C. later this year.

Look for the nametag displays near entrances to the Sanctuary. Nametag lost? Need a new one? Email Sue George or add your name to the nametag request pad on the table in the Narthex.

Join members of Lower Marsh Creek Presbyterian Church for a trip to Scotland, the home of John Knox, on October 7-18, 2021. The trip will include touring the churches of Scotland, visiting a working sheep farm, and attending a worship service on the Isle of Iona. For more information, contact Rev. Mark Englund-Krieger.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 4/30/21

Notes from the treasurer:

• Contributions are in line with 2020.
• Per capita was paid in April, and committee spending is generally in line with the budget
• Cash flow is about $40K ahead of last year.