Month: January 2022

• Re-elected Steven Guenther and Craig Kegerise as Co-Treasurers and Kathy Yingst as Clerk of Session for 2022.
• Scheduled Derry’s annual meeting for Sunday, February 13, 2022.  
• In preparing for the annual meeting, the session reviewed Dr. McKinney-Whitaker and Rev. Pamela Meiland’s Terms of Call for 2022. The session voted to recommend the terms as presented to the congregation for review and approval at the February 13 annual meeting. Information regarding the transition of duties as Pastor Marie retires will also be shared with the congregation at the annual meeting.
• The Treasurer shared the 2021 year-end financial reports. Both church income and expenses for the year were below budget. We ended the year with an approximate $27,000 loss, which will be covered with funds from the Anderson Trust.
• Steven Guenther reviewed the Agreed-Upon Procedures report prepared by the accounting firm of Boyer and Ritter. The report reviewed Derry’s procedures, internal controls and balance sheet for the period ending 12/31/20 and found no exceptions.
• Tim Mosher presented an update on Covid infections in our area. While the high positivity rate that has been occurring over the past months seems to be stabilizing, elevated hospitalizations and the virulent nature of the Omicron variant continue to impact our local health care system. Derry’s mask mandate remains in place at present. The session will continue to monitor our response. 
• The session approved moving forward with repairs to the exterior of the Scout House in the amount of $25,000 – $10,000 for stone masonry repair, $10,000 for painting, and $5,000 for carpentry & contingency. The funds for the work will be taken from the Futures Fund.
• The Communications & Technology Committee submitted a Capital Procurement Requisition to upgrade Derry’s exterior signage. These signs, which are located on and around our building as well as at the corner of Mansion Road and Rte. 422, are deteriorating, some have fallen down, and are inconsistent in design and construction. The approximate cost of the upgrade is $33,000 with funding coming from Derry’s Capital Facilities account. After reviewing proposals from several sign companies, the committee is recommending Stoner Graphix as the contractor for the project. This proposal will be reviewed by Derry’s committees and voted upon at the Session’s February meeting. 
• Stewardship & Finance requested approval of a transfer of $250,000 from the Futures Fund to the Capital Facilities Fund. This transfer will help with repairs in and to the church building.
• A fundraising proposal from the Christian Education Committee for a summer youth trip to Acadia National Park in Maine was approved. The proposal will offer a series of fundraising tiers at which individuals and families can donate.
• Elected all active Elders as Presbytery Commissioners for 2020. Elders Ann Kroh and Tim Mosher were elected to serve on Derry’s 2022 Nominating Committee.

9-10 AM SUNDAY, JAN 30 IN ROOM 7 AND STREAMING ON THE CHURCH WEBSITE, FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE

“Pediatric Mental Health in the Era of COVID” will be presented by Derry member Jolene Garcia, MD, practitioner in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Penn State Health. In these difficult times, we all have experienced hardships and may have struggled physically, socially and emotionally. The last two years have been exceedingly difficult for our children, teens and young adults. Prior to COVID and its impact on our world, there was growing concern for an increase in the number of youth experiencing mental health problems. Since COVID the amount and severity of children and adolescents with psychiatric illness has greatly increased.

This class will cover concerns about pediatric psychiatric illness since COVID entered our world, and some insights and interventions will be reviewed. There will be time for questions as well as thoughts on faith and discussion of best practices and the need for care of self, family, friends and our community.

On Feb 6 & 20 Issues Class will be on Zoom as Debbie Hough presents “Come, Holy Spirit, Come,” a look at the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, New Testament and in hymns.

The Board of Directors at Family Promise has approved a plan for the safe return to the weekly church rotation schedule that was in place prior to the pandemic. This is good news because a greater number of people will be provided services. It also means that volunteers will once again have the opportunity to build relationships with the families.  

The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Hershey is scheduled to host families the week of Feb 13-20. Derry’s role, as partnering church, is to provide meals, transportation, and overnight chaperones. Please use the links below to volunteer. For more information, contact Jane Robertson. Thanks, Derry!

Click here to serve as a van driver

Click here to serve as an overnight chaperones

Click here to provide a meal

3:15-3:45 PM SUNDAY, JAN 30 AT ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, 5TH AVE BETWEEN 50TH & 51ST STS., NYC AND LIVE STREAMING

For this 30-minute recital, our Director of Music Ministry will present Rachel Laurin’s Étude Héroïque, Op. 38 (2012), Jean Langlais’ Cantilène from Suite Brève (1947), and Max Reger’s “Wie schön leucht’t uns der Morgenstern” from Two Chorale Fantasias,Op. 40 (1899). Read more.

I am Ismal from class 6. My father is a driver. We are three sisters and my grandparents are living with us. My mother is a housewife. My father can’t pay my fee and because of your hand in mine, I can reach to the edge of my dreams. You are an important part of my life. I work very hard and wish to become the strong support of my family. This is possible just because of your support. Myself and my family pray for your health and for your long life.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 12/31/21

	ACTUAL	BUDGETED
Income YTD:	$1,216,671	$1,250,000
Expenses YTD:	1,243,950	1,319,368
Surplus/(Deficit) YTD:	(27,279)	(69,368)

Notes from the treasurer:

• Contributions ended up lagging PY and budget
• Expenses were generally in line with budget, with personnel being lower due to some reduced staffing and other differences
• We ended the year with about a $27k loss which we plan to cover with a transfer from the Anderson Trust

Meet Anaya, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients

I am studying in class 2. My father is a salesman. We are eight family members altogether. My family is very happy for your kind concern towards us. With your support, I am able to continue my studies. I wish to become a doctor in the future. Please keep loving us.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide ten scholarships every year. You can help.

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

Our Christmas Joy Offering received over $11,000! This offering is being shared equally with the Presbyterian Church USA and Church World Service Harrisburg. PCUSA uses this offering to provide supplemental aid to retired church workers and to support Presbyterian racial/ethnic colleges and universities. CWS Harrisburg is opening an office to aid refugee resettlement in the greater Harrisburg area, and your gifts bring hope and help to many in need. Thank you, Derry Church!

• Tuesday, Jan 25, is Orange Day, when Presbyterian Women encourages everyone to wear orange or an orange ribbon to show awareness of and support for those working to end exploitation of women.
• On Sunday, Jan 23 at 9 am, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the YWCA Harrisburg’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services: CLICK TO JOIN the conversation on Zoom. Danielle Lewis will speak on domestic and sexual violence, impact of the pandemic and how to support survivors.  
• PW is collecting items for this year’s hygiene bags (washcloths, deodorants, large-tooth combs, toothbrushes and travel-sized toothpastes, disposable razor blades, tissue packets) to be distributed at the Domestic Violence Center at the YWCA. Drop items in the PW basket in the mission closet.
• The PW Morning circle will meet at 10:30 am Monday, Jan 24 at the home of Joan Theal for the lesson “Ruth and Redemption.”

One of Derry’s mission partners has open positions in their HELP Ministries and Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven programs, as well as a part-time Grant Management Specialist position in the administrative office. Click to view job postings or contact Darrel Reinford, Executive Director (717-230-9550).

In this winter season our plans can change quickly, as we found out last weekend. When snowy, icy weather is forecast, here’s where you can find church schedule changes:

• At the top of the church website in the black ALERTS bar
• Posted on Derry’s social media channels (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)
• Text messages to everyone signed up to receive alerts from Derry Church: sign up here to get on that list

It’s our practice NOT to send email notifications for every closing and schedule change as these can be frequent and not everyone subscribed to our email list needs the same information.

The annual meeting of the congregation will be held following 10:30 am worship on Sunday, Feb 13. The meeting will be live streamed. Anyone who has questions or comments is encouraged to attend in person.

The annual report will be sent by email as a PDF attachment in early February, with paper copies available for pickup at church by Sunday, Feb 6.

There will be NO 8 am service on Sunday, Feb 13. Church school at 9 am will be held as usual.

5 PM SATURDAY, FEB 12 IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVE STREAMING

Derry’s next Engage worship experience features music of the 1980s as we consider the challenges of being faithful followers of Jesus in the midst of the tensions and pressures put on our lives by our various identities and responsibilities. Led by Pastor Stephen and a group of talented Derry musicians, the service will include the music of U2, Journey, Toto, Bon Jovi, and more.

The next series of New Member Discovery Classes will be held Jan 30 – Feb 20. Sunday classes meet 9-10 am in the John Elder Classroom, and Tuesday classes meet 7-8 pm on Zoom and repeat material presented on Sundays. 

Child care is provided on Sunday mornings.

Those who choose to join Derry Church will be received on Sunday, Feb 20 at the 10:30 am service. Registration is always appreciated, never required: RSVP by Wednesday, Jan 26.

Derry Church members seeking to enroll their children at Derry Discovery Days preschool for the 2022-23 school year may register for open spots Jan 23-27, before registration opens to the general public. To request registration information and/or a tour of the school, please contact Laura Cox, director. We would love to have your family join our DDD family!

Volunteers and dessert donations are needed to augment the hearty chili meal that is being prepared by hospitality coordinator Loretta Chubb. Food and volunteers will depart Derry Church late in the afternoon of Monday, Jan 31 to deliver the meal in Grantville. Contact Marilyn Koch for more information.

6 PM MONDAY, JAN 17 AT GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LEMOYNE AND STREAMING ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE

Christian Churches United and the Race & Unity Action Coalition invite you worship featuring Rev. Carla Christopher-Wilson. You’ll learn about ways we can be supportive of working towards the beloved community that MLK envisioned. In person attendance will be limited and masks are required: click to pre-register and to read more.

Derry friends who enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles: we have a good supply of puzzles for you to choose from this winter. Stop by the bench outside the office entrance to pick up a new puzzle or two to work on.

FAITH WORDS is the sermon series for the weeks until Lent begins. This series is focused on defining and explaining commonly used church words. While the words are familiar, we don’t necessarily share a common understanding of what these words mean.

9-10 AM SUNDAYS, JAN 9, 16 & 23 • CLICK TO JOIN

For the next two weeks, Issues Class will meet on Zoom as we hear from Andrew Mashas about Church World Service’s Refugee Resettlement Program. Classes will be reposted on Derry’s YouTube and Facebook channels on Sunday afternoons.

The Jan 23 class will also be on Zoom: use the link shown above. Danielle Lewis from the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services will speak on domestic and sexual violence, the impact of the pandemic, and how to support survivors.  

Watch this space in following weeks to find out when Issues Class is meeting in person with a streaming option or on Zoom.

As the COVID pandemic continues its omicron surge, the church staff has been encouraged to work remotely in order to protect worship leaders and ensure that Sunday worship may continue uninterrupted. As a result, there may be times in coming weeks when the office will not be staffed during regular office hours (M-TH 9 am-4 pm). Please contact the staff by email or leave a message if you reach our automated phone attendant. If the matter is urgent, press 5 and your call will be redirected. 

6:30-8:30 PM MONDAYS ON ZOOM

Presbyterian Women (PCUSA) invite you to join their 2022 Book Discussion Group, meeting every other month on Zoom. Here’s the schedule: 

Jan 10  Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance ( 2nd ed.) by Edgar Villanueva
Mar 14 Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
May 9 Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice by Rebecca Todd Peters
Jul 11  Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Sept 12  Poverty in America: A Handbook by John Iceland
Nov 14  This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto by Suketu Mehta

Click here to register and download related files for each discussion.

Star gifts — star-shaped pieces of brightly colored paper with a word for you to ponder in 2022 — were distributed in worship on Epiphany Sunday, Jan 2. If you did not receive a star gift, more are available in a box at the lower level office entrance.

A project for Derry’s 300th anniversary in 2024 is under way, and you can help by sharing with us the names of your ancestors buried in Derry Church’s cemetery before 1950, especially those who have been church members. Send information to Deborah White Hershey by email or mail to her at 4535 London Avenue, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

6:30-8:30 PM THURSDAY, JAN 27 • REGISTER FOR THIS ZOOM WORKSHOP

Matthew 25 and Self-Development of People challenge us to see the world and be in relationships right where we are, and not just far away. Using examples from Black Presbyterian missional trailblazers such as Thelma Adair, Gayraud Wilmore and Edler Hawkins, this interactive workshop on Zoom will equip participants with missional strategies centered around identity, discipleship, relationship building and asset mapping to create and leverage congregational/ communal power in engaging issues in the local church!

Rev. Dr. Alonzo T. Johnson is the Coordinator for the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Program (SDOP) and the Convener for the Education Roundtable, a group working within the Educate a Child Transform the World Domestic Initiative, both ministries of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rev. Johnson has 25 years of experience in urban, congregational-based organizing, youth/education, creative arts, peacemaking, anti-racism, anti-poverty, anti-violence and social justice ministries.