Month: February 2022

As long as I can remember, I have been a part of Derry Church and all the programs it offers. Since I was a little girl, I participated in the singing choirs, bells, puppet ministries, Pilgrim fellowship, reading liturgy, and of course being a part of the youth group since sixth grade.

Participating in the youth group has been a fun, rewarding, and educational experience. I was so excited to finally join youth group when I reached the age to join. Youth group offered me so many fun opportunities to share friendships, learn more about the teaching of the Bible, and being able to play such awesome games like finger rockets or the weirdest games that Pastor Stephen is somehow able to come up with.  

Before COVID, youth group obviously looked and felt a little different. We were able to go to fun filled retreats in the fall and summer which involved messy games but great inspirational readings, moments to be able to bond with each other, and the new friends you make. Another occasion to meet new people is by attending the Unite Youth events.  I always had such an amazing time going to those kinds of activities with our Youth Group.  

I definitely want to talk about the amazing youth group leaders that I have had the honor to know and appreciate their passion. The first youth group leader I had was Jackie. She was such a nice person and made youth group the most fun it could be. She always had engaging lessons planned out mostly about how you can use the teachings of Jesus Christ to use in the real world that can make an impact on society.  

Then Pastor Stephen came in to help out. He is such a great pastor and from time to time youth group leader. He has amazing energy that brightens up youth group.  I always love playing his games and hearing him speak his sermons and devotionals.  And now Pastor Pam. She is such a nice and funny person that always lightens up the room. She has great knowledge of the Bible and has really good lessons.  She has such a fun personality that ties in with the youth group. 

I love how Derry Church has more than a youth group. I have participated in the music aspect for a long time. Bells and singing have been a very educational experience for me.  Puppets with Claudia are a joy. Claudia Holtzman has very talented creative skills that she can tie in with sharing the stories of the Bible. I have learned so much from her and how to be as creative as possible. God’s Hidden Hands is such a great way to express the teachings and I am glad I am a part of it. 

In ninth grade I was fortunate enough to be involved in confirmation before the coronavirus hit. I learned so much and I am finally able to be a member here at Derry Church. Now during COVID we are not doing as much due to the virus but we try to do as many fun activities as possible. I went whitewater rafting with the youth group and Pastor Stephen which was incredible! We are also finally doing a youth group trip which is taking place in Maine, which is very exciting!  

All these memories I am able to share with amazing people and the church I really care about. Hopefully, when there are less restrictions we are able to still have such a fun youth group and make more memories and friendships along the way.

Editor’s Note: Mayangela is a junior at Hershey High School, the daughter of Doug and Cenaida Speicher and the granddaughter of Fred Speicher. Mayangela has been involved in the Hershey High School theater productions since 9th grade, and you can see her in the 2022 production of Beauty and The Beast as a “Silly Girl.” She has been dancing with Frances Mohler for about four years, and is a member of Derry’s Youth Leadership Committee. In her free time, Mayangela loves to watch movies and sing.

There is nothing more comforting than being greeted with a “Welcome Back!” smile, wave, hug or conversation.  Whether you last saw one another a day ago, a week ago, a month ago or two years ago, when you are greeted with warmth, energy and care, it feels good!

Over the next few months we will continue to “Welcome Back!” more of our congregation and “Welcome!” new visitors to Derry. 

I know our congregation will welcome everyone with genuine warmth and care, and hopefully a lot of grace. Each friend and visitor is joining us with a different worship background. Some may have been consistently participating through live streaming worship, while others may not have worshiped for a long time. No matter their experience, we want to help each person connect with the Derry Church family and feel supported and encouraged as they gather with us.

While this message probably sounds obvious, it is important for us to do a “self check” to be sure we are ready to say “Welcome Back!” What does a worship self check look like?

• When saying hello, offer a friendly greeting and smile. Help each person feel truly welcomed to Derry Church.
• When greeting a family with young children, be sure to talk with everyone. Children love to feel included.  
• When talking to young children, resist the urge to reach out and touch. Many children have not interacted with large numbers of adults over the last few years. Instead, simply talk with the children.
• When sitting near someone who is struggling to sit still and remain quiet, remind yourself that this may be the first time they are joining us for a worship service in quite a while. Sitting still in a pew for an extended period of time takes practice. Try to reserve judgment and, instead, offer them grace and encouragement.
• If you don’t know a person, a couple or a family, take a moment to introduce yourself. If they are new to Derry, ask if they have any questions and encourage them to fill out an information card from the pew and place it in a collection box. This makes it easy for the staff to then reach out to our visitors.

The next few months will be exciting here at Derry Church as we welcome more friends to worship. For some, the return to in-person worship will be easy, but for others it will be more of a challenge. Our ability to offer support, patience, love, and encouragement during this time of transition will help them return to worship each week. I am hopeful that Derry Church can make this transition joyful to everyone by extending a wonderful “Welcome Back!” to all.

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In February we’re lifting up homelessness by sharing an update on Bethesda Mission, our mission partner for more than 30 years.

The wait is over! The Bethesda Women’s Mission has a brand-new and beautiful building that was completed in August 2021.  The women and children moved into their new sleeping quarters with the help of many volunteers and groups. Now, with living and sleeping space expanded, we are able to accommodate 51 women and their children. The staff, too, is excited about the new surroundings. In addition to living space, we house classrooms, a chapel, several children’s nooks, an exercise room, a computer lab, and a beautiful new professional kitchen. While our outside grounds are still under construction, come spring we expect to see the finishing touches on parking spaces, a playground, a garden, and the completion of a sunroom overlooking the green space in our front yard.  

This is possible because the OLD Women’s Mission, located at 818 N. 20th Street, was demolished in December 2021, to make room for all of the upcoming outside activities.  

We are thankful for your continued care and support. Spring tours begin in March: we’d love to have you come and visit!

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