Month: March 2022

Derry member Kathy Yingst has been hired to serve as our new Administrative Assistant. We are blessed that Kathy knows the church, its history, and its members well, and she will be a welcome addition to the office staff. Kathy has years of experience managing an office and is familiar with our equipment and software. She will also serve as Sandy’s backup for payroll and other financial matters because of her knowledge and experience working with office finances.

Kathy will continue to serve as Clerk of Session. There is a lot of crossover between the Administrative Assistant position and the Clerk’s duties, so this arrangement will streamline some of that work. Kathy’s first day is Monday, April 25 and she will be in the office 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Wow! My heart is overflowing with gratitude in your outpouring of love on my last Sunday. Thanks to everyone…from the choir’s beautiful anthems at both morning services, buffalo-checked attire that brought smiles and delights, Derry Ringers’ wonderful preludes, Grant’s ‘Country Road’ postlude (WV anthem), Derry Brass’ ‘Sweet Caroline’ prelude, and Ryan Yingst’s ‘Carolina in my Mind’ Tarheel anthem. AND that’s just the music. Loretta’s epic receptions (plural) were fabulous, beautiful, and delicious and included my favorites (even NC Cheerwine punch (no worries, it’s a soda!) and homemade, chocolate buffalo cookies! Thanks to the gifted army of hardworking kitchen volunteers who were there all day. 

The gift of the St. Matthew stained glass window in my honor is overwhelming to me. I am touched beyond words by your generosity and love. The baptism painting by Jill Peckelun and the hand woven scarf by Sandy Morales are treasured symbols of your love as well as the many gift cards from the Personnel committee. Even better were the words by people and puppets and the multitude of personal cards and gifts. Thanks to Sue and the tech crew for live streaming that enabled more family and friends to join in this celebration. I am humbled and touched with gratitude in this transition to retirement. 

It’s been a joy to serve as one of your pastors at Derry over these last years. At retirement the relationship between pastor and congregation changes. However, the relationships and friendships do not end, but my role as one of your pastors does. We know in the Presbyterian church, it is helpful that I absent myself from Derry worship services and activities for this season of transition. I will not be available to officiate at weddings, baptisms, or funerals for Derry members. Yet my love and prayers continue for each one. Brad and I are grateful for the gift of friendships in the Derry Church family.

From Brad: Oh Derry, you have pulled out all the stops for a most memorable celebration. You even exceeded Marie’s wish for a pony! One of the great joys of my 18 retirement years has been the privilege of sharing in the worship, ministry and mission life of Derry Church. I am so thankful to you for adopting me into the Derry family. For your support, partnership, affection and care for Marie across these years I am especially grateful. Thank you.

Media Links: Watch Marie’s final worship service and the 3 pm program on March 27. Click to see photos from the day of celebration… click here to see the pictures included in Pastor Marie’s slide show.

In addition to online giving, using church envelopes, or dropping cash in the offering boxes at church,  Derry now offers a third way to make a donation: by text messaging. Here’s how it works:

Open the texting app on your device. In the “To” bubble, enter 844-917-3359. In the “Message” bubble, enter the amount you wish to donate and press send. You will receive a registration link in return. Click the link and enter your contact and payment information, then tap “Process.”

After registration is complete, you’ll receive a verification text as well as a receipt via email. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give and it will process automatically. Click here to download a quick-reference guide.

The spring series of New Member Discovery Classes will be held 9-10 am Sundays, May 1-22 in the John Elder Classroom. Child care is available.

Those who choose to join Derry Church will be received on Sunday, May 29 at the 10:30 am service. Registration is always appreciated, never required: RSVP by Wednesday, Apr 27.

8:30 – 11 AM SUNDAY, APR 17 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Whether you join in person or take out, don’t miss Derry’s traditional Easter breakfast this year. Chef Charlie Koch and friends are serving egg casserole, sausage, fruit, muffins and cinnamon rolls & beverage, with a suggested donation of $10 per meal or $25 per family. All proceeds support the Bridges to Community mission trip in June going to the Dominican Republic.

Are you looking for a position that combines leadership with the ability to have a positive impact on individuals during some of their most challenging days? The Parsonage Ministry Manager provides the day-to-day leadership for the Love INC Parsonage Ministry. The Parsonages provide a home-away-from-home for loved ones of adult inpatients of the Hershey Medical Center. Learn more and apply online.

As of Mar 29, Derry’s Matching Campaign has raised $71,500 for Ukraine Relief!

The One Great Hour of Sharing Campaign has raised $7.213, with this offering being received on Easter Sunday, Apr 17. The Mission & Peace Committee has set a goal of $18,000: click here to give online.

• The Treasurer reported that contributions are ahead of budget expectations with spending in line with this time last year. Also reported was that our campaign for Ukraine relief has raised more than $31,500. With the addition of the $25,000 in matching funds, more than $56,500 has been donated.
• The session reviewed area hospitalizations and Covid positivity and incident rates. In light of the downward trend in all areas and that our community is in a low rate category, the Session voted to make face masks optional at the church effective immediately. Face masks will continue to be required for those caring for children under five years of age, and anyone is always free to choose to wear a mask at any church event.
• Approved the request from the Building & Grounds Committee to obtain architectural specifications for safety upgrades to the interior Chapel bell tower, a new stairway between the rear parking lot and the lower Mansion Road building entrance, and gutter and downspout repairs to direct roof runoff away from the building.
• The Building & Grounds Committee also submitted a Capital Procurement Requisition to restore all remaining stained glass windows in need and to protect seven basement windows along the back of the church with safety glass. The cost of the project is approximately $40,230 to be funded through the Stained Glass Window Restricted Fund.  This proposal will be reviewed by Derry’s committees and voted upon at the Session’s April meeting.
• At the Maundy Thursday service, the children in the sacraments class will be permitted to assist with serving communion with their parents’ help.
• Teresa Hutchison submitted her retirement request, which the session accepted with grace and gratitude for her 24 years of faithful service. An updated position description for the Administrative Assistant position was reviewed and approved. The open position will be posted internally.
• Approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee to increase the hourly wage of the Church Custodian position from $17 to $20 due to market conditions.
• Derry’s Active Membership roll will be updated to delete the names of individuals who have moved, have not been active at Derry for a period of two years or more, or who are attending other churches.

3:30-5:30 PM FRIDAY, APR 1 • 8 AM TO FINISH SATURDAY, APR 2

Bring your rakes and garden gloves and join the Gardeners of Derry (G.O.D.) Squad as they work outdoors to tidy up the church grounds and prepare for the spring season. Pickup trucks and wheelbarrows also welcome and appreciated. 

“Who is She? Women of the Bible” fashion show will the program for the Lasses and Lassies Banquet at 6 pm Saturday, May 7 in Fellowship Hall. More details coming soon.

It’s the day Presbyterian Women raise awareness of exploitation of females and support work ending it. Family and domestic violence is a common problem in the US, affecting an estimated 10 million people annually, and as many as 1 in 4 women. Virtually all healthcare professionals will evaluate or treat a patient of domestic violence at some point. Domestic violence includes economic, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse of children, adults, and elders and can be difficult to identify. Of female victims of domestic homicide, 44% visited a hospital emergency department within two years of their murder. (Domestic Violence, Martin R. Huecker, etc.) On Friday, Mar 25, wear orange or an orange ribbon to show support for workers identifying and trying to end domestic violence throughout the world.

Allison Smith was elected by Carlisle Presbytery on March 15 to serve in a bridge position as Temporary Stated Clerk. Allison is a lifelong Presbyterian who grew up at Derry Church. After seminary at Lancaster Theological Seminary, Allison served for five years as pastor to the Faith-Immanuel and Hope Presbyterian Churches. She has been active in the presbytery through the Education Committee, participation in a pastor colleague group, and by offering musical gifts (along with her husband Conrad) in presbytery worship. Allison also serves the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Read more.

Derry Church’s Administrative Assistant Teresa Hutcheson announced her retirement to the Session this week. The Session accepted her resignation with gratitude for Teresa’s 24 years of faithful service to Derry Church. There will be an opportunity to celebrate Teresa’s service at Derry Church: watch the eNews for details.

The congregation is invited to send Teresa notes of gratitude and thanksgiving for her time at Derry: mail to her at 1140 Woodridge Drive, Middletown PA 17057. We wish Teresa all the best in her retirement and look forward to seeing her and Bill in worship in the future.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 2/28/22

Note from the treasurer:

• Contributions are ahead of budget and prior year. With the $48,830 of contributions for 2022 that were paid in 2021, we are about $25K ahead of prior year in contributions. We are in line with prior year spending.

Bring your coins for the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Change 4 Children on Sunday, March 20. A recent ACE update tells the story of Betty whose mother abandoned her at a local hospital just hours after the birth. Despite efforts of the hospital staff and police, no one could find the mother. Betty was sent to the House of Moses, ACE’s crisis nursery for orphaned and abandoned babies. When no leads developed to the identity of her biological family, she was cleared for adoption. Over several months, Betty and her “mummy” bonded through visits until the Zambia Dept. of Social Welfare approved the adoption. Your gifts provide the staffing and items needed to care for these babies until they can be reunited with family or adopted.

Bring your change in zip-closed bags, remembering to bag any foreign coins separately. Check that the bag is free of paper clips, pins, batteries, buttons — anything that is not legal tender — as these clog the coin sorting machine.  

Change 4 Children for ACE is collected quarterly at Derry Church. The next offering will be received on Sunday, June 19.

SATURDAY, APR 9 AT DERRY CHURCH • CLICK TO RSVP

10 AM: Toddlers through kindergarteners are invited to gather with us on the front lawn for a craft and story before organizing into groups and inviting the children to enjoy the egg hunt. Please bring your own basket/bucket/bag to collect eggs.

12 PM: Children in grades 1-5 are invited to our “Egg”stravaganza celebration that begins with a bring-your-own picnic lunch on the front lawn. Then we’ll have a blast playing games and hunting for eggs. Parents, pick up your children at 2 pm from the front courtyard area.

In the event of inclement weather, egg hunts will be held indoors.

6-8 PM MONDAY, APR 11 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Children in grades 2-4 and their parents/guardians are invited to learn more about the sacrament of communion in preparation for the children’s participation in Maundy Thursday worship at 7 pm Apr 14. Contact ME Steelman to register.

Derry Church is looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant to perform a variety of secretarial and administrative duties in support of church staff, members, and Session. Download the job description. Interested applicants can send a cover letter and resume to Pastor Stephen or contact him with any questions.

9 AM SUNDAYS IN ROOM 2 BEGINNING APR 3 • IN PERSON ONLY

This participatory class welcomes and invites an exchange of questions, ideas, and various theological perspectives. Rev. Ivo Meilands will lead the first session with a Biblical study on a Lenten theme. Other studies in this series will be led by Meara Kwee and Rev. Tom Folts.

Post-worship fellowship is now being offered after the 10:30 am service, and hospitality coordinator Loretta Chubb needs assistance serving light refreshments such as cookies and a drink. Foods are purchased and/or made ahead of time.

Two volunteers are needed each week to assist with plating, serving and cleaning up afterwards. CLICK HERE to sign up online or call the church office for assistance (717-533-9667).

If you would like to celebrate a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, homecoming, etc.) you can provide additional items by contacting Loretta ahead of time.

DROPOFF DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APR 1

Derry Church is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt on April 9, and we need your help: please drop off bags of individually wrapped, nut-free candies in the “Easter Treats” basket in the mission closet in the atrium library by Friday, Apr 1. We’ll be filling dozens of eggs for multiple age groups, so any and all donations are welcome and appreciated.

NEW SERIES BEGINS SUNDAY, MAR 13! 8:45 & 11:45 AM IN THE CHAPEL OR WATCH ON YOUTUBE OR FACEBOOK ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS OR LATER

Join Pastor Stephen in the season of Lent as we consider the “A’s of Atonement”: how different theologians whose names begin with A have interpreted Jesus’s death on the cross, and how His death atoned for our sins, reconciled us to God, defeated death, and makes eternal life possible.

Our 2022 “Shares for Scholarships”campaign has come to a close, and your response was overwhelming: 19 new donors have joined with others renewing their scholarship gifts from last year, for a grand total of $13,296! Thank you for your generous outpouring of love for the children of Pakistan. Your gifts make it possible for more than 30 students to benefit from a year full of learning. We can’t thank you enough for your kindness. Bless you and shalom from Derry’s Friends of Sargodha committee!

4 PM SUNDAY, MAR 20 IN THE SANCTUARY • HOSTED BY THE HARRISBURG CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS

Organist Scott Montgomery is associate director of music at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and teaches private piano and organ lessons. He is widely known as a concert organist throughout the country and abroad. His recital will feature the works of Bach, Franck, Miller, and Price.

Notable performance venues for Scott Montgomery have included the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Philadelphia, PA), Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA), Ball State University (Muncie, IN), and Heinz Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh.

Additionally, organists and other interested people are invited to Lebanon Valley College’s Miller Chapel at 32 E. Sheridan Avenue for the workshop on “On-the-Spot-Hymn Playing” at 10 am Saturday, March 19.

Questions? Email Tyler Canonico or call (717) 257-1270 ext. 18.

TUESDAYS BEGINNING APR 12 AT ROYAL OAKS GOLF COURSE, LEBANON

Play begins at 10 am through the month of April. From May to September, we will begin play at 8:30 am All skill levels welcome. To sign up, please contact Ken Pearl or Jim Warnock.

4 PM SUNDAY, APR 10 IN THE SANCTUARY • AN ARTS ALIVE EVENT • FREE WILL OFFERING

The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster is a community program serving approximately 160 children and youth in kindergarten through grade 12. Representing nearly 65 congregations, 45 schools, and 15 denominations, singers develop a rich musical repertoire from around the world and across time while being equipped for a lifetime of service to the church and community. The mission of MCCL is training children and youth to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing.

THURSDAY, MAR 24 AT WILSON COLLEGE, CHAMBERBSURG • MORE

Lecture: 10:30 – 11:45 am Jesus’ Parables as Jewish Stories
Jesus told parables to fellow Jews: recovering that original setting corrects their frequent anti-Jewish interpretations, provides a grounding for better Jewish/Christian relations, and offers new insight into both ancient and present-day ethics.

Workshop: 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Understanding Jesus means Understanding Judaism
(Designed for clergy, religious educators, and interested persons)
This workshop details the popular misconceptions about Jesus’ Jewish context found in sermons and church-based educational curricula, explains their origins, and offers new and helpful ways to read the New Testament.

Amy Jill Levine (“AJ”) is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University of Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, and Professor of New Testament Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt. Many of her books and videos have been used in Bible studies at Derry Church. The first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute, AJ describes herself as an unorthodox member of an Orthodox synagogue and a Yankee Jewish feminist who seeks to correct anti-Jewish, sexist, and other harmful interpretations of the Bible.

Derry Church has extended nursery care to children between birth and 23 months. Volunteers are needed to support this caring ministry to our youngest children: contact Heidi Keene for details.

On Tuesday, March 1 the Session approved the following guidelines based on recommendations from our COVID task force. Please know that you may continue to wear a mask whenever you’re at church.

FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH:

• Face masks optional at worship services on Sundays at 8 am and Tuesdays at 6:15 pm
• Use of face masks continues on Sundays at 10:30 am worship services
• Masks are optional at post-worship activities including fellowship and 11 Minutes Lessons
• Each group, committee, gathering or adult Sunday school class may determine their own mask policy
• Face masks are not required in the building during the week or in the office, unless requested by the person or group with whom you are meeting
• Anyone working directly with children under 5 must wear a mask.
• Use of face masks continues for all youth and children’s activities 

BEGINNING APRIL 1 (barring another significant spike in covid infections):

• Face masks optional at all church-wide worship services, events, and functions (this includes the choir)
• The west transept of the Sanctuary (closest to the lounge) is designated seating for those who prefer to continue wearing face masks
• Committees and groups can set their own mask rules 
• Anyone working directly with children under 5 must wear a mask
• Youth and children’s ministry leadership teams are empowered to make masking rules based on the activity, participants, and other situations 

We are aware that no decision made by the Session will have universal support. We hope this provides options while also addressing the varied concerns and desires of Derry members. The Session will meet again on March 16 to re-evaluate the guidelines and timetable. READ MORE about the rationale behind these decisions.

The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis for the Ukranian people. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled the country and many more left in the country are in need of relief aid. The Session of Derry Church has approved matching gifts up to $25,000 from the Futures Fund to provide help and support to the people of Ukraine. 

Gifts made online to Ukraine Relief, or checks made out to Derry Church and notated “Ukraine Relief” will be matched by the church up to $25,000 and split between these two relief agencies:

• CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. CARE aims to reach four million Ukrainians with immediate aid and recovery, food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance — prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.
• Voices of Children Foundation, a charitable foundation based in Ukraine, focuses on addressing the psychological effect of armed conflict on young children. Founded in 2015 in response to conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the organization provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individual therapy to affected children.

Giving to these two organizations allows us to provide funding for two groups currently working on the ground in and around Ukraine but who are very different. One is a large international NGO with many resources and partners that enable them to meet a variety of needs. The other allows us to invest directly into Ukraine and its people by supporting a Ukranian organization that helps children through the trauma of war. 

This is our chance to love our neighbors in a real and tangible way. Please consider a donation to this cause. You are invited to share this information so friends and family can have their gifts matched, too. 

9-10 AM SUNDAYS, MAR 6-27 IN ROOM 7 AND STREAMING ON DERRYPRES.ORG, YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK

This four-week series is presented by Lee Barrett of Lancaster Theological Seminary. The religious environment of the United States is changing rapidly and dramatically. Affiliation with religious institutions is declining, dipping below 50%. Pollsters discover that a pervasive lack of interest in religion is increasing in younger generations. In this environment of accelerating secularism and religious indifference, many of the faithful are worried about the future of the church.

To address this issue, we will first investigate some of the causes of this shift in cultural sensibilities. Then we will consider the nature and purpose of the church according to the Reformed tradition, for the church must remain faithful to its mission. Finally we will imagine ways in which this rich heritage can be enacted in our shifting cultural context so that it can grip the minds and hearts of new generations

The excitement! The fun! The epic emails written by commissioner Pete Steelman! Yes, folks: it’s almost time to make your “March Madness” bracket picks in support of Derry Church’s “Mission Madness” fundraiser that benefits student scholarships for the Sargodha School in Pakistan.

A suggested $10 donation per entry can be made on the church’s secure online giving portal. If you participated last year, you should be automatically re-enrolled in the Yahoo site where you will enter your picks. If you are new, or unsure if you played before, or have a new email address, just email Pete Steelman and he will add you to the mailing list.

You may pre-register on Yahoo now, although picks cannot be made until “Selection Sunday” in mid-March.

A trophy and engraved plaque for the overall winner will be presented next month, as well as multiple engraved medals for winners of subgroups (Best Youth, Best in Staff, Best on Session, Best in Music etc). And yes, you can also look forward to Pete’s traditional nicknames, updates, and jovial banter that recaps the action after every round of games.

Derry member Courtney McKinney-Whitaker has combined her academic training in history, literature, and children’s librarianship, and creative writing into an exciting new venture: The Hourglass House. It’s a supportive online space for families to engage with history together and find joy and meaning in that process. 

For the Hourglass House, Courtney and Pastor Stephen filmed an interview last week where they talked about what he learned when he served as a judge for the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest in January, and how it relates to his sabbatical project on peace and reconciliation. Read the blog post here, then sign up at the bottom of that page to stay informed when new articles are posted on the site.