Month: April 2022
Derry Day Trippers Take in A Senators Game
April 28, 202211 AM WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 IN HARRISBURG
Join the Derry Day Trippers fellowship group as the Harrisburg Senators take on the Altoona Curve. Cost is $23 per ticket. RSVP to Pat Meilands by May 1, payment due to church by May 8. Notate checks Day Trippers B-ball.
DANIEL FORSLUND • Derry Member & Deacon
April 28, 2022
I have always loved and enjoyed Epiphany Sunday at Derry Church. It is a beautiful reminder of the gift of Christ to us. I remember the first time we ever received a star gift (five years ago) and wondered what effect it would have – trying to see and understand that particular word gift as special, central or important to my year. While our star gifts are obviously personal, I would like to share one of mine with you.
In January 2020 I received the word “openness.” Naturally, I was curious about this and with the subsequent turbulence of that winter and spring I continued to think of how that might be applied. One day in the early summer, I got a call from Pastor Stephen to discuss being a deacon of the church. Growing up in a small PCA church we had only one deacon. He was one of my favorite members of the church and we were very blessed to have him. It seemed amazing he could reach so many people with God’s love.
Throughout training, I learned so much from each of Derry’s pastors about the role of a deacon and what it means to be one. I was especially struck, however, during my phone call with Pastor Stephen by my word: openness. Being open to God’s call; being willing to go where God would direct us is not always clear or easy but in this case it was. The PC(USA)’s Book of Order describes deacons as being called to a ministry of “compassion, witness and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ…” I believe that in so many ways, we are all deacons. In the Great Commission, Christ gave us each a command for mission, love, outreach and says that He will be with us always throughout that journey. We may not always know what God wishes of us, or what our own “openness” to God’s call may be. However, God promises to guide us each step of the way.
Psalm 37 has always been a favorite of mine and in verse five it says, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass” (KJV). Commitment isn’t easy. Here, our prayerful commitment is an offering of our entirety – our “Mind, Soul and Strength” to God’s purpose. By doing this, God will establish our plan and see it through to God’s glory. We may not all be ordained deacons, but we are each encouraged to live the life of a deacon in our own ways: by being open to God’s call and by trusting in God’s plan every day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your promises to always guide us. Please help us to always be open to your call – to trust, serve and follow you. Help us to show the world your love, with our lives each and every day. We know you will bring your plan to pass in and through us. Amen
FINAL REPORT: Ukranian Peace Eggs
April 27, 2022Thank you, Derry! The egg-citing silent auction of Ukrainian peace eggs handcrafted by Sue Copenhaver is over! The successful bidders raised $965 for our One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, bringing the 2022 total to $16,950!
It’s not too late to make a gift that will take us over the goal of $18,000: click here to donate.
Welcome Kathy!
April 27, 2022When you call the church office, there’s a good chance the person answering the phone will be our new administrative assistant, Kathy Yingst. She began her duties on Monday, April 25. You’ll find her in the office Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Reach her by phone at 717-533-9667 or by email at kyingst@derrypres.org.
Love INC Board Seeks Derry Member
April 27, 2022Love INC of Greater Hershey is looking for a new board member from Derry Church. It just so happens that their Executive Director, Dale Forshey, will be leading Issues Class on Sunday, May 1 (9 am in Room 7 and streaming) — it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the work of one of our community mission partners. Their office is right across the street from the church. For more information or to volunteer, contact Pastor Stephen.
2022 PW Birthday Offering
April 27, 2022This year the Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates the century mark of generous giving. Launched in 1922, the Birthday Offering is an annual tradition for givers and receivers around the world. Grant funds have impacted the ministries of more than 200 organizations and transformed the lives of countless people. Today the Birthday Offering continues to provide a message of hope in the United States and around the world. This offering will be collected through May 25. Watch for information on the two projects funded this year. Give as you have been blessed, generously and as led by the Holy Spirit. Contributions can be made online or place checks in the wooden boxes at church or mail them to the church office.
Toiletries Needed for Domestic Violence Center
April 27, 2022A variety of items are needed to fill hygiene bags for the domestic violence center in Harrisburg: sample size shampoos, lotions, soaps, toothpastes, travel size deodorants, washcloths, toothbrushes, tissue packets, wide-tooth combs, and disposable razors. Place items in the PW basket on the mission shelves in the atrium. If you’d be willing to sew some simple cloth bags to hold the toiletries, please contact Doris Feil.
Bearing Witness: The Women at the Resurrection
April 27, 2022
9-10 AM SUNDAY, MAY 1 IN ROOM 2 • BIBLE STUDY LED BY MEARA KWEE
In Luke 24:1-12,three women go to Jesus’ tomb to find that the stone has been rolled away and that Jesus has risen from the dead. Who are these women? How do these women (as well as other unnamed women) bear witness to Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection? In the same way, how will we follow Jesus and bear witness?
Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass Return to Derry Church
April 27, 2022
7 PM FRIDAY, JUNE 3 IN THE SANCTUARY
AN ARTS ALIVE EVENT • FREE WILL OFFERING
Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass present hymn classics with a contemporary flair. The King’s Brass features three trumpets, three trombones, a tuba, percussion and keyboards. These instruments blend together to create an innovative worship experience enjoyed by all ages. Secular and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts as “superb in every way” and “innovative and well played.” “Truly, an unforgettable experience!”
The King’s Brass, formed four decades ago in Detroit, is comprised of professional musicians from across the country who desire to use the instruments they love to lead others in praise and worship. Based out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the group plays over 150 concerts per year from coast to coast as well as international destinations. They last played at Derry Church in 2015.
Mary Bungo • Derry Member
April 21, 2022
The oldest, and only remaining original Derry building, the Session House, protected today by a glass enclosure, was built under the pastorate of Reverend William Bertram in 1732, and was utilized as a school in which reading was mainly taught so that all might read their Bible. It was also used as the pastor’s study and a meeting place.
A separate log church building had been constructed earlier near the spring. Around this time, a burial ground was laid out, recognized today as the present cemetery. A second log church, of an uncertain date, was later built and stood until 1769, after which a similar wooden building was constructed that became familiarly known as “Old Derry Church.”
In 1883, the present stone Chapel was constructed. At this time, there was no permanent pastor and the church was being served by supply pastors. The addition of the John Elder Chapel was constructed in 1935, under the pastorate of Rev. John Corbin.
In 1951, when Rev. William Blair was pastor, the education wing was added to the Chapel. In 1965, a completely new sanctuary was built adjacent to the chapel under the pastorate of Reverend Ira Reed. Many current members will remember it, and Rev. Reed.
Renovation of the Sanctuary was completed under the pastorate of Rev. Richard Houtz in 1995. Our present sanctuary was updated and refurbished in 2014, under the oversight and care of Rev. Houtz. Numerous devoted church members have participated in those efforts throughout the years.
Derry is rich in local history and has long been a place of worship. In the early days, parishioners walked or rode long distances, in some cases, ten to 12 miles, to worship on this site. As we approach our 300th anniversary (2024), it might be prudent to think upon those early worshippers, and all those who followed, who have faithfully supported, maintained and continued the vibrant life of Derry through times of travail, hardship, war, peace, prosperity and success, and brought Derry to the special and blessed place it is today.
April 2022 Financial Snapshot
April 20, 2022Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 3/31/22
| ACTUAL | BUDGETED | |
| Income YTD: | $417,005 | $312,500 |
| Expenses YTD: | 285,332 | 323,488 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) YTD: | 131,673 | (10,988) |
Note from the treasurer:
- Contributions are ahead of budget and prior year. Expenses are also ahead of 2021, driven mostly by increase in mission. Positive change in net assetss of $132K compared with $104K in 2021. There will be a decrease in personnel expenses with Marie retiring.
Learn About the Mid-1990s Church Renovation Project in Issues Class
April 20, 20229-10 AM SUNDAY, APR 24 IN ROOM 7 AND and ON ZOOM
Join Rev. Dick Houtz, Harold Nightwine and Bill Alexander as they reflect on the major renovation project that transformed the shape of the Sanctuary, added office and nursery space, and created the large Fellowship Hall we still use today. You’ll learn why the decision was made to renovate the 30-year-old Sanctuary, find out about the planning process and how the renovation plan was developed, how the architect and contractor were selected, how the financing was worked out, and some of the many anticipated and unanticipated “construction stories” that happened along the way.
Bible Study Class Will Examine Proofs of the Resurrection
April 20, 20229-10 AM SUNDAY, APR 24 IN ROOM 2 • LED BY REV IVO MEILANDS
The death of Jesus on the cross for you is central to your Christian life, and it is central to a larger story, one that includes the resurrection. Without the resurrection of Jesus, the cross would be meaningless because without the resurrection, there would be no Messiah, no eternal life, no heaven, and no hope.
The apostle Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Either Jesus did or did not rise from the dead. If Christ did not rise from the dead, Christianity is an interesting museum piece and nothing more. If he did, however, it was the most sensational event of all of history.
Information Sessions Explain How We Can Support Refugee Resettlement in Central PA
April 20, 20229 AM SUNDAY, APR 24 IN THE CHAPEL
11:30 AM SUNDAYS, APR 24, MAY 1 & MAY 8 IN THE LOUNGE
The Mission & Peace Committee invites you to learn more about how we as a church can assist in refugee resettlement in the Harrisburg area. Learn more.
Pakistan Scholarships: 2022 Final Report
April 20, 2022The final tallies are in, and Derry Church, you are AMAZING! Because of your generosity, 50 deserving students are attending Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) schools in Pakistan at no cost to their families:
- 28 student scholarships are covered through the 2022 “Shares for Scholarships” program: thanks to all who purchased one or more shares! That includes 10 new students being supported with scholarships this year. Non-designated donations are going to the Friends of PEB scholarship fund to be used as needed.
- 17 individuals are covering full scholarships
- The Mission & Peace Committee is funding five scholarships for boarding school students
The 2022 “Shares for Scholarships” program has raised $14,412. When you add in $3,496 from the Mission Madness fundraiser in March, and the money earned through Claudia Holtzman’s handmade greeting cards sold at the church ($317), a whopping $18,225 has been collected for the students in Pakistan so far this year. Thank you, Derry Church, for giving so generously to provide a better life for others.
In the fall, Derry’s Friends of Sargodha will offer the 2022 Mark Smith Christmas ornament for sale, and those proceeds will also support student scholarships.
Orange Day is April 25
April 20, 2022Orange Day on April 25 is when Presbyterian Women recognizes the exploitation of females and efforts to prevent it throughout the world. One in five women in the United States experience severe intimate-partner violence over the course of their lifetimes, resulting in injuries most commonly to the head, neck and face. One estimate of annual brain injuries among survivors of domestic abuse is 1.6 million. Research shows victims can sustain head trauma more often than football players and probably accounts for inconsistency, hostility and bewilderment in their contact with police.
Training to recognize this is being given to the Tempe, Arizona Police Department’s domestic violence unit. Also, Barrow’s Concussion & Brain Injury Center in Arizona is working with victims to regain their cognitive abilities. (Why Can’t I See Straight?,” Christa Hillstrom).
Wear orange or an orange ribbon to show support and awareness of this program to help victims of domestic violence.
Grades 3-5 Invited: “Navigating the Bible” Class
April 20, 20225:30-7:30 PM SUNDAY, MAY 1 IN ROOM 7 • RSVP TO PASTOR PAM
Each year we look forward to presenting our third graders with new NSRV bibles to help them continue on their faith journey. Since COVID has altered our ability to gather for the last few years, we extend the invitation to all our 3rd-5th graders and hope they will join us for this special program. Each child is encouraged to bring at least one parent with them to experience this learning together. This session will include a more in depth introduction the Bible and how it is organized, fun games using our Bibles and a meal together. After completing the “Navigating the Bible” course, each child will be presented with their own new Bible in worship on Sunday, May 8.
LAST CHANCE TO BID ON THESE BEAUTIFUL Ukrainian Eggs
April 20, 2022
One or more of these delicate, one-of-a-kind Ukrainian peace eggs hand crafted by Sue Copenhaver could be yours! Place your silent auction bid for your favorite eggs by 12 pm Sunday, April 24 in Fellowship Hall. Minimum bid is $25/egg and bidding will end promptly at 12 pm on Sunday, April 24. Proceeds benefit our One Great Hour of Sharing campaign, which has raised $12,747 so far. The Mission & Peace Committee has set a goal of $18,000. Click here to give online to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
Kristen Campbell • derry Member
April 14, 2022Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month (or close to it), the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In April we’re lifting up community involvement. You can also check the Joys & Concerns section of the weekly eNews for a quick reminder of what we’re focusing on this month.
Over the past several months, Derry’s Mission & Peace Committee has been prayerfully considering “adopting” an Afghan refugee family as part of Church World Service’s (CWS) Afghan Refugee Resettlement Program. You are probably aware that tens of thousands of Afghans have fled their country since August 2021 in the hopes of finding safe haven in the United States. One can only imagine the hardships a family must overcome when they leave everything behind. We believe that if they are surrounded by an outpouring of loving, caring, and supportive volunteers, their transition will be much easier.
As the Afghan refugees arrive, CWS forms Welcoming Teams which are tasked with helping to make this country feel like home. Derry will be working with the new CWS Harrisburg Office to form our team of volunteers — one of many being recruited from several Christian denominations. Volunteers will help the families with their housing needs, as well as securing clothing, transportation, employment, and education opportunities. The first several months are very demanding, but the goal is for the family to become independent with the love and support of their volunteer network.
Derry has already started preparing for this process by attending briefings by CWS leadership, talking with members of other local churches who have already been called to action, applying for clearances and background checks, collecting furniture and other items, and recruiting volunteers and assessing their availability. Although the commitment is not an easy one, we believe that this is the right next step for us as a church congregation and we hope that you will be a part of this effort as many more volunteers are needed. The volunteers that we interviewed said that the experience, although sometimes demanding, is very worthwhile. Amazing connections are made as we realize that all families hold similar values.
In volunteering, you should be aware that this will require:
- A personal involvement with an Afghan family, and a flexible time commitment to include several hours of training via CWS
- A need to obtain all necessary clearance forms
- Perhaps a translation app on your smart phone to ease language barriers
The more volunteers Derry has, the easier it will be to cover the family’s needs. A chance to ask questions and obtain more information will be offered at meetings to be held Sundays at 9 am on April 24 in the Chapel and following 10:30 am services on April 24, May 1, and May 8 in Lounge. You may also contact me if you are interested but unable to attend one of these meetings.
Additional ways to help may be through financial donations to assist with food, rent, and utilities, or donations of new items or items that are in good condition to help outfit their home. Please contact Pete Feil or Marilyn Koch to donate household items.
This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, connect with Afghan people, and learn about another culture without leaving Central Pennsylvania! You are sure to grow in your faith journey by bonding with others through this process. This is also an excellent way for Derry to share God’s love and practice God’s justice in our community.
Holy Week at Derry Church
April 13, 2022Maundy Thursday, April 14
7 pm worship in the Sanctuary with communion and live streaming led by Pastor Stephen, the Sanctuary Choir, and members of the Children & Sacraments class. Guest soloist Christyan Seay. Download the bulletin.
Good Friday, April 15
12-12:30 pm worship in the Sanctuary, organ meditation by Grant Wareham featuring the complete Symphony No. 3, Op. 28 by Louis Vierne
7 pm worship in the Sanctuary and live streaming led by Pastor Pam and featuring readings of scripture and poetry between the movements of Louis Vierne’s Symphony No. 3, Op. 28 played by Grant Wareham. Download the bulletin
Easter Sunday, April 17
8 & 10:30 am worship in the Sanctuary with Derry Ringers, Sanctuary Choir, brass quartet, and Bob Nowak on percussion. For the postlude, organist Grant Wareham and musicians present Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No. 5. Children’s choir and live streaming at 10:30 am. Download the bulletin.
8:30-11 am breakfast in Fellowship Hall and to go: your donation supports the 2022 mission trip to the Dominican Republic (Bridges to Community)
Friend of Derry In the News
April 13, 2022Last May Derry Church welcomed famed pianist Ruth Slencynska for a recital thanks to her connection with Derry member Shelly Moorman-Stahlman. Click the black arrow to watch the CBS Sunday Morning interview with Ruth and Shelly and learn more about Ruth’s remarkable life, then click this link to watch her Derry Church performance – it has more than 28,000 views on YouTube!
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
April 13, 2022
12 PM FRIDAY, APRIL 15 ON ZOOM: MEETING ID 898 9191 6580, PASSCODE 930951
Derry Church is invited to join Wesley Union AME Zion Church for a digital Good Friday service. Pastors from churches in and around Harrisburg will share a short meditation based on one of the traditional seven last words of Christ. Pastor Stephen will be participating in the service.
skip Becker • derry member
April 7, 2022
The journey of faith is a long and difficult road.
It begins with the innocence of a young mind learning the stories and absorbing the first complexities of belief in an unseen God. It continues with the life and death of Jesus and includes a Spirit moving across the lives of every living thing, always.
The journey of faith includes every phase of our lives. From we as children to we who have lived a lot of years. At every turn, there has been doubt, belief, doubt and belief.
I’m going to write about Walter.
My dog. Meet him in this short video.
I bought Walter as a diversion and a way of comforting my ill wife. It kind of worked. But after she passed, he became a blessing to me much more than I expected.Walter became a larger part of my life. Walter was full of love for me. He was faithful. He was calm and loyal. He taught me the value of those attributes by his example. He was accepting of my failures and celebrated my kindnesses. He taught me to be tolerant and respectful of others without regard for race, religion, gender, or status.
Walter loves everyone.
You’re probably expecting an essay on how much I love my dog. While I do, I would rather write about how much my dog loves me.
I’m not perfect, I’ve behaved badly from time to time. I have mistreated others and I’ve mistreated Walter from time to time. For others, reconciliation is often a long and apologetic road. For Walter I need only say, “I’m sorry” and I’m forgiven. Complete and utter forgiveness. While he can’t speak, he can still communicate using a combination of non-verbal gestures and sounds which focus my attention on what he wants. I have to learn to watch and listen very carefully since he is never perfectly clear with his “meaning making.”
He is always there for me. If I’m ill, he stays near and comforts me. If I’m happy he rejoices with me and starts looking for ways to spread that joy around. Racing around my home is a usual tactic.
He welcomes the adoration of others. He is especially fond of children. I’ve known unconditional love. It’s a love which springs from the heart, mind and spirit. I am blessed.
We are all blessed.
We all have the gifts that little dog brings.
Amen.
Steven Guenther is Grand Champion, Mission Madness 2022
April 6, 2022
Taking the Grand Prize is Steven “The Panther” Guenther who not only wins the Victory Trophy but also gets his name engraved on the Plaque of Champions!
The following folks had a great run, and are deserving of their Top 5 Overall Medal:
2nd Place: Andy and Amy “No Look” Cook
3rd Place: Sara “Soprano” Woodbury
4th Place: “Slam” Duncan Campbell
5th Place: Ray “Monsoon” June
Winning medals for the subgroups are a wide range of Derry faithful:
Best in Retirees: Cindy Warnock (we knew you were the expert in the family)
Best in Music: Sara Woodbury (mother and son both get a medal!)
Best in Session: Duncan Campbell
Best in Children (0-11): Noah Ganse. Kudos to toddler Adelaide Barth who was just one point behind Noah
Best in Youth (12-18): Tommy Steelman (no surprise there)
Best in Staff: Pastor Marie!! Commissioner Pete Steelman would have rigged it anyway had she not won
Pastor Stephen has decreed that a brief “Presentation of Awards” will take place during the preliminary announcements at 10:30 am worship on Sunday, April 10. Thanks to all who participated and donated to fund scholarships for Presbyterian Education Board students in Pakistan. You raised a remarkable $3,496 to help children across the globe!
Sonatas for Violin and Piano Featured at Arts Alive Concert
April 6, 20224 PM SUNDAY, MAY 1 IN THE SANCTUARY • FREE WILL OFFERING • FACE MASKS OPTIONAL
Renowned pianist Eun Ae Baik-Kim and violinist Ye-jin Han will take the stage to play selections including César Franck’s “Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano” and Johannes Brahms’ “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 108.”
Korean born pianist Eun Ae Baik-Kim has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician in South America and the United States and is familiar to Derry Church audiences. She is a winner of numerous competitions including “Chautauqua Piano Competition,” “Concurso para Jovens Solistas,” and “Concurso Estadual para Instrumentistas e Cantores,” and received a “Diploma de Honra” for distinguished artist by Conservatório Carlos Gomes. She was the youngest pianist to perform the significant concert series “Suite Iberia de Albeniz,” a festival sponsored by the Spanish Consulate in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr. Baik-Kim is a faculty member of Dickinson College where she is a devoted collaborative artist and teacher.
The versatile Korean violinist/violist Ye-jin Han has performed throughout the United States, Canada, South America and Europe, and has been praised for her “pure, expressive tone” and “effortless playing” at her Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall debut. Dr. Han has been a prize winner at many competitions including the Citta di Brescia International Violin Competition in Italy, Five Towns Music and Arts Foundation Young Musician Competition, and Lilian Fuchs Memorial Chamber Music Competition in New York. She is a concertmaster of the Bergen Symphony Orchestra and recently played her fourth concerto with the orchestra as a soloist. Dr. Han holds a DMA from Stony Brook University and has a private studio which has produced many competition winners and musical leaders at conservatories and state/local youth orchestras.
Delicious Meal Planned for Lasses & Lassies Banquet
April 6, 20226 PM SATURDAY, MAY 7 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Ladies and girls, enjoy a dinner made just for you: vegetable and cheese tray (appetizer), chicken breast au jus, baked ziti with red or alfredo sauce, mixed vegetables, roll and butter, light dessert, coffee/tea and cold beverage. If you prefer a gluten-free or vegetarian option, notify the person when you purchase your ticket. Following the meal, “Who Is She? Women of the Bible” fashion show will be presented.
Price is $15 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Tickets will be available by Apr 17, with ticket purchase deadline on May 1.
Derry Church has a new van!
April 6, 2022Ready for youth trips, Derry Day Trippers and small groups, this vehicle can accommodate up to 12 passengers. Thanks to the Building & Grounds Committee for doing comparison shopping and finding a new vehicle at a time when they are so hard to get!
Susquehanna Chorale Sings at Derry Church
April 6, 2022“Legacy: A Celebration in Song,” the Susquehanna Chorale’s spring concert, will be presented at 8 pm Friday, May 13 in the Sanctuary. Program highlights include sacred motets, early American hymns, love songs, and African-American spirituals. Participating Derry Church singers include Greg Harris and Janice Click Holl. A second performance will be given at 4 pm Sunday, May 15 at High Center, Parmer Hall at Messiah University. Read more.