Month: May 2023

Register Now for Vacation Bible School 2023: A PLACE AT THE TABLE

5:30-7:30 PM SUNDAY, JULY 9 – THURSDAY, JULY 13 • CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Derry Church welcomes you to our annual VBS program. This year’s theme is “A Place at the Table.”  We’ll spend our week listening to stories that teach us how fulfilling it can be to gather around the table with friends, family, strangers and even our enemies. Our stories will encourage us, strengthen us and comfort us as we remind one another that God is always gathering to eat with us. And our lessons will give new meaning to our favorite mealtime gathering spaces!  

Derry’s VBS program is open to children age 4 – entering grade 5. Children must be toilet trained. $15 per child includes a nightly adventure filled with fun, excitement, amazing creations & games, fabulous music and s’mores around the campfire in the courtyard area. 

Learn About Tiny Homes for Veterans

9:15-10:15 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 4 IN ROOM 7 AND STREAMING

Veterans Outreach of PA plans to build a village of 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center for homeless Veterans on the Susquehanna River in South Harrisburg on a beautifully situated 5-acre parcel. Homes are designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans while recreating the stable support network last offered to them before they left the service.

Learn about the project from John Hickey, VOPA Board Member and Governance Committee Chair, and how Derry Church will be supporting the project over the next year. John will also present a Minute for Mission in worship on Sunday, June 4.

Derry Dads are Throwing Axes!

7-8 PM THURSDAY, JUNE 8 AT JOE OWSLEY’S HOME IN HERSHEY

The Derry Church men’s group will spend an hour next week honing their axe throwing skills and enjoying fellowship together. All men welcome!

Debbie Hough Invites You to Worship on TUesday Evenings This Summer

Summer is upon us – Memorial Day and the Church Picnic are the close signs that life at Derry will ease up a bit. Only a bit, but hopefully this summer you and your family can catch your breath and soak up all the sun and sand and mountain dirt or whatever feeds your soul these days. 

One thing I wanted to suggest is that you consider joining us on Tuesday evenings for our on-going Evening Praise and Communion Worship Service. Starting in June, we will be meeting nearly every Tuesday evening at 7 pm (taking off for July 4 and the Corn Roast on August 15). 

If you are not able to worship on a Sunday morning, come on Tuesday evening! Worship is relaxed, with lots of music, color, creativity, and communion. Most weeks we will be worshiping in the Chapel, but on occasion we will move inside and outside the building. For example, on Tuesday, June 6 we will be meeting in the Codington Library on the Lower Level. On Tuesdays, June 20, July 11, July 18, and August 22 we will worship out in the courtyard (weather permitting). Sometimes, we will meet in the Sanctuary and gather in the choir loft for a hymn-themed worship. Signs will be posted on the Chapel door when we are not using that space.

Continuing to lead worship will be Pastor Stephen, Nancy Reinert, Tom Folts, me and other surprises. Music will be provided by Dan Dorty, Mary Lemons, Kathy Yingst, and anyone else who would like to share their gifts of music with us. Let any of those mentioned by name know of your interest and availability.

All ages are welcome, and this coming Tuesday, May 30 we will worship one last time at 6 pm in the Chapel. I will be leading our time together with Dan Dorty’s help. Our theme is “Curiouser and Curiouser.” Come, bring your own take out dinner, relax and praise God! Hope to see you this summer.

May 2023 Session Highlights

  • Rev. Kristal Smith, Presbytery Leader for Governance and Congregational Leadership met with the Session to bring updates on the Presbytery’s work and answer questions. She discussed Rev. Cheryl Galan’s recent retirement and adjustments being made as a result. Of particular interest was Rev. Smith’s discussion of Per Capita giving – how it started and how it is calculated and used. Current per capita is $31/Derry Church member, distributed as follows: $18.95 stays with Carlisle Presbytery, $2.40 to Synod of the Trinity, and $9.65 to General Assembly. Derry pays the per capita for each church member – a total of $27,435 for this year.
  • April’s financial reports show that expenses for the month exceeded the budget primarily due to the payment of the per capita giving. However, we are about $18,000 ahead of budget for the year.
  • Approved two Capital Procurement Requisitions – the first to rewire the church network, which includes removing old/unused wiring, consolidating junctions, locating and labeling all cables, and installing updated Cat6 wiring. Cost of the project is $12,000. The second project will include upgrading the Chapel bell tower, adding a new stairway between the rear parking lot and Mansion Road entrance, correcting water runoff issues around the church building, and renovations to classrooms 4, 5, and 7AB. Cost of the project is $150,000.
  • Reviewed and approved an updated Gift Acceptance Policy which clarifies actions that need to be taken when discussing and receiving gifts being made to the church, whether monetary donations or tangible items.
  • Stewardship & Finance has implemented several new policies regarding fund investment and re-balancing. Those items of business were approved.
  • Authorized obtaining a business credit card for ME Steelman with a $5,000 limit.
  • Reviewed and approved a new position description for a Nursery Childcare Leader. This position will help with scheduling and coordinating care as well as oversight of the nursery. With Sue Fox retiring, a new leader for the nursery is necessary.

May 2023 Financial Snapshot

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 4/30/23:

          ACTUAL        BUDGETED
Income YTD:        $488,404         $433,333
Expenses YTD:           469,633           456,961
Surplus/(Deficit) YTD:             18,771           (23,637)

Expenses for the month of April exceeded budget primarily due to the one time, lump sum payment of $27,435 to the Presbytery for our per capita.

New Art Installation coming to Derry Church: Your Photos Needed!

Derry member Luke Gawron has been commissioned to create a painting for the main entrance of the church, and he’s looking for your help. Luke needs copies or duplicate photos of meaningful times you’ve spent at Derry. Pictures from weddings, funerals, baptisms, retreats, mission trips, corn roasts, chili cook-offs and more will be happily accepted. 

These pictures will be cut and assembled together to create an image that will be the subject of his painting, so please be aware that your pictures will not be returned! We anticipate receiving lots of pictures, so please know submitting a picture does not guarantee it will be a part of the final painting. 

Pictures can be submitted in person by placing them in the Heritage Committee mailbox between rooms 1 & 2 on the lower level, or submit photos digitally by following this link. All photos must be submitted by July 15.

Derry Church Celebrates These Graduates on Sunday

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Rachel DeWees, Palmyra High School
Attending Lebanon Valley College: double major in Early Childhood and Special Education
Parents: David and Rebecca DeWees

Kathryn Kyper, Palmyra High School
Attending University of Pittsburgh: maioring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Parents: Geoff Kyper and Lee Ann Grisolano

Mayangela Speicher, Hershey High School
Attending Point Park University, Pittsburgh: maioring in Cinema Arts
Parents: Doug and Cenaida Speicher

Piper Stagg, The Stone Independent School
Attending the University of New England, Biddeford, Maine: majoring in Marine Biology and minoring in Writing
Parents: Susan and Woody Stagg

COLLEGE GRADUATE
Patrick Gavazzi, Tufts University
Computer Science and Cognitive Brain Science, minors in Italian and Entrepreneurship
Parents: Katie and Bob Gavazzi

Learn About Refugee Resettlement

9:15-10:15 AM SUNDAY, MAY 21 IN THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM AND STREAMING

Alex Swan, Site Director of Church World Service’s Harrisburg office, leads Issues Class this week. About a year-and-a-half ago, CWS opened an office in Harrisburg to help settle refugees assigned to this area. Alex will discuss the process of receiving refugees and establishing Welcome Teams to assist in their resettlement.

May Updates from Presbyterian Women

  • Next Thursday is Orange Day, when PW highlights exploitation of females worldwide. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence has 59 community-based domestic violence programs which work to create pathways to safety and justice for the victims. Their definition of domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior by one person to gain power and control over another in an intimate or familial relationship. Approximately 37% of Pennsylvania women experience some form of this violence or violent stalking during their lifetimes. Counseling and support services for domestic violence victims in Dauphin County can also be found at Victim Witness Assistance Program and YWCA. On May 25, wear orange or an orange ribbon to show awareness of and support for victims and those working to end exploitation of females.
  • The extra favors from the Lasses and Lassies Banquet were donated to the Bethesda Women’s Mission for Mother’s Day. The women were delighted to receive them.

“May” We Introduce You to Someone New?

Come down to the library and check out our collection of BIOGRAPHIES. We have over 200 titles in this category! Travel to Tehran, a Brooklyn homeless shelter, the city that will become Tokyo, or 1930’s Limerick, Ireland. Meet Malala, Phyllis Wheatly, Frank McCourt, Tony Dungy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clint Eastwood…the list goes on and on. Browse biographies in our online catalog or stop in to see the new shelf displays. While you’re there, play Guess Who on the staff biography shelf (do you know whose first job was scooping Italian ice at Cocoa Avenue Plaza?) Add your own life details on the graffiti wall.

The Ruth Codington Library is right inside the door on the building’s lower level at entrance #1. A committee of Derry library lovers have been working diligently to grow and organize our diverse book collection. Want to take something home? All you have to do is remove the card from the back of the book, write your name and the date on it, and place it in the box on the shelf. Easy! Drop in often to check out our monthly library themes.

Derry Church Seeks Information on Recent Graduates

In preparation for Graduate Recognition Sunday on May 21, the church office needs information on all those graduating from high school, college, and grad school by Wednesday, May 17. Please send the following details to Kathy Yingst: name of the graduate (and their parents); school graduating from, school attending in the fall and anticipated course of study or the graduate’s future plans. 

Presbyterian Women Say Thanks

Thanks to all who made the Lasses & Lassies Banquet such a success: the servers and kitchen crew, models, ones helping with the favors and setting up. Mark your calendars for next year’s event: May 4, 2024.

PW is still gathering items for hygiene bags for the Domestic Violence Center. You can support this effort by contributing sample size or 1-2 oz. tubes of toothpaste, deodorants (under 1.5 oz.), shampoos and lotions (hotel size), and tissue packs. Leave in the PW basket on the mission shelf by June 4. Thanks, Derry!

April 2023 Session Highlights

  • The Communications & Technology committee is recommending adding a piece of wall art to the area behind the Welcome Table and has had discussions with artist Luke Gawron to create the project. Luke has proposed creating a multi-media collage of Derry Church built from photos submitted by congregational members. The Session endorsed the concept. Look for more information in an upcoming Enews.
  • The Session approved the use of the church for the wedding of member Michelle Califf to Ron Reboulet later this year, membership roll updates, and a baptism to occur in the summer.
  • March’s financial reports show that contributions are ahead of budgeted projections. The Session thanks all who continue to support the church and its programs. 
  • Approved the Capital Procurement Requisition to replace the roof on the Mansion Road property at a cost of $12,225. 
  • It was the pleasure of the Session to approve the hiring of Beckie Freiberg, R.N. as Derry’s new Faith Community Nurse. A letter introducing Beckie to the congregation will be prepared, and she will be commissioned in her new role on Sunday, May 14. 
  • The following Capital Procurement Requisitions were submitted for consideration:
  • Communications & Technology proposes a project to rewire the church network. With the addition of new systems over the years, such as phones, security, WIFI access points, the network has become a chaotic jumble of unlabeled cables and wires. This project will remove old and/or unused wiring, consolidate junctions, locate and label all cables, and install updated Cat6 wiring. Cost of the project is $12,000.
  • Building & Grounds has received bids to complete the upgrades to the Chapel bell tower, the new stairway between the rear parking lot and the Mansion Road entrance, and upgrades to correct water runoff from the front of the chapel and rear parking lot. Cost of the project is $140,000.
    These projects will be reviewed over the next month and voted upon at the May 17 stated meeting.
  • Christian Education is sponsoring a Family Weekend gathering to be held September 22-24 at Krislund Camp and Conference Center in Madisonburg. Look for more information and how to make reservations in the eNews.
  • Christian Education also recommended that the Session approve a youth trip to Corrymeela, Ireland for June 24-July 2, 2024. This trip will provide an opportunity for youth (rising 9th grade through college) to participate in Derry’s 300th anniversary celebration. While in Corrymeela, they will be participating in lectures and programs sponsored by the Corrymeela Community, traveling, and studying reconciliation. More information on this trip will be shared with the youth and the congregation in the future. 

Organ Recital Features Helen Anthony

3 PM SUNDAY, JUNE 11 AT MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 901 N. 6TH ST, HARRISBURG

Helen Anthony, Director of Music & Organist at Messiah Lutheran Church, will present organ works by J.S. Bach.  

Helen is a 1976 graduate of Westminster Choir College, and completed graduate level course work at West Chester University. She has held church positions in the Harrisburg, Hummelstown, Hershey areas. Helen retired from Derry Church in 2015.  

Proceeds of this benefit concert will support restoration of the church’s Moller Organ comprised of three manuals and 33 ranks. General admission tickets are $30 and are 100% tax deductible.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available at the following levels:

  • JS Bach $1,500
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart $1.000
  • Ludwig Van Beethoven $500
  • Frederic Chopin $250
  • Friends of Messiah any amount 

The recital will last one hour, with a reception following in the social hall. Your support of this inaugural concert insures that future generations will enjoy the organ in worship services praising God.

Love INC’s 3rd Annual #RUNYOURRACE 5K Run/Walk and 1M fun Run

8 AM SATURDAY, JUNE 24 AT SPRING CREEK CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 335 EAST AREBA AVE, HERSHEY • REGISTER NOW

Last year over 140 runners and 11 sponsors joined together to raise over $8,400 for the programs of Love INC of Greater Hershey. We are looking forward to another successful event this year and would love for you to join us. The course includes the scenic Milton Hershey School campus.

Cost: $30/Adult and $20/Student by June 5th ($5 increase after 6/5)

Birthday Offering Update #3

The Birthday Offering of Presbyterian Women celebrates our history of generous giving. Launched in 1922, the Birthday Offering has become an annual tradition. It has funded over 200 major mission projects that continue to impact people in the United States and around the world. While projects and donation amounts have changed over the years, Presbyterian Women’s commitment to improving the lives of women and children has not changed.

The second project for 2023 is Berhane Yesus Elementary School Kindergarten Construction in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia. Located in the western highlands of Ethiopia, Berhane Yesus Elementary School seeks to change lives by sharing the “Light of Jesus” and by providing the best possible educational experience for children of Dembi Dollo. Berhane Yesus provides children the possibility of a better future by preparing them for the rigorous high school education and a life of Christian service.  

The school is the first entry point to education for children of subsistence farmers, migrant workers and displaced groups of people. This K-8 school has been serving the community and been a part of the Presbyterian Church in this rural community since 1921. A kindergarten class was added to the school in 2012, but with no available space for class, the children met in the chapel. Over the years the number of kindergarten students has increased and now a space of their own is not only needed but required by the government to be able to remain open. Western Wollega Bethel Synod provide land for the classroom and the Birthday Offering grant will provide all necessary funding for construction.

Your continued support will allow PW to fund next year’s projects. You can give online, deposit checks in the offering boxes, or mail checks to the church notated “PW Birthday Offering.” Together let us lovingly plant and tend seeds of promise so that programs and ministries can grow and flourish.