Month: February 2024

2-4 PM MONDAYS, APR 1 – MAY 20 IN ROOM 7 • FREE!

Many older adults have concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning eight-week program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Sessions will be presented by Amy Bollinger, BSN RN TCRN.

This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to:

• View falls as controllable
• Set goals for increasing activity
• Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
• Exercise to increase strength and balance

Who should attend?

• Anyone concerned about falls
• Anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength
• Anyone who has fallen in the past
• Anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns

Sessions will follow Prime Timers (except on Easter Monday, April 1, when there will be no Prime Timers). RSVP requested, not required: email Beckie Freiberg, RN

Worship on Maundy Thursday, March 28
7 PM IN THE SANCTUARY WITH COMMUNION AND LIVE STREAMING, LED BY PASTOR STEPHEN AND SHAWN GRAY

This year’s Maundy Thursday service, “Seven Actions,” is an alternative to a traditional Tenebrae liturgy. The liturgy focuses on the account of the Last Supper in John 13. Seven candles are lit during the service in response to seven actions, which are noted during the narrative. The lit candles offer a reminder of the presence of light even in the darkness of the eve of Good Friday.

Worship on Good Friday, March 29
7 PM IN THE CHAPEL LED BY PASTOR STEPHEN AND LITURGISTS

“Seven Moments” is our Good Friday service of prayer and reflection recalling seven moments during the day of the death of Jesus based on the Gospel of John. After each reading, one of seven candles that were lit on Maundy Thursday will be extinguished, as in a traditional Tenebrae service.

Worship on Easter Sunday, March 31
8 & 10:30 am worship in the Sanctuary with Derry Ringers, Sanctuary Choir, brass quartet, and Bob Nowak on percussion. Live streaming at 10:30 am. No church school classes, 11-Minute Lessons or KIWI.
8:30-10 am breakfast in Fellowship Hall: your donation supports the 2024 mission trip to the Dominican Republic (Bridges to Community)

MONDAY, MAR 11 AT MIDDLE SPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SHIPPENSBURG; 5 PM MEET & GREET WITH DINNER (IN PERSON ONLY) • 6:30 PM WORSHIPFUL MEETING (HYBRID)

• Meet and welcome the Rev. Dr. James (Jamie) McLeod, candidate for the position of Presbytery Co-Leader for Vision and Transformation
• Share a meal with your fellow Presbyters
• Sing in the pick-up choir
• Connect, celebrate, and enjoy one another’s company

Presbytery meeting materials including Rev. McLeod’s spiritual autobiography and Statement of Faith are on the Presbytery website. More materials and details will be shared in coming weeks.

Dinner will be served in the social hall from 5–6:30 pm, arrive at your convenience. If you cannot attend in person, join the meeting portion beginning at 6:30 pm on Zoom.

Register to participate via Zoom here. To attend in person, register here.

Five books for the Presbyterian Women’s Peace and Justice online book discussion are now in our library:  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (616 Ski); Transforming (267 Har); A Place Called Home (Bio- Amb); Poverty in America (362 Des) and Our Missing Hearts (Fic- Ng). On  Mar 10 the group will discuss Our Missing Hearts. Read more and register online.  

7 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAR 1 & 2 AND 1:30 PM SUNDAY, MAR 3 AT THE HERSHEY HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM • CLICK FOR TICKETS

Enjoy seeing your favorite Dr. Seuss characters come to life in a musical adventure that showcases the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community. Participating Derry Church youth include Ryan and Adele Hosenfeld, Alex Patton on the stage crew, and dancer Morgan Owsley.

4 PM SUNDAY, MAR 10 AT FAITH IMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1801 COLONIAL ROAD, HARRISBURG • FREE!

Bill Carter, jazz pianist and Presbyterian minister, leads Presbybop Music — his his attempt to integrate his strong Presbyterian faith with the rhythms of bebop. Based in northeastern Pennsylvania, this consort of consummate professionals has presented concerts and jazz worship services in churches and venues around the country (including Derry Church) to wide acclaim. Bill spends most of his time as a busy pastor, yet he keenly senses that God wants him to use his musical gifts as a means of reaching people with the good news of God’s grace, peace, and joy. His jazz ministry has received national recognition and has served as a model for integrating the arts in Christian ministry.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 1/31/24:

	YTD	BUDGET
Income YTD:	$216,036	$110,233
Expenses YTD:	$74,530	$117,976
Surplus/(Deficit) YTD:	$141,506	($7,743)

Derry Church receives the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering in the season of Lent, continuing through Easter Sunday, March 31. Last year Derry raised $18,996: can we top that in 2024? Half will go to the Presbyterian Church (USA) in support of three progams (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People), and half will go to Bridges to Community for construction of a house in the Dominican Republic. Find OGHS envelopes in the pew racks or give online. Watch this video to learn about the impact the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering has had over the last 75 years:

The Ruth Codington Library now features books written by and about Native Peoples, their interactions with European colonists, and the Doctrine of Discovery. There are titles for adults and children. These books stand alone, or serve as great companion reading for the Issues Class series taking place in the Sunday School hour:

• February 25: The Carlisle Indian School
• April 7 & 14: Native/Settler Relations
• May 4: Learning Tour

Thanks to Meara Kwee for helping to cultivate this new library experience. The Ruth Codington Library can be found just inside Entrance #1 on the lower level of the church. Featured titles are on the rear wall above the checkout station.

9 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, MAR 16 AT HERSHEY FREE CHURCH/CORE CAFE • REGISTER BY MAR 9

At this interactive workshop presented by She’s Somebody’s Daughter and Sgt. Wendy Burgwald, Derry Township Human Trafficking Investigator, you’ll learn more about the problem of human trafficking not only in the USA or in Pennsylvania, but right here in Derry Twp. You’ll learn some key definitions, tips on what to be looking for, and have your thoughts about human trafficking challenged. 

The morning opens with a simulation: you’ll have the opportunity to walk the journey of a girl in human trafficking. You’ll be presented with different scenarios and will face obstacles and choices along the way as you walk in her shoes. $10 for adults, $5 for students with half the fees going to support She’s Somebody’s Daughter.

The agencies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) offer a variety of devotional and worship resources for Lent. Click here to view the list that includes books and online resources. Click the image below to view and download a simple reflection-action calendar created by the Presbyterian Hunger Program with the hope that it will be the beginning of actions intended to create more mindful behaviors throughout the year.

Dear Donor, Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am from Sargodha, a city famous for it oranges. Dear Donor, I study in class Pre-Nine. Thank you very much for your support and helping me in my studies. I want to become a army officer. My favorite subject is computer sciences. I love coming to school because it is one of the biggest school in Sargodha. Your support is like a silver lining behind the dark clouds. It means a lot to me. Thank you again.

For 13 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 $400 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $40 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 online through the church website.

Learn more:

• Read Eleanor Schneider’s message inviting you to participate
• Read about PEB Schools and all that’s been accomplished in the past 25 years

This fundraiser continues through February 2024

4 PM SUNDAY, MARCH 17 IN THE SANCTUARY, IN PERSON ONLY • FREE WILL OFFERING

Whether you enjoy singing hymns or listening to hymns as a way to pray and hear scripture, this concert is for you! Linda Tedford, Artistic Director, Founder and Conductor of the renowned Susquehanna Chorale, will direct a program in celebration of Derry’s 300th anniversary year as we sing about God being our rock and guide through the centuries. Hymns include “How Firm a Foundation,” “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” John Calvin’s “I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art,” “Praise Ye The Lord, The Almighty,” and more.

Our augmented Sanctuary Choir will sing some hymns, and the congregation will join in singing five hymns. The Derry Ringers will play, along with brass, percussion, strings, flute and clarinet, piano and organ. In between selections, you’ll hear more about Derry’s history that originated in Scotland and Northern Ireland. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than by singing glorious hymns with your church family, friends and neighbors!

Hello dear donor! I want to say “thank you” for all your support towards me. I am in class 3. I study in EMS Girls High School. My father is a carpenter and my mother is a housewife. We are a big family. I wish to continue my studies and wish to become a designer. My all dreams can be fulfilled because of your kind support. You are an angel on the earth for many. I am one of them. Thank you for being my support. I always pray for you and your family.

For 13 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 $400 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $40 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 online through the church website.

Learn more:

• Read Eleanor Schneider’s message inviting you to participate
• Read about PEB Schools and all that’s been accomplished in the past 25 years

This fundraiser continues through February 2024

1 PM WEDNESDAY, FEB 21 IN THE LOUNGE

“A Person with Physical Disabilities Encounters Jesus” is the topic for this month’s PW Circle meeting and study based on Acts 3:1-10. Bring your favorite Bible. All women are invited to participate in the discussion as we consider how we can be inclusive.

6:30 PM THURSDAY, FEB 29 IN THE YOUTH ROOM

Join the Dads of Derry for snacks and conversation. We’ll also play some jackbox games, so bring a smart phone.  

How to get there: Use Door #5 to enter directly into the Youth Room from the back parking lot. Or come in door #4, go up the steps, turn left and go up a few more steps, then turn right and go down the stairs.

Our 2024 confirmation students have been given $100 to bless an organization, mission, or cause they are passionate about. The students aren’t just donating $100: they are using it to start something with a bigger impact.

In Sunday worship, three of our confirmands will tell you about their projects. Alex Patton is helping create a mobile library for Logos Academy in Harrisburg.

Emmie Achorn is collecting needed items for the Harrisburg Humane Society. To support Emmie’s project, donate items from this wish list. Drop items in the designated basket in the church’s mission closet.

Anne Burke is creating gift baskets to share with cancer patients in memory of her grandfather. To help Anne get the supplies she needs to fill the baskets, you can purchase from this Amazon wish list. Drop items in the designated basket in the church’s mission closet.

The Church World Service Blanket program is about sharing love. Through this simple act of kindness, amazing things can happen. The program includes heavy wool blankets, lightweight acrylic blankets, school kits, hygiene kits and cleanup buckets. These provide relief immediately after a disaster or help to recover after an event. Last year 32,785 blankets were delivered to needy persons.

When Kentucky was hit with tornadoes in several small towns, Grandma Constance handed a blanket to her 4 year-old grandson Roland to bring him a sense of comfort and safety while they were staying at a temporary shelter. Roland carries his blanket with him everywhere he goes. He says it protects him in case another tornado comes. Click to read more stories.

Behind every kit and blanket, there is a prayerful and enthusiastic donor. By reaching out to help others, you create a ripple, an act of kindness which will spread the love we all need to be a part of.  It’s easy to donate: you can place cash in designated envelopes available in the pew racks, then place in the offering boxes. Or make checks payable to PW in Derry notated “Blanket Fund” that can be sent to the church office or placed in the offering boxes, or give online. Thank you!

Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am a student of class 8. The name of my school is P.E.B. Boys’ High School Sargodha. Dear donor, I cannot find words to show how grateful I am for supporting me in my studies. It means a lot for me. It will help me to make my dreams come true. Thank you once again.

For 13 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 $400 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $40 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 online through the church website.

Learn more:

• Read Eleanor Schneider’s message inviting you to participate
• Read about PEB Schools and all that’s been accomplished in the past 25 years

This fundraiser continues through February 2024

Order Easter lilies in honor or in memory of loved ones by filling out and returning forms available at the insert rack. Plants will decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday and you can take them home after the 10:30 am service. Plants are $10 each: order by Sunday, March 3.