Month: April 2025
April 2025 Session Highlights
April 30, 2025- Approved building use requests:
- Susquehanna Chorale retreats on Saturday, Sept 20 and Saturday, Jan 17 (snow date Jan 24), 2026 in Fellowship Hall
- Dan Dorty musical program on Friday, Aug 8 in the Sanctuary
- Bob Foster Japanese Swordmanship seminar on Friday & Saturday, Sep 26-27 in Fellowship Hall.
- Approved the CPR requesting the installation of monitors in the Lounge as well as other software updates to the projection program. Cost $12,000 funded through Capital Facilities.
- Approved Option 2 of the CPR upgrading the choir loft. The work will address safety issues including the addition of handrails in the choir area and from the main floor to the chancel, add a slight curve to the seating configuration, add a plywood backing under the cloth behind the choir seats to help with acoustics, and renovate the choir room for improved traffic flow. Cost $105,000 funded through estate bequests.
- Approved the recipients of the 2025 Churches Helping Churches grants:
- Lost Creek PC $9,300 to redo their manse roof that is old, rusting and leaking.
- Middletown PC $10,000 to repair stained glass windows.
- Capital PC $4,850 for a technology update and streaming service. Derry will also consult with them on this project.
- Westminster United PC $10,000 for electrical and fire upgrades.
- Faith Immanuel PC $5,800 for technology refresh equipment.
- Due to Pastor Stephen & Sandy Miceli’s efforts, Derry has received an Employee Retention Tax Credit of $97,153.51. The ERTC is a refundable tax credit for certain eligible businesses & tax-exempt organizations that had employees and were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business used to apply for the credit charged fees of $19,430.71 leaving Derry a balance of $77,722.80. The Session approved allocation of this money as follows:
- $30,000 to Continuing Ed rollover account
- $20,000 to DDD Equity Account
- $15,000 to Deacon Emergency Fund
- $10,000 to Mission Travel Account
- $2,722.80 to balance rarely-used accounts prior to closing them out
- We may also receive an additional credit of $106,850.63. If that credit is issued, it will be used as follows:
- $21,370.13 in fees
- $20,000 to DDD Equity
- $20,000 to Brong Scholarship Fund
- $20,000 to offset cost of the Civil Rights Tour
- $20,000 to Capital Facilities Fund
- $5,480.50 to Mission Travel Fund
- Approved a request from Hospitality Coordinator Amanda Bentley to use the kitchen for preparing food for her catering service. Use of the space would be scheduled outside of church activities. Amanda will cover all costs including licensing, equipment, liability & general insurance coverage.
- Due to upcoming vacations, the June meeting was rescheduled for July 23.
Derry Announces “Churches Helping Churches” Grant Recipients for 2025
April 30, 2025As part of our 300th anniversary celebrations in 2024, Derry Church’s Session created the Churches Helping Churches Grant to honor the generous support Derry received from congregations in the Carlisle Presbytery during the late 1800s. That legacy of compassion and connection continues today through this special grant program.
Last year, we were able to award $30,000 to churches in need. This year, the Session joyfully increased our grant allocation to $40,000 and received nine applications from across the Presbytery. After careful consideration, we are pleased to announce funding for five churches:
- Lost Creek Presbyterian Church received $9,300 to replace the aging, rusting, and leaking roof on their manse.
- Middletown Presbyterian Church awarded $10,000 to repair their beautiful stained glass windows.
- Capital Presbyterian Church granted $4,860 for a technology update to enhance their worship livestreams. They’ve also invited Derry to consult on the project.
- Westminster United Presbyterian Church received $10,000 to upgrade their electrical system and improve fire safety.
- Faith Immanuel Presbyterian Church granted $5,800 (partial funding) for a technology refresh, covering equipment costs for improved digital ministry.
We’ve asked each church to share stories and photos of their completed projects so we can celebrate alongside them and keep you updated about the ways in which this grant can affect the mission and ministry of our Presbytery.
This grant is just one way Derry partners with churches in our Presbytery to proclaim God’s word, share God’s love, and practice God’s justice. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back and support our fellow churches, just as others have supported us in the past. We are always better together!
Coming Soon: Derry’s Delicious Church Picnic!
April 30, 2025
11:30 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 1 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL AND ON THE FRONT LAWN
It’s almost time for the church picnic! Get ready for food, fun and fellowship for all ages.
On the menu: meat from Mission Bar-B-Q along with coleslaw, baked beans, hot dogs, potato salad, rolls, dessert and beverages.
No need to RSVP. Donations apreciated but not expected.
CLICK HERE to help. Many hands needed, from setup and serving to cleanup afterwards.
Questions? Contact Karen Carns.
Timely Topics: Martin Niemöller’s famous quote, “First they came for….”
April 30, 20258:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, MAY 4 IN THE CHAPEL WITH PASTOR STEPHEN
Martin Niemöller’s quote that begins with the words “First they came for the socialists…” continues to be used today in popular culture and public discourse. It has often been adapted to reflect current social issues and debates across the world. This week’s Timely Topics will focus on Niemöller’s life, the context of the famous quote, and what led him to begin using it in multiple speeches and talks following World War II.
Curious Conversations: Executive Order 14202 Task Force on Anti-Christian Bias
April 30, 20256 PM TUESDAY, MAY 6 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY WITH PASTOR STEPHEN
The suggestion for this conversation comes from a Derry member. Executive Order 14202 established a federal task force aimed at identifying and rectifying what the administration perceives as anti-Christian bias within federal agencies. The order directs the Department of Justice to lead the task force, which is tasked with reviewing past policies and practices, recommending corrective actions, and ensuring the protection of religious liberties.
Critics, including civil rights organizations, argue that the executive order may be used to justify discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. They express concern that it could lead to the erosion of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups, potentially allowing religious organizations to bypass anti-discrimination laws in employment and service provision. Supporters contend that the order addresses legitimate concerns about the treatment of Christian individuals and organizations in government policies and seeks to restore religious freedoms they believe have been undermined. They point to instances where Christian groups felt targeted or marginalized by previous administration policies.
Join us as we listen, share, and ask curious questions around the topic of religious freedom, discrimination, and protection.
NEXT UP: ONE LAW
12:45 PM MONDAY, MAY 12 IN ROOM 7
Join Pastor Stephen for another Curious Conversation with our Prime Timers. If you could write or change one law, what would it be and why? Come and share, listen, ask, and learn together.
Do You Have a Graduate In Your Family? Let Us Know!
April 30, 2025In preparation for Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 1, the church office requests information on all those graduating from high school, college, and grad school by Wednesday, May 28. Please send the following details to Pastor Stephen: 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.
Many Hands Needed to Make Reusable Pad Systems for MCC’S Dignity Kits
April 28, 20253-5 PM TUESDAY, MAY 6 AND 10 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 28 IN ROOM 7A | RSVP APPRECIATED: EMAIL CLAUDIA HOLTZMAN
Derry Church is partnering with Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC’s) ongoing project to sew eco-friendly, washable menstrual pads for women and girls who don’t have ready access to these items. Access to these supplies increases school attendance.
MCC supplies the fabric layers, we supply the labor: people who can sew, people who can prep materials, people who can turn completed projects inside out and add finishing touches.
This project will continue monthly on different days and at various times so that as many people as possible can participate. Keep an eye on the eNews for upcoming dates.
Bobbie Atkinson • Heritage Committee Member and Elder
April 24, 2025
When Milton Hershey returned to the Derry area in 1903 to build his chocolate factory and establish a model industrial town, church membership began to grow. In 1909 Derry was able to call its first pastor since 1874, Reverend C. Benjamin Segelken. The Pastor provided important leadership and significant changes occurred during his one year pastorate. A choir was organized, a pianist hired and the Ladies Guild was established. Reverend Segelken was succeeded by Reverend George Rentz. The congregation continued to slowly expand and in the mid-1920s the Session and Trustees began discussing plans to expand the Chapel.
In the midst of making these plans to add more classrooms and space for fellowship, Derry’s pastor, Reverend Robert Taylor, received a letter from Charles Seibert Losh of Midmer-Losh Incorporated Pipe Organs offering a pipe organ that he had built in 1926 for Thomas Edison’s West Orange, New Jersey recording studio. During the 1920s, organ music had become very popular but good recordings were difficult to create. The heavy bass pipe frequencies seemed to distort the recording process. Edison was experimenting with various types of organs and Midmer-Losh organs seemed to give him the best results.
The Midmer-Losh organ offered to Derry Church was specially built for Edison’s recording studio. It was an eight-rank, three-manual symphonic organ that could be used to play popular music, as well as classical and sacred music. It had a seven-octave Choir keyboard with 12 extra keys in bass and treble which allowed the organist to play pedal tones on a manual key with fingers rather than using the foot pedals, thus simplifying the organist’s work. Also, Losh was very interested in creating synthetic tones that he called “unification.” Pipe organs have very pure fundamental tones but harmonic tones are more appealing to the human ear. Losh’s organ had a set of pipes creating fundamental tones but he also had some of those same pipes sound also by electrical connection or unification creating harmonics that added strength and color to the tone. Thus, he was able to get more perfect and beautiful tones from his instrument.
The Edison recording studio closed in 1928. Mr. Losh purchased the organ from Edison and, according to his letter, had previously talked with Reverend Taylor about the church acquiring this organ. His sale price was $3,000. Losh offered to install it and promised it would be “ready for use” on or before August 15 of that year. Derry decided not to accept that offer, probably because the church was still financing other building projects including repairs to the cemetery wall (1922) and the construction of the manse (1924). Any future consideration was delayed with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929.
Even though Derry Church declined Mr. Losh’s offer, Mr. Losh and his wife, Esther Johnston of Cornwall, and his young son, Samuel, moved to Hershey after he retired from the Midmer-Losh company. They moved into the old United Brethren Church (now the First United Methodist Church) at 333 Park Avenue that was renovated as a residence and organ workshop. The Edison studio organ was installed in their new home. All this was made possible because the Methodist Church hired Mr. Losh to install a new organ in the church’s new building on Chocolate Avenue. Mr. Losh received the old building at 333 Park Avenue and one dollar as payment. Mr. Losh died in January, 1934 but his wife continued to live on Park Avenue until 1962 when she relocated to Reading.
In 1933 Derry Church was again approached by Mr. Losh’s wife. She offered to sell the Edison organ for $1,500. By then Derry Church had revived its plans to expand the Chapel. In the church archives, there is a letter between Reverend John Corbin (then the current pastor), and the architectural firm developing plans for the expansion, to confirm that the organ installation would not affect any future plans to enlarge the Chapel.
Derry Church agreed to purchase the organ and Mr. Losh installed the organ in the Chapel. The pipes were installed above the west transept. The organ was first played on August 19, 1933. The following week a formal recital by Paul Allwardt, an up-and- coming organist at Union Theological Seminary, New York, was held on August 24.
The Chapel organ created opportunities for Derry to host organ concerts by noted organists. Clarence Kohlmann, organist at The Auditorium in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, presented a recital in the Chapel on October 5. The program included favorite numbers climaxing with “The Creation” and “The Storm” which were featured selections at Ocean Grove every afternoon during the summer months.
The organ was formally dedicated on October 26, 1933 with the Reverend John C. Corbin officiating. Reverend Dr. Walter W. Edge, pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, presented the sermon. Mrs. H.H. Rhodes, organist at Middletown (PA) Presbyterian Church, was guest organist.
This organ provided music for worship until the Sanctuary was built in 1966. By that time, serious repairs were needed but were not completed. The organ was removed from the Chapel in the mid-1970s.
Click here to listen to a recording of the Edison Studio Midmer-Losh organ.
April 2025 Financial Snapshot
April 23, 2025
Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 3/31/25:
| ACTUAL | BUDGETED | |
| Income YTD: | $214,588 | $115,663 |
| Expenses YTD: | $ 99,718 | $120,256 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) YTD: | $114,870 | ($4,593) |
Curious About Icons?
April 23, 202512:45 PM MONDAY, APRIL 28 IN ROOM 7
6 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 29 IN THE CHAPEL
In Eastern Christianity, icons are considered “windows to heaven,” serving as both visual representations of sacred figures and a means of spiritual connection with the divine. They are not merely religious art, but objects of veneration and prayer, believed to possess a spiritual power that can draw the believer closer to God.
On April 28, Pastor Stephen will share his icon collection with the Prime Timers, talk about the messages held within, and give more information about how icons are made and used.
Icons will also be the focus in Tuesday evening worship led by Pastor Stephen on April 29.
Read and Reflect with Pastor Stephen “On Tyranny”
April 23, 20259:15 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 8 IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM
Historian Timothy Snyder draws on the lessons of history to offer insights into how democratic societies can resist the rise of authoritarianism. Through 20 clear and compelling lessons, Snyder warns of the dangers of complacency, the erosion of truth, and the importance of protecting the values that sustain freedom.
In this book discussion led by Pastor Stephen, we’ll reflect on the historical parallels Snyder highlights, examine the lessons he urges us to learn, and explore how these lessons can shape our actions today. Our time together with this book will challenge us to think critically about our responsibility as citizens and the role we each play in safeguarding democracy and shaping a just society.
Timely Topics: The Six Moral Foundations
April 22, 20258:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, APRIL 27 IN THE CHAPEL
Why are good people divided by politics and religion? Why do some people like spicy food while others do not? In “The Righteous Mind” (The April selection for Read and Reflect with Pastor Stephen) Professor Jonathan Haidt attempts to answer the first question by developing a framework that he calls Moral Foundations Theory (MFT). Haidt argues that humans have six moral foundations through which we view politics and policy: Care/Harm, Fairness/Cheating, Loyalty/Betrayal, Authority/Subversion, Sanctity/Degradation, and Liberty/Oppression.
These moral foundations, according to Haidt, act as our political “taste buds” and explain our political preferences in the same way that our lingual taste buds explain our culinary preferences. Some political ideologies rely on the Care/Harm foundation while others rely on Loyalty/Betrayal. Some people taste Fairness in terms of equality while others do so in terms of proportionality. Some people prefer salty food, some prefer sweet.
On April 27, join Pastor Stephen for this introductory lesson on Moral Foundations Theory.
Rev. Nancy Joiner Reinert • Retired Presbyterian Church (USA) Pastor
April 17, 2025Jesus:
challenged, threatened, trapped
misunderstood and mistreated
interrogated and ridiculed
Betrayed
Denied, abandoned, arrested, convicted
Jesus was taunted, ridiculed, mocked
spat upon, stripped, whipped
all without defending himself
Crucified
While the earth turned dark
and the Temple curtain tore
he gave up his life.
Dead and Buried
Friends rescued his bruised body
from the ugly cross
wrapped it in linen
and laid it in a garden tomb
And us with him, our pain, our doubts
our messes —
misunderstandings, conflicts,
denials, challenges, betrayals, unbelief
fear, anger, hurt, failures
Sealed in the dark tomb
Hidden from the Light to turn to ashes
And on the third day
Light poured into the empty tomb
The power of Death –
and our daily little deaths –
defeated
Christ is risen!
Word in flesh
And we are born into the Light
Forgiven
Transformed
Eternally
Love empowered
Easter People
Holy Week at Derry Church
April 16, 2025
April 13
Palm Sunday Worship
8 am Chapel
10:30 am Sanctuary | Live streaming
April 15
Evening Worship & Communion
6 pm Tuesday, April 15 | Chapel
No Terrific Tuesday dinner tonight
April 17
Maundy Thursday Worship
7 pm Sanctuary | Live streaming
12-9 pm Walk the Labyrinth | Fellowship Hall
April 18
Good Friday Worship
7 pm Chapel
9 am-9 pm Walk the Labyrinth | Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 19
9 am – 12 pm Walk the Labyrinth | Fellowship Hall
April 20
Easter Sunday (Note worship time change)
8-10:30 am Breakfast | Fellowship Hall | Donation supports mission trips
9 & 11 am Worship | Sanctuary | Live streaming
Click here to sign up to be an usher on Palm Sunday or Easter
Piper Stagg • Derry Member
April 10, 2025Dear Derry Family,
As a recipient of the Derry Youth Servant Leadership Scholarship, I wanted to share an update on how the scholarship has gone towards my education. I am enrolled at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, and I am in my sophomore year.
As a freshman, I began pursuing degrees in Marine Science and Outdoor Business & Innovation. I am a member of the newly established Plankton Ecology Lab, led by Professor Trica Thibodeau. Through the fall and spring, I was part of a team that analyzed data on the abundance of copepods, a type of zooplankton, in an Oxygen Minimum Zone in the southeastern Pacific Ocean to understand better how the food webs in the area will change as the Oxygen Minimum Zone expands. We presented our findings at the University’s spring research symposium. I made the Dean’s List for both the fall and spring semesters.
This year I am continuing my work in the Plankton Ecology Lab, and my research will be focused on cataloging and identifying the species of plankton that live in the waters of the Saco River and nearby Saco Bay. I will continue exploring these waters during my free time as I become SCUBA certified through the university’s SCUBA Club. I am joining the team of Student Ambassadors and I will be facilitating tours for prospective students and families.
I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my education at UNE, which was made possible in part by the Brong Scholarship. If anyone from the Derry family is ever in Maine, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Congratulations to our 2025 Mission Madness Champion and Medalists!
April 9, 2025Overall Champ:
McKinsey “Beginner’s Luck” Bailey (friend of Jeremy Mohler who filled out a bracket for the first time ever!)
Top 5 Overall Finishers (receives engraved medal)
2. Dennis “The Menace” Hosler
3. Jim “Satchmo” Royer
4. Jack “Pristine” Keene
5. Jim “Grizzly” Cunningham
Best in Staff/Session/Deacons
Mike “The Bracket Doctor” Reed (also the first ever Mission Madness grand champion!)
Best in Music
Cindy Royer (impressive husband-wife showing this year!)
Best in Children
Ollie “Outsmarts” Bartz
Best in Youth
Andrew “Phanatic” Burke (son of 2020 Grand Champion Tracy!)
Best in Seniors (born before the Truman era)
Dave “The Bearcat” Gloeckler
Shout-out and thanks to commissioner Pete Steelman for organizing this annual fundraiser nine years running, creating nicknames for the winners and keeping us entertained with bi-weekly emails. The total amount raised for Paskistan scholarships will be reported in an upcoming edition of this eNews.
Local Mission Opportunity
April 9, 20258 AM SATURDAY, APRIL 26 IN HARRISBURG • RSVP to Pete Feil or Charlie Koch by Thursday, April 24
Join Derry members and friends in partnership with Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg to repair two houses in Harrisburg. Bring your own tools if you like. Lunch and a T-shirt provided.
Julie Wetzel • Fundraising/Marketing Manager, Love INC of Greater Hershey
April 3, 2025Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, the eNews feature article highlights the mission focus for the month. In April we’re lifting up community involvement.
Love INC of Greater Hershey serves as a vital beacon of hope and practical support for individuals and families facing hardship in our community. Through a network of local churches, including Derry Church, Love INC acts as a bridge, connecting those in need with essential resources and compassionate assistance. Going beyond simple referrals, Love INC cultivates genuine relationships, offering personalized support that addresses the root causes of challenges. From providing basic necessities like toiletries and household cleaning supplies to tackling complex issues such as housing and financial instability, Love INC’s holistic approach empowers individuals toward lasting self-sufficiency.
We are so thankful for your continued support of our ministries. Love INC significantly impacted our community in 2024, serving over 500 families and providing $566K worth of services on a $279K budget, with the support of 6,350 volunteer hours. Our office is located in the Derry Church’s Mission House, which is the hub for our Connection Center and Personal Care Closet Ministry. We are also thankful for the many volunteers from Derry Church who serve in various capacities. Derry members can be found working the phones in our Connection Center, helping at one of the Parsonages, packing bags in the Personal Care Closet, providing support to families in our Homes of Hope Program, volunteering for our annual 5K Race, and donating Auction items, personal care items and sneakers throughout the year.
Love INC has several urgent volunteer needs:
- Parsonage Ministry needs both House Managers and Housekeepers for weekly shifts. These shifts are flexible hours.
- The Connection Center (office) is seeking to add two individuals with compassionate listening skills, who are comfortable using a computer to serve weekly in reception and/or intake roles.
- Volunteers are needed for the planning team for the annual 5K race in June.
Interested individuals can contact the office at 717-835-0101 or email Michelle Miduri.
Love INC appreciates Derry member Teresa Hutcheson’s service on the Board of Directors and her long-time commitment to our ministries, particularly her passion for the Personal Care Closet. With Teresa’s recent resignation, Love INC is seeking a new Board member. The Board meets the third Thursday of each month at Derry Church. Members are encouraged to be active in ministries and special events as they are able. Recommendation and inquiries can be directed to Dale Forshey, Love INC’s Executive Director.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need!
Timely Topics: Freedom of Speech
April 2, 20258:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, APRIL 6 IN THE CHAPEL WITH PASTOR STEPHEN
Among other cherished values, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” What does this mean today?
Generally speaking, it means that the government may not jail, fine, or impose civil liability on people or organizations based on what they say or write, except in exceptional circumstances. The question of what constitutes free speech and what are its limits has been a hot topic in recent weeks. The U.S. Supreme Court has struggled to determine what exactly constitutes protected speech. For this Timely Topics, Pastor Stephen will discuss some broader definitions and limits of free speech as determined by past Supreme Court cases, and look at questions raised today through the lens of one particular Supreme Court case: Texas V. Johnson, which dealt with the act of burning an American flag.
Do You Have a Free Ham Certificate You’re Not Using?
April 2, 2025You can help offset the cost of Derry’s Terrific Tuesday Easter ham dinner on April 8 by sharing free ham certificates with our hospitality coordinator, Amanda Bentley. Contact her no later than Sunday, April 6. Thanks, Derry!
Place Your Order for Easter Flowering Plants
April 2, 2025
Place your order for Easter flowering plants in honor or in memory of loved ones by filling out and returning forms available at the insert rack outside the kitchen. Include checks payable to Derry Church, notated “Easter Flowers.”
Pots of Easter lilies and tulips (new this year) will decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 20. You can take them home after the 11 am service. Plants are $12 each. To ensure your loved ones’ names will be printed in the Easter bulletin, submit dedication information to Kathy Yingst by April 16.
Walk the Labyrinth in Holy Week
April 2, 202512- 9 PM THURSDAY, APR 17 | 9 AM – 9 PM FRIDAY, APR 18 | 9 AM – 12 PM SATURDAY, APR 19 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
What is a labyrinth and how does one walk it?
A labyrinth is an ancient geometric pattern dating to at least 2,500 BCE. Labyrinths have been part of the Christian experience from as early as the 4th century. Perhaps the best known is in the Chartres Cathedral in France. A labyrinth is not a maze. A single path meanders to the center and brings the walker out again. There is no right or wrong way to walk. You may walk slowly and intentionally, or you may dance or skip! The only rule is courtesy for other walkers.
A few suggestions:
• Please remove you shoes for the care of the labyrinth
• Before you enter, take a moment to set an intention
• Find your own speed
• Pass or be passed by those you meet
• Stop when you feel like stopping
• Pay attention to your body
• Pay attention to what you see, hear, feel
Allow at least half an hour for the experience. There will be informational materials available to give you guidelines, and there will often be hosts available, especially in the evening.
Walking a labyrinth is prayer in motion. It is a sacred journey. May it bless your walk through Holy Week.
Learn About Plans to Renovate the Sanctuary Choir Loft
April 2, 202511:30 AM SUNDAY, APRIL 13 IN THE SANCTUARY AND STREAMING
The Building & Grounds Committee has been working on a plan to improve safety and enhance acoustics in the Sanctuary choir loft. This plan has been presented to Session and is now being discussed in committee meetings. Because the plan will bring changes to the look of a beloved worship space, leaders want to give everyone an opportunity to learn about the project, see pictures, have a chance to ask questions, and take part in the discussion.
Lasses & Lassies Banquet
April 2, 20256 PM SATURDAY, MAY 3 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
All women and girls are cordially invited to the annual Presbyterian Women’s banquet in conjunction with St. John’s United Methodist Church in Grantville. The theme is “Hats Women Wear” (referring to the many roles women have).
The menu includes appetizers (cheese cubes and raw vegetables), tossed salad, ham or turkey, scalloped potatoes, green beans, carrots, dessert and drinks. Following the meal, the Milton S. Hershey Show Chorus will perform in the Sanctuary.
Gluten-free meals available: request when you purchase tickets. $15 for ages 12 and up, $6 for 2-11, free for girls two and under. Purchase tickets in the Narthex after worship on April 20 or 27. Since it’s Derby Day, guests are welcome to wear a favorite hat.
Men are needed to help with serving and clean-up and will enjoy a free meal. Contact Doris Feil to volunteer.
Co-Ed Softball Returns This Year
April 2, 2025
Derry Church is recruiting men and women age 14 and up to play softball this summer with a focus on fellowship and fun. Games will begin in May and end in August, with play on either Tuesday or Thursday nights at three fields within a 30-minute drive of the church.
This is slow-pitch softball, so most of the rules are the same as baseball. Those who sign up should commit to being available for at least half of the games. Your coaches are Pastor Shawn and Stephanie Vance. To sign up, contact Pastor Shawn by April 27.