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Over the next ten weeks, Emma will be helping produce the Sunday morning livestream, creating a series of short promotional videos, producing content for Derry’s social media feed, and engaging with the congregation.

Emma found her interest in communications through Derry and working with Sue George. “Back in seventh grade, Sue graciously dedicated each Tuesday morning to teach me about her job,” Emma says. “I distinctly remember walking around the church grounds together, taking photos for social media and having conversations about technology. Although that may not seem like much, the experience Sue provided me with unlocked my passion for communications and led me to pursue a career that I feel truly passionate about.”

Emma recently completed her first year at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, majoring in public relations and minoring in psychology. She is thrilled to dedicate her time towards this role during the summer and work with people who have always supported her. She would like to thank Derry for providing her with the opportunity to work with Sue and further develop her skills within the communication industry.

Emma’s parents are Derry members Tracy and Nicola Burke.

The final tallies are in, and Derry Church, you are AMAZING! Because of your generosity, dozens of deserving students are attending Presbyterian Education Board (PEB) schools in Pakistan at no cost to their families:

• 39 student scholarships continue through the 2025 “Shares for Scholarships” program, which includes 30 day students, nine boarding students, and 15 general fund day students: $25,309
• Your Mission Madness donations raised enough to support 5 day students: $2,095
• Claudia Holtzman’s kitchen window greeting card sales (to date) have purchased a scholarship for 1 day student: $412

2025 GRAND TOTAL: $27,816

It’s never too late to participate in the scholarship program for students in Pakistan: click here for more information.

Thank you, Derry Church, for giving so generously to provide a better life for others.

On Saturday, May 3, 40 Derry members and staff gathered for a presentation on security, safety, and emergency procedures led by former state police detective Bubba Fatula. Bubba emphasized the importance of having well-developed emergency plans, communicating them effectively, and reviewing them regularly.

Bubba commended us on the many things we are already doing well and offered valuable suggestions for further improvement. In response, the Safety and Security Committee will be implementing several of these recommendations in the coming months. These include offering “Stop the Bleed” training (and adding “stop the bleed” kits to our first aid arsenal), conducting clearly communicated drills—such as a Sunday morning fire drill—and providing brief quarterly updates and reviews of our Emergency Plan after worship services.

Thanks to everyone who attended, contributing to the success of this seminar. If you have questions or concerns about Derry’s safety and security procedures, contact Pastor Stephen or committee chair Charlie Koch.

8:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, MAY 18 IN THE CHAPEL

Pastor Stephen’s next Timely Topics explores Mimetic Theory and the Scapegoat Mechanism, based on the work of René Girard.

Mimetic Theory is the idea that human desire is imitative: we learn what to want by watching others. This shared desire can lead to rivalry, conflict, and eventually violence. To restore peace, societies often unconsciously unite against a scapegoat, blaming and expelling one individual to relieve communal tension. Girard argued that the Bible uniquely reveals and challenges this pattern. 

Join us to learn and reflect on how ancient patterns still shape our world, and how the Gospel offers a radical alternative.

• 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.

As 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!

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.

8:45 & 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.

6 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.

In 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. 

3-5 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.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 3/31/25: