August 2021 Session Highlights

September 1, 2021

  • Approved baptisms for Cameron Bentley, son of Elia & Brian Bentley and Emmeline McGrath, daughter of Jillian and Ryan McGrath.
  • Use of Derry Church was approved for the following events:
    • Zumba Gold Fitness Classes beginning Sept 2 in Fellowship Hall on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:15 pm
    • Susquehanna Chorale Spring 2022 concert: rehearsal May 2, 2022 5-10 pm and concert May 13, 2022 5-10 pm in the Sanctuary
    • Rev. James Smith, Chaplain at Country Meadows, to conduct the marriage of his daughter on Dec 3, 2021 in the Chapel

For all activities, participants must adhere to Derry’s Covid policies.

  • Reviewed the Treasurer’s report; contributions are lagging behind last year at this time, spending is in line with budgeted projections. 
  • Approved hiring Josh Pearson for Derry’s part-time Sexton position.
  • Approved donating Derry’s van to Krislund Camp & Conference Center.
  • The following motions were passed in light of the Center for Disease Control’s recommendations issued on July 27, 2021 that “everyone in areas with high COVID-19 infection rates wear masks in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.” Dauphin County is classified as having a high infection rate on the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.
    • Require masks at both indoor services
    • Permit continued choral and congregational singing and other musical offerings with masks and social distancing
    • Require masks for all indoor gatherings (with a few exceptions for small funeral meals currently scheduled)
    • All children’s events (under age 12)
    • Postpone the start of Terrific Tuesday events until October 5, 2021
  • In addition, the Session approved a policy that strongly encourages all individuals, both staff and volunteers, who work with children age 12 and younger, be vaccinated.
  • Called a Congregational Meeting for October 10, 2021 for the purpose of electing new church Elders and Deacons as well as Nominating Committee members.
  • Derry’s Active Membership roll will be updated to delete the names of individuals who have moved or have not been active at Derry for a period of two years or more. Attempts have been made to contact these members.
  • Boyer & Ritter will be engaged to perform a review of Derry’s 2020 finances and accounting procedures at a cost of $6,600 using the “Agreed Upon Procedure” method.

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