March 2024 Session Highlights

  • Approved the use of the church building for the following events:
    • Wedding of Megan Jenkins and Brady Demey (non-members) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, to be officiated by Pastor Stephen – use of the Sanctuary plus rooms for the wedding party.
    • Musical program and reception as requested by the American Guild of Organists-Harrisburg Chapter on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 4 pm using the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall and kitchen.
    • Senior Recital and reception featuring Mathias Van de Louw on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 4 pm in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Derry Church members are invited to attend this event.
  • Received a financial report from the Stewardship & Finance Committee.
  • A cemetery workday to ready that area for various heritage events this year will be held on April 13. Volunteers interested in assisting should contact Bill Alexander.
  • The Derry 300 Committee has purchased a bronze sign describing the location and
    importance of the Derry spring. The sign will be installed along the bank in the rear of the church overlooking the golf course fairway and Derry spring. The Session approved the painting of a mural consisting of scenes from the 1700’s which will be placed next to the spring. Claudia Holtzman will be painting the mural which will be on marine grade plywood.
  • The Building & Grounds Committee submitted two Capital Procurement Requisitions for review and consideration. The first is to repair damaged Dryvit (synthetic stucco) on areas around the church damaged over time, and to inspect and repair/replace existing caulking around windows, sill ledges and joints. While the exact cost of the project will be dependent on damage discovered during the inspection, the estimated cost is $60,000. The second CPR is to add the final sections of downspouts and gutters to the rear of the church building. This is the final section of spouting/gutters to be replaced and added as other areas have been addressed. Cost of this project is estimated to be $30,000. The Elders will be reviewing these items with their respective committees. Final action will occur at the May stated Session meeting.
  • Approved the Derry Discovery Days Board’s request to invite the Cool Beans Brew coffee truck to return to Derry on May 8, 2024, from 8 to 10 am to provide coffee, tea and other beverages to the DDD staff for Teacher Appreciation Week.
  • It was the pleasure of the Session to meet with and receive the following new members on Sunday, March 17: Shauna Hoffman, Katelyn & Austin Laidler, Erica & Brendan MacFarlane, Ashley & Brian Shields, Linda Weller and David Whitenack.