Oct 2021 Session Highlights

  • Welcomed and received Tim Mosher as Ruling Elder to fill the term vacated by David Han.
  • Treasurer Stephen Guenther reported that contributions are approximately $30,000 behind 2020 levels and budget. Committee spending is in line with the budget.
  • The Covid Task Force presented two recommendations: to permit the Deacons to sponsor the annual blood drive in December and to permit the Derry Brass to begin rehearsing with bell covers and social distancing with the possibility of being able to play in worship in late November. After reviewing the recommendations, the Session approved both. 
  • Approved Derry Discovery Days’ request to hold a Chipotle fundraiser night on Tuesday, November 9 from 4 to 8 pm at the downtown Hershey location. 
  • Personnel items discussed at the meeting included the following:
    • Dan Stokes is stepping away from working at Derry. Dan currently serves as organist at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hummelstown and would like to pursue volunteer activities as he moves into semi-retirement. The Session is grateful for Dan’s time and leadership and wishes him well.
    • Reviewed a proposal to hire Eric Riley as Artist in Residence: Choral Arts and Consultant. In this position Eric will work with and mentor Grant and the choir for a full choir season (until June 2023). The proposal was approved.
    • Approved removing the “transitional” designation from M.E. Steelman’s title and making her a permanent member of the church staff as Children’s Ministry Coordinator.
    • The Communication & Technology Committee has requested permission to seek and hire an Audio Visual Intern. We currently have a small but dedicated pool of volunteers who assist Sue George with the audio visual aspects of Sunday morning worship. Additional help is needed. The proposal is to work with local colleges to find a student who will learn all aspects of our live streaming and its production while earning college credit. The Session approved and is supportive of this trial program, which is not only of benefit to Derry but also to the community by hiring a student who will gain hands-on experience in his/her chosen field of study.