News

12- 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.

11:30 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.  

6 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.

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. 

• Welcomed new members: Joong Mo & Hwayoung Ahn, Kelsey & Scott Kuntz, Dennis & Kelly Renaud, and Rachael Shocket & Kane Haga.
• Received the Treasurer’s report for the month of February.
• The Session discussed the Capital Procurement Requisition submitted at the February meeting which proposes installing two monitors in the Lounge for viewing and participating in the 10:30 worship service. This CPR will be voted upon at the April meeting, allowing more time for committee discussion, and to encourage people to visit and worship in the area on Sunday morning.
• Approved the installation of new cabinets and sink in Derry Discovery Days’ Ladybug classroom and the installation of a playhouse in the playground area. Both projects will be paid for by Derry Discovery Days.
• The Building & Grounds Committee requested approval to purchase new security software at a cost of $7,000 to be taken from the Capital Facilities fund. The request was approved.
• Pastor Stephen submitted a sabbatical proposal for early spring of 2027. During the sabbatical, he plans to focus on the political and theological aspects that led to the rise of Wiemar Republic and Nazism in Germany and what role, if any, the church should play in politics. He plans to study theologians and Christian leaders such as Bonhoeffer, Barth, and Niemoller. The proposal was approved.
• The Christian Education and Mission & Peace committees recommended that the Session approve a proposed Civil Rights tour for March 7-14, 2026 exploring the roots of the Civil Rights Movement and learning about those who fought for civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s. The tour will partner with Dr. Todd Allen of Messiah University who has been leading these tours for over 25 years. The proposal was approved.
• Approved Craig Kegerise to assist Summer Hakkinen with counting and depositing church offerings.
• The Building & Grounds Committee submitted a proposal for Sanctuary choir loft
  renovations to address safety and acoustical concerns. More information on the proposal will be presented at a congregational information session to be held after the 10:30 am April 13 (Palm Sunday) worship service in the Sanctuary.

Did you attend or watch Tim Mosher’s January 2025 Issues Class on the Attention Economy? Want to learn more? Come to the Ruth Codington Library and check out our new collection of

7:30 PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 26 | SANCTUARY

Market Square Concerts present the award-winning Trio Gaia from Boston. Violinist Grant Houston, cellist Yi-Mei Templeman, and pianist Ariel Mo will perform a delightfully eclectic program ranging from Robert Schumann’s fiery Piano Trio No. 1 and Debussy’s youthful Piano Trio, to Reena Esmail’s ethereal “Saans” (Breath), written as a wedding gift for a close friend, and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Four Folk Songs inspired by melodic motifs and rhythms of her mother’s homeland, Peru.

Single tickets are $35, $30 for seniors (65+), $5 for college students and free for school-age students with a $10 ticket available for one accompanying adult. Purchase by phone at 717-221-9599 or online at EventBrite, marketsquareconcerts.org/concerts or email aquist@marketsquareconcerts.org. Remaining tickets available at the door.

Derry Church’s golf league begins play on Tuesday, April 8 at Royal Oaks Golf Course near Lebanon. Play begins at 10 am in April and May. From June to September, play begins at 8:30 am. All skill levels are welcome. Interested? Contact Dave Szczesny (717-533-2269) or Ken Pearl (952-270-7694).

Join us August 6-8 (Wed-Fri) for two days of biking and two nights of lodging in Jim Thorpe. You will stay in the heart of downtown Jim Thorpe and experience 57 miles of riding on the D&L Trail. Check in at the Inn at Jim Thorpe the night before your ride, and take time to explore the quaint shops, museums, and history of this quaint town.

Day 1
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Broadway Grille and gear up for your day of bicycling. Then take a short walk to our bike shop, just a few buildings away. Next, we will shuttle you to the north end of the rail trail. You will ride The Full Monty from Glen Summit to Jim Thorpe. During your 36-mile ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park, you’ll encounter wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, scenic overlooks, railroad history, and more. The ride ends in historic Jim Thorpe.

Day 2
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Broadway Grille. After another short walk to the bike shop, you will be shuttled to the Lehigh Gap section of The D&L Trail. Then, ride along at your own pace for 21 miles. The trail follows the Lehigh River as it bends through small river towns. Along the way you will cross the Appalachian Trail, pass the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, as well as explore the ruins of the Lehigh Canal. Your rail trail biking ride ends when you cross the Mansion House Pedestrian Bridge in Jim Thorpe and arrive back at your car in Jim Thorpe.

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot. Or, call the Pocono Biking office at 570-732-5007 and secure your space with a $100 deposit. Ed will be happy to answer your questions and take care of all the details of your reservation, including lodging.

Pricing:
Individual with own bike: $275
Bike rental (if needed): $48
e-Bike rental (if needed): $160
Single supplement: $150 (for those traveling solo)

JUNE 6-7 AT THE PENN STATER IN STATE COLLEGE

The retreat also includes a mission project: making cards for Peace Promise of Camp Hill. Registration is $200 for a double room and $289 for a single room. Scholarships of $100 are available. Roommate registrations must be submitted together.  

The fee covers lodging, participant materials, lunch and two snacks on Saturday. Sessions begin at 7 pm Friday and end at 4 pm Saturday. Find registration forms on the PW bulletin board by entrance #4. Registration deadline: April 30. If you plan to attend, notify Doris Feil so the scholarship can be applied.

The Londonderry Village Auxiliary is holding a sub/pretzel sandwich fundraiser to support special projects at the Village. Order sheets are in the Narthex. Subs will be ready for pickup on Sunday, April 27 with money due at that time. Checks can be made out to LV Auxiliary and of course, cash is also accepted! Questions? Contact Cindy or Jim Warnock.

Orange Day on March 25 is a day dedicated to showing awareness of exploitation of females worldwide and some of the work being done to end it. North Star Initiative advocates for and supports survivors 0f sex trafficking by providing physical, psychological, emotional, educational, and spiritual development through a Christ-centered focus. Until 2024, they had the only 24×7 restoration home for these survivors in the entire region. A second home was opened in Berks County. Their program has a 4-phase plan with number of months allotted to each phase up to 12 for the complete program. This has been in operation since 2011 in Lancaster County. They also educate the public on how to stay alert and recognize tactics traffickers my use.  Wear orange or an orange ribbon on the March 25 to show support for this staff as well as others working to end the exploitation.