News

8:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, APRIL 6 IN THE CHAPEL WITH PASTOR STEPHEN

Among other cherished values, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. “Congress shall make no law . . .  abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” What does this mean today?

Generally speaking, it means that the government may not jail, fine, or impose civil liability on people or organizations based on what they say or write, except in exceptional circumstances. The question of what constitutes free speech and what are its limits has been a hot topic in recent weeks. The U.S. Supreme Court has struggled to determine what exactly constitutes protected speech. For this Timely Topics, Pastor Stephen will discuss some broader definitions and limits of free speech as determined by past Supreme Court cases, and look at questions raised today through the lens of one particular Supreme Court case: Texas V. Johnson, which dealt with the act of burning an American flag.

You can help offset the cost of Derry’s Terrific Tuesday Easter ham dinner on April 8 by sharing free ham certificates with our hospitality coordinator, Amanda Bentley. Contact her no later than Sunday, April 6. Thanks, Derry!

Place your order for Easter flowering plants in honor or in memory of loved ones by filling out and returning forms available at the insert rack outside the kitchen. Include checks payable to Derry Church, notated “Easter Flowers.”

Pots of Easter lilies and tulips (new this year) will decorate the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 20. You can take them home after the 11 am service. Plants are $12 each. To ensure your loved ones’ names will be printed in the Easter bulletin, submit dedication information to Kathy Yingst by April 16.

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. 

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 2/28/25:

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)