News

It’s finally time for the 2024 Paris Olympics! No plane ticket to France? That’s ok! Cycle, skateboard, canoe, breaststroke, or ride your dressage horse to the Ruth Codington Library and join the Derry Church Reading Olympics! No need for volleyball sand in your shorts: all you have to do is read books (from ANY library) that meet our reading challenges.

There are 10 challenges that correspond to thrilling Olympic events.

• Complete any three and you are a bronze medalist
• Six challenges earn you a silver
• Complete all 10 and you’ve won a gold!

All medalists will find their names on the Wall of Fame in the library (sorry…no actual medals. Just Olympic glory and bragging rights!)

Each completed challenge is also an entry for you in the grand prize Name-a-Pastor-Stephen-Sermon raffle (and perhaps another golden surprise…)

Click this link to access the official challenge tracker. Turn in the tracker at the library, or email your progress to Lauren June.

BONUS: Send a photo of yourself reading OR doing ANY Olympic event to Sue George and you earn 2 extra RAFFLE ENTRIES PER PHOTO!

6 PM TUESDAY, AUG 27 ON THE FRONT LAWN, WEATHER PERMITTING

In celebration of all of God’s creatures and their presence in our lives, Derry Church offers its 17th annual worship service that includes a hands-on blessing of animals and the people with whom they live. Animals on leash, in a kennel, or otherwise controlled are invited to attend along with their owners. Praise songs and hymns, prayer and a brief meditation are also a part of the worship service. Dress casual.

You’re invited to bring donations for the Humane Society as an outreach to those who help care for animals in need of help and homes. Click for a list of most-needed items.

9:15 AM SATURDAY, AUG 24 AT PAXTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • RSVP TO DORIS FEIL

“Avoiding Scammers & Hackers” is the featured morning program. Led by Jerry Mitchell of PA Office of the Attorney General., the talk will begin promptly at 9:30 am. The afternoon program is an introduction to the new Bible study, “Let Justice Roll Down,” presented by Kathy Wells, retired Christian Ed Director from Mechanicsburg. All women are invited to participate. Light lunch available for a minimal donation.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 6/30/24:

6:30 PM MONDAY, AUG 19 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Enjoy an evening of trivia for ages 12 & up led by Bill Warner, who presents similar events in the Lebanon area. Expect sets of questions on Derry’s 300th anniversary, Milton Hershey, music, sports, news, and more. Teams of up to six may be formed that night or beforehand. Light desserts will be served at intermission.

This event is hosted by the Derry Day Trippers and is open to all. RSVP by Aug 12 to Richard Carty, Sue Whitaker, or Cathy Olson.

5:30 PM TUESDAY, AUG 20 AT MIKE & KAREN LEADER’S FARM, HUMMELSTOWN • RAIN DATE: THURSDAY, AUG 22

A summer classic, the Derry Church corn roast features delicious corn on the cob roasted over hot coals, plus hot dogs and soft drinks. Guests bring a side dish or dessert to share.

There’s a pond for fishing (bring your own gear) and plenty of activities and games for all ages to enjoy.

The corn roast is free. If you’d like to make a donation to help offset the cost of the corn roast, you can do so at the event.

No need to RSVP. Need directions? Call the church office: 717-533-9667.

Many hands needed to set up and clean up: email Karen Carns to volunteer.

INTRODUCTORY ZOOM MEETING AT 4 PM THURSDAY, JULY 25: CLICK TO JOIN

Derry’s Mission & Peace Committee is exploring the possibility of offering English as a Second Language classes at the church for arriving immigrants. The first step is finding people who would like to learn how to teach the classes. Interested volunteers would then take a certification class in Harrisburg, offered Friday evening and all day Saturday, Sept 20 – 21. The cost to attend is $50 per person. 

Join a Zoom meeting next Thursday to learn more. Questions? Contact Sue Whitaker.

7 PM FRIDAY, JULY 26 IN THE SANCTUARY • FREE WILL OFFERING

Hear some of the most talented professional musicians Central Pennsylvania has to offer! Nina Cline, soprano, Leah Kaye Serr, mezzo-soprano, Christyan Seay, tenor, Matthew Robinson, baritone, and Dan Dorty, accompanist, present an eclectic voice recital including opera, oratorio, Broadway, and sacred music. 

1 PM THURSDAY, SEPT 19 AT ROYAL OAKS GOLF CLUB, LEBANON

Golfer check-in starts at 12 pm. Entry fee is $100 and includes greens fees, use of cart, hot dog lunch, beverages, practice balls and a hot buffet dinner following play. Golfers have a chance to win hole-in-one prizes. Tournament prizes will be awarded for three flights and contest holes. Proceeds benefit Londonderry Village’s Good Samaritan Fund. Register online or call Olivia at 717-838-5406 x 3052 to request a brochure with registration form. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome! Questions? Contact Jim or Cindy Warnock.

During a week in early June, five Derry folks and friends from Morgan Stanley were able to build three houses in the Dominican Republic. The dedication of this new home was especially moving since Yokenia, her partner and their five children had just been evicted from the tiny house which they were renting. The group also held Bible school activities, first in an open field, and then on the local bar veranda which had been closed so we could use it! Thank you, Derry, as this was all possible through your generous support of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.