News

We’ve recently installed a new hearing assist system in the Sanctuary that offers a standard headphone option or a loop that connects with many hearing aids so sound is heard through the user’s hearing aids. If you have questions about how to use the new system, see deacon Dave Hibshman on Sunday. Big thanks to Dave for working to seamlessly incorporate the new devices into our sound system.

If you prefer to use the previous hearing assist system, it is still available and operational.

During the cold winter season, Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area offers two walk-in overnight shelters so that everyone who needs a place can have a warm space to sleep. To support their efforts, our Mission & Peace Committee is holding a drive from Jan 15-Feb 15 to collect food, clothing, toiletries, and needed items for the shelters. Click to view and download the list. Drop items in the designated basket in the mission closet in the Ruth Codington Library.

In this winter season, plans can change quickly. When snowy, icy weather is forecast, here’s where you can find church schedule changes:

• At the top of the church website in the black ALERTS bar
• Posted on Derry’s social media channels (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)
• Text messages to everyone signed up to receive alerts from Derry Church: sign up here to get on that list

It’s our practice NOT to send email notifications for every closing and schedule change as these can be frequent and not everyone subscribed to our email list needs the same information.

12:45 PM MONDAY, JAN 8 IN ROOM 7A

This week Prime Timers offers an opportunity to learn more about traveling to Iceland. Join Pastor Stephen and others who’ve been there to hear their stories and advice, see pictures, and learn more about the country and its history, customs, and traditions — like a giant Christmas cat! If you’ve traveled to Iceland, bring along your pictures, souvenirs, and stories to share.

This winter, warm up with a good book in the Ruth Codington Library. Come find a new-to-you character who shares your inspirational word of 2024. Will you be Brave like octogenarians Ch’idzigyaak and Sa’ in Velma Wallis’s icy Alaskan legend? Determined like Phillis Wheatley who stood trial in front of our Founding Fathers to defend her poetry? Or maybe you’d like to reread warm and fuzzy favorites as you strive to be Kind like Summer in Wonder, or Loyal like wizard sidekick, Ron Weasley (there are more than 15 Harry Potter related titles in our library!)

Look for books any time in our online catalog. Or, stop in to browse the shelves (the library is just inside lower Entrance #1) and add your input on the graffiti wall.

3:30 PM SUNDAY, JAN 28 AT CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 421 DEERFIELD RD, CAMP HILL

The Presbytery of Carlisle invites you to celebrate the Ordination of Kevin Long to the Ministry of Word & Sacrament and his Commissioning as Organizing Pastor of the Intertwined worshiping community in Harrisburg.

In recent months, Kevin has presented two Issues Classes at Derry Church: one on Intertwined and the Need for More Worshiping Communities and one on Eco-Justice. 

7 PM MONDAY, JAN 15 IN ROOM 7B AND ON ZOOM

The first opportunity for you to discuss Derry’s church-wide anniversary book selection happens this month. Join in person or on Zoom as Claudia Holtzman leads a discussion of David Latimer’s memoir of how he and Martin McGuinness worked together for peace in Northern Ireland. Rev. Latimer was pastor of First Derry Presbyterian Church, Londonderry, and will be our featured guest speaker in September. Copies are available in the church library.

The following items are urgently needed and can be dropped off in the designated basket in Derry Church’s mission closet in the lower level atrium:  

• Regular feminine pads
• Super Tampons
• Household Cleaners
• Baby Wipes
• Baby Wash
• Baby Shampoo

Love INC’s Personal Care Closet Ministry is a place where neighbors in need who use one of our partner food banks can receive personal care, household, and baby items like toothpaste, laundry detergent, and diapers—items not covered by food stamps.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 11/30/23:

The annual Derry Church staff Christmas video will be delivered on Saturday morning. This one’s a bit longer (about 12 minutes), so pour an extra cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a virtual holiday treat that combines Derry-style competition and some sweet entertainment! 

Come to church on Epiphany Sunday, Jan 7, and choose a star gift for 2024! Baskets of stars will be at the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances. Choose a star gift and reflect on that word for the coming year. Take it home and hang it up where you can see it every day. Ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message. 

Observant users of the church website will have noticed a new “300th Anniversary” tab has been added that includes a listing of anniversary events and a brand-new interactive church timeline. Keep up with all that’s happening in 2024 by checking the events tab throughout the year.