News

Dear Donor! Greetings in the name of Almighty God! Hello, how are you? I hope you are doing well. I am good as well. I am a student of Class 8. I live with my mother as my father passed away before my birth. My mother is a tailor. Recently, I have been promoted to class 8 with outstanding grades. It’s my dream to become a doctor and to save life and serve humanity. My mother’s earnings are not enough to support my education. I am grateful for whatever you have done for me whether it’s my education or the strong and beautiful building that you have built for us. Thank you so much for your love and kindness.

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide 11 scholarships every year. You can help.

One share is $40, making it easy to support a portion of a scholarship so that more children can receive a quality, life-changing education. A full scholarship is $400/year for a day student and $800/year for a boarding student.  

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or click here to read more and make your donation online. 

This fundraiser continues through February 2025.

Rob Zell’s last day as our Sunday sexton is February 23 as he prepares to move out of town. Hours for this part-time position are from 8 am – 1 pm on Sundays. The Sunday Sexton provides a consistent, recurring, centralized focal point for matters pertaining to hospitality, emergency management, and security of Church attendees. The sexton also provides operational support for church staff and programs on Sunday morning including preparing the church building and grounds and clean up of activities. Click here to download a job description. Those interested in the role are invited to send a resume to Pastor Stephen.

12:45 PM MONDAY, FEB 24 IN ROOM 7

Join Pastor Stephen and the Prime Timers to explore the question of whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Pastor Stephen will consider the relationship between the religious affiliation and views of the nation’s founders and the instituting documents of the nation, and reflect on what difference it makes for the Christian citizen today.

This study will be guided by Dr. John Fea’s book Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? A Historical Primer for Christians. Dr. Fea is a professor at Messiah University and has led classes on this topic at Derry. Everyone welcome: bring a friend! 

10 AM SATURDAY, MAR 1 AT THE BOYD BIG TREE PRESERVE CONSERVATION AREA

You are invited to join Derry”s Wellness Connection on a hike in Northern Dauphin County. There are options for a 5.3 mile hike of moderate difficulty or an easy 2.3 mile hike. Hikers, contact Tim Mosher for more details.

8:45 & 11:45 AM SUNDAY, FEB 23 IN THE CHAPEL 

Pastor Stephen is pausing 11 Minute Lessons to try something new: conversations and teaching around a timely topic in the news or community.  

In his recent Issues Class on managing polarities, Pastor Stephen said that the reason our society is so polarized is because often we only see and articulate the positive aspects of our pole/side while focusing on the negative points of the other side. This leads to more conflict and division because we end up comparing our best with their worst. We need to be able to articulate positive and negatives of each pole and listen with humility and openness as others share. 

The new Presidential administration has had an active first month in power with appointments, executive orders, and decisions. In this session, Pastor Stephen will invite participants to share in one minute what they see as one positive and one negative of any one action or order. This is not a time to debate: it’s a time to listen and gain a better understanding of our neighbor’s point of view. After everyone has shared, we’ll debrief and consider what we’ve heard and learned. This is an opportunity to practice being able to see and hear beyond our echo chambers and stay in the room with difference.

Dear Friend of EMS Sargodha School, I’m Aliza, a sixth grader, and one of three siblings. I love painting in my free time; it’s my favorite hobby! Studying is my passion, but it’s tough for my father to afford it. Your donation is a blessing. Because of you, I can attend a good school and chase my dream. I am a good player in badminton. Thank you very much.

Friends of Sargodha’s goal is to continue to provide 11 scholarships every year. You can help.

One share is $40, making it easy to support a portion of a scholarship so that more children can receive a quality, life-changing education. A full scholarship is $400/year for a day student and $800/year for a boarding student.  

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or click here to read more and make your donation online. 

This fundraiser continues through February 2025.

11:30 AM THURSDAY, FEB 27 AT HIDDEN STILL SPIRITS, 505 W. CHOCOLATE AVE, HERSHEY

Join the Derry Day Trippers for lunch and an opportunity to plan fun day tripping activities in the months ahead.

Everyone is welcome. RSVP to Sue Whitaker (864-494-7414).

9:15 AM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE SANCTUARY
Join Derry Discovery Days preschool families for a brief conversation with Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn, and imposition of ashes.

7 PM WEDNESDAY, MAR 5 IN THE CHAPEL
A contemplative hour-long service led by Pastor Stephen and Pastor Shawn includes hymns, a sermon, and celebration of the Lord’s supper along with imposition of ashes.

11 AM MONDAYS BEGINNING FEB 17 IN THE HAMMOND LIBRARY
“Christianity and World Religions: Questions We Ask About Other Faiths” by Adam Hamilton

In this study, you’ll take a closer look at four primary world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism – and learn about their core beliefs, practices, and theological perspectives while also exploring how Christians can engage with these faiths constructively.

THREE-MONTH SERIES BEGINS MONDAY, MAR 3 IN ROOM 2 AND ON ZOOM: 
“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis | Led by Debbie Hough
MAR 3: “The Reluctant Convert” video & discussion: meet CS Lewis
APR 7: Did the Devil Make You Do It? Screwtape Letters 1-10
MAY 5: Screwtape Letters 11-31 & loose ends

This satirical novel consists of 31 letters written by a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter tasked with leading a young British man (referred to as “the Patient”) away from God and toward Hell. Screwtape provides strategic advice on how to subtly tempt the Patient through various means, such as exploiting family tensions, encouraging spiritual pride, distracting him from genuine faith, and manipulating his emotions and relationships. Set during World War II, the story explores the nuanced ways humans can be led astray through small sins and gradual spiritual deterioration, with Screwtape emphasizing that “the safest road to Hell is the gradual one.” Ultimately, Wormwood fails in his mission, as the Patient becomes a committed Christian and dies during the Blitz, going to Heaven—a result that leads Screwtape to threaten to consume Wormwood for his incompetence.

Derry Discovery Days Preschool is now accepting registrations from Derry Church families for their 1- and 2-Year old classrooms starting in September 2025.  These classes meet 2-4 times a week from 9-11:30 am and offer great socialization and early learning with loving teachers.

The preschool also has limited space available in our afternoon 4-Year-Old Butterfly Class that focuses on kindergarten preparation. Please contact Laura Cox, preschool director, for more information and to set up a tour.

6:30-8:30 PM FRIDAY, FEB 28 IN FELLOWSHIP HALL | FREE!

Bring a dessert to share and lace up your dancing shoes: it’s time for Derry’s annual square dance! Half-way through we’ll take a break to sample delicious desserts brought by the participants, and the best-dressed boy and girl will be recognized. Bring a friend or neighbor! All ages welcome.

2 PM SUNDAY, MAR 2 IN THE LOUNGE

All females are invited to the 2025 Winter Tea themed “Songs of Faith.” Attendees will share a story or memory of a special song or hymn of faith. Singing is not required, but you can if you wish. It’s a great time to get to know fellow members and children better: no one is too young or too old to enjoy fellowship, tea and treats.