News

DROP OFF SNEAKERS JUNE 6-AUG 3 • MONETARY DONATIONS ALSO WELCOME

Registrations from students in need have already been collected in Lower Dauphin and Derry Township school districts so that children can receive new sneakers before the start of the 2022-23 school year. Now it’s time to find NEW sneakers to put on their feet. 300+ pairs are needed in various sizes:

• For male students, children’s size 11 through adult size 17
• For female students, children’s size 11 through adult size 12
• No laces preferred for smaller children
• Name-brand athletic sneakers (low or hightop) are preferred for quality and durability; please avoid hiking shoes, discount store and super mart brands.

Purchases at Reebok in the Tanger Outlets at Hershey may be left at the store (and you can drop shoes there that you’ve purchased elsewhere). Sneaker purchases can also be brought to the Love INC office across the street from Derry Church (9-2 pm Mon-Thur).

9:30 -10:15 AM IN ROOM 1 • LED BY MEARA KWEE

Over the next three weeks we’ll be looking at the stories of courageous women in the book of Exodus. According to Wilda Gafney, the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah “become the first deliverers in the book of deliverance.” What can we learn from Shiphrah and Puah about what it means to fear God? How can we follow their example of choosing life and freedom? Join the conversation on Sunday morning.

9-10 AM SUNDAY, JUNE 5 & 12 ON ZOOM OR WATCH FROM THE JOHN ELDER CLASSROOM

Mission co-worker Dori Hjalmarson presents an update from Honduras: you’ll learn about her work and Honduras life, then join her for a Bible study on the theology of mission in Latin America.

To participate in this class, you can join on Zoom wherever you are, or join Jack Keene and others in the John Elder Classroom where you can see the Zoom presentation.

Dori accompanies, coordinates and coaches lay and pastoral leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Honduras as they broaden theological education and strengthen the church’s leadership capacity. Read more about her work in Honduras.

9:30 -10:15 AM IN ROOM 1 • LED BY REV. IVO MEILANDS

The miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus demonstrated the extent of Jesus’ mighty power (see John 11: 38-44). The disciples were shown that even death was subject to the Lord’s divine authority. Yet, while the resurrection of Lazarus was indeed spectacular, it was only a prelude to the great resurrection event still to come.

During the Galilean ministry, the disciples were confused and just beginning to learn first the fact and then the true meaning of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. However, as Peter’s great Pentecost sermon later revealed (Acts 2:14-36), after the resurrection of Christ the disciples were confused no longer. They understood the full meaning of Christ’s fifth “I am” declaration in the Gospel of John. Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” and asked her, “Do you believe this?” Join this discussion on Sunday.

10:30 AM THURSDAY, JUNE 23: MEET AT DERRY CHURCH TO CARPOOL

Everyone is welcome to join the Derry Day Trippers for a picnic at Fort Hunter in Harrisburg, followed by a tour of the mansion. The West Pavilion on the river has been reserved (and there are bathrooms!) The park is located on the Susquehanna River with Adirondack chairs and gliders to sit on and admire the views.  There is an old Centennial barn and covered bridge and several other old buildings in addition to the mansion. 

The cost is $10 per person which will cover the cost of renting the pavilion, the drinks and paper products, and the mansion tour.  Please bring a covered dish to share.

Please RSVP to Pat Meilands by June 15, and let her know if you prefer to meet the group at Fort Hunter. Return checks to Sandy in the church office, payable to Derry Church and notated Day Tripper picnic. We hope to see you there!

Family Promise families are returning to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 610 W. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey from June 19-26. Click the links below to sign up to deliver dinner, drive the van, and serve as an overnight chaperone: 

Overnight Chaperones: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e4bacae2aa4f85-overnight1

Van Drivers: https://www.signupgenius.com/index.cfm?go=w.manageSignUp#/35862224/publish/

Meal Providers: https://takethemameal.com/DORV7306

Questions? Contact Vicki Holbrook or Jane Robertson.

• With the arrival of the new church van, the Building & Grounds committee updated Derry’s Policy on the Use of Vehicles. Anyone wishing to be an approved driver of the van will need to receive training on the van’s instrumentation, complete an application which gives the church permission to receive a copy of the driver’s motor vehicle record, and submit a copy of the driver’s license. All arrangements for use of the van must be set up through the church secretary.
• Over the past year the children’s music program has been building as a result of the Tuesday evening K.I.C. Club and the children’s Sunday School group. We want to encourage the continued growth of children’s music – both vocally and with instruments. To that end, the session approved the creation of a part-time Children’s Music Director who will work on Tuesday evenings to lead multiple ensembles of different ages, coordinate any volunteer directors, and lead children’s music on Sunday (approximately 7 hours/week). Claire Folts, who has her master’s degree in music education and experience working with elementary aged children, was hired to fill this position.
• As part of the 300th Anniversary celebration, the travel group is planning a trip to Ireland in 2024. The session approved inviting Pastor Marie Buffaloe, whose two-year period of separation after her retirement will be finished. The church will cover the cost of her trip as a thank you for all of her service.
• It was the joy of the Session to meet with the seven confirmation participants and six new members and receive all for membership at Derry.

7 PM TUESDAYS: JUNE 28 • JULY 26 • AUG 23 ON THE FRONT LAWN

Outdoor worship services under the oaks at Derry Church will return once a month throughout the summer. Bring your own lawn chair and dress comfortably. On Aug 23, we’ll celebrate our covenant with animals with a service that includes a hands-on blessing of pets.  

Kits to sew hygiene bags for the domestic violence center in Harrisburg are available in the PW basket in the mission closet. When you take a kit, please sign the paper on the clipboard. Instructions are included and all bags should be completed and returned by Sunday, June 19.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 4/30/22

Note from the treasurer:

• Contributions are ahead of budget by $100k and $31k ahead of prior year.
• Expenses are less than 2021, but the $28k per capita has not yet been paid.
• Positive change in net assets of $149k compared with $93k in 2021.

ISSUES CLASS: “READING THE BIBLE FOR THE SAKE OF THE PLANET” • 9-10 AM IN ROOM 7 & STREAMING ON DERRYPRES.ORG, YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK • LED BY JULIA O’BRIEN FROM LANCASTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY • WEEK 2 OF 2 

What does it mean to read the Bible in the context of the environmental crisis of our time? While earlier generations of concerned Christians could imagine themselves as caretakers or stewards of creation, we recognize that we now live on a planet that has already been changed by human actions. In these sessions, we’ll talk about the limitations of earlier ways of interpreting the Bible for the environment and experiment with some new ways of reading biblical texts for the sake of the planet. Watch Week 1

BIBLE STUDY • 9-10 AM IN ROOM 2 • LED BY REV IVO MEILANDS

In John 10 we are introduced to two of the Lord’s “I am” declarations. Jesus first declares himself to be the “gate” to the sheepfold of his flock, his followers, and then as their “good shepherd.” The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep was a commonly used metaphor in Bible times. In the Old Testament, prominent God-fearing individuals like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David are referred to as the shepherds of God’s people. And the total dependence of the sheep upon their shepherd is beautifully portrayed in Psalm 23. But perhaps most importantly, the essential need of all lost sheep for a Shepherd-Redeemer is clearly stated in Isaiah 53:6, a prediction fulfilled with the coming of Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus is presented as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices himself to save his sheep (John 10:11, 14-15, 17-18). All are invited to Adult Bible Study. Come and see how the “I am” declarations of Jesus pertain to our lives today.

There will be no classes for children or adults on Sunday, May 29

2-4 PM MONDAYS, JUNE 27-SEPT 19 IN ROOM 7 

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who walk alongside people through one of life’s most difficult experiences, offering support to those who are dealing with the loss of a loved ones from death.

Each GriefShare session is organized in two parts. During the first 30-40 minutes of the meeting, the group views a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting-to-watch television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments and on-location video. Following the video, participants spend time discussing what was presented on that week’s video seminar and what is going on in each other’s lives.

Those interested may begin attending the GriefShare group at any time. Each session is self-contained, and any missed weeks can be joined when the next 13-week cycle is offered.

Face masks are optional. Register by contacting the church office (717-533-9667). No cost to attend. Child care is not available.