News

Meet Anaya, One of Derry Church’s PEB Scholarship Recipients

I am studying in class 2. My father is a salesman. We are eight family members altogether. My family is very happy for your kind concern towards us. With your support, I am able to continue my studies. I wish to become a doctor in the future. Please keep loving us.

For 11 years, Derry Church has maintained a partnership with the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan. PEB operates 25 schools, primary through high school, including some boarding schools, that serve more than 5,900 students. Derry, through the Friends of Sargodha group, has a particular relationship with the schools in Sargodha. 

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

A full scholarship for a day student is $370 a year, about a dollar a day. We are dividing that amount into ten shares, $37 each, to offer you the opportunity to support a portion of a scholarship. 

You can purchase one or more shares by writing a check to Derry Church notated “Pakistan Scholarship” or giving online through the church website and selecting “Pakistan Scholarship.” 

Read Claudia Holtzman’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2022.

Our Christmas Joy Offering received over $11,000! This offering is being shared equally with the Presbyterian Church USA and Church World Service Harrisburg. PCUSA uses this offering to provide supplemental aid to retired church workers and to support Presbyterian racial/ethnic colleges and universities. CWS Harrisburg is opening an office to aid refugee resettlement in the greater Harrisburg area, and your gifts bring hope and help to many in need. Thank you, Derry Church!

• Tuesday, Jan 25, is Orange Day, when Presbyterian Women encourages everyone to wear orange or an orange ribbon to show awareness of and support for those working to end exploitation of women.
• On Sunday, Jan 23 at 9 am, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the YWCA Harrisburg’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Services: CLICK TO JOIN the conversation on Zoom. Danielle Lewis will speak on domestic and sexual violence, impact of the pandemic and how to support survivors.  
• PW is collecting items for this year’s hygiene bags (washcloths, deodorants, large-tooth combs, toothbrushes and travel-sized toothpastes, disposable razor blades, tissue packets) to be distributed at the Domestic Violence Center at the YWCA. Drop items in the PW basket in the mission closet.
• The PW Morning circle will meet at 10:30 am Monday, Jan 24 at the home of Joan Theal for the lesson “Ruth and Redemption.”

One of Derry’s mission partners has open positions in their HELP Ministries and Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven programs, as well as a part-time Grant Management Specialist position in the administrative office. Click to view job postings or contact Darrel Reinford, Executive Director (717-230-9550).

In this winter season our plans can change quickly, as we found out last weekend. 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.

The annual meeting of the congregation will be held following 10:30 am worship on Sunday, Feb 13. The meeting will be live streamed. Anyone who has questions or comments is encouraged to attend in person.

The annual report will be sent by email as a PDF attachment in early February, with paper copies available for pickup at church by Sunday, Feb 6.

There will be NO 8 am service on Sunday, Feb 13. Church school at 9 am will be held as usual.

5 PM SATURDAY, FEB 12 IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVE STREAMING

Derry’s next Engage worship experience features music of the 1980s as we consider the challenges of being faithful followers of Jesus in the midst of the tensions and pressures put on our lives by our various identities and responsibilities. Led by Pastor Stephen and a group of talented Derry musicians, the service will include the music of U2, Journey, Toto, Bon Jovi, and more.

The next series of New Member Discovery Classes will be held Jan 30 – Feb 20. Sunday classes meet 9-10 am in the John Elder Classroom, and Tuesday classes meet 7-8 pm on Zoom and repeat material presented on Sundays. 

Child care is provided on Sunday mornings.

Those who choose to join Derry Church will be received on Sunday, Feb 20 at the 10:30 am service. Registration is always appreciated, never required: RSVP by Wednesday, Jan 26.

Derry Church members seeking to enroll their children at Derry Discovery Days preschool for the 2022-23 school year may register for open spots Jan 23-27, before registration opens to the general public. To request registration information and/or a tour of the school, please contact Laura Cox, director. We would love to have your family join our DDD family!

Volunteers and dessert donations are needed to augment the hearty chili meal that is being prepared by hospitality coordinator Loretta Chubb. Food and volunteers will depart Derry Church late in the afternoon of Monday, Jan 31 to deliver the meal in Grantville. Contact Marilyn Koch for more information.

6 PM MONDAY, JAN 17 AT GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, LEMOYNE AND STREAMING ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE

Christian Churches United and the Race & Unity Action Coalition invite you worship featuring Rev. Carla Christopher-Wilson. You’ll learn about ways we can be supportive of working towards the beloved community that MLK envisioned. In person attendance will be limited and masks are required: click to pre-register and to read more.

Derry friends who enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles: we have a good supply of puzzles for you to choose from this winter. Stop by the bench outside the office entrance to pick up a new puzzle or two to work on.