News

The women’s Monday night study group offers hybrid meetings once a month at 7 pm in Room 7B and on Zoom. For more information and to be added to the distribution list for monthly reminders, contact Sue George. 

Sept 30: Short story, “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor
Leader: Chris Gawron
Hybrid participants, click to join on Zoom

Nov 4: “Trust the Whisper: How Answering Quiet Callings Inspires Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Grace” by Kathy Izard
Leader: Lori Klucker 

Dec 2: Christmas potluck, location TBA

Jan 6: “The Sun Does Shine” by Anthony Ray Hinton
Leader: Cindy Wolfe

Feb 3: “Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation” by Brenda Wineapple
Leader: Chris Gawron

Mar 3: Video introduction to C.S. Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis with discussion following.
Leader: Debbie Hough

Apr 7: Did the Devil Make You Do It? C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, #1-10
Leader: Debbie Hough

May 5: Screwtape Letters #11-31 & loose ends
Leader: Debbie Hough

• Approved baptism for Owen Lee Webber, son of Derry members Corinna and Lee Webber on Sunday Sept 8
• Approved the use of the church building for the following events:
  • Wedding of Elizabeth Latsha and Benjamin Hoy (non-members) on Saturday, April 5 19, 2025, to be officiated by Rev Shawn Gray – use of the Chapel plus rooms for the wedding party.
  • Boy Scout Troop 2200 for a Court of Honor and reception in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on Monday, Jan 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm.
  • Capital Area Intermediate Unit #15 to continue offering speech/language therapy to Derry Discovery Days students and children of Derry members throughout the school year in Derry classroom #1.
• Approved a request to purchase cemetery plots received from Andy and Beckie Frieberg. 
• Received a financial report from the Stewardship & Finance Committee.
• In conjunction with Derry’s 300th anniversary and in honor those individuals and organizations who throughout Derry’s long history contributed financial aid when Derry struggled to stay afloat, the Session approved a motion to select a church in the Carlisle Presbytery in need of financial support and contribute up to $10,000 to that church. Pastor Stephen will contact the Presbytery for information on congregations that are in need.
• Approved a revised Building Use Policy which outlines the procedure and establishes rules and fees for requesting use of areas within the church building for meetings, classes, concerts, and family celebrations. This policy covers all requests except weddings and funerals.
• Approved the Communication & Technology committee’s Capital Procurement Requisition to install a second “zoom” room in classroom #2. With the creation of the zoom room in room 7B, demand for a second room to conduct hybrid meetings has grown. The cost of the installation is estimated not to exceed $12,000, with funds taken from Derry’s Capital Facilities fund. 
• To refresh the landscaping surrounding the church building and mission house, the Building & Grounds committee requested approval of a Capital Procurement Requisition to hire Nye Guy Landscapes at a cost not to exceed $17,000. The plan includes a general clean-up of all flower beds and addition of new, low maintenance, drought resistant bushes/plants prior to Derry’s anniversary weekend. The Session approved the request which will be funded through the Capital Facilities fund. The Gardeners of Derry group will continue with periodic maintenance of the church grounds.
• As part of the 300th celebration, children in third through fifth grades participated in creating a picture book on the history of Derry Church. The book has been completed and printed and will be offered for sale at the anniversary dinner and on Homecoming Sunday (Sept 22) at a cost of $20/book. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to a mission chosen by the children who participated in the book’s creation. 
• Gather the Spirit for Justice, a community support group located in the Allison Hill district of Harrisburg will be the recipient of Derry’s portion of the Peace & Global Witness offering. 
• Approved Derry Discovery Days’ request to hire Megan Rhen and Nadia Misbahuddin as teacher aides. 
• Derry Discovery Days will be holding its fall festival on October 5 featuring a biking fundraiser, crafts, food, games and music. The Session approved the request to raise funds by asking families for pledges to sponsor students as they walk/ride laps.
• A gift from the estate of Mary Jane Mease will be deposited into Derry’s Capital Facilities fund. Officers of the church were authorized to sign the legal documents associated with the estate.
• On Sunday, Sept 25, it was the joy of the Session to receive the following as new members of Derry Church: Lynn Clements, Joseph Dows, Bruce & Mary Hinkle, Colleen Mullikin, Ann & William Rundorff, Stephanie & Marty Vance, Meghan Walter, and Rob Zell.

Amanda Bentley, Hospitality Coordinator
abentley@derrypres.org
Amanda is a wife and mother of all boys. She has had her own bakery business for over 15 years, and has worked in professional kitchens for more than 20 years. She loves to cook and come up with new recipes, but her true passion is decorating and making their home feel welcoming. The family loves to go on adventures, and Amanda loves the beach: they dream of moving to the Carolinas someday. Amanda is excited to bring her knowledge to Derry Church and to serve you.

Shawn Bentley, Assistant Property Manager
custodian@derrypres.org
Shawn is a father and grandfather. He loves to fish, hunt, and golf, and play an occasional board game as well.

With 30+ years of experience in both ministry and construction, Shawn has honed his skills in leadership, project management, and community development. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to serving others through his work in the church. He has a passion for building relationships with church and community members, and strives to create spaces that are functional, inviting, and impactful.

In ministry, Shawn has served as a pastor, mentor, and counselor, guiding individuals through life’s challenges and helping them find purpose and fulfillment. He has a deep understanding of the importance of faith and spirituality in people’s lives, and is committed to spreading love, compassion, and hope to everyone he meets.

In construction, he has managed a wide range of projects, from residential  renovations to commercial spaces. Shawn has an eye for detail and a strong focus on quality craftsmanship.

Overall, his years of experience in ministry and construction have shaped Shawn into a dedicated and compassionate person who is committed to making a difference in the world. He is excited to continue use these skills here at Derry Church.  

Both positions begin Sept 3. Amanda will be working alongside Loretta for the next few weeks. You’ll see her on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings, and other occasions as fall programming gets under way. Shawn will be partnering with Jeff Miller over the next two weeks. His regular schedule is 8-11 am Monday-Friday, and he’ll help his wife with room setups and cleanup as needed.

SEPT 22-28 TO PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA

Make plans now to join Lend A Hand on its next work trip to repair flood-damaged homes. Cost is $125 (includes room, board, and transportation), departing from Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill at 9 am on Sunday, Sept 22. No tools required, but you can bring your favorites if you wish. Register online. Questions? Contact Pete Feil.

10:30 AM THURSDAYS BEGINNING SEPT 5 IN ROOM 7A

The Thursday morning Bible study group has been studying Great Themes of the Bible, Volume 1. The group completed chapters 1 through 4 in the spring, and will dig into chapters 5 through 13 this fall, taking a break for an Advent study at the end of the year. Newcomers welcome. Questions? Contact Tim Guenther.

1 PM ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH BEGINNING SEPT 11 IN THE LOUNGE
Note: the October meeting will be held on 10/16/24

“Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation” is the PW Bible Study for 2024-25. The nine lessons include Environmental Justice, Land Justice, Food Justice, Water Justice, Air Quality, Climate Change, Economic Climate Justice, Intergenerational Justice, and Sustaining Creation’s Health for All. Join the PW Circle to discuss these timely issues: all are invited to participate. If anyone is interested in doing the study at another time, contact Doris Feil.

Do you have gently used or nearly new clothing you no longer need? Bring in clothes that match the current season: items for all ages welcome. Drop clothing in the new Allison Hill Ministries bin at Derry’s Mission Closet (lower level). Your generosity will make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. For more information or to arrange a pickup,  contact Kristen Campbell.

Cash Flow – Operating Fund as of 7/31/24:

	YTD	BUDGET
Income YTD:	$852,279	$764,633
Expenses YTD:	$695,906	$803,809
Surplus/(Deficit) YTD:	$156,373	($39,176)

BEGINS TUESDAY, SEPT 10 WITH DINNER AT 5 PM IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

This year’s schedule has been reconfigured in order to make scheduling easier for families with children of multiple ages. All age groups will dismiss at 5:45 pm from Fellowship Hall. Included in the activity time slot will be a rotation of crafts, stories and games.

When a child is in the nursery, we ask that parents/guardians remain at the church.

	5:45 pm	6:15 pm	6:45 pm	7:15 pm
Preschool	Nursery	Nursery	Nursery	Dismissal
K-2nd Grades	Music	Activity	Recreation	Dismissal
3rd – 5th Grades	Activity	Music	Bells	Dismissal
6th-12th Grades	Puppets	Puppets	Music	Dismissal

1 PM SUNDAY, SEPT 15 AT SYCAMORE SPRING FARM MARKET, 1901 THOMPSON AVE, JONESTOWN • CLICK TO WATCH A VIDEO ON HOW TO PICK APPLES

After many years as a children’s and youth event, this year’s apple gleaning is wide open to the entire church. Sycamore Spring orchard is allowing us to pick their primary harvest to benefit individuals in need. 

After worship, put on your fall picking clothes and sturdy shoes with closed toes. Bring sturdy boxes and bags with you. You’re welcome to bring your own packed lunch to enjoy in the orchard with friends and family. Once picking is under way, you’ll be directed where to pick and be given labels for the variety in your box. 

Pick-up trucks, minivans and SUVs will be needed to transport apples to agencies around the area on Monday, Sept 16. Contact Wally Patton to volunteer.

Derry Discovery Days Preschool has an opening in its morning four-year-old Pre-K Butterfly class that runs Monday through Thursday from 8:45 am-11:15 am. This class provides students with an excellent preparation for kindergarten in a nurturing, creative and play based environment. For more information, contact Laura Cox, preschool director. 

Attention horn, trombone, euphonium & baritone players: the Derry Brass is looking for players to join them in presenting music for Sunday worship. Contact Scott Ramirez (717-867-0399) for more information.

Derry Brass rehearsals are held at 5:45 pm Tuesdays, Sept 10 through late May in Room 7.