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Lent is all about spiritual renewal. It is a sacred time of preparation for Easter and a time to reflect on what God has done to redeem us and how we can live a whole and full life as a child of God.

Many of us see Lent as a season of penitence, fasting, service and contemplation — but at the top of our list should be a prayer for the acquisition of peace. In our devotional this year, we invite you to reflect upon the gift of shalom, the Hebrew word with a host of meanings: peace, security, well-being, health, completeness. Our spiritual goal: exploring how can we receive this gift of shalom and, in turn, bestow it upon the world.

Now, more than ever, we deeply crave shalom. Our world is in desperate need of peace. The United States has just come out of a contentious election, a struggle with a global pandemic, and painful racial violence. Poverty, misery and despair fill many corners of the world. Yes, we desire peace. We need peace.

Every week from Ash Wednesday (Feb 17) through Easter (April 4), this year’s devotional from Presbyterians Today Magazine focuses on shalom and what it can mean in our lives and how we can bring it to the world. Explore themes of justice, peace, healing, hope, repairing and reconciliation. Find Scripture readings along with beautiful meditations and prayers.

The Way to Shalom is free for download or print. You’re invited to use it, share it, excerpt from it and make it your spiritual companion this Lent.

I am studying in 1 class. Thank you so much for granting me the scholarship. I am studying with great interest because I want to become a doctor in the future. Thank you.

For ten 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. 

Our goal is 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 Rev. Nancy Reinert’s message inviting you to participate. This fundraiser continues through February 2021.

Thank you, Derry Church, Pastor Stephen and Pastor Marie for phone calls and prayers in the death of our son-in-law, Jimmy Uhrich. Thanks for keeping our daughter in your prayers.
Simon and Pat Yingst and Karen

Just a short note of thanks for the prayers, cards and phone calls I received after my recent surgery. They are greatly appreciated.
Loretta Chubb

Thank you, members of Derry Church, for your sincere thoughtfulness in sending food, flowers, phone calls, cards and shawls to support our family following the death of Ronald Walker. You are true friends. Michele, Debbie and I, as well as our families, were pleased many of you shared how Ron touched your lives. For some of you, it was many years ago and for some it was recently. We cannot thank you enough for thinking of all of us in so many thoughtful ways.
Martha Walker, Michele Smith, Debbie Duszak, and our families

9 AM-12 PM SATURDAY, FEB 27 ON ZOOM

Join the Presbytery of Carlisle as it prepares for post-pandemic life. Included in this Zoom gathering will be several break-out rooms for pastors, elders, and deacons to engage in learning for their roles as church officers. There are choices for those who are new to the role and want the basics, as well as options for those who are ready for a deeper dive.

We welcome pastors and elder commissioners along with any Ruling Elders and Deacons who wish to attend. The line-up of workshops is below. Click this link to pre-register so Zoom break-out rooms can be assigned. Once registered you will be redirected to a webpage providing the Zoom link. Read more, including details on the breakout meetings offered that day.

Pastor Stephen leads a 25-minute mid-week worship service on the theme, “The Work is Ours.” Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17—3:5; 3:28-30.

Derry Discovery Days Preschool is now registering children of Derry Church members for the 2021-22 school year. Ages two years through pre-K are invited to learn and play at our fantastic preschool. Email Interim Director Laura Cox before registration opens to the community later this month or call 717–533-9667 x 201.

Pastor Pam Meilands, M.E. Steelman and Grant Wareham lead a family-centered worship service on the theme of salt and light.