Derry

Derry Presbyterian Church
Pastors Dick Houtz, Marie Buffaloe, D.C.E. Debbie Hough, Youth Pastor Eli McCulloch

I am deeply moved by the story of America and the profound genius of this nation. I am inspired by American Presbyterian history. In this part of our nation, American history and Presbyterian history are the same thing.

In the parking lot of the Derry Church, I stood quietly for a long moment next to their old and sacred cemetery and next to their preserved Session house. These artifacts of history pull prayers right out of my heart. The Session house is carefully preserved under a full glass enclosure and stands now as it did in the first half of the 1700s. Pondering it, my mind raced: who were the people that built it, what kind of discussions and meetings did they have here, what were their issues, what were their joys and concerns, what did they see when they looked around more than 250 years ago from this same spot where I am now standing? What was the culture into which they brought the Gospel and planted a new church?

For the most part, that sacred history is left behind as you enter the Derry Church. This is an ultra-modern, thriving congregation that is so busy and so active and so energetic that my morning there made my head spin. The architecture of their new, modern facility is fabulous. They have a hospitality desk in the greeting area. As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted and welcomed. I was impressed instantly by the feeling of hospitality. Derry has built invitation, hospitality and belonging into the very culture of their congregation. Hospitality is in the air. It is an outstanding example of an inviting church.

For example:
The worship bulletin is a work of art. It clearly and precisely outlines the worship service. In my opinion, a person who never in his or her life participated in a Presbyterian worship service could walk into Derry and easily participate in worship. This hospitable presence is very difficult to achieve. Derry does it beautifully. (I know they have a communications/ public relations person on staff. I expect the bulletin had her touch on it.)

At the beginning of worship, Dick Houtz generously welcomed everyone, introduced himself and everyone leading worship by name. A very nice touch which I have never heard before.
Their friendship pads are custom made with cardboard covers that change every month. Thus the friendship pads included a schedule for all the activities and events in October and directions on how to get involved. This is a brilliant communication tool which I never saw before.
The educational reinforcement in the worship service was subtle and powerful. There was a memory verse in worship, Matthew 28: 19-21, printed in the bulletin and read in unison. This same memory verse was the foundation of Marie’s excellent children’s sermon and repeated again with the children. How many of our worship services include Bible memory verses? This was very effective.

Dick gave a three or four sentence introduction for the use of the Nicene Creed as an Affirmation of Faith, which was a concise and brilliant explanation of why we read this together. Everyone immediately understood the importance of the Affirmation of Faith. It was read in unison with gusto.

Dick’s preaching was outstanding. He was able to balance on the thin line between speaking to the biblically and theologically sophisticated people, of which I expect there are many in Derry, as well as being simple and clear enough to speak to a first time visitor. It was a positive, upbeat message, emphasizing theology, and our understanding of God as extravagantly generous. His sermon flowed naturally and smoothly into the Lord’s Supper.
Different from either the opening welcome or the sermon was an extended presentation of several church programs including an aggressive evangelism and outreach campaign, opportunities for mission trips, and peacemaking. Anyone attending worship was clearly presented with multiple ways to get involved and serve the Lord. This recruitment was an intentional expression of the worship service. There was a subtle and powerful message that just ‘coming to church’ is not good enough.

The flashes of novelty and freshness in worship were evident in many ways: a teenager reading scripture; lots of different kinds and styles of music including singing the classic, children’s song, "This Little Light of Mine" and a sign language choir. But pulling all those pieces of novelty together was the structure and flow of very traditional Presbyterian worship. In its totality, the worship service was carefully constructed and beautifully expressed.

One thing I found very interesting: The worship service was almost 90 minutes long including the Lord’s Supper. When I asked Dick about this he fluffed it off by saying, "Oh, I have been here so long that they quit fighting me about it." I think a better answer is that authentic, fresh and energized worship does not need a clock. And I am a clock watcher!

There are now and again, here and there congregations that by grace and mystery move into a growth mode that explodes with an energy and enthusiasm beyond all expectations. With a wonderful, competent staff, a marvelous building, some incredible leadership in the congregation, blessings and gifts all around, and most of all by the extravagant abundance of God’s grace Derry has entered that unique mode. It is a very special congregation. Thanks be to God!