Kinderhook Reformed Church - August 26, 2012

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
10:00 A.M. August 26, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Worship Leader

Tom McCrossan, an ordained full time RCA pastor for nearly 30 years and a member of Schenectady Classis, is currently serving full time at City Mission, Schenectady, as Assistant Chaplain & Supervisor of Men’s Ministry Operations. He is married with three children and two grandchildren.

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and invite you to enjoy refreshments & fellowship at the Lemonade Stand hosted by Sara Schubert & Joy Bertram on the front lawn following Worship.

Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Barbara Vosburgh
Preschool Nursery facility available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE, WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS
SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

We Approach God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)     Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
        He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
        He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
         I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of   my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #522          Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
*PRAYER FOR OUR WORSHIP (Unison)
     O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
     Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION and ASSURANCE OF PARDON
     Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God, and we fall short of being a credible witness to you. For these things we ask your forgiveness, and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to you in our world. Remind us to be who you would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us close to you and build our relationship with you and with those you have given us on earth. Amen.

[Time for personal prayer and confession]
WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE - 1 John 3:1-5
       See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in Christ there is no sin.
       Believe this Gospel and go forth to live in Christ’s peace, and so be able to fulfill his desires.
LAW Of GOD - 1 John 3:6-10, The Message
All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God's order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backward.
So, my dear children, don't let anyone divert you from the truth. It's the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil's ways.
People conceived and brought into life by God don't make a practice of sin. How could they? God's seed is deep within them, making them who they are. It's not in the nature of the God-begotten to practice and parade sin. Here's how you tell the difference between God's children and the Devil's children: The one who won't practice righteous ways isn't from God, nor is the one who won't love brother or sister. A simple test.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
       The Peace of Christ be with you
And also with you!

We Hear God’s Word

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                          Acts 4:23-37 (p. 773)
This is the Word of the Lord.
            Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE                                  “Five Questions for Christ's Flock”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

We Respond to God’s Word

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed (Inside front cover, hymnal)
WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS / OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, you have given your only Son for us, and have clothed us in his garments of salvation and holiness. Inspire us through your generosity to give freely so that others may discover your abundance; to give gratefully so that others may know your liberality; to give humbly so that others may experience your love and reconciliation. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN (Insert) Jesus Calls Us O'er The Tumult
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE – My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
POSTLUDE

Matthew & Tina Zawisza of The Living Gospel Ministry are a husband and wife, full-time, traveling ministry team based in New York State’s Capital Region. Specializing in Living Sermons, it is the goal of their ministry to present God’s Word in a unique way which allows it not only to be heard, but to be seen and experienced as well.

What are Living Sermons? They are men from the Bible invited to your church as guest speakers. What would it be like if the apostle Peter spoke directly to a congregation about his denial of Christ? What about John describing the events of the Cross? Or, how about Barabbas, the prisoner set free by Pilate at the crowd’s demands, trying to collect his thoughts as he reflects on the man named Jesus taking his place? Matthew and Tina believe their call is to edify one another and fellow believers through the teaching of the Word of God, which is the number one priority when it comes to the assembling of the Church; and they believe there is no better way to do this than by hearing, seeing, experiencing, and feeling the Word’s power & truth. Over the 5 years of their full-time ministry, Matthew & Tina have seen God do some amazing things.

“We feel extremely blessed and humbled by the fact that you have invited us to make a stop at your church next Sunday, September 2, and to present the Living Sermon, “Confessions of Barabbas,” as part of your worship service. From the very beginning we have been a faith-based ministry, which means we do not charge a fee, but accept only love offerings.”

“I want to take this opportunity to highly recommend to you and your church Matthew and Tina Zawisza and the Living Gospel Ministry. They have the hearts of servants and are wonderful to work with, and we were far more than pleased with their dramatic presentation. As a Christian artist, I have found that the greatest compliment someone can give is not about the performer or the performance, but about how God’s Spirit touched them and moved them deep in their heart. This is what many in our congregation, including myself, experienced through Matthew’s presentation.”
                                                                                  Rev. Gary Rushing
                                                                                  Faith Church Fort Myers, Florida

The letter below to the Church Family outlines the remaining vacation itinerary of the Vissers as they visit family and friends in South Africa. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they complete their travels and return home at the end of the month.

Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family,
     On August 22 we drove the four hours back to Johannesburg to board a plane heading for Cape Town, the Mother City, on the very southern tip of Africa. Here we will be staying a week with my brother, whom you have met, and get a chance to see my sister and Elize’s other sister.
     At my alma mater, the Stellenbosch University where I attended seminary, I will take part in a four-day seminar and will be preaching there on Sunday, August 26. At around 10 am on the 29th, we will be boarding a plane to return to Johannesburg where we will overnight with Elize’s sister, and the following day we will board our international flight to head back home.
     Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport is scheduled for 6:40 am EST, August 31. Know that we will be thinking of you much and praying constantly. We will return with stacks of stories and photos, and remember that emailing me is equally as quick whether I am in Kinderhook or in Ellisras or Cape Town.
     I have added a tab to our www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com website reading, “Blog - South Africa,” and will do everything in my power to write and post pictures as often as I can. Have a look at these posts, stories, and photos, and follow us on our journey. You are welcome, too, to leave a response on the website and so be in conversation with us!
     Here at the home front Reverends John Bowen and Tom McCrossen will be filling the pulpit in August, and Rev. Ed Van Kampen from the Stuyvesant Reformed Church will be available to tend to any pastoral needs that might arise. Please do not hesitate to call on elders Paul Clause and Dawn Van Buren if you need help, prayer, or just want to chat. We covet your prayers in our absence, but let us not neglect praying for our congregation, the remainder of the 2012 celebration year, and the specific ministry focuses and tasks that lie ahead for KRC.   May the Lord our God who is our ever present help, guide, and friend be with you now and forever more and unite us all joyfully towards the end of August.
                                                                     Rudy and family

Isabelle Bosquet-Morra (2nd), Jessica Alessi (5th), Jim Dunham (7th),
Dolly Petith (18th), Alan Dick (24th), Suzy Nieman (27th,) Melissa Welcome (28th), Erika Johnson (31st)

*The Eddy Lifeline is offering FREE lifeline installations during the entire month of September. More info on back table.*

The Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene is offering a Volunteer Training Program during the month of September. More info is on the back table.

YOUTH GROUP WILL START AGAIN AT KRC TUESDAY NIGHTS FROM 7-8:30 PM BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 11. All youth who will be entering Grades 6 through Grade 12 in the fall are welcome to attend! Just like VBS, we have students who attend from various churches & who bring friends, so please feel free to join in the events, activities, and projects we are planning. Parents - you are always welcome to stay & help out if you'd like. We hope to see you here on Tuesday.

~WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS!~

A Weight Watchers informational meeting will be held at KRC at 9:30 am on Friday, September 7th. Regular meetings will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, September 14th provided that a minimum of 15 people have signed up to participate. Please contact Dawn Van Buren, 758-7564, as soon as possible if you are interested.

SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9!
KRC’S ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, ON THE SIDE LAWN OF THE CHURCH RIGHT AFTER WORSHIP. A SIGN-UP SHEET FOR DONATING PICNIC FOOD ITEMS IS AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
KRC offers a small group opportunity at 9 am Thursdays at the church. The group is continuing its new study, “Battlefield of the Mind,” based on the book by Joyce Meyer. All are encouraged to attend, and walk-ins are welcome!

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN "THE OLDE DUTCH & SUCH" CRAFTS GROUP 9:30 AM FRIDAY MORNINGS, IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL. We are creating items for the KRC fair/bazaar which will take place November 3. Please save wine corks and plastic grocery bags for use in this project. A box is available in the room across from the church office for collecting these materials.

2012 EVENTS IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 300th YEAR
September 9, Annual KRC Family Picnic, KRC side lawn
September 30, Fall Concert (details TBA)
November 3, Church Bazaar
December 16, 3rd Annual Lessons & Carols with organist David Smith & choir

~Kinderhook Village-Wide Yard Sale – 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15th~

KRC will participate in the day’s event - rain or shine - with a Recycling Sale sponsored by the Evangelism Ministry. We will be open Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm, and we will also be open Thursday and Friday, Sept 13 and 14, 4 - 7 pm. Donations of gently used clothes/coats, books, toys, linens, sports equipment, small appliances, fall plant divisions, etc, would be greatly appreciated. Helpers are needed on Wednesday and Thursday to organize sale items. Items may be dropped off now and put in the back room by the ladies restroom, or if you are unable to do this, you may arrange to have donated items picked up - see Maureen or Dawn if you have questions. You or other interested community members may also set up your own table if you are willing to bring in, organize, and takeout all of your own items. We just ask that you donate 10% of your sales to KRC.

***IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN THE ANTIQUE SAFE UNDER THE STAIRS BY THE PASTOR'S STUDY, PLEASE SPEAK WITH DAWN VAN BUREN***

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Youth Group; church restoration; tricentennial events.
• small group ministries, adult Bible studies, Community Prayer Group.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies..
• those, especially children, victimized by natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the Leighton and Hotaling families grieving the recent death of Mary Leighton of Stuyvesant; Donna Scalera and the Trout family grieving the recent loss of Ted Trout, Donna's father; Robin Siter and her family grieving the loss of her father, Edward Gay.
• Rosemary Gotz, friend of Jean Wildermuth, recovering from recent lung surgery.
• Frank Aiello, who suffered a massive heart attack recently. He is now home and recovering but still dealing with a blockage that could cause a clot. Please lift up Frank’s family also.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Jenny Kline; John Bosquet-Morra; Roman Murynec; Helen Drumm; Tammy DeVito; Dick; Sal Alessi; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Donna Scalera; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Noreen Dick; Esther Tuttle; Tristan Debye-Saxinger; Raymond McKee; Marc Morales; Elize Visser’s mother; Sara Schubert; Pete McCardle; Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Jim Baker’s mother; Dave Ennis’s father; Joan Clause; Florence Rivera; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those traveling, especially Pastor Rudy and family as they visit and travel in South Africa for the month of August; and Patrice Lyons travelling through August 27.
• the hand of God at work in the outcome of John Lyons’s arbitration case.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Karina Speer; the Royce Family; Paul and Tora Lyons, whose home and belongings burned recently; Pastor Glenn Metzler battling a blood disorder; the Schuberts as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Libby Little facing a demanding schedule.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: 1st-time-parents Tom and Jaime (Welcome) Eastman (Baby Evan Anthony Eastman, born Saturday, May 19); Terry Nawrot (twins, Baby Joshua and Baby Brian, born June 29; Brad & Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie); Jeannie and Scott (Baby Luther); the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew).
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Ken Smith; Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance.

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.

Please forward praise and prayer requests to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. If you are not already on our email prayer list, and would like to receive prayer and praise requests through email, please contact Paul to have your address added. If you do not have email, contact Jane Smith at 758-6442, and she will be happy to include you in the phone prayer chain.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• Stacey Baker’s safe return home from travels & studies in Valencia, Spain.
• the good report that Marc Morales’s blood pressure has stabilized and that he is able to be back at work.
• Noreen Dick’s successful shoulder surgery and continued good recovery.
• Priscilla Frisbee’s good recovery following a recent fall. Priscilla was shaken up and bruised, but she broke no bones and is able to be up and about.
• Helen Drumm’s good toleration of and excellent response to chemo treatments.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

OFFICE, EMAIL,
WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.

KRC 2012-2013 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate

                                                  Deacons
Noreen Dick – ’13, Church Family   758-6640
Patrice Lyons – ’13, Missions   758-8400
Barbara Vosburgh –’13, Stewardship / Treasurer    758-6512

                                                   Elders
Dave Ennis – ’13, Worship    784-9656
Maureen Mooney – ’12, Evangelism / Clerk    210-6079
Dawn Van Buren – ’13, Cemetery / Pastoral Relations /
                                           Personnel / VP of Consistory   758-7564
Patti Varga–’12, Christian Education  392-4771

John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee

                                             KRC STAFF
                   KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant
                 Paul Clause – 859-4158                   Liz Carroll – 758-6034
                               Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
                             Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338

COMING EVENTS
Today, Aug. 26
     10:00 am Worship - Rev. Tom McCrossan preaching
     11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
                Adult Bible study group meets, main floor classroom
Thur., Aug. 30
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC - Joyce Meyer study
                         “Battlefield of the Mind”
     10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri.,   Aug. 31
9:30 am Olde Dutch and Such crafts group meets @ KRC
Saturdays through September - Clothing Barn
       9:30 am – 12:30 pm North Chatham United Methodist Church
Saturdays through October 13
     10:00 am – Noon   Free KRC guided tours
Sun., Sept. 2
     10:00 am Worship – Rev. Visser and Family back from SA travels.
   Living Sermon, “Confessions of Barabbas”, The Living Gospel Ministry
     11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
                Adult Bible study group meets, main floor classroom

Mon., Sept. 10
        7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tues., Sept. 11
        7 – 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group Resumes
Thurs, Fri, 4 – 7 pm and Sat, 9 am – 3 pm, September 13, 14, & 15
           KRC Recycling Sale sponsored by Evangelism Ministry
   in conjunction with Kinderhook Village-wide Yard Sale Sept. 15

Servers Next Sunday, September 2, 2012
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Donna Flansburg
Lemonade Stand Host(s): Dawn Van Buren