Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. December 11, 2011 - Third Sunday in Advent
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
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 we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at coffee hour downstairs in the fellowship room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Ted and Nancy Call
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs, Joy Bertram supervising.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
GATHERING AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH (Responsive)
LEADER: Today we relight the candles of HOPE and PEACE.
Now we light the third candle of Advent. This is the candle of JOY (Third purple candle is lit.)
PEOPLE: As the coming of Jesus, our Savior, draws nearer, our
joy builds with our anticipation of his birth.
LEADER: From the Book of Isaiah we read the words of our Lord: "But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight." (Isaiah 65:18)
PEOPLE: From the New Testament, we find the words of Paul to the
people of the church at Galatia: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-
control. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit."
(Galatians 5:22 - 25)
LEADER: Let us pray:
We joyfully praise you, O Lord, for the fulfillment of your promise of a
Savior and what that means in our lives. Thank you for the gift of
salvation through the birth of your son, Jesus. Create us anew as we
wait, and help us to see your glory as you fill our lives with your living
Spirit. Amen.
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Come, let us look! Let us behold the beauty of the Lord.
Come, let us hear! Let us learn of the wonders he has done.
Day and night creation resounds, creation cries out,
creation sings and proclaims the glory of the Lord.
As we gather, may we, with humble hearts and open minds,
assume our proper place of praise.
Let our voices be caught up together with the cries of creation.
We, too, proclaim the glory, and beauty, and majesty of the Lord,
for he is glorious, beautiful and majestic. Amen
*HYMN OF PRAISE #126 O Come, Let Us Adore Him
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
Because of his love, God is slow to anger and always ready to forgive us. Let us confess our sins, knowing that God is eager to hear our heartfelt prayer of repentance.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Turning to you, O God, we confess that accounts of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion are all too familiar. We so easily lose touch with what your Son really did for us, and we take his sacrifice too lightly. We confess that we do not succeed in sharing Jesus' sorrow for our sin.
[Moment of Silence]
We also confess, O Lord, that we so easily hang onto bitterness, hurt, anger, and disappointment, rather than letting go in faith and trust, releasing ourselves to the healing and cleansing power of your Spirit. Forgive us for our willingness to settle for so much less than you desire to give us and to do in us. Restore us to right relationship with you and with one another, for the sake of your Son, our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
“As far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our transgressions from us.” Friends, this is the message of the gospel. This is the Good News which we believe and proclaim: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Alleluia! Amen.
BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison)
Jesus, make your presence known to these children; come to them, live within them always, and may they experience the hope, peace, and joy that can be found in you alone. Amen.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Psalm 126 (p. 441)
MESSAGE “Restore Us, O God: Joy.”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER - Ignatius of Loyola (Unison)
Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve: to give, and not to count the cost; to fight, and not to heed the wounds; to toil, and not to seek for rest; to labor, and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #146 Joy to the World! The Lord has Come
*BENEDICTION, BLESSING, & 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. (2x)
POSTLUDE
Consistory has approved the following slate of nominees for positions on the 2012-13 Consistory, and these nominees have agreed to serve if elected: As Deacons: NOREEN DICK, PATRICE LYONS, and BARBARA VOSBURGH. As Elders: DAVE ENNIS and DAWN VAN BUREN. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they anticipate serving the Lord in their respective ministries. ELECTION OF NOMINEES TO OFFICE BY ACTIVE CONFESSING KRC MEMBERS WILL BE DONE NEXT SUNDAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP.
~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
Please share with us in bringing some warmth and caring for many who might not have any “Holiday Cheer” in this troublesome time. KRC collects gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission distributes these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; and (5) a treat that will not crush or melt. Mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, tape securely, and return to the church collection boxes by THIS COMING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. The angels contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information from a particular child. Please return your gifts to KRC TODAY. They will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
~SOUTHERN COLUMBIA COMMUNITY CHOIR~
The Southern Columbia Community Choir will present "Down From His Glory - The Love Story of Christmas,” 4 p.m. TODAY at the Reformed Church of Germantown, 20 Church Avenue, Germantown, NY. A free will offering will be donated to a local charity. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be served following the concert.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
As part of our Worship Service NEXT SUNDAY, December 18, KRC’s Sunday School children will be celebrating the birth of Jesus with the presentation of their Annual Christmas Pageant. (Please note that this program was originally scheduled for December 11.)
LESSONS AND CAROLS
Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 2nd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols will be presented at 4 p.m. NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18. The Celebration had its beginning in England in the late 19th century and emphasizes the rich sung and spoken traditions of the season. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. Today, the Celebration is still presented throughout the world in a diversity of denominations during the Christmas season. Please plan to attend this deeply meaningful and beautiful Worship Service. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE FOOD ITEMS FOR THE RECEPTION FOLLOWING, PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE BACK TABLE.
Orders for 2012 calendars, featuring photographs of Kinderhook by Jim Dunham, are being accepted for a donation of $15 to benefit the Kinderhook Cemetery. To order one of these beautiful calendars, contact Jim, 758-6171.
KRC SMALL GROUPS
Each week, small group opportunities are offered on Thursday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Sally Heimroth is coordinator of the Thursday morning group, and Pastor Rudy the Thursday evening group. You are cordially invited to join one of these groups – Walk-ins welcome!
MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY, which served 105 families in October, including 180 adults & 139 children. Also, 133 Thanksgiving baskets were delivered to needy families, and KRC alone contributed 318 food items to this effort! Thanks to all who participated for your generosity. Non-perishable foods that are always popular at the pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Marion Arnold, Nikki Barmen, Beth Ennis, Merrill Johnson,
Julie Moore, Spencer Moore, Birgitt Sherman, Cricket Warren
krc’s 300th anniversary celebration
A committee for celebrating KRC’s 300th anniversary in 2012 has been formed, and you are invited to join us as a committee member. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year with great ideas for numerous celebratory events, and that these events will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. AT LEAST ONE EVENT FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012 IS BEING PLANNED, BEGINNING WITH THE GRAND OPENING IN JANUARY OF THE YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION. EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED, AND WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY.
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.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• yesterday evening’s Candlelight Night Open House. Our sanctuary and fellowship room were filled with community and church family members enjoying each other’s fellowship as well as the beauty and traditions of the season. Many thanks to all who worked to make this outreach event a success.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• Joan Clause’s excellent rehabilitation progress; Joan will be coming home early this week, and many thanks for your prayers, cards, and emails of encouragement.
• the homecoming soon of Leah and Samantha, premature twins born recently to Amy and Ryan, friends of Claudia and Arnie March
• the recent birth of Gianna Drew Principi, cousin of Isabelle and John Bosquet-Morra
• Marcia Smith’s good recovery from her bout with cancer, and that she is back to work.
• the report that Carol, who had neck surgery recently, is home and doing well; Carol did not have to have any “hardware” put in her neck to relieve the compression on her spinal cord. Thanks for your prayers - God is good.
• the good news that Gordie Van Buren continues to do very well at home - baked goods and visits would be welcome!
• the encouraging report that Angie Rivera Maycole continues to improve.
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
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• 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.
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.
Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday planning.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• 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 famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the Smith Family, grieving the death of Liz, mother and wife.
• Jane Deane, recovering from recent surgery.
• Joan Clause, recovering from a recent stroke, and for Paul and family as they assist Joan in her recovery; please pray that strength in Joan’s right side will continue to improve and that recovery will continue without complications.
• those dealing with cancer: Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Stacey Baker; Al Van Alstyne; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Gordie Van Buren; Richard Williams; Angie Rivera Maycole; Sue Jones; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Mark VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking; Olivia and family; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse, especially Kathy, Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke)
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - 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.
• the power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare.
KRC’s share of support is $6,711 this year for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN SET AT $80.85. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED nearly $3,800 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.
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 have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call or 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.
