Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. December 25, 2011 – Christmas Day
“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.
Ushers: Ted Call, Arnie March, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): The Visser Family
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on portions of, Luke Chapters 1 and 2
Here is good news of great joy for all people:
Today a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.
Praise God! Glory to God in the highest!
Peace on earth, and good will to all mankind!
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel!
He has come to redeem his people.
The rising sun has come to us from heaven
To shine on those living in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the path of peace.
Come and see this thing that has come to pass.
Come and find Christ, the newborn King!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #171 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
Rather than receiving with our whole hearts the Light of the World, your Son, Jesus Christ, who has been revealed to us in all his glory, we have preferred the darkness of this world. Let us beg God’s pardon and ask for his mercy.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Based on portions of Luke, Chapter 3
God of justice, mercy, and peace, we have not conducted ourselves in keeping with true repentance, but have returned, time after time, to our sinful ways. Forgive us. As we again come face to face with the glory, innocence, and holiness of the Christ Child on this day of celebration of his birth, we commit to serving him with whole hearts and undivided loyalty. Let us be counted among those who are eager to “prepare the way of the Lord and make straight the paths” for him to enter into this world, into our lives, and into our innermost selves with the fullness of his presence. Empower us to become his instruments whereby all mankind will see his salvation.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Based on portions of Luke Chapter 1.
God brings down those who are selfish and proud; but he lifts up the humble, and his mercy extends to those who fear him. Thanks be to God!
Alleluia! Amen!
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the carol, “Let All Mortal Flesh”
Jesus, Light of Light and King of Kings,
descended from realms of endless day,
Let all the powers of hell decay.
Jesus, Light of Light, and Lord of Lords,
descended from realms of endless day,
Let all the darkness clear away.
SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 9:2 - 7 (p. 489)
MESSAGE “A Job Description for the Babe in the Manger.”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison) Based on the carol, In the Bleak Midwinter
Perfect and holy God, what can we give you, imperfect and needy as we are? If we were shepherds, we could bring lambs. If we were wise men, we could bring precious ointments, perfumes, and gold. Yet the most precious gift we can bring to you, the gift you desire from us above all else, is the gift of our hearts. We give you our hearts. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #157 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
*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
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’s share of support will be $6,456 in 2012 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 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT FOR 2012 HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 88¢ FROM LAST YEAR! THIS AVERAGES OUT TO JUST $1.57 PER WEEK PER MEMBER. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED nearly $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.
For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, new envelopes for 2012 are ready for pick-up TODAY in the back of the sanctuary. Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name. PLEASE USE YOUR NEW ENVELOPES BEGINNING NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 1.
IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS ON THE BACK TABLE AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300th Anniversary "KickOff" event will take place on January 8 immediately following the Worship Service. The 300th Anniversary Banner will be up for display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner! A brunch will be served as part of this opening of our year-long celebration, and donations of food items are needed to fill out the brunch menu. Please sign up on the sheet at the back table in the sanctuary. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, BEGINNING WITH THE JANUARY 8 FESTIVITIES. 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. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. If you have questions, contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994.
KRC SMALL GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE: KRC’s small groups offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. are in recess until sometime in mid-January. Please watch upcoming bulletins for details about when they will resume.
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
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.
~NOTE OF THANKS FROM LIBBY LITTLE~
Dear Friends at Kinderhook Reformed Church,
I am so very thankful for your prayers and support through Interserve at the close of this year. It has been a year of change and challenge, so your “constancy” through it all has encouraged me as I have stepped into this new area of mission service. Thank you very much.
Love, Libby
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 family and friends grieving the utimely death of Kim; and the Smith Family, grieving the death of Liz, mother and wife.
• Al Van Alstyne, in hospice at Barnwell. Pray for comfort, peace, and reassurance for Al and his wife, Joan, as well as for their family.
• Joan Clause, recovering very well at home 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 with therapy, and that recovery will continue without complications. Many thanks for all the prayers and expressions of love and concern.
• 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: Jane Deane; Stacey Baker; 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.
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.
• the blessing of the delightful Christmas pageant presented by KRC Sunday School students and staff as part of last Sunday’s worship service.
• the wonderful church family and community response to KRC’s 2nd annual Lessons and Carols worship service held last Sunday afternoon, as well as for the inspiring and spiritually uplifting recounting, both in song and word, of the birth of Christ. Many thanks to all those who contributed their time and talents to the success of this outreach event.
• all those who participated in the Angel Tree and Capital City Rescue Mission Christmas gifts programs. Because of your generosity, many children will know the joy of receiving a gift from a parent who is in prison, and many homeless men will be able to keep warm and more comfortable this winter.
• KRC’s recent 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.
• the homecoming 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
• the encouraging report that Angie Rivera Maycole has recovered well and is able to be back at work.
• Marcia Smith’s good recovery from her bout with cancer, and that she is back to work.
• the good news that Gordie Van Buren continues to do very well at home - baked goods and visits are always welcome!
• 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.
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 25 – Christmas Day
10:00 am Worship Service
Please Note: Sunday School will be in recess until January 8, 2012.
Tues., December 27
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., December 29
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
Please Note: KRC’s small groups meeting on Thursdays will be in recess until sometime in mid-January. Watch future bulletins for details about when they will resume.
Sun., January 1
10:00 am Worship Service – Perry Jones preaching
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Please Note: Sunday School will be in recess until January 8, 2012.
Fri., January 6
9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets @KRC
Sun., January 8
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
Please Note: Sunday School resumes January 8, 2012.
11:00 am KRC’s 300th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration Brunch
Please Note: Adult Sunday School class will not meet January 8.
Sun., January 15
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
Ordination and installation of 2012 Consistory members
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Servers Next Sunday, January 1, 2011
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s):
Nursery Supervisor:
