Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. January 15, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
We would like to get to know you better, and invite you to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. May God bless you as you worship with us today.
Ushers: Al Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie
Greeter(s): Dolly Petith
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP VOTUM and
GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
The people who sit in darkness
have seen a great light.
Arise, let us leave the gloomy night;
let us behold the glorious sight;
make straight, then, the crooked highways;
exalt the valleys and make low the mountains
to prepare the way of the Lord!
To make ready our hearts for his appearance,
let us celebrate the Light of the World,
for upon us has the Light shined!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #62 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
The God who created us and knows our every weakness is also the God who redeems us. With confidence, let us confess the sins that separate us from God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13
God of eternal hope, you place a light into every darkness and a star in every sky, and yet we prefer to walk in the darkness of despair and worry. We cover over the light of possibility with a flurry of worry. We walk bent over with care and concern and miss the reach of the stars. We fear the worst and distrust the best. We forge ahead on our own, not noticing your outstretched hand. We forget that there is never a moment that you are not with us, that your Son was called Immanuel, which means "God with us" You bring a candle of hope, the light of peace, the radiance of joy. Forgive us we pray for all these and also those sins we now individually confess before you.
[Moment of silent confession]
Jesus is the light of the world, the author of my salvation,
and the lover of my soul.
Shine your light on our path and walk with us through all our valleys with the sun at our backs. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends, the word of the Lord is trustworthy and sure:
When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. We are made new creatures in Christ.
Hallelujah, Amen.
PRAISE SONGS
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison)
Loving Father, transform our children into the likeness of your living Son, Jesus Christ. Guard them from the evils of this world, and guide them into your holy light. Bring them ever closer to Christ’s perfection, and clothe them in his righteousness. Amen.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the hymn, Open My Eyes
Holy God, we wait upon you, ready to know your will. Open our ears to your voice of perfect wisdom, and open our eyes to the truth you have for us today. Illuminate us, we pray, with your divine Spirit. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON John 1:43 - 51 (p. 751)
MESSAGE “To Have Been Seen by God”
PRAYER OF BLESSING.
Celebrating God
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICE BEARERS
WE GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY DUET, Nancy Baker and Deborah Spaulding My Heavenly Father
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison)
Generous God, thank you for the gifts you bestow upon us daily. Make us aware of each blessing that comes our way - and create in us the constant desire to be blessings for others. Bless what we bring before you, we pray. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #532 Be Thou My Vision
*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
The funeral service for Al Van Alstyne will be held at 2 p.m. today here at the church. Following the committal service at Kinderhook Cemetery, family and friends are invited to return to the church for a memorial reception. There will be no calling hours prior to the funeral.
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 in the back of the sanctuary. Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name. 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 ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
With the exception of the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, KRC will no longer be handling the ordering, delivery, and placement of flowers for the pulpit area. However, we invite anyone who wishes to do so to purchase fresh flowers on their own and place them on the platform pedestals. Vases are available for this purpose if needed. A sheet may be found on the back table in the sanctuary for signing up to bring flowers and for noting memorials and celebrations for which they are being given. As before, donors’ names and memorial notes will still be published in the Sunday bulletins. If you have questions regarding this change in policy, please see Dawn van Buren.
Rev. John Bowen, supply pastor and supervisor for KRC for many months during the pastoral search for Rev. Nate Meldrim, retired from the ministry as of December 31. A retirement card is on the back table of the sanctuary for the church family to sign and offer their well-wishes to John. For those of you who would like to send your own personal note or card, his address is 10 Willis Avenue, Catskill, NY 12414.
~NOTES OF THANKS AND HOLIDAY GREETINGS~
Phone Message from Bev Van Alstyne:
We are very lonesome for and miss all of you at KRC. Merry Christmas and God bless all the staff and everyone in the church family. We are especially thankful for the wonderful job Pastor Rudy is doing among all of us, and particularly for the help he has been to Allen and Joan and the other members of the Van Alstyne family at this time. Thank you, Pastor Rudy, and again, God bless each of you.
Dear KRC Family,
“At its most perfect, Christmas is a simple time of love and joy . . . which is exactly what you’re wished. Merry Christmas.” My best wishes for health and contentment to my dear friends at KRC. I miss you. Jean Skipper
Dear Members of Kinderhook Reformed Church,
Thank you for donating a wreath to the 2011 Gallery of Wreaths at the Vanderpoel House of History, and please express my special thanks to Patti Varga for decorating the wreath. We had 41 wreaths this year. Your wreath sold for $30. The proceeds from the Gallery of Wreaths help the Columbia County Historical Society preserve our four historic sites and continue our exhibit and education programs. The Gallery has been a tradition in Kinderhook Village for nearly 30 years. The Society is looking forward to 2010, and we hope you will continue to be part of our holiday celebrations. Thank you for supporting the Society. From all of us here at the museum, our very best wishes for a Happy New Year!
With sincerest thanks, Ann-Eliza Lewis, Executive Director
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family,
“May your celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ be filled with His Love, Peace, and Joy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Bless you for your ministry to the nations and also to our Wycliffe Bible Translators team. We thank Jesus for you all! In Christ’s Love, Brian and Bea Post - 1 John 4:10
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
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 87¢ 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 over $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING JANUARY BIRTHDAYS:
Stacey Baker, Paul Clause, Noreen Dick, Sug Hawver, Libby Little, Kari Anne Powell, Jean Skipper - All are invited to sign the birthday cards for Jean Skipper and Libby Little located on the back table.
MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY, 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.
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.
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.
• Sabrina’s reunion with her biological mother after 32 years!
• the wonderful Worship service last Sunday and the great time of picture-taking, brunch, and fellowship that followed in celebration of the beginning of KRC’s tricentennial year!
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke
• 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 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.
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 events.
• 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.
• Dr. Beth Tanner and 18 New Brunswick Theological Seminary students traveling in Israel and Palestine. The group is participating in the "Light for the World" study tour led by Rev. Marlin and Sally Vis. Dr. Tanner and the students will return January 18. Please pray for a safe and enlightening journey!
• 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 recent death of Al Van Alstyne. Remember as well the family and parents of 43-year-old Gordon Parker, cousin of Noreen Dick, who has lost his ten-year battle with brain cancer - Gordon leaves a wife and two young sons.
• Stephanie, dear friend of Lori Kolb-Speer, recovering from surgery for spinal cancer. Please pray for a speedy recovery, and for a complete remission of Stephanie's cancer.
• others dealing with cancer: Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• Myrtle, 98, in hospice, and for her daughter and grandchildren assisting in her care.
• Florence Rivera, recovering at home from pneumonia
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Mary Ann; Ryan; Stacey Baker, Laree Devine; Joan Clause; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Gordie Van Buren; Richard Williams; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; 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; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew),
• 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 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.
Kinderhook Reformed Church has launched its Tricentennial Celebration! The 300th Anniversary Banner is now on display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner in the spring. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, BEGINNING WITH LAST SUNDAY’S 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 year-long celebration, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with offers to assist in this ministry.
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.
COMING EVENTS
Today, January 15
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
Ordination & installation, 2012 Consistory members
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
2:00 pm Al Van Alstyne funeral service followed by
memorial reception for family and friends
Tues., January 17
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., January 19
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 22
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
Baptisms, Babic and Clinton children
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Servers Next Sunday, January 22, 2011
Ushers: Al Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie
Greeter(s): Bill and Kathy Schneider
Nursery Supervisor:
