January 26, 2014

Kinderhook Reformed Church

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Worship Service for January 26, 2014 - 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 in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.

 

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

   Flowers are given today by Florence Rivera in memory of

her husband, Michael (1/4/14); her father, Frank (1/4/98);

and Michael’s father, Cecelio (1/4/82).

  Welcome and Announcements

  God’s Greeting and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise #77                                                      Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Lesson                                                                            John 6:22 - 40 (p. 755)
  Message                                                            “Having Jesus - Better than a Miracle”   

  Prayer of Blessing

  Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings

  Intercessory Prayer

*Song of Devotion #473                                            And Can It Be That I Should Gain? *Benediction and Blessing

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship

downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Ushers:  Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Chip Wood

Greeter(s): Jim and Nancy Baker               Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude

  Welcome and Announcements

  Votum

  God’s Greeting  Ruth 2:4

The Lord be with you.   

     And also with you.

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Revelation 15:3-4

Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.

     Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.

Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?

     For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you.

*Hymn of Praise #77 (All verses)                                 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

  Call to Confession  Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Merciful God, you made us in your image, with a mind to know you, a heart to love you, and a will to serve you.  But our knowledge is imperfect, our love inconstant, our obedience incomplete.  Day by day, we fail to grow into your likeness. In your tender love, forgive us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

   Assurance of Pardon

God the Creator brings you new life, forgives and redeems you. Take hold of this forgiveness, and live your life in the Spirit of Jesus.

     Hallelujah, Amen.

  The Law of God   (Responsive)  From Matthew 22:37-40

As God’s forgiven people, how are we to live? Our Lord Jesus said:

“ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first command-ment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

Come let us now live a life of thanksgiving, worthy of His love.

  Hymn of Gratitude #473  (Verses 1 & 4)               And Can It Be That I Should Gain?

  Children’s Message and 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 renew them day by day.  Bring them ever closer to Christ’s perfection, and clothe them in his righteousness.   Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Lesson                                                                            John 6:22 - 40 (p. 755)
  Message                                                            “Having Jesus - Better than a Miracle”  

  Prayer of Blessing

  Invitation to Offering  (Responsive)

With thankfulness we give in gratitude and joy.

With prayerfulness we give in sacrifice and love.

With hopefulness we give in commitment to God.

     As recipients of abundant life in Christ, we now offer our gifts to God.

  Offertory

*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer  (Responsive)

Ever-giving God, source of all goodness and charity,

your ear is always open to our needs.

     When we cry to you, you are faithful and provide for us.

With joy we bring our thanksgiving.

     For all your mercies, we return to you from our abundance.

All that we give, we dedicate to your glory.

All that we keep, we commit to your care, for we are only stewards of your bounty. Bless what we give and what we keep, for all is your creation.  Amen.

  Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn #374  (All verses)                                                      Now Thank We All Our God *Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn    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

Immediately following Worship today, Pastor Rudy, Muitzeskill Reformed Church Supervisor, and Elder Patti Varga, will be attending the annual meeting of the Muitzeskill congregation.  Please pray for this church as they join together and plan for 2014, and for God’s direction as they select a new pastor.

2013 Contribution Statements are now available in alphabetical order on the back table of the sanctuary.  Please remember to pick up your envelope - statements taken today will save postage needed to mail them out tomorrow!  Thanks.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church family, Valatie, together with other area churches, continues their tradition of free dinners once a month in the St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall.   KRC will be providing and serving the free dinner offered Tuesday, February 25, and it is anticipated that up to 150 people will be attending.  A sign-up sheet is now on the back table for volunteers who would be willing to participate in this ministry.

 

~ALSO ON THE BACK TABLE~

End-of-Year update from Libby Little. - please take a copy
Nursery volunteers sign-up sheet for 2014
Youth Group helpers sign-up sheet

 

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY.  IN 2013, THE PANTRY SERVED 3915 PEOPLE REPRESENTING 1065 FAMILIES. 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/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.

             

The Ichabod Crane High School Art Club is hosting the sixth annual “Empty Bowls” supper on Tuesday, February 4 from 4:30-6:30 pm in the ICHS cafeteria.  The public is invited to enjoy a delicious simple meal at this community event and take home a ceramic bowl made by Ichabod Crane students. The bowl serves as a visible reminder that people go to bed hungry every night. Admission by cash donation includes handmade bowl, soup, bread, and beverage. The ceramic bowls have been created by members of the Art Club and students in Ceramics classes at ICHS.   All proceeds from this “Empty Bowls” supper benefit the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry. In case of bad weather, the snow date will be Thursday, February 6.

                                                                    Thank you,   Laura Cannamela

~NOTE OF THANKS FROM CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION~

 

Dear Reformed Protestant Dutch Church,

Your gift of $190 for our Christmas Campaign just arrived. Your generous support brings joy to my heart.  I can’t thank you enough.  Your gift has made a difference for many homeless people in our community – some of whom have spent decades suffering on the streets.  You have given these struggling souls a reason to be grateful this past Christmas season.  And that may change everything.  A decent meal, out of the elements, can inspire people who need help to pursue a better life. They may be moved to enter our long-term care, where they receive counseling, spiritual nourishment, accountability, and job retraining that helps them regain their independence and God-given purpose.  That’s why providing meals during the Christmas season is such a wonderful way to help your homeless neighbors.  It is a “spark” than can lead to transformed lives by the power of Christ.  Thank you and God bless you.

                                                   Gratefully,    Perry Jones, Executive Director

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAY!

  Paul Clause (2nd), Libby Little (2nd), Kari Anne Powell (2nd),

 Harriet Simpkins (2nd), Robert Carroll (12th), Jennifer Jennings (19th), Stacey Baker (20th),

Ben Hart (20th), Noreen Dick (22nd), Sug Hawver (27th),

Jean Skipper (29th), William Carroll (31st), Ainsley Clinton (31st)

 

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,728.14 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 $86.79.  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above 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. If offered weekly, that’s less than $2 per week. All contributions made for this purpose should be designated, “Classis Assessment.” 
 
 

~CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE PLANNED FOR 2014~

 

     Kinderhook Reformed Church is pleased to present the 2014 portion of Concerts in the Village (CITV), a concert series begun 4 years ago under the sponsorship of KRC’s Stewardship Ministry as a music outreach to the church’s surrounding communities featuring our refurbished pipe organ.  Continuing under the dedicated administration of KRC’s CITV committee and the capable and talented leadership of music director and organist, David Smith, the series has evolved to include a variety of orchestral instrumentalists, vocal soloists, a chorus of over 70 voices (now known as the Broad Street Chorale), and a wide selection of sacred and secular pieces from diverse musical periods and cultures.

     All concerts will be performed in KRC’s sanctuary, and a suggested donation of $15 will be gratefully accepted to assist in the ongoing funding of this exceptional series:

 

       SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 3:00 P.M.  The third offering in the 2013-2014 Concerts in the Village series will be "Henry Purcell Sacred and Secular: Home, Church and Dramatic Music of the Early Baroque in England.” Featured will be the Broad Street Chorale, soloists Amanda Boyd, Jon Morrell and others, and orchestra.  This program will include a concert performance of Dido and Aeneas, the first important opera in the English language, as well as instrumental and solo vocal music.

 

EMAIL, WEBSITE,  AND FAX INFORMATION

Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net

Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com

Rev. Rudy is available at his church office

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 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, call 859-4158.

  
 
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, and working together to complete their callings.
KRC's Consistory, whose dedication to their calling is an inspiration to all.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
the good news that Maureen Mooney's operation was successful and that the prognosis for a full recovery is very good.
the good report that the children we recently requested prayer for, Esmeralda and Miguel, are back home safely with their Dad.  The family has a difficult road ahead, but at least they are back together and are safe. Thanks to everyone who remembered them in prayer.
the good news that Liz Carroll’s surgery went well and pathology returned negative.
the healthy birth of Jane Deane's grandson, Fin.
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.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith.
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; VBS; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs.   KRC’s 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members. 
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..
our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
victims of warfare, terrorism, and  violence worldwide,  that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
those, especially children, suffering violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially: those grieving the sudden death of Rosemary Klugo, very close friend of Beth and Dave Ennis; those grieving the recent loss of Peter Knapp Sr; Florence, Chris, Julie, and Angie Rivera grieving the recent loss of husband and father, Mike.
Maureen Mooney, now at home recovering from intestinal surgery. 
Sylvia Ramm, Susan Lamont's aunt, recovering from a stroke.
Jackie Gough, Susan Lamont's stepmother, still hospitalized.
Teresa Van Warner, fighting a difficult battle with cancer.
others battling or recovering from cancer: Rosemary Whitmore & Mrs. Martinez, mothers of Paul Varga's best friends; Steven Blun; Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Kim Lyle's grandma; Rose and Joanne, friends of the Simpkins and Spaulding families; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Marilyn; Dan McNeil; Kathy White, friend of Dawn VanBuren; George, father of Nancy Baker’s friend; Gail, daughter of a friend of Barbara Vosburgh; Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Sal Alessi; Donna Scalera.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: George Clowe; Jen, daughter-in-law of Dawn Tuttle; Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Jane Zanchelli; Dawn Van Buren's mom, Doris; Rachel’s infant son; Noreen Kennedy; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera. 
those facing challenges and difficult decisions: Christians suffering persecution; Libby Little.
reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
residence-bound members, Gordie Van Buren; Murray Leonardson.
those who are traveling, especially Glenn Warren in Florida.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type.  Please forward this information, as well as new praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158.

~A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT PEW CARDS~

Just a note to remind parents to keep their children from writing on or tearing the visitors’ cards and the prayer and announcement cards found in the slots on the back of each pew.  The visitors’ cards are purchased from a professional printer, and are expensive to replace.   Please have your children make use of the writing and coloring materials available especially for them in the back of the sanctuary.  Your attention to this request will be greatly appreciated.