Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. January 8, 2012
“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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and brunch with us as we launch our 300th Anniversary Celebration Year downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Jim and Bonnie Dunham
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE “How brightly shines the morning star” Op. 67 Max Reger
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Arise, people of God! The light has come;
it shines within, without, and around us.
In the gloom of winter we seek out the light of Christ;
we yearn for God’s radiance and warmth.
Gather, people of God! Come to encounter the Holy Mystery of God-with-us.
As the wise men journeyed from afar,
so have we come to pay homage to the Christ child.
Give thanks, people of God!
Let us be servants of the gospel, sharers in the promise of Christ.
Through Christ, we have access to God; let us be bold in our worship!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #21 How Great Thou Art
CALL TO CONFESSION 1 John1:5b-10
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Most holy and merciful Father, we confess to you and to one another,
that we have sinned against you by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength.
We have not fully loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We have not always had in us the mind of Christ.
You alone know how often we have grieved you
by wasting your gifts, by wandering from your ways.
Forgive us, we pray you, most merciful Father, and free us from our sin.
Renew in us the grace and strength of your Holy Spirit,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Psalter Hymnal, Grand Rapids: CRC Publications, 1987
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God is with us. God brings us peace and forgiveness.
God brings us opportunities - new and fresh every day!
Alleluia. Amen.
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison)
All-knowing and faithful God, lead our children along paths of righteousness into the places and purposes that you have planned for their lives. May they trust always in your promise and power to guide and direct them in serving you and in bringing blessing to others.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the song, Trust in the Lord
Strengthen our faith in you, O Lord, that we may trust in you with all our hearts, acknowledge you in all our ways, and lean not to our own understanding. As we hear your word today, we seek your perfect wisdom and rely on your promise to direct our paths. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 62:6 - 12 (pp. 529-530)
MESSAGE “Build up…Remove…Raise a Banner!”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION (Insert)
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY SOLO, Vicki Smith, soprano
“Let the righteous be glad” from Chandos Anthem No. 11 Handel
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison) Glen E. Rainsley, Hear Our Prayer:
O God, these plates contain but a portion of our thanksgiving. The remainder we offer through deeds of loving kindness, through service in the name of Christ, through enactment of the hope born of faithfulness, and because of our reaffirmed call to servant hood. To the grace of your goodness we respond with gratitude, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #53 Let All Things Now Living
*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 “How brightly shines the morning star” BWV 739 J. S. Bach
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.
The funeral service for Al Van Alstyne will be held at 2 p.m. next Sunday, January 15, 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.
~NOTES OF THANKS AND HOLIDAY GREETINGS~
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 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 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 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
Kinderhook Reformed Church is launching its 300th Anniversary Celebration TODAY! 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. As part of this opening of our year-long celebration, all are invited to a brunch in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, BEGINNING WITH TODAY’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 tricentennial year, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with questions.
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.
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!
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke
• the blessing of the delightful Christmas pageant presented recently by KRC Sunday School students and staff.
• the wonderful church family and community response to KRC’s 2nd annual Lessons and Carols worship service December 18, 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.
• KRC’s recent Candlelight Night Open House and Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Our church was filled on both occasions 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 these outreach events 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 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.
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 who left Wednesday for 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 death Thursday morning 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; family and friends of Archie Williams; family and friends grieving the utimely death of Kim.
• Stephanie, dear friend of Lori Kolb-Speer, facing surgery Monday for spinal cancer. Please pray for the doctors doing the surgery, for a speedy recovery, and for a complete remission of Stephanie's cancer.
• Mary Ann, sister of Sally Heimroth, recovering from recent surgery
• Stacey Baker, who will be having additional jaw surgery tomorrow.
• Ryan, undergoing eye surgery this coming Wednesday.
• Florence Rivera, recovering at home from pneumonia
• Laree Devine, daughter of Loris Clark, recovering in Albany Med from surgery to repair 2 life-threatening brain aneurysms; two other aneurysms will require additional surgery. Please pray for a complete recovery for Laree, and for comfort, reassurance, and peace for Loris, Laree’s husband, Lawrence, her four children, and other family members.
• others 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: 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: 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: first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew), 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.
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.
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 8
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
Please Note: Sunday School resumes today.
11:00 am KRC’s 300th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration Brunch
Please Note: Adult Sunday School class will not meet January 8.
Mon., January 9
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tues., January 10
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., January 12
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 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
2:00 pm Al Van Alstyne funeral service followed by memorial
reception for family and friends
Servers Next Sunday, January 15, 2011
Ushers: Al Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie
Greeter(s):
Nursery Supervisor:
