June 26, 2011

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. June 26, 2011
“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 fellowship with us and enjoy refreshments served by Donna Flansburg at our Lemonade Stand on the front lawn of the church following today’s Worship Service.

Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth

Greeter(s): Bob and Laure Rafferty and Family

Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Bonnie Dunham supervising.

Flowers are from the gardens of Bev Van Alstyne.

Guest Organist, David Smith
  
Order of Worship
  PRELUDE:  Prière à Notre Dame, Op.25, Léon Boëllmann, from Suite Gothique
  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
  VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

Boldly Approaching Our God

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive)
Prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God
   The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together,
   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
We shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One
and coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,
and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
   With a loud command, with the trumpet call of God,
   and as lightning from the east is visible even in the west,
   so will be the coming of the Son of Man down from heaven. 
When Christ, who is our life, appears,
his angels will gather us from the four winds, from the ends of the earth:
   We will appear with him in glory, and we will be like him.
We will receive the crown of righteousness that will never fade away.
   Today, as we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us to eternal life,
   we continue in worship of him and in his love, so that when he appears
   we may be confident and unashamed before him.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #196 (verses 1 and 5)                                            One Day
  CALL TO  CONFESSION
Repent and turn to God that your sins may be wiped out, and that he may send times of refreshing and the Christ appointed for you – even Jesus. Watch! He will come suddenly, as a thief in the night – do not let him find you sleeping!
       PRAYER OF CONFESSION and ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Righteous God who will judge the living and the dead, we confess to our blind and ungodly pursuit of worldly pleasures and passions. Awaken in us the need for your salvation.  Purify us from all wickedness.  Strengthen our hearts to be holy, self-controlled, and upright in this present age, eager to do good while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]


Praise be to God, who forgives us through faith in his Son, our Redeemer;
who keeps us pure and blameless - body, soul and spirit - until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen. 
  CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
  PRAYER OF BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN
Gracious God, transform these children into the likeness of your living Son, Jesus. Guard them from the evils of this world; renew them day by day; and keep them spotless until Christ comes in his Father's glory with all his holy angels Amen.
God’s Open Word

  PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION - Colossians 4:5, Ephesians 5:15-16, Psalm 90:12
PASTOR:   Show us, O Lord, how to make the best possible use of our time.
PEOPLE:   Enable us to be very careful how we live, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of every moment given to us.
ALL: Teach us to count our days, that we may gain a wise heart, O Lord! 
  SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                      Matthew 24:36-51 (p. 701)
  MESSAGE                                                                “The End of the World is Nigh.”
  PRAYER OF BLESSING
*HYMN  #135                                                             Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus                                
Celebrating God
  PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY:
                                         “God, who madest earth and heaven,” Op. 67, Max Reger
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER  (Unison)
Holy God, we offer these gifts to be used to proclaim the gospel of forgiveness, salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life through Christ Jesus, your Son, until the day of his coming.  Amen.
  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
  PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN  #517                                                                                            The Solid Rock                               
*BENEDICTION and 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.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
  POSTLUDE: Voluntary in G major, William Walond, from Six Voluntaries, c. 1752, no. 5


Next Sunday is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund.  Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members

If you are willing to offer your services to the Lemonade Stand ministry during the month of August, please contact Sally Heimroth, 784-3164.

KRC’s Youth Group will be observing its own “30-Hour Famine” tomorrow, June 27, into Tuesday, June 28.  Sponsors are encouraged, and all proceeds will go to support KRC’s commitment to its Compassion ministry.  Donations may be given to the Youth Group representative (probably Patti) posted at the church entryway following Worship today, or placed in the offering plate. Kindly make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church with “30-our Famine” on the memo line.  If you would like to continue to support Compassion with coin-box donations, boxes are still available on the back table.  If you have not yet turned in your filled coin box, please do so.  

Please pick up a copy of Libby Little’s JUNE UPDATE
and itinerary from the back table.

The Reformed Church in America has asked for donations to aid people in tornado-ravaged areas.  To send buckets filled with cleaning supplies, as was suggested, is not practical for us, but we would like to add our “Drop In the Bucket” by donating anything our hearts suggest.  A bucket for that purpose hangs in the front foyer.  Please add your Drop in the Bucket.

Christian Ed Ministry is looking for volunteers to teach in our  Vacation Bible School program August 22 - 26, 9 a.m. to noon each day. A sign-up sheet is on the back table.  For additional information about the positive rewards of serving in this ministry and the relatively small time commitment involved, please see Patti Varga.  Forms are also available to pre-register children for this year’s exciting program.

Please pick up your family’s copy of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY from the back table today.  This easy-to-read publication features Bible-based articles of good counsel and practical advice especially relevant to families raising children or grandchildren, along with other features of general interest.  A new edition will be available to you each month.  


Praise God for the Christ-like example and Christian witness seen in Jim Dunham’s selfless volunteer service to Columbia County citizens and their communities.  Jim, Nancy Bryan from Ancram, and Arlene Sweeney from Livingston, along with honorees from across New York State, were recognized recently on Senior Citizens’ Day at the State Capitol for their sustained engagement in and contributions to civic projects.


MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY.  Foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; pasta; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.

 


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, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR.  Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week.  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 HAVE DONATED A TOTAL OF $3038 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Putting the Emphases where It Belongs!

 

     As flooding and severe weather continues and tornadoes cause destruction in several regions of the United States, I hear of more and more people who fear the end of the world is at hand. Frankly, being ready for the end of the world that is at hand because God says so, and fearing that the end of the world is at hand and rushing around selling all you possessions and giving up your children’s collage funds, are two very different things.  The Bible is clear about two things in this regard. Plainly said, He is coming and no one knows when He is coming. For believers this is good news, and we need not fear the coming of the Lord.  Fearing the Lord, not the coming of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom Proverbs 9:10 says.
     When reading Luke 21:25-28, the alarmist emphasizes verses 25-26. Prophets emerge from everywhere, capturing all who are willing to listen. They preach destruction, fuel fear, and call it evangelism. The believer focuses on verses 27-28, and with a glad heart awaits the glory of God, stands up, and with eyes on high prays, Maranatha, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.” – 1 Corinthians 16:22, Philippians 4:5, and Revelation 22:20.
     Our congregational meeting, pancake breakfast, plant swap, bake sale, and Garden Workshop activities this month have been a great success, and we thank all who participated with us in each of these outreach events.
     As always, and especially with the upcoming summer vacation, you are asked to be faithful, if possible, with your tithing even for those Sundays that you cannot make it to church.
     I would like to leave you with the following three scriptures for this month: First, in the light of the doomsday prophet’s messages, Isaiah 31:13, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” and 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Secondly, in the light of the pain and annihilation caused by nature and natural phenomena in the Heartland of our nation.  Romans 8:35 and 38-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . . For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
     I pray that, as we grow together in Christ and His guidance through the Holy Spirit, and as we gladly await His second coming, we will glorify Him in all we do.                   
                                                                                                     Pastor Rudy

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
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• For Priscilla Frisbee’s presence with us in Worship Sunday
• Success of KRC’s recent outreach events:  Pancake Breakfast ($561 in donations to Alight Pregnancy Center in Hudson); Bake Sale at Kindercrafters’ ($200 designated for KRC’s restoration fund); Garden Workshop; Bake Sale and Plant Swap sponsored by Evangelism Ministry, and Compassion Coin Banks ($454)
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times

• 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 whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• Karl and Jen, the new pastor and his wife at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, as they settle into their new home and ministry in Kinderhook
• 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 celebration
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• A speedy end to the violence and unrest in the Middle East
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those who have lost loved ones, suffered personal injury, and lost homes and businesses in the recent tornado disasters
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Earl Johnson and family grieving the recent death of Earl’s wife
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth, in intensive care with a brain aneurysm.
• Ashley and Mike, whose twin girls were born at about 34 weeks in very serious condition with congenital heart problems
• Scott Clinton, Amy Clinton’s brother-in-law, recovering from recent surgery following a massive coronary; according to Scott’s doctors, almost no one survives this type of attack, and they are calling his recovery a miracle – thank God for this answer to prayer,
• Dawn VanBuren, recovering from glaucoma surgery this past Wednesday to save the sight in her right eye - please pray for a speedy recovery without complications for Dawn, and reassurance for her and Leo at this stressful time
• Those dealing with cancer: Ginger; Donna Scalera; Ken Scofield; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh;
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care:  Ryan; Ryan (Hacker) Morris; Tammy; Florence Kern; Doris Schmieder; Priscilla Frisbee; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga 
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; 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 substance abuse, especially 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; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; Dave and Beth Ennis would like to announce that their daughter, Kelly Ennis Babic, and husband Brad, are expecting a baby girl in early September - please keep them in your prayers; first-time parents, Nicole (Baby Arianna), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke); Luke & Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) & Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Those who are traveling, especially Stacey Baker traveling and studying in France -  Stacey will not be returning home until August 25
• Our residence-bound members:  Gordie VanBuren, Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; Carrington Hessell; 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

 

 

 


~ BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, JUNE 2011~
 


Income, June 1 to 23, 2011          $8,552
Bills Paid, June 1 to 23, 2011        $12,081
Current Checkbook Balance           $1,181
Outstanding Bills                  --
   Ministry Expenses                   $0  
   Pastoral Services and Personnel            $200
TOTAL Outstanding Bills            $200

General Reserves Investment Account Balance, May 31        $40,042
   Transfer to Checking, 6/14 (Missions, Qtr 2 Classis Assessment)          - $3,000
General Reserves Account Projected Balance, June 30        $37,042

Benevolent Fund Available Balance             $1,458
Renovation Fund Available Balance          $5,460


Missions Pledges Budgeted 2011             $4,500
Missions Pledges Paid Out to Date          $2,000

Classis Assessment 2011             $6,711
Assessment Payments to Classis to Date          $3,355
Assessment Donations to Date          $3,038

 

 

 

 

 

KRC 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.


KRC 2011-2012 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Margaret Herrmann, Stewardship – ’12    758-6175
Laura Rafferty, Property – ’12   828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory, Cemetery – ’11  758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Missions, Church Treasurer – ’11   758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis ’12  784-9656
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12    210-6079
Dawn VanBuren, Consistory Vice-President, Worship,
                               Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11    758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12     392-4771

KRC STAFF
                    KRC Secretary                   Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton               
            Paul Clause – 859-4158           Greg Clause  –  369-8472, 758-1338