Kinderhook Reformed Church

Kinderhook Reformed Church

Palm Sunday Celebration of Worship, 10 a.m. March 25, 2018

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

Welcome visitors! Please fill out a visitor’s pew card and place it in the offering plate.

Following worship, all are invited downstairs for refreshment and fellowship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Phil Hurst, Matt Osborne, Andrew Welcome.

Thanks to today’s greeters, The LaTorre Family.       Nursery facility available downstairs.

 

  Prelude                   Grave; Adagio from Sonata in c minor, op. 65             F. Mendelssohn

  Welcome and Announcements

  The Lord’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Selected verses from Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

Let Israel say:
    “His love endures forever.”

You are my God, and I will praise you;
    you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

*Hymn (Screen - Children distribute palms)                                 All Glory Laud and Honor 

  Allowing God to Shape Us

Morning Prayer (Responsive)

Pastor: Holy and sovereign God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus,

who rode in triumph into the holy city of Jerusalem,

hailed as King and Messiah by adoring crowds.

Men:   You gave your only-begotten Son to take the form of a servant

and to be obedient even to death on a cross.

Women:   Give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus,

so that sharing in his humility, we may come to be with him in his glory,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

All:   Turn our hearts again this day to enter into Christ’s Passion and death,

so we may also enter into his resurrection and glory. Amen.

  Prayer of Blessing upon Our Children (Unison) and Invitation to Sunday School

Lord Jesus, lead our children into the knowledge that you willingly offered   yourself up to suffering and death on the cross for their salvation.  Assure them that you speak up for them before God, and that because of you, they are good in God’s sight and will live forever with you in heaven.  Amen.  

  Hymn of Confession and Praise for Pardon #460 (Verses 1,2, & 3)    Search Me, O God

Coming Before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Reading                                                 Mark 1:1-11

  Message                                                               “A Champion Who Will Die on the Cross”

  Prayer of Blessing

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness.    I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins.     I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

  Duet,                                               Come Sing to the Lord                               Betsy Lee Bailey

Deborah Spaulding, soprano                  Nancy Baker, alto

Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology #809                                                    Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Offertory Prayer  (Unison) Based on Ezekiel 37:13-14

The crowds offered you their coats to walk on and waved palm branches honoring your presence. Today, Lord, we honor you with our faithful tithes and offerings. We lay these gifts before you, humble tokens of our love, a public display of affection for our King of kings. Amen. 

  Pastoral Prayer for Palm Sunday

       Thank you for sending your Son and paving the way for our lives to be set free through Jesus' death on the cross. Thank you for what this day stands for - the beginning of Holy Week, the start of the journey towards the power of the cross, the victory of the Resurrection, and the rich truth that Jesus truly is our King of Kings.  "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord..."

       We give you praise and honor for your ways are righteous and true. We give you worship, for you are holy and just. We will declare that your love stands firm forever. For your lovingkindness endures forever.

       Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem. Thank you that you make all things new. Help us to stay strong and true to you. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds, but to press in close to you, to hear your whispers, and seek after you alone.   

       Thank you that your face is towards the righteous, that you know our hearts, and that we can bring our needs to you with confidence, knowing that you are listening and will hear and answer our prayers. 

       We praise you, we bless you Lord! Thank you that you reign supreme and we are more than conquerors through the gift of Christ!

In the Mighty Name of Jesus,

       Amen. 

*Hymn #205                                                                                    Ride On Ride On in Majesty

*Benediction 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

  Postlude     Fuga: Allegro moderato from Sonata in c minor, op. 65       F. Mendelssohn

 

 

~VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY EASTER BASKETS~

       Easter Food Baskets will be given to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. In November, 135 families, accounting for 572 individuals, received Thanksgiving baskets, and we anticipate about the same number of families for Easter. The baskets include food for Easter dinner: ham, potatoes, yams, corn, green beans, pineapple, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items for the baskets in bulk, and if you would like to help financially with these purchases, checks may be made payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and dropped in the offering plate.  If you prefer, you may make checks out directly to Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc., with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and mail them to:  Jean Norton, 35 Harris Drive, Valatie, NY 12184. The Pantry thanks you in advance for any help you are able to give. All monies or food items left over after the Easter baskets are distributed will be put into the Pantry account or onto the Pantry shelves

 

       Wednesday, March 28, at 6 pm, KRC will host the last in its series of Lenten Bible-Study Meals. “On the menu” will be soup, bread, coffee, and a healthy portion of the series theme, "RESTORED - Finding Redemption in Our Mess." The Bible study will be offered at the same time the meal is being shared in community by those attending, and we are prayerfully expecting a blessed, meaningful experience for all.

 

~HELPERS NEEDED FOR ST. LUKE’S FREE DINNER THIS TUESDAY, MARCH 27~

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church family, Valatie, together with other area churches, continue the tradition of free dinners during the winter months at the St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall. KRC will be providing and serving the free dinner on Tuesday, March 27.   Volunteers are needed to setup, cook, serve, and clean up, and a sign-up sheet is available on the back table for those willing to participate in this ministry. 

 

 

For the next few Sundays, a printout of the names, email and mailing addresses, and phone numbers listed in our computerized Membership and Friends Manager will be available on the back table.  Please check over your particular information, and make any necessary corrections directly on the printout.  Also, please place a ✔ in the “Correct” column if no changes are needed.  If your information does not appear on the printout, and you would like to have it listed in the new directory, please enter it at the end of the printout.  Photos will be taken on April 12^th and 13^th for those who wish to have them included; photo appointment reservations are necessary through the church office, 518-758-6401, or online at

https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/Y9L8RZTK/

Beethoven and Mendelssohn: Second Symphonies from the Romantic Age

3:00 pm Sunday, April 8, Kinderhook Reformed Church

       The Broad Street Chorale, the Broad Street Orchestra, and soloists offer three great works from the first half of the 19^th century. Opening the program will be the brilliant, but seldom heard concert aria Infelice (1843) by Mendelssohn, with which the award-winning soprano Caroline Dunigan returns to CITV. This is followed by Beethoven’s exciting Symphony No. 2 in D major (1801-02), regarded by many as one of the master’s wittiest creations. Following intermission Mendelssohn returns with his monumental Symphony- Cantata Lobgesang (1840) for large orchestra, chorus and soloists. Written to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the invention of printing and sometimes classified as the second of the composer’s five symphonies, this vocal-orchestral work is apparently modelled on Beethoven’s much more famous 9^th Symphony. It shares with the earlier work both choral and orchestral magnificence and gorgeous writing for solo voices. The soloists forLobgesang will be soprano Caroline Dunigan, mezzo-soprano Chloë Schaaf and tenor Jon Morrell.  CITV Artistic Director David Smith conducts.

A 19^th Century German Songbook for Voices and Piano Four-hands

4:00 pm Saturday, April 14, Van Buren Hall, 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook

       With this concert CITV celebrates and supports the impressive talents of four singers from the Bard Graduate Vocal Arts Program and two Bard Collaborative Piano Fellows. Featured will be duets and quartets by Brahms, Fanny Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, and Schubert, as well as four-hand piano works by Clara Schumann and Schubert. Included will be the well-known and beloved Liebeslieder, op. 52 (1868) of Brahms, as well as that composer’s very beautiful earlier 3 Quartets, op. 31. Performing will be soprano Paulina Swierczek, mezzo-soprano Chloë Schaaf, tenor Eric Carey, bass Luke MacMillan, and pianists Florence Mak and Bethany Pietroniro. Since its founding CITV has benefitted from the participation of many fine singers and instrumentalists from Bard and in recognition is delighted to present these six very promising musicians. CITV has also enjoyed the contributions of Bard musicians in the beginning post-graduate years of their performing careers; among these have been the very well-received sopranos Caroline Dunigan and Kameryn Lueng. A 19th Century German Songbook for Voices and Piano Four-hands has been conceived by these six young performers at the invitation of Artistic Director David Smith.

A $20 donation is suggested from those attending either of the above concerts.

 

KRC will sponsor an indoor flea market and bake sale from 10 am – 2 pm Saturday, April 14, for the benefit of the youth mission trip to New Berlin, NY, this summer. Please see Dawn Van Buren for details on setting up your own table at the flea market ($20 fee), and Susan Patterson if you are able to donate baked goods.

 

~PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 14~

The next Parents' Night Out at KRC is being planned for Saturday, April 14, from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.  You are invited to take advantage of this great opportunity to have your kids, ages 3 and up, well-looked-after as they enjoy activities, dinner, and movie entertainment, while you and your spouse enjoy a night out together.  The maximum number of kids that can attend is limited to 20, so parents must register their children in advance for this program; forms are available in the church fellowship hall.   Additional volunteers are needed to help out, and if you are able to do so, please contact a member of Outreach Ministry.  

 

Tens of thousands of CROP Hunger Walkers are committed each year to building a hunger-free world.  For nearly half a century.  CROP Hunger Walks have ensured that more people worldwide have access to nutritious, sustainable food sources.  From combatting droughts in Nicaragua to providing agricultural training in Indonesia to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the US, CROP Hunger Walks help end hunger by raising funds to support local food programs and the international anti-hunger work of Church World Service.  This year's walk is on Sunday, May 6, and will step off at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kinderhook.  The walk will still wind around the village of Kinderhook, but it will be a little shorter, making it more do-able for more people.  Kinderhook Reformed Church is once again invited to stand with its neighbors in our community who rely on food-assistance programs, and to partner with and support families worldwide struggling in the face of grinding poverty. CROP WALK committee chair this year is Beegee Ropollo (biroppolo@gmail.com, 518-320-6232).   KRC's contact person, Patrice Lyons, will be attending an organizational meeting at 7 pm Monday, March 26, at St Luke's Lutheran Church to receive information and materials to pass along to the KRC family and friends, and to encourage participation in this year's effort. 

 

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2018

Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $94.68 (Up $6.18 from last year).  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 just $2.38 per week for the remaining weeks (40) in this year. Please clearly
designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.” 

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities.
• Pastor Rudy, as he fulfills his ministerial duties.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially newly installed officers, Jane Deane, Jean Hacker; Susan Patterson, and Deborah Spaulding; KRC’s administrative ministries, KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday; and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the government officials now in office, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason Lansing serving in S. Korea.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies, especially families and friends grieving those who were killed in the recent walkway bridge collapse in Florida; those suffering economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, war, displacement and terrorism, especially the survivors of, and those who have lost loved ones and friends in recent gun violence.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially family and friends grieving the recent death of Terry Toomey, friend of Jim and Nancy Baker; Janet Smith, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Janet’s father; those grieving the recent death of Carl Racquet.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for those nearing the close of this life.
• Carol, future daughter-in-law of Erika & Merrill Johnson, recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  Pray that Carol may experience God's healing, reassurance, and peace, and pray for Carol's family, and the Johnsons, for strength as they help her during this difficult time.
• Freya, Patti Varga’s aunt, who just came home from the hospital with hospice care, and has been given 2 to 4 weeks to live. Remember as well Willard, Freya's husband, who was moved to a nursing home while Freya was in the hospital because he can no longer care for himself, and for their 3 children as they are faced with this new reality.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Jean Hacker; Judy Alvarez, Charles Roppolo; Terri; Michael, brother of Mary Jane Haywood; Connie Witkowski; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B.; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve.
• Phil Sherman, at his home in Bronxville, NY, dealing with eye issues.  Pray that Phil may experience God's healing, reassurance, and peace, and pray also for his wife, Birgitta, as she assists Phil at this time of need. 
• Morgan Hickman, daughter of Fred and Angie, who recently suffered a serious concussion and is currently experiencing many side effects from it. It is expected that she will have a long recovery ahead of her, but please pray for a speedy and complete healing for Morgan, and that she, her parents, and family will be blessed with God's strength, reassurance, and peace during this difficult time.
• Vickie Metzger, 98, Nancy Baker's mother. Please remember also Nancy and Jim as they serve as Vickie's caretakers.
• Jim Baker's mother, in nursing care in Livingston after falling and suffering brain bleeds.  Pray that she may know God's presence, comfort, reassurance, and healing.
• Two friends of Erika Johnson, one who is recovering from recent back surgery, and another who has been diagnosed with bone cancer. Prayers for successful treatment and full recovery for both would be greatly appreciated. 
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Ted Call; Fred Borrelli, nephew of Jane Deane; Bill Lansing, father of Carol Zincio; Merrill Johnson; Virginia Rothermel.                       
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: a young woman who has just found out she is pregnant and is worried; Brianna; Merrill Johnson, dealing with unspoken issues; our students as they deal with challenges of higher levels of education in this school year, career choices, and job searches; Greg Clause Jr.; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs. Libby Little-Saxton, working with Afghan refugees – please pick up Libby’s latest update now available on the back table; God’s protection for travelers.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family. 
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, Derek DeJager, and others who lead KRC worship from time to time.
• the welcome news from Suzy and Bill Nieman that they have settled happily and comfortably into their new home, church, and surroundings in New Hampshire, and send warm greetings to all in the KRC Family.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.

 

 

CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION

Hearts of Hope Luncheon, "Women Helping Women”

Friday, April 20 & Saturday, April 21, 2018

What?

Hearts of Hope is a women's fundraiser luncheon that will benefit our women and children's programs. There will be a testimony from a program participant, a fabulous lunch, and some door prizes! 

Where?

Shaker Ridge Country Club

802 Albany Shaker Rd

Loudonville, NY 12211

 (Shares driveway with Hilton Garden Inn)

When?

Friday, April 20th

Saturday, April 21st

12:00 - 2:30pm

(Choose the most convenient day)

RSVP

The cost is $24 per person and there will be complimentary valet parking for your convenience.

Online registration closes April 17th. Don't delay!

QUESTIONS?

                                                                                 Sue Jones                                       Mandy Schettini

 518.462.0421                                518.462.0459 x 255

                                                                sjones@albanymission.com           mschettini@albanymission.com

capitalcityrescuemission.org

Stewardship Ministry urges that everyone give prayerful consideration

to how they might adjust their giving to help keep income

at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.

Inspired by the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,

 let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.

Jim Dunham will be chairing an Outreach Ministry subcommittee to create an active-shooter plan for our church building and congregation.  If you would like to participate in this effort, please contact Jim, kndrhook@aol.com, 518-758-6171.

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.

Please call ahead for an appointment.

Evenings are set aside for meetings, visitations, and counseling.

For immediate assistance at any time, call 518-859-4158.

Church Phone   518-758-6401                Church Fax   1-518-758-6402