March 5, 2017

KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, MARCH 5, 2017

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  We 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

  Announcements, The Lord’s Greeting, and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise

  Scripture Reading                                                                       Matthew 4:1-11 (pp. 682-3)

  Message                                                          “Who We Are Depends on Whose We Are”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Communion

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

 

 

 

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

 

Thanks to today’s ushers, Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Joy Bertram.        Nursery facility available downstairs.

Guest Organist, David Smith

 

Following worship today, all are cordially invited downstairs

 for fellowship and refreshments.

 

 

  Prelude                                       Communion, op. 71, no. 6                              Arthur Foote                       

  Welcome, Announcements and God's Greeting

 

 

 

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship (Responsive)

Here we are Lord! We are yours, and we believe in your almighty power:
       your redeeming power to save us from sin and despair,
your transforming power to remake us in your likeness;

       your creating power to help us rebuild the brokenness of our lives;

your sustaining power to help us resist temptation with strength and victory.

       In this hour, as we sing and pray and listen together,
we open ourselves to the divine power of your kingdom,
       that it may change our hearts, our lives, and our world.  Amen!

*Hymn #60                                                                                          Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Allowing God to Shape Us

 

  Call to Confession

The gospel calls us to turn away from sin and be faithful to God. Let us renew our confidence and trust in his mercy, and offer ourselves to him in repentance and faith in the work of Christ.

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Merciful God, you have surrounded us with abundant good and invited us to partake. Rather than respond with gratitude, we long for that which we do not have. We compare ourselves to others and want more, different, newer, shinier. We fail to discipline our desires, and instead, glorify and indulge them. We want maturity without growing pains, character without effort, courage without testing, wisdom without difficulty. Lord, forgive our foolish ways. Grant us instead a longing for your presence and a burning passion for your truth. Above all else, may we seek to know your heart, to delight in your presence, and to desire your ways and thoughts which are higher than ours. Amen. 

  Assurance of Pardon  (Responsive)

Almighty God has promised forgiveness of sins to all who turn to him in faith. He pardons us; sets us free; strengthen us to do his will, and keeps us in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

       Praise be to our God of forgiveness!

 

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer of Blessing upon Our Children

Mighty and merciful God, enable our children to resist the many temptations of this world to fall into sin.  Empower them, through your Holy Spirit, to lead virtuous lives of purity, love, and humble service to you and to others. Amen.

  Scripture Reading                                                                       Matthew 4:1-11 (pp. 682-3)

  Message                                                          “Who We Are Depends on Whose We Are”

 

Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care

  Sacrament of Communion

THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope. 

We come in Remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.

We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.

We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.

Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,

so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.

THE INVITATION

This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share.  Come, for all things are now ready.

COMMUNION HYMN #534 (Verses 1 and 2)    Draw Me Nearer

THE COMMUNION PRAYER (Responsive)

Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.

                                           (Continued on next page.)

It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you.  For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world.  In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

 

                                                                 THE COMMUNION

The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

 

(Distribution of the bread)

The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.

 

After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

(Distribution of the cup)

The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.

 

 

 

PRAYER and PRAISE after COMMUNION  (Unison)

Holy God, in the sacrament of communion that we have just observed, we have declared our love, trust, and belief in you. You are our Father and we have no other.  You are love, we are the children of your love, and you have time enough for each of us.  All that we have comes from you. Any power we have is yours. Your peace is our peace, and your joy is our joy. Eternally loving Father, we are in you and you are in us. We belong to you and you belong to us forever.  Amen.

                                                                   Based on John 1:12-14; Matthew 23:9; John  14:20

 

 

  Offering/Offertory                                     Élévation                                  Théodore Dubois

*Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

  Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Gracious God, help us to set our hearts on you, and to trust in you in all circumstances. Use these offerings to open the ears of people near and far to your saving gospel, and their hearts to your divine presence. Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Commitment #569                                                                           Living for Jesus

*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                                      Fantasia in C major, BWV 570                             J. S. Bach

 

TODAY 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 and community members.     

 

 

 

~WORSHIP SERVICES TO BE OFFERED WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT~

Lenten worship services led by Pastor Paige Convis will be offered each Wednesday through April 6 on a rotating basis at the Muitzeskill, Stuyvesant, and Kinderhook, Churches.  Each service will include a simple soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by Worship from 6:45 – 7:15. The March 8 supper and Worship will be held at Muitzeskill, the March 15 service at Stuyvesant, and the March 22 service at Kinderhook.  March 29 and April 6 services will be held at Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant respectively.   In addition to these services, a Communion Worship will be held on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. at Muitzeskill, and a Good Friday Worship will be held at 3 p.m. at KRC.

 

 

KRC volunteers will be serving at Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany on Saturday, March 11, and again on Saturday, April 22.  If you are interested in being part of this ministry, please contact Patti Varga.

 

 

HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY !

Maureen Mooney (5th), Stan Bertram (12th), Nancy Call (14th),

Greg Clause (19th), Emily Wood (20th), Beth Ennis (30th),

 Paul Zietsman (31st).

 

 

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;

Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson

Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany

Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:

Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia              Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya

Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio

Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission

Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary

Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators

Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas

Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission

 

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.

 

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.
  • Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as she fulfills her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.
  • KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; Adult and Children’s Sunday School; KRC’s Youth Group; 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 new government officials taking 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 South Korea.
  • victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: famine, earthquakes, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
  • those grieving the death of loved ones, especially Noreen Dick, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Alan Dick. 
  • 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 loved ones nearing the close of this life.
  • Sara Hartman, recovering from pneumonia.
  • Keith Niver, recovering at home from recent open-heart surgery and facing a 3-month recuperation before he is able to return to normal activity. Remember also Keith’s wife as she assists in his recovery.
  • those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Jay, Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
  • others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Betty Osborn; Kara Ennis Mobley, Darla and Jill; Lennox; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
  • those who are traveling.
  • others facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Brianna; Libby (Little) Saxton; Corrie Shattenkirk, relocating back to this area from Omaha, Nebraska; Cydney Rippel, Carly Rippel, Greg Clause Jr., and others as they face the challenges of a higher level of education or seek a career; Vince Beaudoin; the alarming epidemic of heroin addicts.
  • those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill: Maureen Mooney; Nancy Stewart; Rick Scalera.
  • residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe.

 

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, and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
  • those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
  • new KRC members recently received into fellowship. Please lift them up in your prayers as they join with us in ministry and fellowship.
  • all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so willingly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly and selflessly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
  • His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2017

 

Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $88.50 (down 43¢ 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 $1.97 per week for the remaining weeks (45) in this year. Please clearly 
designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.”  

 

 

 

 

 

~2017 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT DISTRIBUTION ~

 

General Synod:     $52.23   (Down $1.48 from 2016)

Albany Synod:       $30.00   (Up $1 from 2016)

C.  G.   Classis:        $  6.27   (Up $0.05  from 2016

                                  2017 TOTAL:                 $88.50   (Down $0.43 from 2016)x

 

 

HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY !

Maureen Mooney (5th), Stan Bertram (12th), Nancy Call (14th),

Greg Clause (19th), Emily Wood (20th), Beth Ennis (30th),

 Paul Zietsman (31st).

 

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR

 THEIR ONGOING GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY.

Non-perishable foods 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 and brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

 

 

 

~PROPERTY MINISTRY WINDOW PROJECT UPDATE~

The Property Ministry reports that the windows and screens to enclose the porch at the parsonage have now been installed and have made a really noticeable difference in the temperature and comfort level not only in the kitchen but also in the additional room at the back of the house that abuts the porch. The cost came in at just under $3000.00.  Donations toward this project will be most gratefully accepted as we give thanks for another needed improvement that has been completed.

 

KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons

Jane Deane  ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick  ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Beth Anne Rippel ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Tana Thompson  ’17  Property  . . . . . . . . . . . 392-3312  tanastrome@gmail.com

Elders

Merrill Johnson’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga  ’17  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh  ’17 Personnel, Clerk. . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

 

KRC TREASURER

Derick LaTorre – 376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

                                             KRC STAFF

                KRC Office Manager              KRC Office Assistant          

            Paul Clause – 859-4158      Courtney Wood – 784-2134