May 6, 2012

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 A.M. May 6, 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 we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Hall following Worship Service.

Ushers: Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s): Sug Hawver
Preschool Nursery facility available downstairs.


Order of Worship
  PRELUDE                       Cantilène from Sonata 11, op. 148             J. Rheinberger
  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
  VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING


Boldly Approaching Our God

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive)
       In the midst of our joy,
God is.
       In the midst of our sorrow,
God is.
       In the midst of our mediocrity,
God is.
       Let us lift up our voices in praise as we come to worship the God in  our midst.
*HYMN #78                                   O God, Our Help in Ages Past 
   CALL TO CONFESSION
If the Lord should mark our iniquities, then, who could stand before the Lord? Instead, the Lord offers forgiveness to us so that God may be revered. Trusting in that forgiveness, let us confess our sins.
   PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (Unison)
Most Holy God, we know that your grace is sufficient for us and we desperately need it today. Our sin feels so weighty, so burdensome, so tiring. Hear us, O God, as we confess our sins!
    {Quiet Confession}
You, O Lord, only you, can free us, and we ask that you would.
We want to be holy as you are holy, but it is only through your Spirit’s power in our lives that we can live without sin. Draw us closer to your Holy Spirit. Let us hear his gentle nudging, reminding us that we have the power to flee when the temptation of sin feels too great. We are so thankful that the blood of Jesus makes us clean. Thank you for saving us and for granting us mercy. In your precious name. Amen.
    ASSURANCE OF PARDON 
God’s mercy is sure and everlasting. Receive the Lord’s grace; let your heart be cleansed and restored; and having been made whole by His grace, be sanctified!          In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Hallelujah, Amen.
   CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING
Lord, lead our children to trust not in their own good works, but only in Jesus’ righteousness and sacrifice for their salvation; assure them that, through faith in Jesus, their souls are secure in your hands for all eternity.

We Come Before God’s Open Word

   PRAYER for ILLUMINATION 
         SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                           Acts 8:26-40 (p. 777)
        MESSAGE            "Illuminated Scripture, Life Changing Scripture"
  PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God

  SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION  (Insert)
  WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS / OFFERTORY
                                                                                  Andante, K. 161      W. A. Mozart
*DOXOLOGY
  OFFERTORY PRAYER  (Unison)
We offer our gifts in love and thanksgiving for all that we have been given. Help us give with hearts and minds open to the possibilities of what we can do to heal the brokenness of our world. Let our love travel where we do not, making pathways of peace where there are none, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
  PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #130                                                       O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
  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                                                                    Psalm XVIII       B. Marcello

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 & community members.     

9th ANNUAL CROP WALK IS TODAY!

Walkers will register today at 1:30 pm at Kinderhook Elks Club, Route 9H, and step-off at 2 pm.   25% of the money raised from the CROPWALK will go to support LOCAL food pantries and soup kitchens. Walkers from KRC this year are: Erica Johnson, Dawn VanBuren, Patrice Lyons, and Melissa and Andrew Welcome.  It's not too late to give a donation, and if you donate by check (made out to “CWS/CROP”), it's tax-deductable!  And THANKS!

KRC SMALL GROUPS
KRC’s small groups, offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. (church) and 7 p.m., (parsonage) will continue their studies this coming Thursday led by Pastor Rudy.  All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are always welcome!

A SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FROM LIBBY LITTLE, who is tomorrow completing a very challenging speaking and travel schedule in New Zealand that began last Sunday. Please continue to remember Libby in your daily prayers as she regroups from this recent ministry and prepares to move ahead.

   FLAVORS
KRC’S COMMEMORATIVE COOKBOOK
The cookbook committee has selected, cooked, and photographed recipes submitted by members of the congregation.  It is now time to publish the cookbook, and we need your help!  Please consider making a donation to this project. If you would like to participate, make a check out to Kinderhook Reformed Church with “cookbook” on the memo line. 
CONTRIBUTORS OF $100 OR MORE WILL RECEIVE
A FREE COOKBOOK UPON PUBLICATION.

Kinderhook Reformed Church
Tricentennial Keynote Celebration Events May 20, 2012
2:00 P.M.      In the Sanctuary
• Organ Recital – David Smith  
The pipe organ was originally built by William Allen Johnson of Westfield, Massachusetts, who began building organs in 1844.  Johnson was considered one of the best organ builders of his time, using only the finest materials.   The organ was restored in 1999 by Leonard A. Carlson of East Greenbush, New York, who was able to save and use 780 of the original pipes dating from the Civil War period, many of which had been damaged over the years.  288 new pewter pipes were shipped from the Netherlands to complete the ranks.   A wooden parapet was removed that had been separating the pipes from the rest of the gallery, and in its place new, dramatic woodworking was crafted by Mr. Carlson’s son and installed on each side of the rose window to contain and protect the pipes and to allow for a full and impressive view of the window.
• Tour of the Church and the Display of Historical Items
     Outside - Tent
• Book Signing – Authors and contributors, KRC’s commemorative history publication Kinderhook Reformed Church: 300 Years of Faith and Community, will be available to sign your book.
• Cuisine Tasting – Sample recipes from KRC’s 2012 commemorative cookbook, Flavors
3:00 P.M.      Outside
• Butterfly Release - 300 butterflies will be released symbolizing the 300 years that the gospel has been preached from the pulpit of Kinderhook Reformed Church and honoring the Lord for his grace and blessing upon this ministry.
• Ichabod Crane High School Marching Band  Performance
• Ichabod Crane High School Quartet  Performance  
     Outside - Tent
• Book Signing – Authors and contributors, KRC’s commemorative history publication, Kinderhook Reformed Church: 300 Years of Faith and Community, will be available to sign your book.
     Outside
• Photo Op on the front steps and lawn of the church for the church family and guests who have come to celebrate KRC’s Tricentennial year 
4:00  P.M.      In the Sanctuary
• Keynote Celebration Worship Service, portions in Dutch and English
• Choir of the Christian Academy Performance
5:00  P.M.      Fellowship Hall
• Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall for coffee and Dutch delicacies.

2012 EVENTS TO CELEBRATE OUR 300th YEAR
May 20, 4 pm  Keynote Worship Service, Kinderhook Reformed Church Tricentennial Celebration - a portion of the service will be presented in Dutch, and a reception will follow the service
May 26, Abe Williamson Memorial at Kinderhook Cemetery - dedication of a memorial monument placed by family members in remembrance of family members and others buried in the cemetery without markers
June 10, Youth Sunday - A celebration of KRC’s Sunday School students and staff as Sunday School recesses for the summer
June 25-29, 9-12 Noon daily “National Parks Vacation Bible School” for ages 3 through Grade 8
July 20, 7 pm  An evening of acoustic worship with Derek Levendusky -
Derek is the lead singer of the band, “Isaiah 6”
Fall Concert (details TBA)
November 3, Church Bazaar
December 16, 3rd annual Lessons & Carols with organist David Smith & choir

HAM DINNER, 5:30 P.M. MAY 19 
EMMANUEL REFORMED CHURCH, CASTLETON
Menu includes baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, apple sauce, corn muffins, apple cake, and beverage.  Adults $10.00, children 6 – 12 $5.00, children under 6 free.  The church is located at 1150 Maple Hill Road adjacent to the Maple Hill High School in Castleton.  There is plenty of parking and the church is handicapped accessible.  To make reservations or for takeout orders, please call the church office at 732-7766.  Call soon, as we sell out quickly. We look forward to serving you.

     KRC’S ANNUAL ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
All are welcome to come and to invite family and friends to a delicious pancake breakfast SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 8 – 11 am, in the Fellowship Hall.  Sausage, coffee, and juice will be served along with the pancakes.  No reservations needed – free-will donations accepted.  Each year a different charity is chosen to receive the proceeds, and this year, the Valatie Food Pantry is the recipient.  Information about the Pantry and its services to our community will be on display at the breakfast. Feel free to bring a non-perishable food item to help stock their shelves.
     Outside on that same day, weather permitting, the church will hold its annual Plant Swap and Sale from 9 a.m. until 12 noon.  ASK A MEMBER OF THE MISSIONS MINISTRY HOW YOU CAN

KRC’S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2012
A Program for Kids Age 3 through Grade 8
Christian Ed Ministry is looking for volunteers to teach and to help in our NATIONAL PARKS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL program June 25th to 29th, 9 a.m. to noon each day. A volunteer sign-up sheet is available 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, informative, and spiritually-nurturing program.

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Vacation Bible School beginning June 25; church restoration; tricentennial 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. 
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies..
• those, especially children, victimized by natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Kate Bailey, friend of Ted and Dawn Tuttle, grieving the loss of her husband; and family and friends mourning the death of Lillian Mieske.
• Dick Richardson, 90, uncle of Cricket Warren, recovering from recent heart surgery.
• Fred Oles and David Johnson, dealing with health issues.
• those battling cancer: Dick; Sal Alessi, recently diagnosed and beginning chemo; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; 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: Harriet and Ron Stockhoff; Sue Jones; Jim Baker's mother; Minor Smith; Hope Lane; Joan Clause; Florence Rivera; Gordie Van Buren; Kathy Schneider’s father Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• a favorable outcome in John’s arbitration case.
• those who are traveling.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Kara (Ennis) Mobley; the Schuberts, as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Clayton, as he selects a college; Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding schedule; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment or other economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse, especially George in South Africa; 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: Terry (Gaylord) Nawrot, expecting twins in July; Brad & Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew).
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members:  Ken Smith; Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert, Will Ryan, and Matt Plescia - 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.

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.

If you are not already on our email prayer chain and would like to  receive
our regular prayer and praise requests through email,
please contact Paul or the church office.


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.
• Dick and Bev Van Alstyne's safe return to Kinderhook this past week.
• the good report that Cliff Konkle has recovered from his concussion and has been back to work for 2 weeks.
• Aaron Clause’s full recovery from his bout with MRSA.
• Ruth Edge’s good recovery from recent surgery and for all related tests returning normal.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• 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. 


Elize Visser (4th), Joan Clause (5th), Sara Hartman (9th), Brenda Longe (9th), Tom Call (23rd), Mike Rivera (25th), Liezl Visser (28th), Anina Visagie (29th), Jerry Flansburg (30th).

PLEASE JOIN THE CRAFTS GROUP, THE “ESSENES” - Dawn Tuttle, Jane Deane, and Joy Bertram - FRIDAYS AT 9:30 AM IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL. We are creating items for the KRC fair/bazaar which will take place November 3.  The Essenes were an ancient Hebrew group known for their devotion to God, and we honor them with our crafting.  Please save wine corks and plastic grocery bags for use in this project.  A box is available in the room across from the church office for collecting these materials.


CLOTHING BARN

The North Chatham United Methodist Church’s Clothing Barn, offering good, used clothing at reasonable prices, opened yesterday for the season, and will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EVERY Saturday through September. The Barn will close with the Lord’s Acre Auction in the fall.  Donations of good used clothing are welcome on Saturdays, or call 721-8318.


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
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, please call 859-4158.


COMING EVENTS
Today, May 6
     10:00 am  Communion Worship and Sunday School
     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room  
                Stonecroft study group meets, main floor classroom
2:00 pm  9th Annual Crop Walk - See Patrice Lyons to walk or donate.
Thurs., May 10
       9:00 am  Church, 7 pm  Parsonage   Small Group Studies with Pastor
     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Saturdays through September – Clothing Barn
        9:30 am – 12:30 pm  North Chatham United Methodist Church
Sun., May 13
     10:00 am  Worship and Sunday School
     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room    
                Stonecroft study group meets, main floor classroom  
Sat., May 19
       5:30 pm  Ham Dinner, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Castleton
Sun., May 20
     10:00 am  Worship and Sunday School
     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room    
                Stonecroft study group meets, main floor classroom
2:00 - 5:00 pm KRC TRICENTENNIAL KEYNOTE CELEBRATION
      2:00 - 4:00 pm  Short organ recital with David Smith; historic effects
        display; butterfly release; book signing; photo op; special music;     
        recipe sampling, and other memorable events
      4:00 pm  Keynote Celebration Worship with reception following
Sat., June 2 
       8:00 – 11:00 am  Annual Pancake Breakfast to benefit the Food Pantry
                          9:00 – 12  Noon   Annual Plant Swap and Sale
    
Sun., June 10  Youth Sunday, Sunday School in recess for the summer
     10:00 am  Worship
     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Mon. – Fri., June 26 – June 29 Vacation Bible School in session 9 am to     
         Noon daily, with programs for children age 3 through Grade 8.   

Servers Next Sunday, May 13, 2012
Ushers:   Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s):  Andrew and Melissa Welcome
Nursery Supervisor: