Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. September 25, 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 enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Patrice Lyons
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs for parent use.
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Order of Worship
PRELUDE Selected Hymns and Songs of the Committed Christian Life
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM AND GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on Psalm 25:1-9.
O Lord, I give my life to you and trust in you, my God!
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way,
we trust in you, our Lord and our God!
*HYMN OF PRAISE and EXHORTATION #523 Trust and Obey
CALL TO CONFESSION - 1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
O God, you give us the gift of your presence, yet we ignore it; you give us your word, yet we distort it; you give us your commandments, yet we disregard them.
(Moment for reflection)
Jesus did not come to abolish the law; instead, we abolish it in our own hearts. We know that forgiveness is found through you, and so we become complacent. “Thou shalt not” seems peculiar and quaint to our indulgent selves.
(Moment for reflection)
Forgive us, O God, for our halfhearted discipleship. Let your commandments thunder in our hearts. Give us the joy of following you in word and deed; Make us new and prepare us to be servants of you, the living God, in whose name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive)
God knows our frailties and looks upon us with compassion and mercy.
We receive the gift of God’s forgiveness with joy and thanksgiving! Alleluia! Amen.
*VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PRAISE SONG
We Come before God’s Open Word
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
*BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN
Loving Father, transform our children into the likeness of your living Son, Jesus Christ. Guard them from the evils of this world, and renew them day by day. Bring them ever closer to Christ’s perfection, and clothe them in his righteousness. Amen.
PRAYER for ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the hymn, Come Down, O Love Divine
Come down, O Love divine! Seek out this soul of mine and visit it with your own glowing passion. O Comforter, draw near, appear within my heart and ignite it with your holy flame.
SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 21:23-32 (p. 698)
MESSAGE “Pressing the Snooze Button on God”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
Take My Life and Let it Be Consecrated (Hymn text, p. 568)
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Father, you have blessed us beyond measure, and you have called us to worship. May our gifts today flow from hearts of worship to the One who provides all we need. May we never forget that all we have is yours. Take it and use it according to your will. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #748 Onward. Christian Soldiers
*HYMN OF 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
ABOUT OUR CLOSING HYMN
Born in Exeter, England, in 1834, Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould experienced an unsettled childhood and an uneven schooling traveling from one end of Europe to the other with his father, an officer with the East India Company. Although he managed a Cambridge education, Sabine is best remembered as a brilliant, self-taught scholar with eccentric habits. (When he taught school, he kept a pet bat on his shoulder.) More than 1240 books, articles, poems, tracts, and hymns flowed from Sabine’s original mind, including “Onward, Christian Soldiers.” It was written on a Pentecost Sunday, also called “White Sunday” or “Whitsunday” because this was a popular day for new Christians to march to the rivers in robes of white to be baptized. On Whitsunday night, 1865, in the little town of Horbury, Sabine stayed up late searching through hymnbooks for a martial-type hymn for the village children to sing as they marched the next day to a Sunday school rally in the neighboring town. He wanted to give them a “marching song” for the trip. Finding nothing in the hymnals, Sabine began scribbling on a piece of paper, playing with words and dashing off lines for about 15 minutes until he had a hymn of his own just for the occasion. Many best-known “adult” hymns were originally written for children, and “Onward, Christian Soldiers” is among them. Imagine this eccentric preacher, singing in step, marching alongside the children – perhaps with his pet bat on his shoulder! (He and his wife, Grace Taylor, produced 15 children of their own during their 48-year marriage.) Sabine later said of his famous hymn, “It was written in great haste, and I am afraid some of the lines are faulty. Certainly, nothing has surprised me more than its popularity.” The tune we know today was composed in 1871 by Arthur Sullivan while a guest in the country home of his friend, Ernest Seymer. Sullivan named the tune "St. Gertrude" after his hostess, Gertrude Seymer.
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.
CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY OCTOBER SOUP SALE
Church Family Ministry will be offering Manhattan clam chowder soup in October. Prices are $5.00 for a pint and $10.00 for a quart. The deadline for placing orders is Sunday, October 9, and soup will be delivered on Sunday, October 16, in the Fellowship Room following Worship. Please place your orders on the sign-up sheet available today at the back table of the sanctuary.
~KRC SMALL GROUPS ~
We are all, as Erwin Raphael McManus states, broken pieces of the image of God. And as Christians, too often we talk about God's ability to change lives without fully understanding how to access that power. Through this six-week small group study, we will learn about ourselves and the transformational power of God.
Each week we will offer a small group on Thursday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Sally Heimroth will be the coordinator of the Thursday morning group, and Pastor Rudy will take the Thursday evening group. In order to accommodate as many members of our church family as possible, two other groups are being worked on by Merrill Johnson and John Schubert.
The second session, “Transformation”, will be offered at 9 a.m. and at 7 p.m. this coming Thursday, September 29. Themes that will follow are, “Humble Courage”, “A Generous Heart”, “Perseverance”, and “Path of Servanthood”. If you are interested, please feel free to join one of these groups – Walk-ins welcome!
BROOKS BAR-B-CUE AND DESSERT TABLE
The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, on the front and side lawns of the church. All proceeds will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, which has become an increasingly costly ministry to our community over the years. AS PART OF THE FUNDRAISER, WE WILL ALSO BE SELLING DESSERTS, AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE, TO ENHANCE THE MEAL. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE BAKED GOODS TO HELP SUPPLY THE DESSERT TABLE, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION ON THE SIGN-UP SHEET AT THE BACK TABLE, OR CONTACT DAWN VAN BUREN.
The Cemetery Committee is counting on your help in making this important fundraising effort a success. Tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased from Jim Dunham or Gary Leggett today in the Fellowship Room following Worship. If you are willing to sell tickets, please let Jim or Gary know.
MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. The Pantry served 95 families in July, including 158 adults & 143 children. Non-perishable 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; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. (PLEASE NOTE: the Pantry is currently overstocked on spaghetti and pasta.) Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.
Remember to Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith, especially Gloria
• 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, new small group ministries, Adult Bible Study, Community 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: 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 famine and other natural disasters, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Families that have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and employment as a result of recent storms and fires, especially our neighbors in Greene, Schoharie, and adjoining counties, and in the State of Vermont, as well as those in Texas
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Jim and Barbara Hatch; families and friends of those killed in the recent air show crash in Reno
• Those dealing with cancer: Marcia Smith; Susan Dick; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Ginger; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt;
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Tom Saulpaugh; Morgan Hickman; Mark and Gordie VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; Bobby and others 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 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
• Rain to relieve the devastating drought conditions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, West Texas, South Texas, and other ever-increasing areas in the south and southwest
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), Nicole (Baby Alisandra), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, 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.
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
• The safe return of the young runaway, Bobby, to his family and to treatment available for his particular needs
• The outreach and fellowship of the recent recycling and bake sale, and for Maureen Mooney and all those who worked so diligently to make it a success
• The good attendance, fellowship & food enjoyed by all at our recent Church Picnic at the Tuttles’
• The encouraging news that Marcia’s cancer has not spread to her lymph system - Marcia is Jane Smith’s niece
• The blessing of Doris Schmieder, Claudia March’s mother; Donna Scalera; and Angie Maycole in Worship with us recently
• 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
~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT NEEDED~
Christian Ed is still in need of an assistant Youth Group leader, or multiple rotating assistants, for KRC’s youth meetings. The group meets every Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30, and you are encouraged to pray about being a part of this truly rewarding outreach ministry! If you feel led to assist, please speak to Patti Varga.
During the month of September only, Northeast Health/ Eddy Lifeline is offering free installation (normally $50) of a Lifeline 2-way emergency response system. If you know someone who lives alone, or has a tendency to fall, or who is recovering from recent surgery and might benefit from this protection, the Eddy contact number is 833-1040. The monthly cost of the system after the free installation is $38.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nancy Baker, Sophie Barmen, John Bosquet-Morra, Jane Deane, Donna Flansburg, Joe Herrmann, Morgan Hickman, Chuck Rothermel, Phil Sherman, Dawn Van Buren, and Gordie Van Buren. Gordie is celebrating his 85th birthday today! Call him at Barnwell, 758-4731, and wish him the best.
Belated wishes to Melissa Welcome, who celebrated her birthday August 28.
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 $3,375 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.
krc’s 300th anniversary celebration
A committee for celebrating KRC’s 300th anniversary in 2012 has been formed, and you are invited to join us as a committee member. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year with great ideas for numerous celebratory events, and that these events will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. 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.
CLOTHING BARN
The North Chatham United Methodist Church’s Clothing Barn, offering good, used clothing at reasonable prices, is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month through September. It will close with the Lord’s Acre Auction on October 15. Donations of good used clothing are always welcome – call 766-3925 for information.
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
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 ’11 784-9656
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
COMING EVENTS
Today., September 25
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
11:15 am New Members’ Class meets with Pastor Rudy
Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Thurs., September 29
9:00 am Small Group Session 2, “Transformation”
Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
7:00 pm Small Group Session 2, “Transformation”
Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Saturdays through October 8
10 am – Noon, Historic Tours of KRC
Mon., September 26
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Wed., October 5 - Brooks Barbecue and KRC Dessert Table,
Kinderhook Cemetery Fundraiser, KRC Lawns
Sun., October 9 - Deadline for placing October soup orders
with Church Family Ministry
Tues., October 11
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Fri., October 14
7:00 pm Church Family Ministry meets
Sun., October 16 - Pick up date for October soup orders,
Fellowship Room following Worship
Mon., October 24
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Servers Next Sunday, October 2, 2011
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Alan and Noreen Dick
Nursery:
