September 3, 2017

Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, September 3, 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.

 

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Bob Dreier, Jerry Flansburg.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Noreen Dick.

 Nursery facility available downstairs.

 

  Welcome, Announcements

  God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call To Worship  (Responsive)   Adapted from Psalm 68:32-35

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.
       To him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,

       who thunders with mighty voice. 
Proclaim the power of God. 
       Whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. 
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;

       the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. 
       Let our praise be to God alone! 

*Hymn #2                                                                                                            Holy, Holy, Holy

  Confessing Our Faith (Unison) 

     We believe in God, Creator of all things, Ruler of all that is and all that is to come. God is transforming the world into the place of God's justice and mercy.

     We follow Jesus, who taught and healed, who died and rose, revealing God's abundant grace. He sent disciples out into the world to heal, to proclaim the good news of your grace, and to participate in the Reign of God in all that we do. He reigns in love over all creation, and holds all accountable to their faithfulness to God's rule of grace. 

     We rely upon the unfailing grace of God, including the forgiveness of our sin, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the community of the church as the body of Christ, the unity of all believers, the power of personal forgiveness, the reality of resurrection, and the alluring blessing of eternal life.

     Therefore, we devote ourselves to lives of daily prayer, study, service, and reflection, following Jesus as our Master, for the sake of the transformation of the world by the grace of God.                                        Steve Garnaas-Holmes

  Hymn (Screen)                                                                Be Still In The Presence of The Lord

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Reading                                                                                               Exodus 3:1-15

  Message                                                                                            “Here I Am! Who Am I?”

  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." 

  Let’s Talk

Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care

  Offering/Offertory

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Awaken us to the claims of your will, O God, that we may respond not only with our gifts, but with a passion for your call upon our lives to complete the work of your kingdom. Amen.  

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

  Special Offering, Reformed Church in America Hurricane Relief

*Closing Hymn (Screen)                                                                                      In Christ Alone

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn           My Friends May You Grow in Grace

  Postlude

 

~ IMPORTANT NOTE OF INFORMATION FROM CONSISTORY ~

       Those of you whose work requires interacting day in and day out with people who exhibit a variety of attitudes, needs, and joys, can attest to the fact that, whether on the job or off, one’s mind is never completely free of the responsibilities, concerns, and inevitable stress, and time away becomes a necessity, not a luxury.

       The minimum allowances to be made available to RCA pastors for vacation and professional development are shown below – currently 4 weeks vacation time* and 2 weeks professional development leave for Pastor Rudy.  These mandates are not of our own choosing or subject to change; they must be followed for all pastors, and have been established to protect them and insure that they are provided with healthy, productive arrangements with their individual churches:

REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA - CLASSIS OF COLUMBIA-GREENE

Ministerial Minimum Compensation Guidelines, Effective January 1, 2017

    A professional-development allowance:

        1/26th of the annual salary (2 weeks) plus two weeks per year study leave

        which may be accumulated for two years. 

    A vacation schedule based on the pastor's year of service in the ministry:

        *1 ‑ 10  years in ministry: 4 weeks vacation

        11 ‑ 20  years in ministry: 5 weeks vacation

        20-plus years in ministry: 6 weeks vacation

 

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR RUDY, TEXAS FLOOD DISASTER RELIEF

I received the following from a colleague, Sherry Meyer-Veen, who survived and was involved in rebuilding after hurricane Sandy in the northeast and few years ago. I strongly encourage each member and friend of the Kinderhook Reformed Church family to give this information prayerful and thoughtful consideration regarding our responsibilities, as a compassionate and caring body of Christ, to assist in meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of the Texas flood disaster victims.                    

Pastor Rudy

 

      The magnitude of what is happening in Texas is overwhelming. The news and internet are once again “flooded” with stories, pictures, and suggestions to give to the Red Cross, as they are after every disaster. Here are some things we need to know: The Red Cross is a first-responder and they only offer immediate relief services; these are valuable services, however, the MAJORITY of the cost in the rebuilding of homes and lives is in the long term recovery. This is going to take many years . . . Remember, it is already clear that many thousands of people will have lost all of their possessions, as well as their homes, and will be starting from a huge mess. It is much more costly than simply building a new home… they will have to clean up the mess that was once their treasured possessions and memories before they can even begin to rebuild. And they will most likely have NO assistance from insurance as insurance DOES NOT cover flooding unless a person has a special flood insurance policy, which very few people do outside of flood prone areas. FEMA assistance is limited as well. It helps, but will be a fraction of the overall need for most of those with water on their first floor.

       In an ideal world, everyone would find it in their hearts to give generously and would take the total amount intended to give and divide it this way: 1/10th to first responders (think Red Cross, Fire Rescue Squads that will travel from far and near to help with pumping out basements, etc.); 4/10th to national VOAD organizations assisting in long term recovery (“VOAD” stands for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. A VOAD is a community organization made up of public, private, voluntary and nonprofit agencies and organizations who may be active in all phases of disaster: preparation, response, recovery and mitigation.  Examples of VOAD organizations are Church World Service, World Renew, UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief, LDR – Lutheran Disaster Response, BDM – Brethren Disaster Ministries, to name a few that I’ve worked with and know to be highly capable, competent, and helpful); and the other HALF to a local long term recovery organization. It takes the local long-term recovery organizations to be in place, to have the funding for the materials, and to be working in their own neighborhoods in order for the VOAD organizations to be able to assist.

       Unfortunately, giving has become based on emotion. We see the pictures and give as quickly and easily as possible and then often feel good about ourselves for having given. We often then forget about the magnitude and scale of the need, having offered our tiny “sacrifice” initially. It might take months for the long term recovery organizations to emerge, and by then, people will often have forgotten about the needs, or already given. Give and give again, and make your giving count!                         

 Rev. Sherry Meyer-Veen

 

~PRAISE GOD FOR KRC’S 2017 “HERO CENTRAL” VBS OUTREACH!~

82 registered youth and teenage helpers participated and were spiritually blessed at KRC's Vacation Bible School which was so beautifully and successfully presented Recently! Praise to God also for Patti Varga and the 26 adults who assisted so faithfully in planning and implementing this exceptional outreach program.

~ CEMETERY COLUMBARIUM DEDICATION NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9~

The Columbarium, a section of Kinderhook Cemetery expressly desiganted for cremains burials only, will be dedicated in honor of Beverly Van Alstyne at 10 a.m.  NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.  In the event of rain, the dedication will be held Saturday, September 16.  All are invited to attend.  

 

 ~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9~

Stop Hunger Now, which has recently rebranded itself “Rise Against Hunger,” packages and ships 
food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people and works to end global hunger in 
our lifetime.  This year, nearly 60 million meals will be packaged and distributed to needy 
locations around the world.  A RISE AGAINST HUNGER FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS AN IMMENSELY-REWARDING
 EXPERIENCE OF EASY, HANDS-ON WORK, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!  A group 
of 40 to 50 volunteers (any age) can package over 10,000 meals in just two hours.  Our local 
packaging event will take place NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, at the Kinderhook Town Hall 
(formerly Martin H. Glynn school) on Church Street in Valatie, during which we hope to pack 
20 – 30 thousand meals.  Set up is at noon, and packing is from 1 – 3 pm followed by clean-up. 
Plan to save this date on your calendar and to lend a helping hand to this extraordinary ministry. 
Donation baggies and canisters are now available on the back table of the sanctuary to take home 
for saving up your contributions, and you are encouraged to take canisters to work or to 
businesses willing to display them. A donation of 29¢ buys one meal, $29 one hundred meals, $290 
one thousand meals.

 

 

 

 

 
~ BROOKS BBQ CEMETERY BENEFIT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27~
The Annual Brooks BBQ will be held on Wednesday, September 27th.  There will be chicken, 
potatoes, coleslaw and rolls, with homemade desserts.  All proceeds will benefit our cemetery 
maintenance.

 

 

 

SEXTON, KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH

20 Hours Per Week

Cleaning, Set up Tables and Chairs, Trash Removal, etc.

Please call the church office, 518-758-6401,

 and leave name, address, and email to receive full job escription.

ANYONE INTERESTED IS WELCOME TO APPLY.

 

 

HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY!

Jane Deane (1st), Donna Flansburg (5th), Kaitlyn Morris, (6th),

 Tana Thompson (6th), Abigail Wood (6th), Dawn Van Buren (20th),

 Phil Sherman (23rd), Bob Wildermuth (23rd), Nancy Baker (26th),

Wayne Van Allen (28th), Chuck Rothermel (30th

 

COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS

Exhibits and Panel on Addictions and Recovery

Saturday, October 14, 4:00 p.m.

McNary Center, St. Paul’s Church, 6 Sylvester Street, Kinderhook

Free of Charge       Open to the Public

 Addiction hurts individuals, families, and communities physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, economically, and spiritually. Working together, public, private, and religious institutions improve quality of life for everyone. The Kinderhook Public Library will showcase recovery literature, and community resources will be available to share information and answer questions.  

For information, call Father Tom, 518-758-6271, or SPECK1851.weebly.com/Contact Us

 

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 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 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.
  • His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

 

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.
  • Pastor Rudy and Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as they fulfill their ministerial duties.
  • KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; 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 new 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: 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 the husband and twin teenage sons of Megan Segura, 39, who died unexpectedly last Sunday – Megan was a vibrant and beloved member of the Community Life Church, Catskill, home church of Aaron and Susan Clause; Stacy McCardle, close friend of the Clauses, grieving the recent loss of her mother.
  • 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.
  • Paul Clause, who suffered a severe shoulder sprain and deep-muscle bruising of the upper arm in a fall taken while walking early last Sunday morning.  Praise God, x-rays showed no broken bones, each new day has brought a reduction in pain levels, and normal use of the arm is slowly returning.
  • Rachael Beaudoin, granddaughter of Paul and Joan Clause, out of ICU but still in Albany Med where doctors are struggling to stabilize her blood sodium levels. Please continue to pray for a permanent resolution to this serious health issue, and for God's strength for Rachael's parents as they assist her during this extended hospital stay.  
  • Maureen Mooney's mom, hospitalized with symptoms of a stroke and with an unusual EKG.  Pray for an effective treatment and speedy recovery for mom, and also for Maureen as she assists with her mom’s needs.
  • others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Jay Petith; Mell; Liezl Visser; Ruth Edge; Sara Schubert; Merrill Johnson; Rob Aciero; Barbara Vosburgh; Steve Canfield; Jack Lyons; the brother of Coleen, Mark Johnson's partner; Amy Deweerd; Virginia Rothermel; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga
  • those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Connie Witkowski; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler
  • those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: our students, from grade school to college, as they prepare to meet challenges of higher levels of education in this new school year, career choices, and job searches; Suzy and Bill Nieman as they settle into their new home in New Hampshire; Greg Clause Jr.; Stacey Baker; Libby Little-Saxton, working with refugees; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
  • residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type.  Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158. 

 

All of us from time to time, as members and friends of the KRC family, have had concerns and issues about church policies; Consistory decisions; order and times of our worship services; the preaching ministry; and sometimes even issues and concerns related to our interpersonal relationships within the church family.  We would like you to know that the Elders are available to speak with you about any concerns you may have and invite you to contact them at any time.

 

PULPIT FLOWERS

Many KRC family and friends have, in the past, provided cut flowers for the pulpit in celebration of an anniversary or birthday, in honor of a special day or event, and in loving memory of family and friends who have passed away. During the summer months, those of you who are gardeners are invited to arrange and display your own garden flowers on a Sunday of your choice.  If you are interested in providing flowers for a particular Sunday, contact Dawn, 758-7564.

 

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

Patrice Lyons – ’17  Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    758-8400  patricelyons50@gmail.com

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

 

THE SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING AND SERVING

A Ministry of the Mid-Hudson and Orange Classes

FALL 2017 COURSE OFFERINGS

(Please find information/registration packets on the back table of the sanctuary.)

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

(Preaching Elder & Commissioned Pastor candidates, General Interest)

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Eric Titus                    

Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1; 7-10 p.m.

Location: The Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., New Paltz, Ny 12561

Tuition: $100, plus books and materials

       This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of primary Christian doctrines from a Reformed perspective. In addition, methodologies and resources for constructing theological positions will be covered. The text will be  Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Daniel L. Migliore.

THE ART OF CARING VISITS

(Elders & Deacons, General Interest)

Instructor:  The Rev. Dr. Don Heringa

Date: Saturday, October 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., New Paltz, NY, 12561

Tuition: $15, plus books and materials

       Have you ever wondered what to say to someone who is sick, struggling with relationship difficulties or in grief? The Art of Caring Visits is an introduction to the pastoral and practical dimensions of visiting hurting people. This class is aimed at helping us respond following the way our God has responded to people throughout the scriptures, by following the principles of IDENTIFICATION, EMPATHY AND LOVING ACCEPTANCE.  This course includes theory and practice of active listening, psychology of illness, and biblical principles to help motivate caring visits. 

Course registration deadlines are one week prior to the course unless otherwise stated. Please register in time to insure the class will run. Scholarships are available from the School. Please contact the Registrar for financial assistance, (518) 537-4221 or albizu@gtel.net. 

COME CELEBRATE THE 500TH ANNIVESARY OF THE REFORMATION!

After returning from a trip to Wittenberg Church and Eastern Europe,

The Rev. Dr. Eric Titus will speak to us of this momentous anniversary.

When: Monday October 30 at 7 p.m. 

Where: Wallkill Reformed Church, 45 Bridge Street, Wallkill, NY 12589

Cost: FREE! Just let us know how many people will be attending from your church.  Call (518) 537-4221 and leave a message, text (518) 965-7538, or email . 

 

COMING EVENTS

Today, September 3 

       9:00 am  Combined Worship Celebration

Tues, September 5

      7:00 pm  Youth Group meets @KRC.

Wednesdays, September 6 – September 20

       6:30 -7:15 pm  “New Direction” Wellness Class @KRC

Thur, September 7

       9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible study @KRC.

              Group continues 1 & 2 Thessalonians

      10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

       7:00 pm  Bible study, 1 and 2 Peter, KRC main floor Conference Room

Fri,   September  8 

      6:00 pm  Friday Free Community Dinner (“Hot Dog Picnic”) and fellowship. 

                                              Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Sat,   September  9 

     10:00 am  KRC Columbarium Dedication @Kinderhook Cemetery

Please note:  Dedication Rain Date, September 16

     Noon – 3 pm  Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event

          @ Kinderhook Town Hall (formerly M H Glenn Elementary School)

Sun,  September 10 

       9:00 am  Combined Communion Worship Celebration

Mon, September 11

      Please Note:  Consistory will not meet in the month of September.

Sun,   September 17  2-Service Schedule and Children’s Sunday School Begin

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room

    10:00 am  Worship Service, first day of Children’s Sunday School

Wed, September 27  Brooks BBQ dinner @KRC

 

Servers Next Sunday, September 10

Ushers:  Ted Call, Bob Dreier, Jerry Flansburg

Greeter(s):