Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. April 17, 2011
PALM SUNDAY
“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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.

Ushers: Chuck Rothermel, Bill Schneider, Andrew Welcome, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Glenn and Cricket Warren
Preschool Nursery facility is available for parental use downstairs.

Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
INVOCATION and GOD’S GREETING

A Crowd Appearing before God

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
The arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem was a celebrated event!
People gathered and shouted and waved palm branches.
Jesus entered town riding a donkey.
He was hailed a hero, worshiped and adored.
This Jesus gave up his seat in heaven to become one of us.
He emptied himself of his status as God
and took the humble form of a man.
Jesus was obedient to the will of his Father, even though it led him to a cross.
He willingly offered his life so we might be reconciled to God.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, God lifted him high
and honored him far above anyone or anything.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #203 Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
CALL TO CONFESSION
Our God is a good and faithful God, but at times we doubt and question his plans and goals for us. We come, speaking openly to God, and we are not afraid to talk about our sin. We do this because we are sorry and we know he loves us.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive)
God, gracious and forbearing: We remember with sorrow how people hailed and welcomed your Son on the day we have come to call Palm Sunday, and how so many of the same people were there again, just a few days later, shouting, "Crucify him!"

[Moment of Silence]

(Continued on next page.)

We confess a guilty, uneasy kinship with these people.
Forgive us Lord, as we, too, lack solid principles, a hopeful faith, and a clear acceptance of who you are. We, too, switch our votes – one day being a welcoming crowd and the next day despising you. We confess that we would rather join the crowds than stand alone.
[Moment of Silence]
Remind us, O God, of the courage of Jesus,
who with conviction, set out toward Jerusalem, even though he knew the fate that awaited him there. For his sake, grant us renewal of your offer of mercy, unearned and undated. In his name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Brothers and sisters, know that Jesus walked the Lenten road of pain and sorrow and sacrifice for you. Through his Son, God is always there to lead us, guide us, forgive us, comfort us, and encourage us. Now and forever!
Hallelujah Amen.
PRAISE SONGS
CHILDREN’S SERMON
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
God of all wisdom, open the ears of these children to the truth and value of your word, and their hearts to the sustaining power of your presence. May they recognize your supreme ability to guide and uphold them through every challenge and difficulty of life if they will but listen to you and follow you in faith and obedience.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

Acknowledging God Is Speaking
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE TEXT Isaiah 50:4-9 (p. 521)
MESSAGE “The Greatest Teacher Ever”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Moved to Celebrate God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Holy God, every act of giving and every perfect gift is born of you and of your perfect and unchanging love. It is in response to that love that we offer our tithes and offerings. Use them - and us - to advance the gospel of peace. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #204 All Glory, Laud and Honor
*BENEDICTION and 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.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.

POSTLUDE

MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 21
A bread-and-soup supper will be served this coming Thursday at 6 pm in the Fellowship Room followed by Communion Worship at 7 pm. Donations of bread, butter, and beverages for the supper would be much appreciated.

Please pick up your family’s copy of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY from the back table today. This easy-to-read publication features Bible-based articles of good counsel and practical advice especially relevant to families raising children or grandchildren, along with other features of general interest. A new edition will be available to you each month.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Oh, bystander, how can you claim discipleship?
Do you ever think of yourself as being on a Lenten journey with Christ? Let’s spend a moment and think back . . .
As Jesus travels the dusty roads from Samaria to Galilee, preaching, healing, and blessing people with the rich grace of the Kingdom of God, he begins to draw a crowd. His growing popularity draws the attention of the religious leaders who challenge his ministry, and yet his fame increases.
But the crowd is a fickle bunch. While curious and even a little entertained, they follow at a safe distance, have no responsibility, answer no direct question, always observing, but never fully participating. They sacrifice very little to follow Jesus. Most return home with full hearts, full minds, and full bellies, which is more than they came with. They will have a tale to tell in the morning and stories to share with their grandchildren. Mostly, they will return to life as usual, having been entertained by Jesus for an afternoon, but not having their lives transformed by him.
The disciple, on the other hand, is involved in a risky process of hands on, whole-life transformation. Following Jesus this closely is a costly endeavor. It requires an obedience and commitment to Jesus that will radically change one's life.
It's likely that we could follow Jesus around this Lenten season at a safe distance, comfortably entertained by his activity in our world. We could find ourselves among the crowd who sacrificed very little and kept their distance. Or, we could get up close and personal, and like the disciples, abandon everything in full commitment to learn who he is, what he's about, and to become all that he has called us to be. If we are not careful this Lenten season, we could find ourselves among the vast crowd, entertained in a game of follow the leader, while the Spirit is calling us to be disciples who journey with the Savior.
Where are you right now in your journey?
To help us with our journey through Easter we will be preaching on the following:
Today, Palm Sunday, April 17, Isaiah 50:4-9a
Maundy Thursday Communion Worship, April 21, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Bread-and-soup supper served at 6 pm, Communion Worship at 7 pm.
.Easter Sunday, April 24, John 20:1-18
Our Easter Sunrise service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Valatie. Plan to make the sacrifice of rising early, and attend this year. We will be gathering outside at 6:30 am around the gazebo north of the church. Breakfast will be served in the church’s fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Please pray with me that Jesus’ journey, his death, and his ascension will be new again to all who come in contact with the message of the triumph of a living God.
Peace of the risen Christ to all, Pastor Rudy

Northern Columbia County CROP Hunger Walk 2011
Date : Sunday, May 1, 2011
Starting Location : Kinderhook Elks Club, Route 9H, Kinderhook
Registration : 1:30 P.M. – Walk : 2:00 P.M.
CONTACTS FOR INFORMATION : ERIKA JOHNSON OR PATRICE LYONS
CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today while building for a better tomorrow. Each year, some two million CROP Hunger Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and “soles” in motion, raising some $16 million to help end hunger and poverty around the world and in our own communities. Our local efforts are making a huge difference, and you can be a part of it! Last year’s CROP walk against worldwide hunger and in support of local food pantries was a HUGE SUCCESS! 160 walkers participated, and over $12,500 was raised. $3000 went directly to our local food pantries.

St. John the Baptist Church plans to prepare and distribute food baskets this Easter to nearly 100 families who use the Valatie Food Pantry. Baskets will include ham, potatoes/yams, pineapple, corn, green beans, brownies, and Easter candy for the kids. St. John’s will purchase these items in bulk, and KRC and other area churches are invited to help financially with this Easter gift to needy families of our community. All funds left over will be put into the Pantry. EASTER BASKET DONATIONS MAY BE PLACED DIRECTLY IN THE OFFERING PLATE CLEARLY MARKED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

~WE NEED YOUR RECIPES!~

Dear Church Family,
As you may know we are going to publish a KRC Cookbook to celebrate our church's 300th birthday. To do so we need you to share with us your most delicious and favorite recipes, those that friends and family have been begging for. Could we charm you enough to give at least 2 of those cherished recipes, more if you just can't decide which ones might be best? (Should we have too many "apple pies" we can always select, after much tasting of course.)
We need to receive all recipes before May 8th. You can email them to isafleurisa@aol.com, the easier for us, or send them to: KRC Cookbook, c/o Isabelle, PO Box 22, Stuyvesant, NY 12173.
Should you be in need of writing a recipe from scratch, guidelines taken from a good cooking website are available on the back table to help you write it like a professional.
We hope you will all share with us your treasures. We are counting on you - go and get those measuring spoons! For those of you who may still have questions, you are welcome to call Isabelle at 917-815-3351.
In the name of our Lord,
Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, Bonnie Dunham, and Suzy Nieman

Our church’s 300th birthday in 2012 is getting closer.
You are again invited to share with Consistory your ideas on
“How to Celebrate 300 Years of KRC History”.

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 4 P.M SUNDAY, MAY 15!!
Concerts in the Village: SPLENDOR IN THE SPRING
Music for Voices, Brass and Organ
Purcell, Handel, Karg-Elert, Smith, Baksa and Vaughan Williams
Choral Ensemble, Soloists, Guest Trumpeters Eric Latini and Peter Bellino, and David Smith, Music Director
Kinderhook Reformed Church, Broad Street in Kinderhook
Suggested contribution - $15
Reception follows at 5:30 p.m.

You can donate with confidence to Japan earthquake and tsunami relief through the RCA. To donate online using a credit card, go to rca.org. Click on “Feature, Japan News and Resources” (below photo). Scroll down to “How You Can Help,” then click on “Make a Donation”. You may also send a check, payable to Reformed Church in America, to Reformed Church in America, Attn: Finance Dept., 4500 60th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Please indicate “Japan Earthquake & Tsunami” on the memo line of your check.
 

Patti Varga is in need of church family to assist her in moving into a new rental home by May 1st. If you are able to help load or transport items in your car or pick-up truck, please let Patti know.

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The General Synod as it considers Tom De Vries, the candidate being presented to serve as the next General Secretary of the RCA – please uphold Tom in your prayers as well
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New 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, Adult Bible Study, and 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; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., and Martin
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Carolyn and family grieving the death of Carolyn’s mother, Rosalyn; Gordie and Mark Van Buren; Kate Hanson
• Ed Gay, recovering from quadruple by-pass surgery
• The father, nephew, and other family members of Susan Lamont in need of healing
• Florence Rivera, recovering at home from a second hospitalization
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Chuck Shattenkirk; Bea Post; Ron Stockhoff; Caitlyn; Tanya; Jonah Meldrim; Deborah Spaulding; Donna Scalera; Aaron; Doris Schmieder; John; Dawn VanBuren; Christophe; Bob Ringen; John Steneck; Ken Smith; Gordie Van Buren; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those dealing with cancer: Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh; Walt; Joe; Jennifer Kline; Julie’s aunt; Dave’s wife; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Patti and Paul Varga, in need of a new rental home before May 1; Elizabeth; Libby Little; churches consolidating or considering closing their doors; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan and John and Sara Schubert
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; Nicole, expecting her first child; new parents Luke and Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling
• Our military men and women, especially Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; Carrington Hessell; 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
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• Jay Rippel’s safe return home from Afghanistan
• Grace Corey Anderson, Jane Deane’s first grandchild, born Friday, April 8, to Jennifer (Deane) & Ryan Anderson; 5-pound Baby Grace and her mom are doing well
• Luke Visagie, born Friday, April 8, to Anina & Leré Visage; 10½-pound Baby Luke and his mom are doing fine
• Jonah Meldrim’s improved condition – Jonah is definitely doing better, but tires easily and needs continued healing prayers
• His protection of Joan Clause this past Friday from serious injury in an auto accident that had the potential of being much worse than it was
• 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

Dear KRC Family,
As we come to the end of another successful “Free Dinners” season, we want to thank everyone who made our February 22 and March 29 dinners a success. The food was delicious, and the fellowship was great. It’s always good to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. Serving others and helping our community is so rewarding and a true blessing. We just want to thank you again.
The Outreach Committee of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

 KRC 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.

  BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, APRIL 2011~

 Servers Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Members of the family of Alan and Noreen Dick
Nursery:
Today, April 17 - Palm Sunday
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon. April 18
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets
Tues., April 19
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., April 21 - Maundy Thursday Supper & Communion Worship
6:00 pm Supper, KRC Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Communion Worship
Sun., April 24 - Easter Sunday
6:30 am Sunrise Service (at the gazebo) and Breakfast,
Presbyterian Church, Valatie
10:00 am Worship @ KRC
Please Note: Sunday School and Adult Bible Study
will not meet Easter Sunday.
Mon. April 25
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tues., April 26 - 9:30 am Christian Ed. Ministry meets
Sun., May 1
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
1:30 pm Annual CROP walk, Elks Club, Rt. 9H
See Erika Johnson or Patrice Lyons for CROP walk information.