Kinderhook Reformed Church

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Easter Sunday Celebration of Worship, 10 a.m. April 20, 2014

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  We would like to get to know you better and invite you to sign our Guest Book in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.  All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

     Greeter(s): Jay, Beth Anne, Carly, & Cydney Rippel          Ushers:  Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur, Ken Sutherland                                                                             

                                 Guest Organist:  David Smith                                                          Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude                                                                    Pastorale in E major, Op. 19                                                            César Franck

  Announcements and God’s Greeting

  Entering God’s Presence

  Call to Worship (Responsive)  Adapted from Psalm 118 and Isaiah 65

The God of glory has found our hearts.
       The Lord of eternity has established our home.

We sing praises to God, for he is good.
       We worship the Lord, for love has come near!

The Son of God has ransomed us to glory,
       The Servant of the Lord has surpassed all death.
Even in tombs and secret places, God has triumphed.
       Even on the hills and mountaintops, the Lord has called us to worship.

       We proclaim that Christ has risen!
       We proclaim that we are alive in him!
       We proclaim that sin has lost its power!
       We proclaim that Satan is defeated!
       We proclaim that Jesus is King! Hallelujah!

*Hymn of Praise #262                                                                                                                                      Rejoice, the Lord Is King

  Seeking God’s Renewal

  Call To Confession   1 John 1:5-6 & 9

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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)

Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the tomb you have given us the sure sign of the power of your love.  You delivered us from sin and death and renewed our whole creation. We confess that we still fall into doubt and fear, and we continue to cling to our selfish ways and doubt your power to make all things truly new. Forgive our lack of faith. Have mercy on our weakness. Raise us from the death of sin that we may live with Christ in the joy of his resurrection, now and forever.  Amen

  Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)  Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Hallelujah! Christ has died!   Hallelujah! Christ is risen!   Hallelujah! Christ will come again!   Amen.

 Solo, Nancy Baker, Alto                                                     We Will Glorify                                      Twila Paris

  Encountering God’s Word

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson                                                                                        Matthew 28:1-10 (p. 706)

  Message                                                                                                                    “He Is Not There because He Is Ahead of Us.”

  Prayer of Blessing   

 Celebrating God’s Blessings

  Invitation to Offering

With thankfulness we give in gratitude and joy. With prayerfulness we give in sacrifice and love. With hopefulness we give in commitment to God.

  Offering / Offertory                                        “Jesus Christ, our Savior” BWV 626                                                            J. S. Bach

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Responsive)

Good and generous God, we pray that your life would so overflow in us that our neighbors both near and far would be fed by your Spirit. Use the offerings of our resources and our lives to proclaim the gospel, spread your love, and bring forth your kingdom. For the sake of Christ we pray. Amen.

  Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn #234                                                                                                                                             Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

*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                                                                           Toccata in G major                                                             William Walond

Donations for the Easter lilies decorating our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated.  Contributions may be placed directly in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.

~VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY EASTER BASKETS~

       Easter Food Baskets have been given to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. The baskets include food for Easter dinner: ham, potatoes, yams, corn, green beans, pineapple, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items for the baskets in bulk, and if you would like to help financially to offset these purchases, checks may be made payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and dropped in the offering plate.  If you prefer, you may make checks out directly to Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc., with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and mail them to:  Jean Norton, 35 Harris Drive, Valatie, NY 12184 .  Many thanks!

     On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been the first-ever CROP Hunger Walk – and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger. Several other CROP Hunger Walks occurred soon thereafter, and before long there were hundreds of Walks each year in communities nationwide. Currently, well over 2,000 communities across the U.S. join in more than 1,600 CROP Hunger Walks each year. More than five million CROP Hunger Walkers have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone.

     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 worldwide put their hearts and “soles” in motion, and in the last 20 years have raised nearly $300 million to help end hunger and poverty around the world and in our own communities.  Hungry people in developing countries typically walk as many as six miles a day to get food, water, and fuel, and to take their goods to market. CROP Hunger walkers walk to be in solidarity with their struggle for existence.  They walk because they want to end hunger – one step at a time.

      WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES A CROP HUNGER WALK MAKE?

     $24 can provide a 1-year supply of nutrition packets for 20 children.

     $50 can provide seeds and tools to help a family grow their own food to eat and sell.

   $110 can provide emergency food for the needs of a family of five.

   $140 can give a struggling farm family a new source of income: a pair of pigs. A piglet

             from each litter is then given to another family in need.

   $300 can pay for 10 meters of a shallow borehole well for a community desperate for

             clean, safe water and sustainable food.

$1,000 can provide pump and maintenance training, allowing women and girls to grow food and attend school instead of carrying water long distances daily.

     It is expected that some $3.5 million of CROP Hunger Walk funds raised this year will be shared with food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local efforts across the U.S., with 25% of the funds raised by the Kinderhook walk going to hunger-fighting agencies in Northern Columbia County.  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 great success! 120 walkers participated, and over $14,000 was raised.  More than $3,500 was returned for use by local food distribution agencies.  YOU DON’T HAVE TO WALK TO CONTRIBUTE!  Checks made out to “CWS/CROP” are welcome and are tax-deductable.

                        ~2014 QUARTER 1 FINANCIAL REPORT~

If anyone would like more detail or to discuss additional items in depth, please contact Derick LaTorre, KRC treasurer. QUARTERLY CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER ON THE BACK TABLE.  PLEASE PICK YOURS UP TODAY. 

HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAY!

Deborah Spaulding (1^st), Annake Visser (6^th), Beth Anne Rippel (11^th),  Anne-Marie Zietsman (11^th), Angela Rivera (12^th), Diane Morgan (14^th), Anna Hart (15^th), Sophia Hart (15^th), Bill Nieman (16^th), Arnie March (17^th),

Leo Dolan (18^th), Cydney Rippel (22^nd), Paul Zietsman (29^th)

                                                                          ~ A THANK–YOU FROM OUTREACH MINISTRY~

The outreach dinner at St. Luke's on April 1 was a great success as we served 134 people.  Many thanks to all who were involved with the preparation, serving, and cleanup. Everyone enjoyed the ecumenical fellowship while serving our Lord.  We are already looking forward to next year’s outreach dinners. 

EMAIL, WEBSITE,  AND FAX INFORMATION 

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, and working together to complete their callings.
• KRC's Consistory, whose dedication to their calling is an inspiration to all.
• all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
• the KRC family and beyond who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.
• the blessing of times in which families fellowship, grow, and bond together
• 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.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially: Brian, who is also experiencing disabling health issues; and Craig.
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; VBS; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• the missions and missionaries supported by KRC: Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan; Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson;  Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission; 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, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas; Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission.   
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace. Remember especially Jason, serving in Afghanistan, as well as another unspoken military-related need.
• victims of warfare, terrorism, and  violence worldwide,  that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• those, especially children, suffering violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the recent death of Helen Drumm; those grieving the loss of John Bryant.
• Ron Moore's father, following a suspected stroke.  Please keep Ron and Caryn and family in your prayers as well during this stressful time.
• Luke, recovering at home from surgery to repair a broken eye socket suffered when he was accidentally hit in the face with a baseball.
• Bobby Bailey, Sarah Bailey's husband, recovering at home from recent surgery.
• Noreen Dick, suffering with shingles.
• Angie Rivera, recovering from illness.
• John Dean Sr., 94, somewhat improved in his battle with pneumonia, but still in need of prayer as he struggles with health issues.
• Kim Lyle’s grandmother, Linda, a cancer patient, awaiting the results of a recent CAT scan.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Gen Weiland; Harold; Sharon; Sal Alessi; Kevin; Theresa Van Warner; Rosemary Whitmore & Mrs. Martinez, mothers of Paul Varga's best friends; Steven Blun; Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Donna Scalera.
• Joe Harden, now at home recovering from recent successful heart bypass surgery. Pray also for Joe’s wife, Donna, as she assists in Joe’s recovery.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness;  chronically ill; or in hospice care: Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; John; Paula Mueller; Dawn Van Buren; Sara Schubert; Bev Van Alstyne;  Maureen Mooney;  Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Jane Zanchelli; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera.
• those who are traveling, especially Paul Varga, traveling between Texas to New York; and Glen Warren, traveling from Florida back to New York.
• Those facing challenges and difficult decisions: Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Alex and his family; the Laraway/Lamont family; the mom and child of one of our long-time VBS families, who had to leave their home recently due to family violence; Christians suffering persecution, especially the Christian community in Afghanistan and other places in the Middle East; Libby Little.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members, Doris Schmeider, Claudia March's mom; Gordie Van Buren; and Murray Leonardson.

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 and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. 

~THANK-YOU FROM LIVING GOSPEL MINISTRY~

Dear Pastor Rudy and KRC Family,

     Thank you so much for the donation to help our ministry in our time of need.  It’s wonderful to know that we are cared for.  We love what we do, and we always want to continue that.

                                                                                                                              God bless,   Matt and Tina Zawisza

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2014

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,728.14 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 $86.79.  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 over $2 per week. All contributions made for this purpose should be designated, 
“Classis Assessment.”  

COMING EVENTS

                                                         Today, April 20   Easter Sunday

      10:00 am  Easter Worship Service

Mon., April 21

                   9:30 am  Olde Dutch & Such Craft Group meets

Tues., April 22

              7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets       

Thur, April 24

                                                9:00 am  Small Group meets @ KRC

                                                          Please join us as we continue our study of the book of Revelation.

      10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Fri., April 25    

        9:30 am  Weight Watchers meet, KRC Fellowship Room

Sun.,  May 4

        8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service     

      10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Sunday School    

      11:15 am  Adult Sunday School Class - main floor Conference Room

             Please join in our continuing study of The Lord’s Prayer.

        1:30 pm  2014 CROP Hunger Walk, Kinderhook Elks Club     

Mon., May 5

                     9:30 am  Olde Dutch & Such Craft Group meets

                     6:45 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sat.,   May 31

         8:00 am – 11:00 am  Annual Pancake Breakfast @ KRC

Servers Next Sunday, April 27, 2014

       Ushers:  Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur, Ken Sutherland

       Greeter(s):   Donna Scalera

                          KRC 2014 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                        Deacons

Jane Deane – ’14,  Outreach   758-7051

Noreen Dick – ’15,  Church Family  758-6640

Derick Latorre – ’14,  Stewardship / KRC Treasurer   376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,   Property   758-6512

                                                        Elders

Maureen Mooney – ’14,  Outreach / Consistory Vice-President   210-6079

Dawn Tuttle – ’15,  Worship / Personnel / Consistory Clerk    758-6031

Patti Varga – ’15  Christian Education / Classis Delegate   392-4771

Bob Wildermuth – ’14,  Pastoral Relations   828-0690

                John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee

                                                   KRC STAFF

               KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant    

              Paul Clause – 859-4158                   Liz Carroll – 758-6034

                                    Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton

                                   Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338