SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, APRIL 24, 2016  

 KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH - REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

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.

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Announcements

  The Lord’s Greeting and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise

  Scripture                                                                                                John 13:31-35 (p. 763)

  Message   “The Radically New Direction of the Faith of Jesus' Earliest Followers and

                                                         The Birth of Christianity”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  All are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments

downstairs in the Fellowship Room today following worship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Bob Dreier, Phil Hurst, Dick Silvano, Andrew Welcome

 Thanks to today’s greeter(s), Anna-Marie Zietsman

Preschool nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude                

  Welcome, Announcements, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship   Adapted from Psalm 68:32-35

Sing to God, kingdoms of the earth, come and sing praises to the Lord,
       to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,

       who thunders with mighty voice. 
Sing to God, kingdoms of the earth, 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. 
       As children of Israel, we sing praises to the Name of the Lord! 

*Praise Hymn (Screen)                                                                   Come, Thou Almighty King

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

God gives all people the same gift of repentance that leads to life. Let us open that gift as together we confess our sins.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

We are so quick to doubt you, God - you, who created our inmost being - who knit us together piece by piece. Why would we think that our ways are greater than yours? Why do we try so hard to control everything and everyone around us? Our lives would be so liberated if we relinquished control and rested in you -our all-knowing, all-seeing God. Forgive us for trying to take the reins. We surrender ourselves to you and you alone.

[Moment of Personal Confession]

Create in us a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within.

Form our hearts to seek after you instead of fighting against you. Help us to put our trust in you. Amen.

  Assurance of Forgiveness

Our repentance becomes our joyful acceptance of God’s already-promised gift of mercy and forgiveness. Brothers and sisters, accept this offer of a constantly new way of living, as we know it in Christ Jesus.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

Lord Jesus, may these children experience all the spiritual blessings they have through you, especially your measureless love; and in return, may they love you and one another selflessly and wholeheartedly with the same love. Amen.

  Prayer Song for Illumination #536                                                       Open Our Eyes, Lord

  Scripture                                                                                                John 13:31-35 (p. 763)

  Message   “The Radically New Direction of the Faith of Jesus' Earliest Followers and

                                                         The Birth of Christianity”

  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology (#809)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

  Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Generous Father, with joy, thanksgiving, and love we offer what you have first given us - ourselves, our time, and our possessions - signs of your gracious love.  Receive them for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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

*Song of Commitment and Praise  (Insert)                                  We Are One in the Spirit

*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         

~NEW BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN – INVITATION FROM CHRISTIAN ED MINISTRY~

Now that we have completed the WarRoom study, a 4-week Bible study based on themes in the movie, God's not Dead 2, will be held Thursday evenings at 7 pm and Sunday mornings at 10 am (for those who attend the 8:30 service).  The cost of the student book for this study is $10.  Just like War Room, you do not have to see the movie in order to do this study.  The more the merrier, all are welcome!

• Lesson/Week 1 (this past Thursday and today at 10 am): Searching for Answers -  Pain and Crisis Produce a Search for God.
• Lesson/Week 2 (Thur, April 28; Sun, May 1): Understanding the Evidence - The Evidence for the Historical Jesus
• Lesson/Week 3 (Thur, May 5; Sun, May 8): Passing the Test - As Believers, Our Faith Is Tested.
• Lesson/Week 4 (Thur, May 12; Sun, May 15): Spreading the News – Communi- cating the Gospel to Others

~“WEE CARE” BABY SHOWER MAY 1^ST~

Wee Care, a ministry of Kinderhook Reformed Church which provides baby items to mothers in need for their newborn, is sponsoring a baby shower May 1^st following the 10 a.m. worship service.  We will enjoy a light luncheon and a game with prizes, and please bring a wrapped gift – onesies and sleepers, sizes 0 – 3 and 3 -6, are needed.

~NEW SEWING GROUP BEING CONSIDERED AT KRC~

A signup sheet is available on the back table for those who would like to take part in starting a sewing group at KRC. Although some ideas have already been put forward about sewing for different charities, the direction the group takes and what it decides to sew all depends on who joins.  If you enjoy sewing, please consider taking advantage of this outreach opportunity. 

~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), Bill Nieman (16^th),

Arnie March (17^th), Leo Dolan (18^th), Cydney Rippel (22^nd), Paul Zietsman (29^th)

~2016 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT~

General Synod:     $53.71   (Up $1.98 from 2015)

Albany Synod:       $29.00   (Unchanged from 2015)

C.  G.   Classis:        $  6.22   (Down $1.07  from 2015

          2016 TOTAL PER MEMBER:        $88.93

                          (Up $0.91 from 2014)

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

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. 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.
• Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s new associate pastor, as she is called to take up her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches beginning May 1.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially new members, Tana Thompson and Chip Wood; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries; Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs. 
• our state, national, and world leaders, 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.
• 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.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. 
• all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.     
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy Stewart as she manages the needs of her aging parents in Ogdensburg, NY.
• God's blessing on the new Bible studies this coming week: 7 pm Thursday and 10 am next Sunday; and remember also the Adult Sunday School Class as they restart their study of 1 Peter.
• Angie Rivera, suffering from cellulitis and finding the difficulty of fighting this condition very discouraging.  Pray for speedy healing for Angie, and for God’s peace, reassurance, and encouragement during this stressful time.
• Steve Shpur, recovering in the hospital following recent successful surgery.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Linda, friend of Erika Johnson; Maggie Brower; Cathryn Rhodes, mother of Donna Rhodes; Sissy Mahoney; Vicky, cousin of Susan Lamont; Donald Smith, father of Janet Smith Van Allen; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; Sug Hawver; Elizabeth Clinton; Sug Hawver; Gary Silvano; Stacey Baker; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
• Those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Donna and Jason; Amber, granddaughter of Erika and Merrill Johnson; Don and Phyllis Tymeson; Harry Sturgill; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of a higher level of education or seeking a career; Cliff Laraway; Greg L and friend, Joshua; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
• God's protection and safety for those traveling.
• residence-bound members, Murray Leonardson and Joan Van Alstyne.

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.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
• this encouraging update from Sug Hawver: “I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concern for me during my surgery and now my recovery, and also for the cards and phone calls - all is greatly appreciated. Hope it won't be too long and I will be back to Sunday worship. Peace to all, Sug Hawver.”
• the happy news that Sara Schubert has a granddaughter due to arrive May 29 to son, Josh Schubert, and his wife, Helen.
• the happy news from Arnie and Claudia March that they have a grandson who is due to arrive in May. 
• The good news that Greg Clause Jr. has made sufficient gains in his addiction recovery to be released from in-patient rehab to the home of his grandparents, Paul and Joan, to continue his progress.  Please remember to pray for Greg as he attends out-patient treatment and counseling, and pray that his family will be able to provide a strong and successful support system for him.
• all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
• the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.

                                        KRC 2016 CONSISTORY

                                    Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                                        Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16  Outreach, CITV Committee, Clerk  

Derick LaTorre – ’16  Cemetery, Stewardship, Treasurer  

Tana Thompson – ’17  Church Family

Chip Wood – ’17  Property   

                                                                          Elders

                         Merrill Johnson – ’16

                         Patrice Lyons – ’16  Outreach, Clerk

Patti Varga – ’17  Christian Education, Vice President of Consistory

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel and Pastoral Relations

                                                           KRC STAFF

                       KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant     

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

                                    Cemetery Supervisor         KRC Sexton

                                          Greg Clause                 Mike Deeganx

God is stirring our church to be a part of something extraordinary in the Capital Region.  The vision of LCC is a passionate commitment to making disciples among the nations and investing our lives to live out the gospel in our own backyard.  The focus of our 2016 Mission Possible Conference is about loving God by loving our city and community. During the weekend, we will host a variety of workshops presented by local gospel-driven ministries, as well as opportunities for impacting our region for Christ.  It is an honor to welcome Dr. John Perkins to Loudonville Community Church. John was a leading evangelical voice during the American civil rights movement.  He is an internationally known author, speaker, and teacher on issues of racial reconciliation and Christian community development. In his book, Leadership Revolution, John states, “Godly leadership is not about attaining recognition or glory; it’s about serving others.”  Through John’s ministry, you will be motivated to follow Christ’s command to serve others, care for the marginalized, and minister to the poor and needy.  As we launch this new conference, our guide is the Holy Spirit and our map is the Bible.  Our steps are faltering and tentative, but we are moving forward with our eyes fixed on Jesus.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,

PLEASE PICK UP A BROCHURE FROM THE BACK TABLE 

                                      COMING EVENTS

Today, April 24     

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

     10:00 am  Worship Service and Sunday School

                      God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study begins, Lesson 1

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

               The class resumes its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.

Mon , April 25

       6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues,  April 26

       7:00 pm  Youth Group meets

Thur, April 28

     9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

       7:00 pm God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 2

Fri, Sat, Sun, April 29, 30, May 1  Mission Possible Conference,

                      Loudonville Community Church

Sun,   May 1     

       8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

     10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Sunday School

                      God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 2

     11:15 am  Wee Care baby shower/luncheon, KRC Fellowship Room

Please Note:  Adult Sunday School Class will not meet Sunday, May 1.

Fri,   May  6

       6:00 pm  First Friday community outreach dinner

Sun, May 29 

     10:00 am  Combined Worship Service

             Dave Alexander, KRC missionary to Taiwan, speaks at KRC.

               A light brunch will be served following the worship service.

Servers Next Sunday, May 1, 2016

       Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren

       Greeter(s): Ryan Morris