SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, APRIL 3, 2016  

 KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH - REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

WELCOME TODAY TO REV. TOM McCROSSAN, GUEST PREACHER

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                                                 Revelation 1:9-1 (p. 867);  John 20:19-31 (p. 769)
  Sermon                                                                                                    "Peace to a Doubter"
  Prayer of Thanks

  Sacrament of Communion

  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, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

 Thanks to today’s greeter(s):  Tana Thompson   

Preschool nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude      Andante religioso; Allegretto from Sonata no. 4, op. 65      F. Mendelssohn

  Welcome, Announcements, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  From Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
       The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 

The Lord’s right hand is lifted high!”
       I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
       The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
       Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.        

     From the house of the Lord we bless you.
You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
     Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

* Hymns #254:                                                                  Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Prayer of Confession

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.  For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.  

[The prayer continues in silence.]

x

  Words of Assurance  (Responsive)  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Our gracious God forgives you your sin, strengthens you by the Spirit, and will keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

  Law of God  Matthew 22:37-40

  Prayer of Blessing upon Our Children

Father God, bathe our children in restful, confident hope and peace as they learn to place their trust in you for their spiritual and physical well-being, material needs, and for meeting all the responsibilities and challenges of life. Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Blessing on the Word Proclaimed             

  Scripture                                                 Revelation 1:9-1 (p. 867);  John 20:19-31 (p. 769)
  Sermon                                                                                                    "Peace to a Doubter"
  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  Sacrament of Communion

     COMMUNION HYMN #777  (All verses)  The Lord Is Here!

   COMMUNION PRAYER  (Responsive)

The Lord be with you.
       And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
       We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
       It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and forever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.

Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose, he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.  And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
 

When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead; proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand; awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you, and we proclaim this mystery of the faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.  Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.

       THE INVITATION

This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share.  Come, for all things are now ready.

(Distribution of the bread)

The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.

 (Distribution of the cup)

The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.

                           PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (Unison)

Jesus our Lord, Redeemer, and Savior, we thank you for forgiving our sins, just as you forgave Peter's denial and those who crucified you.  We thank you that you do not remember our transgressions, but accept instead our repentance and sorrow for them.  Make your dwelling place within us, and we will be true to your Word. Make our righteousness shine as the sun, and we will praise and glorify you in love and in service all the days of our lives.  Amen.

  Offering/Offertory                        O how blest are ye, op. 122                            J. Brahms *Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Holy God, we offer these gifts to be used to preach the message of salvation and righteousness through the risen Christ, your Son; to proclaim his promise of renewal of mind, body, and spirit; and to make known the blessings that await those who believe in him and in his gospel.  Amen.     

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

*Hymn #243                                                                                                           Christ Is Alive!

*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                            O God, Thou faithful God, op. 122                               J. Brahms

KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as greeters

for our 10 am worship services.

Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.

~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION “HEARTS OF HOPE” LUNCHEON~

Ladies! Please join us for our 5th Annual Hearts of Hope Luncheon. The event will once again be held at the picturesque Shaker Ridge Country Club and is a "women helping women" fundraiser to benefit our women's ministries. There will be a testimony from recent graduate, Margarita (pictured), a fabulous lunch, and some door prizes! Don't delay...register below!

DATE: Friday, April 8 or Saturday, April 9       TIME: 12pm - 2:30pm

LOCATION: Shaker Ridge Country Club, Loudonville 

 If using GPS: 802 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

          TICKETS: $24.00/ea           REGISTER: Online at www.capitalcityrescuemission.com

                                                      or call 462-0421

~CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE CONTINUES SIXTH SEASON NEXT SUNDAY AT KRC~

19^TH CENTURY MASTERPIECES BY MENDELSSOHN, BRAHMS AND WAGNER

       Concerts in the Village (CITV) continues its sixth season at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, with major works of Mendelssohn, Brahms and Wagner. The concert will be held at Kinderhook Reformed Church. Led by David Smith, Artistic Director and Conductor, this program will be CITV’s 18^th concert. Over 70 musicians will be performing, including the Broad Street Chorale, the Broad Street Orchestra, soprano Amanda Boyd, tenor Jon Morrell, and mezzo-soprano Vicki Smith. Former Metropolitan Opera singer Marjorie Elinor Dix will be CITV’s guest artist.

       The concert includes Richard Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, the richly romantic Alto Rhapsody & Schicksalslied of Johannes Brahms, and Felix Mendelssohn’s monumental settings of Psalms 95 and 42. Says David Smith, who will be conducting this concert, “These are all emotionally charged works, almost operatic in their force.”

       CITV’s guest soloist for the Alto Rhapsody will be Marjorie Elinor Dix. A local resident, Ms. Dix has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and other opera houses throughout the United States and abroad. She has also appeared with major orchestras and chamber ensembles, including the Houston Symphony, the American Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera Chamber Ensemble with James Levine.

       A contribution of $20 includes an on-site reception immediately following.

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.
• 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, especially: Will and Jayne Ferguson, family, and friends grieving the death this past week of Will’s brother, Darryl; those grieving the recent loss of Howard Gleason, brother of Rita Laffety.
• 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.
• God's blessing on the Bible studies, "War Room," which focus, among other topics, on the power of prayer.  Study #5 in the series will be presented this coming Tuesday at 7 pm, again on Thursday at 7 pm, and next Sunday at 10 and 11:30 am.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.     
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
• Elizabeth Clinton, mother-in-law of Amy Clinton, who suffered severe breaks of both the tibia and fibula bones of her lower leg following a serious fall recently.  Please pray for pain relief and speedy healing for Elizabeth.
• Gary Silvano, brother of Dick Silvano who, after being given the news that a heart had become available to him for transplant, was informed only a short time later that further testing had determined the heart was not a suitable match.  Pray for encouragement and peace for Gary at this time of disappointment, and for continued strength until a good match can be found.
• those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Donna Scalera; Ron Dick; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Stacey Baker; Maggie Brower; Cathryn Rhodes, mother of Donna Rhodes; Sug Hawver; Sissy Mahoney; Vicky, cousin of Susan Lamont; Donald Smith, father of Janet Smith Van Allen; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: 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.                     (Continued on next page.)
• God's protection and safety for those traveling, especially Michael and Deborah Spaulding traveling on vacation.
• 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.
• the blessing of the beautiful and very moving Communion Worship Service shared here among the Stuyvesant, Muitzeskill, and Kinderhook Reformed Church families Maundy Thursday. 
• the healthy birth this past week of Baby Nina Grace, granddaughter of Libby Little.  Praise and thank God along with Libby that all is well with mother, Kate, and new little Nina.
• 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. 
• 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.

~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)

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  Worship

                            Patrice Lyons – ’16  Outreach, Clerk

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

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel and Pastoral Relations