Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
10:00 A.M. August 12, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Worship Leader
Tom McCrossan is an ordained RCA minister. He is currently serving full time at City Mission of Schenectady as Assistant Chaplain and Supervisor of Men’s Ministry Operations. He was a full time pastor for nearly 30 years and is a member of Schenectady Classis. He is married with three children and two grandchildren.
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 we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at the Lemonade Stand hosted by Ted and Nancy Call on the front lawn following Worship today.
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Melinda Vick
Preschool Nursery facility available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
We Approach God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Amen!
Hallelujah! When Israel came out of Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
Judah became God's sanctuary and Israel his dominion. (Psalm 114:1-2)
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your Name give glory;
Because of your love and because of your faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)
*HYMN OF PRAISE #532 Be Thou My Vision
*PRAYER FOR OUR WORSHIP (Unison)
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name, amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION and ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
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.
[Time for personal prayer and confession]
WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE - John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Believe this Gospel and go forth to live in peace.
Amen.
CALL TO NEW OBEDIENCE - Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We Hear God’s Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Ephesians 4:1-16 (p. 828)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE “Life Worthy of the Calling”
PAYER OF BLESSING
We Respond to God’s Word
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed (Inside front cover, hymnal)
WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS / OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, you have given your only Son for us, and have clothed us in his garments of salvation and holiness. Inspire us through your generosity to give freely so that others may discover your abundance; to give gratefully so that others may know your liberality; to give humbly so that others may experience your love and reconciliation. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN # 229 Near the Cross
*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
Rev. Rudy has been in touch, and he says their flight to South Africa was wonderful - best flight ever - and all luggage arrived with them! Praise the Lord for this good news. First few days were spent catching up on sleep and just resting. The Visser’s letter below to the Church Family outlines their vacation itinerary. Please continue to keep them in your prayers throughout their travels and return home at the end of the month.
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family,
Our trip to South Africa is underway, and we wanted to let you know a little more with regards to the what and where and how of our schedule during the month of August.
We flew out of John F. Kennedy International Airport the morning of July 30, and arrived 16 hours later at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg the morning of July 31 (around 2 am EST!) We then traveled 4 hours north by car to Elize’s parents who live in a town called Ellisras. We will spend three weeks with them and hope to be of great help to Elize’s mom who recently had successful back surgery. Over the weekends we will get a chance to see at least three of Elize’s four siblings and their families.
On August 22 we’ll be driving the four hours back to Johannesburg to board a plane heading for Cape Town, the Mother City, on the very southern tip of Africa. Here we will be staying a week with my brother, whom you have met, and get a chance to see my sister and Elize’s other sister. At my alma mater, the Stellenbosch University where I attended seminary, I will take part in a four-day seminar and will be preaching there on Sunday, August 26. At around 10 am on the 29th, we will be boarding a plane to return to Johannesburg where we will overnight with Elize’s sister, and the following day we will board our international flight to head back home. Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport is scheduled for 6:40 am EST, August 31. Know that we will be thinking of you much and praying constantly. We will return with stacks of stories and photos, and remember that emailing me is equally as quick whether I am in Kinderhook or in Ellisras or Cape Town. I have added a tab to our www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com website reading, “Blog - South Africa,” and will do everything in my power to write and post pictures as often as I can. Have a look at these posts, stories, and photos, and follow us on our journey. You are welcome, too, to leave a response on the website and so be in conversation with us!
Here at the home front Reverends John Bowen and Tom McCrossen will be filling the pulpit in August, and Rev. Ed Van Kampen from the Stuyvesant Reformed Church will be available to tend to any pastoral needs that might arise. Please do not hesitate to call on elders Paul Clause and Dawn Van Buren if you need help, prayer, or just want to chat. We covet your prayers in our absence, but let us not neglect praying for our congregation, the remainder of the 2012 celebration year, and the specific ministry focuses and tasks that lie ahead for KRC.
May the Lord our God who is our ever present help, guide, and friend be with you now and forever more and unite us all joyfully towards the end of August.
Rudy and family
HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY
Isabelle Bosquet-Morra (2nd), Jessica Alessi (5th), Jim Dunham (7th),
Dolly Petith (18th), Alan Dick (24th), Suzy Nieman (27th,) Melissa Welcome (28th), Erika Johnson (31st)
YOUTH GROUP HAS STARTED AGAIN AT KRC TUESDAY NIGHTS FROM 7-8:30 PM. All youth who will be entering Grades 6 through Grade 12 in the fall are welcome to attend! Just like VBS, we have students who attend from various churches & who bring friends, so please feel free to join in the events, activities, and projects we are planning for the rest of the summer. Parents - you are always welcome to stay & help out if you'd like. We hope to see you here on Tuesday.
~WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM~
WEIGHT WATCHERS IS COMING TO KRC IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!!!!!
DETAILS OF TIME AND PLACE TO FOLLOW OR SEE DAWN VAN BUREN.
SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9!
CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC RIGHT AFTER CHURCH ON THE SIDE LAWN. A SIGN-UP SHEET WILL BE AVAILABLE.
***IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN THE ANTIQUE SAFE UNDER THE STAIRS BY THE PASTOR'S STUDY, PLEASE SPEAK WITH DAWN VAN BUREN***
KRC SMALL GROUPS
KRC offers a small group opportunity at 9 am Thursdays at the church. The group is continuing its new study, “Battlefield of the Mind,” based on the book by Joyce Meyer. All are encouraged to attend, and walk-ins are welcome!
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN "THE OLDE DUTCH & SUCH" CRAFTS GROUP 9:30 AM FRIDAY MORNINGS, IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL. We are creating items for the KRC fair/bazaar which will take place November 3. Please save wine corks and plastic grocery bags for use in this project. A box is available in the room across from the church office for collecting these materials.
The Church of St. Joseph of Stuyvesant Falls/Stottville is sponsoring a community-wide photo contest entitled “Columbia County Faith” that may be of interest to some of us in the KRC family. If you are interested, detailed information, contest rules, and entry forms may be picked up from the back table. Deadline for photo entries is THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, August 15.
2012 EVENTS IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 300th YEAR
Fall Concert (details TBA)
November 3, Church Bazaar
December 16, 3rd annual Lessons & Carols with organist David Smith & choir
~Kinderhook Village-Wide Yard Sale – 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15th~
KRC will participate in the day’s event - rain or shine - with a Recycling Sale sponsored by the Evangelism Ministry. We will be open Saturday from 9 am - 3 pm, and we will also be open Thursday and Friday, Sept 13 and 14, 4 - 7 pm. Donations of gently used clothes/coats, books, toys, linens, sports equipment, small appliances, fall plant divisions, etc, would be greatly appreciated. Helpers are needed on Wednesday and Thursday to organize sale items. Items may be dropped off now and put in the back room by the ladies restroom, or if you are unable to do this, you may arrange to have donated items picked up - see Maureen or Dawn if you have questions. You or other interested community members may also set up your own table if you are willing to bring in, organize, and takeout all of your own items. We just ask that you donate 10% of your sales to KRC.
~NOTE OF THANKS FROM PRISON FELLOWSHIP~
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family,
Thank you for your very generous gift of $1,000 for Angel Tree Camping this summer! The experiences that the children you have sponsored will enjoy and have a lasting impact on their present lives and future. We are praying that when these children are away from the everyday stresses of their lives, their hearts will be even more open to receive the Gospel. Just as Christ welcomed the little children into his presence when He was on earth, we know that He longs for each child attending these camps to surrender his or her heart to Him and allow Him to provide the peace and comfort they so desperately need. Thank you again for your early support! As you enjoy your summer plans, I pray that your heart will be warmed as you picture the children you have sponsored enjoying an Angel Tree Camp!
Blessings to you and your generous congregation, Tamara Wahl
Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Youth Group; church restoration; tricentennial events.
• small group ministries, adult Bible studies, Community 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.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies..
• those, especially children, victimized by natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the Leighton and Hotaling families grieving the death August 2 of Mary Leighton of Stuyvesant; Donna Scalera and the Trout family grieving the recent loss of Ted Trout, Donna's father; Robin Siter and her family grieving the loss of her father, Edward Gay.
• the Royce Family, that God will intervene in a court proceeding involving the father; pray also for spiritual renewal and financial stability of the family.
• Jenny Kline, Ichabod Crane teacher, suffering from a facial tumor that is very painful disfiguring, sleep-depriving, and depressing, but apparently unrelated to the cancer she is already battling. Jenny’s son, Jonathan, following a recent spiritual encounter with God, has challenged us to an intensive prayer-focus over the next several days for his mother’s complete healing.
• Raymond McKee, suffering from severe kidney problems.
• Tristan Debye-Saxinger, who is hospitalized, battling Lyme disease which has affected his heart.
• Esther Tuttle, recovering from a fractured rib and awaiting test results.
• those traveling, especially Pastor Rudy and family as they visit and travel in South Africa for the month of August.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: John Bosquet-Morra; Roman Murynec; Helen Drumm; Tammy DeVito; Dick; Sal Alessi; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Donna Scalera; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Linda Moran; Baby Luther; Don Bartow; Evan; Kenny Cadieux; Linda’s sister; Noreen Dick; Maureen Mooney; Marc Morales; Elize Visser’s mother; Sara Schubert; Pete McCardle; Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Jim Baker’s mother; Dave Ennis’s father; Joan Clause; Florence Rivera; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• the hand of God at work in the outcome of John Lyons’s arbitration case.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Karina Speer; Louise; Sara, Elizabeth, and Nancy; Paul and Tora Lyons, whose home and belongings burned recently; Pastor Glenn Metzler battling a blood disorder; the Schuberts as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Libby Little facing a demanding schedule.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: 1st-time-parents Tom and Jaime (Welcome) Eastman (Baby Evan Anthony Eastman, born Saturday, May 19); Terry Nawrot (twins, Baby Joshua and Baby Brian, born June 29; Brad & Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie); Jeannie and Scott (Baby Luther); the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew).
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Ken Smith; Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - 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.
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.
• Stacey Baker’s safe return home yesterday from travels & studies in Valencia, Spain.
• Karina Speer’s response to treatment; Loren and Lori thank you all for your prayers, and please continue to pray that God will lend Karina his grace to heal her fragile state of mind.
• the very positive pathology report just received by John and Isabelle Bosquet-Morra following John’s kidney surgery one month ago. Praise God also that John has started to paint again!
• the good news that Elize Visser’s mom is doing well following recent back surgery.
• the encouraging report on Sal Alessi’s good progress with chemo treatments.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• 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.
Please forward praise and prayer requests to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. If you are not already on our email prayer list, and would like to receive prayer and praise requests through email, please contact Paul to have your address added. If you do not have email, contact Jane Smith at 758-6442, and she will be happy to include you in the phone prayer chain.
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 are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 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.
KRC 2012-2013 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Noreen Dick – ’13, Church Family 758-6640
Patrice Lyons – ’13, Missions 758-8400
Barbara Vosburgh –’13, Stewardship / Treasurer 758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis – ’13, Worship 784-9656
Maureen Mooney – ’12, Evangelism / Clerk 210-6079
Dawn Van Buren – ’13, Cemetery / Pastoral Relations /
Personnel / VP of Consistory 758-7564
Patti Varga–’12, Christian Education 392-4771
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
COMING EVENTS
Today, Aug. 12
10:00 am Worship - Rev. McCrossan preaching
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Adult Bible study group meets, main floor classroom
Mon., Aug. 13
7:00 pm Consistory Meeting
Tues., Aug. 14
7 - 8:30 pm Youth Group meets @ KRC
Thur., Aug. 16
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC - Joyce Meyer study
“Battlefield of the Mind”
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri., Aug. 17
9:30 am Olde Dutch and Such crafts group meets @ KRC
Saturdays through September - Clothing Barn
9:30 am – 12:30 pm North Chatham United Methodist Church
Sun., Aug. 19
10:00 am Worship - Rev. Bowen preaching
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Adult Bible study group meets, main floor classroom
Sun., Sept. 9
Church Family Picnic, KRC lawn immediately following Worship
Thurs, Fri, 4 – 7 pm and Sat, 9 am – 3 pm, September 13, 14, & 15
KRC Recycling Sale sponsored by Evangelism Ministry
in conjunction with Kinderhook Village-wide Yard Sale Sept. 15
Saturdays through October 13
10:00 am – Noon Free KRC guided tours
Servers Next Sunday, August 19, 2012
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Jane Deane
Lemonade Stand Host(s): Jane Deane
