Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, August 20, 2017

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

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.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett.

Thanks to today’s greeter.

 Nursery facility available downstairs.

  Prelude

  Welcome, Announcements

  God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)

We are called to be people of faith in the midst of the world,

       to blend our worship and our work, our faith and our daily life.

We gather here as people who live in the world,

       yet we gather as people who have been called to see the world

       from a Christ-inspired viewpoint.

God calls us to engage the world with Christ-changed hearts, minds, and eyes -

       to provide, through word and deed, a compelling challenge to its ways.

*Hymn of Praise #62                                                  Immortal, Invisible God only Wise

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession 

When we gather to praise God, we remember that we are people who have preferred to follow our own agendas rather than follow his word and call to mission. Accepting his power to become new persons in Christ, let us confess our failures before God and one another.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Almighty God, we confess how hard it is to be your people. You have called us to be the church, to continue the mission of Jesus Christ to our lonely and confused world. Yet we acknowledge we are more apathetic than active, isolated than involved, callous than compassionate, obstinate than obedient, legalistic than loving. Gracious Lord, have mercy upon us and forgive us. Remove the barriers preventing us from being your representatives to a broken world. In Jesus’s powerful name, awaken our hearts to the renewing power of your indwelling Spirit. Amen. 

  Words of Assurance  (Responsive)

Acts 10:43 reads:   "All the prophets testify about Christ that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

       Praise God! In Christ we are forgiven!

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Reading                                                                                    Romans 10:9-15

  Message                                                     “For a Badge to Work, It Must Be Visible.”

  Prayer of Blessing

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."  

  Let’s Talk

Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care

  Presentation of Scout P.R.A.Y. Badges

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology #809                                                   Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

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)

Almighty God, we are thankful for your gift of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  For the sake of your kingdom, give us the passion and courage to work diligently to make him known to all peoples as their Savior and their Lord.  Amen.   

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

*Closing Hymn (Screen)                                                                     To God Be the Glory *Blessing, Benediction, and Response Hymn                            By the Gift of God’s Grace

By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light,

and your heart with his love be aglow. May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest, and may Christ grant you peace as you go.  Amen.

  Postlude

~KRC’S ANNUAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL BEGINS TOMORROW!~

At this year's “Hero Central” Vacation Bible School, kids will take on awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make us truly heroic in God. VBS Hero Central uses epic music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, heroic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories to help kids (and leaders) discover their strength in God! Open to kids ages 3 (potty trained) to Grade 8. VBS Runs from 9-noon each day, August 21 - 25.

VBS families and friends are invited to a “Back-to-School Bash”

2 – 5 pm Saturday, August 26, at Muitzeskill Reformed Church located at the intersection of Muitzeskill Rd. and Schodack Landing Rd., in the town of Schodack Landing.  Free bounce house, games, prizes, face painting, treats, and school supplies will be offered for every child!

REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA ON CHARLOTTESVILLE

       A house divided cannot stand. These words have been on my mind since the breaking news from Charlottesville, Virginia. These are the same words quoted just a few months ago by our former general secretary Tom DeVries during General Synod. You might think of them as Abraham Lincoln’s words, but first they were words of Jesus in Matthew 12:25: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. . . .”     

       In America today, and all over the world, we witness the unfolding of division and hate. We witness the painful reality of racism. In the Reformed Church in America, we profess through the words of the Belhar Confession that “unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be resisted (John 17:20-23).”

       Racism is a sin. It has no power and no place in Christ’s church. And the current acts of white supremacists, working to perpetuate fear and hate and division, must be resisted. The Reformed Church in America is striving to be a thriving multicultural, multiethnic, and multiracial church. Back when apartheid ruled South Africa, we saw and condemned that division. We divested from organizations in South Africa that participated in apartheid. We took steps, made our voices heard and prayed for the situation there, without ceasing. We adopted the Belhar Confession, which arose out of apartheid, as one of our standards of unity and yet with regards to racism and prejudice and injustice, our own house and country is not in order. In all these things, we had distance. It is easier to see evil in other communities than in our own. It is easier to see evil in others than in ourselves.

       In 2009, General Synod declared that racism is sin because it is an offense to God. What is offensive to God should be offensive to his followers. The Reformed Church in America is striving to be a thriving multicultural, multiethnic, and multiracial church. Yet, I’ll admit and mourn that we are not there yet.

       In these short few months that I have served as interim general secretary, I have become more aware of our legacy. With the passing of Tony Campbell several weeks ago, I mourn the loss of such a great leader because with his heart and his passion we have been making strides toward a more vibrant future. This weekend, his loss is particularly painful.

       Yet, I have hope. I have hope that Jesus Christ has died and risen and promises to come again. I have hope that Christ has conquered death and therefore conquered sin. I have hope that this sin no longer enslaves us but that we are set free. And I have hope that we can set aside our fear and our racism and pursue reconciliation. As we move into this coming week, let us do the hard work of examining our own hearts and minds. Where there is division, may we seek reconciliation. Where there is fear, may we seek to understand. Where there is hopelessness, may we claim hope in Jesus Christ. Where we have committed injustice, may we begin to make things right. Where there is hatred, may we ask the Holy Spirit to change our hearts.

       It starts with me, with you, with us. Let’s seek reconciliation first. Let’s make unity visible so the world will know the hope of Jesus Christ. That is Jesus’ prayer in John 17:23: “that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Will you join me in praying and living these words today?

Don Poest

Interim General Secretary

THE FOLLOWING AD APPEARED RECENTLY

ON FACEBOOK, CRAIG’S LIST, AND IN THE REGISTER STAR:

ANYONE INTERESTED IS WELCOME TO APPLY.

~KINDERHOOK CEMETERY COLUMBARIUM DEDICATION SEPTEMBER 9~

The Columbarium, a section of Kinderhook Cemetery expressly desiganted for cremains burials only, will be dedicated in honor of Beverly Van Alstyne at 10 a.m.  Saturday, September 9. All are invited to attend.  

 ~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT SCHEDULED SEPTEMBER 9~

Stop Hunger Now, which has recently rebranded itself “Rise Against Hunger,” packages and ships food and 
life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people and works to end global hunger in our lifetime.  This 
year, nearly 60 million meals will be packaged and distributed to needy locations around the world.  A RISE 
AGAINST HUNGER FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS AN IMMENSELY-REWARDING EXPERIENCE OF EASY, HANDS-ON WORK, FUN, AND 
FELLOWSHIP THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!  A group of 40 to 50 volunteers (any age) can package over 10,000 
meals in just two hours.  Our local packaging event will take place Saturday, September 9, at the Kinderhook 
Town Hall (formerly Martin H. Glynn school) on Church Street in Valatie, during which we hope to pack 20 – 30 
thousand meals.  Set up is at noon, and packing is from 1 – 3 pm followed by clean-up. Plan to save this date on 
your calendar and to lend a helping hand to this extraordinary ministry. Donation baggies and canisters are now 
available on the back table of the sanctuary to take home for saving up your contributions, and you are 
encouraged to take canisters to work or to businesses willing to display them. A donation of 29¢ buys one meal, 
$29 one hundred meals, $290 one thousand meals.

~ BROOKS BBQ CEMETERY BENEFIT SEPTEMBER 27~

The Annual Brooks BBQ will be held on Wednesday, September 27th.  There will be chicken, potatoes, coleslaw and 
rolls, with homemade desserts.  All proceeds will benefit our cemetery maintenance.

                                       ”NEW DIRECTION” WELLNESS CLASS                                  ~               

KRC is offering a FREE 8-week class to improve wellness.  Class will be led by Amy Deweerd, licensed health coach.  A variety of topics will be covered from nutrition to sleep hygiene to stress reduction.  Classes have started, and will continue to meet from 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm on Wednesday nights through September 20.  Register by calling Amy, (518) 522-4264.

In the month of May, the Pantry served 74 families, including 33 seniors, 142 adults, and 90 children.  In June, 73 families were served, including, 27 seniors, 144 adults, and 98 children. Non-perishable foods always popular at the Pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti/spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake and brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY!

Sara Schubert (3^rd), Jim Dunham (7^th), Carly Rippel (13^th),

 Dolly Petith (18^th),

Dolly celebrates her 91^st birthday!

Jean Hurst (27^th), Suzy Nieman (27^th,), Melissa Welcome (28^th),

Thomas Carroll (28^th), Erika Johnson (31^st)

~A SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST~

Dear KRC Family and Friends,      

A few months ago, we asked you to pray for the millions of people affected by the crippling drought in East Africa. Because of your heart for your Compassion International sponsored child, Gilbert Maguna, who lives in Kenya, East Africa, I’m writing to provide you with an update and ask for your continued prayer.

Unfortunately, the drought is still causing widespread health concerns and food shortages for children and their families. The effects of a strong El Nino caused the region to suffer a third consecutive failed rainy season. Crops and livestock are withering away, leaving families without food sources and in desperate need of relief.

Compassion is committed to the long-term care of each child registered in our program. In the coming months, our field staff will guide us as we provide food, water, drought-resistant seeds and support to the families we serve in East Africa.

We believe in the power of prayer, so we again ask you to join with us in praying for:

• a rainy season that would bring relief to crops and water sources
• families who must make the difficult decision to uproot and move to find water
• the health of the children we serve, particularly those who are malnourished

As always, thank you for your commitment to serving and ministering to children in poverty, especially in times like these.  May God bless you beyond measure for your faithfulness to His children.

Your brother in Christ,

Rich Van Eaton

Sponsor and Donor Relations Director, Compassion International

P.S. As this historic drought continues, the dangers faced by children and their families in East Africa are becoming more severe. If you feel led to give a special gift to help with disaster relief efforts, you can do so by giving to Compassion’s Health and Nutrition Fund through Kinderhook Reformed Church.  Make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, and clearly designate your gift “East Africa Drought Relief.”

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. 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.
• Pastor Rudy and Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as they fulfill their ministerial duties.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; VBS; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the new government officials now in office, 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, especially Jason Lansing serving in S. Korea.

• 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 Stacy McCardle, close friend of the Clauses, grieving the loss of her mother this past week.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.
• Jay Petith, friend of Noreen Dick, recovering from serious surgery this past week to restore circulation to one of his legs. While he has to have both legs done, they only do one at a time.  Jay faces a long recovery, and both he and wife, Linda, need lots of prayer and support.
• Nancy Baker, who has been suffering back pain.  Pray for God's healing and comfort for Nancy.
• Suzy and Bill Nieman, who will be moving from our community the end of this month. Pray that the packing and the move will go smoothly and as planned, and for strength to deal with all the stress that a move brings. Pray also for God's blessing upon Suzy and Bill as they settle into their new home. 
• our students, from grade school to college, as they prepare to meet challenges of higher levels of education in this new school year, career choices, and job searches. 
• those who are suffering from depression and other mental health issues and problems. Please pray especially for Mell, that God's assuring presence and power to lift spirits and provide strength to move ahead will be made known. 
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Liezl Visser; Ruth Edge; Jean Wildermuth; Sara Schubert; Merrill Johnson; Rob Aciero; Barbara Vosburgh; Steve Canfield; Jack Lyons; the brother of Coleen, Mark Johnson's partner; Amy Deweerd; Virginia Rothermel; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
• those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Connie Witkowski; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Greg Clause Jr.; Stacey Baker; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little-Saxton, working with refugees; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

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. 
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, Derek DeJager and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy.
• the birth of Alexandra Jean, Deborah Spaulding’s grandniece, born 5:01 a.m. this past Sunday, August 13th.  Alexandra’s parents are Audrey (Simpkins) and Alex Kupsch, who live near Philadelphia, PA."

• Dolly Petith, celebrating her 91st birthday this past Friday!
• the good report that Jim Baker, Sr. is now out of the hospital and recuperating at home.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
• His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

All of us from time to time, as members and friends of the KRC family, have had concerns and issues about church policies; Consistory decisions; order and times of our worship services; the preaching ministry; and sometimes even issues and concerns related to our interpersonal relationships within the church family.  We would like you to know that the Elders are available to speak with you about any concerns you may have and invite you to contact them at any time.

KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick – ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Patrice Lyons – ’17  Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    758-8400  patricelyons50@gmail.com

Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Elders

Merrill Johnson – ’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga – ’17  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel, Clerk. . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

COMING EVENTS

Today, August 20

       9:00 am  Combined Worship Celebration

Mon,  August 21 – Fri, August 25

        9 am – Noon  KRC Vacation Bible School

Tues, August 22

       Please Note:  Youth Group will not meet August 22.

Wednesdays, August 23 – September 20

       6:30 -7:15 pm  “New Direction” Wellness Class @KRC

Thur, August 24

     Please Note:  Thursday Morning Bible Study and Community Prayer Groups  

                                           will not meet August 24.

       7:00 pm  Bible study, 1 and 2 Peter, KRC main floor Conference Room

Sat,   August 26  

       2:00 – 5:00 pm  Muitzeskill Reformed Church “Back-to-School Bash”

Sun,  August 27 

       9:00 am  Combined Worship Celebration

Mon, August 28

       6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sun,  September 3 

       9:00 am  Combined Worship Celebration

Sat,   September  9 

     10:00 am  KRC Columbarium Dedication @Kinderhook Cemetery 

     Noon – 3 pm  Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event

          @ Kinderhook Town Hall (formerly M H Glenn Elementary School)

Sun,  September 10 

       9:00 am  Combined Communion Worship Celebration

Mon, September 11

      Please Note:  Consistory will not meet in the month of September.

Sun,   September 17  2-Service Schedule and Children’s Sunday School Begin

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room

    10:00 am  Worship Service, first day of Children’s Sunday School

Wed, September 27  Brooks BBQ dinner @KRC

Servers Next Sunday, August 27

Ushers:  Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

Greeter(s):