KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, AUGUST 30, 2015

 “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.

9 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to refreshments and fellowship at the Lemonade Stand hosted today by

Joy Bertram on the front lawn of the church following Worship.

Ushers today are Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, and Chip Wood.    

  Preschool Nursery facilities are available downstairs.      

  Prelude                                    

  Announcements, Welcome, and God’s Greeting 

  Drawing Near To God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)

In your love and wisdom, O God, you call us here to worship you.

       We gather to receive your holy Word, ready to listen.

You call us to life abundant, alive to Christ’s gospel of grace and peace.

       We respond with hearts and minds of faith.

You call us to be clothed in your righteousness power, to resist the forces of evil.

       We present ourselves, body, soul, and strength, ready to serve you.

*Hymn #747                                                                                          Lead On, O King Eternal

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession  Based on Isaiah 30:9, 15, 18

We have been a rebellious people, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.  In repentance and rest is our salvation, in quietness and trust is our strength. The Lord longs to be gracious to us. He will rise up to show us compassion.  Blessed are all who wait for him!

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Eternal God, you do not change. You have revealed yourself to us in your Word.

You call us to worship you in spirit and in truth. But we confess that we often worship not your true self but who we wish you to be. We too often ask you to bless what we do rather than seeking to do what you bless. Forgive us for seeking concessions when we should be seeking guidance. Forgive us when our worship shapes you into what we want instead of shaping us into what you want.  Help us to meet you here, that we might bow before and lose ourselves in your unspeakable majesty and so live for you now and ever, in Christ.  Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  From Hebrews 10:10; Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A 66

We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  And this is God’s gospel promise: To grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                         Ephesians 6:10-20 (p. 830)

  Message                                                                                 “Optimizing My God-Panoply”

  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  Solo - Deborah Spaulding, Soprano                              O Lord of Hosts, My God and King

  Offering and Offertory

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to render to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you, not with our lips only, but with our whole lives, turning the duties, the sorrows, and the joys of all our days into a living sacrifice to you, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

  Prayer Requests and The Lord's Prayer

  Hymn (Screen)                                                                               Onward, Christian Soldiers

*Benediction and Blessing

*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  

~PRAISE GOD FOR THE SUCCESS OF VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015!~

Our recent Gospel Light’s “JESUS Every Day” VBS, SonSpark Labs, was a huge success, with 100 children attending the program together with 20 teenage volunteer helpers and 20 staff members! The spiritual theme of the program was “Discovering: GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU = JESUS.” This life-changing Biblical message was reinforced with classroom instruction and stories, songs, games, colorful crafts, and tasty snacks, not to mention the amazing science lab settings created through the imagination, talent, and hard work of the VBS staff.  Praise God for all – students, teachers, helpers, coordinators - who participated in and enjoyed the rich blessings of this outreach ministry!

~ HUDSON RIVER BELLS TO PERFORM AT KRC SEPTEMBER 13~

Established in 1998 by its founding director, Kathy Boyer, Hudson River Bells is an intermediate/advanced level handbell choir with an intergenerational group of 14 bell ringers from the First Reformed Church of Athens, New York. The choir rings a 5-octave set of Malmark English handbells and choir chimes, and will be sharing their talents and the beauty of their instruments throughout our 10 am combined Communion Worship service on September 13.  A special presentation designed specifically for children will be included in the program, and you are encouraged to invite family and friends to attend with their children and grandchildren. In addition to our regular offering of gifts and tithes, a love offering will be taken as a thank-you to the Bells and to help them cover travel and other choir-related expenses.

~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26~

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith,
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday and other outreach programs. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason, beginning boot camp with some anxiety, that he will experience God's protection and be blessed with His strength, and reassurance; Tom Eastman, fulfilling a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.
• those throughout the world suffering from natural and other hardships and tragedies: wildfires, famine, and other climate-related disasters;  economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression and unrest; warfare and terrorism.
• 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.
• families and friends grieving the death of loved ones, especially Susan Patterson and the Boylan Family grieving the recent loss of  Susan's father-in-law, James Boylan.  Remember especially Priscilla, James's wife, as she faces life without her husband.
• a good and steady recovery for Suzanne, now at her Florida home following successful surgery to repair an aortic aneurism. Praise God that despite heavy traffic and bad weather, Suzanne’s mother, Judy Simmons, arrived safely in Florida to care for her daughter. Pray for strength and peace of mind for Judy as she assists in Suzanne’s recovery and wrestles with the many decisions she faces.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. 
• Chris Treadway, fellow nurse and friend of Jennifer Pratt, terribly injured in a car accident and recovering at Albany Medical Center.
• those facing the challenges of graduation, beginning a higher level of education, or seeking a career, especially Carly Rippel as she begins her college studies at SUNY;  pray that God will provide wisdom in the many choices and decisions before  them.
• Keith Hinton, husband of Leigh Ann (Haber) Hinton, following his pastoral ordination this past Sunday evening.
• the Zietsmans, visiting family and friends in South Africa. Pray especially for Paul's father who is very ill and struggling with several health issues.
• others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: TJ Vooris; Zoe Covey; Elizabeth Clinton; Donna Scalera; Susan Lamont's sister; a friend of Erika Johnson; Bill Metzger, brother of Nancy Baker; Cheryl Johnson; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Marlene; Daniel; Andy; Lucy; Rodrigo; Jean.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Chris Howard and his ten-year-old son, Jonah; Ruth Edge; Ed Van Kampen; Cidney Rippel; Ted Tuttle; Noreen Kennedy; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Florence Rivera; Steve Shpur; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie Maul.

• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Bill and Abby; Craig Johnson; Stuart, that God will give guidance in providing home care; Greg L; 16-year-old teenager, 3-months pregnant, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; Dana, mother and caretaker of her 2-year-old daughter; Kevin and family, in crisis; Caleb; Vince Beaudoin; Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; Libby Little – Copies of Libby’s August schedule are now available on the back table.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• 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 happy news that Steve Shpur is finally home after 3½ months in the hospital and was able to be in Worship with us this past Sunday!
• 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, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY!

Isabelle Bosquet-Morra (2^nd), Sara Schubert (3^rd), Jessica Alessi (5th),

Jim Dunham (7^th), Carly Rippel (13^th), Robert Bailey (15^th),

 Dolly Petith (18^th), Alan Dick (24^th), Suzy Nieman (27^th,), Jean Dunbar (27^th)

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

~CITV UPDATE FROM DAVID SMITH~

Concerts in the Village Looks to an Exciting 2015-2016 Season

       With major contributions from the Broad Street Chorale, the Broad Street Orchestra and guests artists, CITV’s fifth year has been an unequivocal success.  By any artistic measurement your musical achievements have been impressive – and recognized throughout the region.  And with respect to our administrative and financial sustainability, much progress has been made.  I hope you share my deep pleasure in all of this.

       I assure you that CITV has developed a significant and widespread following. A day does not pass without my meeting someone who has been impressed by your efforts.  And that “someone” is often a listener personally unknown to me -- wanting to know when the next concert is!  CITV has quickly become an established brand, with programs noted for their high quality.  By another measurement, I have received calls from as far as New York and Boston with notable musicians expressing interest in our concerts.  It is gratifying that the finest singers and instrumentalists want to be with us.  (And once they have been with us they wish to return!)  Each year our artistic brand becomes more established, and opening with our fifteenth concert, the coming season will be no exception.

Some Highlights of 2014-2015 (July, 2014 through June, 2015)

The 12-month season just concluded was significant for:

1.     Five important programs (Purcell, Handel, Beethoven-Schubert, The School, Bach);
2.     Dido and Aeneas at PS21, our first “semi-staged” (or was it staged?) effort and first institutional collaboration;
3.     A very well received, financially successful “ArtistsThanking Donors” benefit concert and reception at the memorable Keene Farm in Stuyvesant, to be repeated this coming September 19^th (see email to follow);
4.     A record-shattering reception for the “non-CITV” Fifth  Annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols (and a memorable Candlelight Night preview of it at Jack Shainman Gallery: The School, visited by 500 listeners);Record individual, business, grant, and listener support, allowing us to begin 2015-2016 with a modest financial reserve (with the CITV Business Supporter Program having had a very encouraging start);

1.     A record number of enthusiastic listeners, with CITV’s audiences among the largest in the region for “classical” music;
2.     Of greatest importance to me (hopefully to you as well) a growing number of committed musicians, bringing so much individual experience and talent to CITV programs -- an artistically strong and collegial mix of non-professionals and professionals (Incidentally in this I believe we are both unique and well positioned.)

Looking to 2015-2016

It may seem to be in a quiet period, but in fact much is underway, including the essential Annual Appeal mailing and “Artists Thanking Donors” preparations.  But here is the “major concert” overview, with much more detail to follow:

Sunday, November 8^th at Kinderhook Reformed Church (3:00 p.m.)

Alexander’s Feast, or The Power of Musick  (c. 1751) 

                                       Vocal and instrumental splendor combine in one of Handel’s most colorful oratorios.                                                           

Midwinter (TBD), 2016 at Jack Shainman Gallery: The School

King David (1921) 

Arthur Honegger’s very dramatic, but neglected masterpiece,

performed in a space ideally suited to its sonic wonders.   Sung in English.

Sunday, April 10^th, 2016 at Kinderhook Reformed Church (3:00 p.m.)

Wagner Siegfried Idyll (1869), Brahms Schicksalslied (1871) and Mendelssohn Psalms 95 (1838) & 42 (1842)

19^th c. choral-orchestral richness.

In addition there are expected to be two smaller-scaled (chamber) concerts.

~JOB-OFFER POSTING FROM PROPERTY MINISTRY~     

Property Ministry is seeking to fill, as soon as possible, a part-time sexton position (up to 15 hours per week) to take over the in-house duties of Greg Clause. Please contact Barbara Vosburgh, 758-6512, or Dawn Van Buren, 758-7564, if you are interested in applying. Greg is no longer able to continue as sexton, and his resignation will become effective as soon as a replacement can be found.  The Consistory and KRC Church Family extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Greg for the skill, creativity, and determination that he brought to this ministry during his several years of service, and wish him the very best in whatever new endeavors he pursues.  

                                                   COMING EVENTS

Today,  August  30 

         9:00 am  Combined Worship Service

       10:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Tues., September 1

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., September 3

         9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Saturdays through September

       10:00 am – Noon  Free Guided Historic Tours, KRC Sanctuary

Fri.,   September  4

        Please Note: “First Friday” community dinner postponed until September 11.

Sun.,  September  6

         9:00 am  Combined Worship Service – Perry Jones, Guest Preacher

       10:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Fri.,   September 11

         5:30 pm  Doors open for “Second Friday” free community dinner

         6:00 pm  Dinner served

         7:00 pm  After-dinner activity and fellowship

Sun.,  September 13

       10:00 am  Combined Communion Worship Service

    Hudson River Bell Ringers will be performing in the 10 am service.   

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

Sun.,  September 20 –  Back-to-Church Sunday

         8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       10:00 am  Worship Service and Opening of Sunday School

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

Mon., September 21  

         6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Sat.,   September 26

         1:00 pm  Stop Hunger Now food-packaging event. Kinderhook Town Hall,

                 Church Street, Valatie (Formerly Martin H. Glynn School)

Mon., September 28  

         6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Wed., September 30

         3:30 – 6:30 pm  Brooks BBQ Cemetery Fundraiser, KRC front lawn

Servers Next Sunday, September 6, 2015

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

       Greeter(s):  Dawn Van Buren

        Lemonade Stand Host(s):  Sally Heimroth