KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, AUGUST 9, 2015

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

Guest Preacher, Beth von den Driesch, Preaching Elder

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 h

osted today by Donna Flansburg on the front lawn of the church following worship.

Ushers:  Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Dick Silvano, Andrew Welcome

  Greeter(s): Marissa Boucher & Jason Brevoort    Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

 KRC family and friends are encouraged to volunteer as front-door greeters for our

9 a.m. combined summer worship service.  A sign-up sheet for this purpose

 may be found on the back table of the sanctuary.

  Prelude                                    

  Announcements, Welcome, and God’s Greeting   

  Drawing Near To God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Psalm 34:1-8  (ESV) 

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
       My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

        I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
       This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

       and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

       Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

       Blessed are the people who take refuge in him!

*Opening Hymn #585                                                                    Speak, Lord in the Stillness

   Invocation (Unison)

Lord, open to us the sea of your mercy, and water us with full streams from the riches of your grace and the springs of your kindness. Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace; kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our weakness by your power as we become close to you and to each other. Amen.

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession  Psalm 130:1-4

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Righteous Father, we who own more than we use, proclaim more than we experience, and request more than we need, come asking your forgiveness. We seek your salvation, then act like we save ourselves. We beg your forgiveness, and then repeat our errors. We experience your grace, then act defeated. We rely on your power, but only in hard times. We have become confused and misguided. Forgive our every defection.

 [Moment of Quiet Confession]

We pray now that you would bring us to an unbroken commitment and a steady trust, through Jesus Christ, who is the way of hope, the truth of God, and the life of love, now and always.  Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  Psalm 130:5-8

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer of Blessings

  Scripture                                                                                         John 6:35 & 41-51 (p. 755)

  Message                                                                                                      “Bread of Heaven”

  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  Offering and Offertory

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Ever-giving God, source of all goodness and charity, your ear is always open to our needs. When we cry to you, you are faithful and provide for us. With joy we bring our thanksgiving. For all your mercies, we return to you from our abundance. All that we give, we dedicate to your glory. All that we keep, we commit to your care, for we are only stewards of your bounty. Bless what we give and what we keep, for all is your creation. Amen.

  Prayer Requests and Intercessory Prayer

*Hymn #634                                                                          Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

*Blessing  Jude 24, 25

*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                                   In memoriam, op. 156/7                         Josef Rheinberger

~CCRM’S SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS DUE TODAY~

Stewart's Shops has again generously donated $1,000 to purchase backpacks for Capital City Rescue Mission’s 7th Annual Backpack Giveaway Party in August.  Collection containers are available at the church’s entryway, and ALL DONATIONS NEED TO BE IN TODAY:

● 2-pocket folders                                      â— 3-ring binders

● Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled)            â— Colored pencils & crayons

● Elmer's glue & glue sticks                     â— Erasers (all types)

● Markers (all types)                                   â— Marble & spiral notebooks (wide-ruled)

● Pencil sharpeners & pencil cases       â— Pencils & pens

● Rulers & scissors (round-tipped)         â— Highlighters

KRC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AUGUST 17 – 21, 2015          

VBS will run from AUGUST 17^th to 21^st, 9 am to Noon, with arrival and sign-in at 8:45 to 9 am daily.  All kids of our community ages Pre-K (3 and potty-trained) through Grade 6 are invited, and forms are available on the back table for pre-registering your children or grandchildren.  Sign them up today!

~ 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 Worship service on September 13.  A special presentation designed specifically to appeal to 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.

PLEASE NOTE:  September’s “First Friday” free community dinner will be offered

 the second Friday, September 11, following the  Labor Day holiday weekend.

~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT SEPTEMBER 26~

       Stop Hunger Now packages and ships food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and works to end global hunger in our lifetime.  Established in 1998, over 500,000 corporate, student, civic, and faith-based volunteers have been engaged to package meals, and over 180 million meals have been provided in 65 countries.  This year, 45 million meals will be packaged, and over $9 million in donated aid, mainly vitamins and medical supplies, will be shipped. Thousands of people each year are offered education about hunger and inspired to help end it.

       A STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS AN UPLIFTING, 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 10,000 MEALS IN JUST TWO HOURS.  WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE PACKAGING EVENT THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN ONE OF OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, AND PLAN TO LEND A HELPING HAND TO THIS EXTRAORDINARY MINISTRY.  

~INVITATION FROM THE HUDSON ALIGHT CENTER~

       Very few women who have had an abortion walk away from the experience unaffected. It was supposed to be a quick fix, the only way to take care of the "problem". But try as you may, the memory and pain won't stay buried.  Many women become upset or depressed on the anniversary of the abortion or due date. Many don't feel they deserve to have children. Many keep their feelings to themselves for years and guard against even thinking about their abortion.

       At the Alight Center in Hudson, we want you to know that you are not alone, and we want to help you find true freedom and forgiveness from the heartbreak of your past decision.  Please join us for an 8-week Bible study entitled Surrendering the Secret, designed for women who have experienced the pain of abortion. This study is led by women who have walked the same path as you, and who have found forgiveness and restoration in Jesus Christ.  Whether your abortion experience was one time or several times, whether it was last year or 40 years ago, this study will provide you with a confidential and supportive environment that facilitates your healing and brings a sense of peace and hope to your future.  The study begins in September. Please call us at 518-822-9008 for dates and locations.

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),

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR  

• 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 good report that Bruce Hawver has healed very well without complications from a recent severe dog bite requiring skin grafts.
• 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.

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: Vacation Bible School; 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.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters.
• 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.
• children suffering poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the death of loved ones, especially Floyd and Kay Haber, family, and friends grieving the recent sudden loss of Floyd’s brother, Bob Haber; the Frisbee family, grieving the recent death of Priscilla Frisbee.
• Pastor Rudy, recovering from a medical procedure this past Friday.  Pray for speedy healing and comfort for Pastor, who expects to lead tomorrow’s Consistory meeting.
• Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, on her way to Madagascar as a French/English translator for a team of Christian professionals holding financial training seminars for Madagascar nationals.  Pray for Isabelle and the team as opportunities arise to share their faith. 
• Cidney Rippel, resting comfortably at home following ACL (knee ligament) repair.
• Ted Tuttle, recovering from a broken arm. 
• Noreen Kennedy, mother of Maureen Mooney, that medications being administered to treat her Lyme disease will be effective and result in complete healing.
• others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Zoe Covey; Kim’s Uncle TJ; 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: AJ, son of Susan and Cliff; Rick Skiermont; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Florence Rivera; Steve Shpur; Carly Rippel; 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:  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; Libby Little – Copies of Libby’s August schedule are now available on the back table; Bill and Abby; Greg L; Craig Johnson; those facing the challenges of graduation, beginning a higher level of education, or seeking a career - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices and decisions they face.
• 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.

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,633.28 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in 
America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN 
SET AT $88.02.  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of this support.  The 
full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient. If offered weekly, 
that’s around $4.20 for each of the remaining weeks in this year. All contributions made for this purpose should be designated 
“Classis Assessment.”  

                                          COMING EVENTS

Today, August 9  Deadline for donating CCRM school supplies

         9:00 am  Worship Service

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

                                     Please join us in our current study of

    The Ten(der) Commandments: Reflections on the Father's Love, by Ron Mehl

Mon., August 10  

         6:30 pm  Consistory meets 

Tues., August 11

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., August 13

        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

Mon. – Fri, August 17 – 21  @KRC

         9:00 - Noon   SonSpark Labs – Gospel Light VBS: JESUS Every Day!

Sat.,   August 22

        12 Noon – 4 pm  Hudson Reformed Church Free Community Picnic

  Rain or shine, 52 Green Street,  Hudson – More information on back table.

Mon., August 24  

         6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Fri.,   September 4

Please Note: Due to the Labor Day holiday weekend, “First Friday” community dinner will be postponed until “Second Friday, September 11.

Sun.,  September 6

         9:00 am  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  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

Sat., September 26

                      Stop Hunger Now food packaging event.

                        Watch this space for additional details.

Servers Next Sunday, August 16, 2015

       Ushers:  Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Dick Silvano, Andrew Welcome

       Greeter(s):  Maureen Mooney

       Lemonade Stand Host(s):  Nancy Call