KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, DECEMBER 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday in Advent
“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.
8:30 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Announcements
The Lord’s Greeting and Morning Prayer
*Morning Praise
Scripture Lesson Hebrews 10:5-10 (pp. 850-51)
Message “God in the Flesh”
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy a celebration of Jesus’s birth
hosted by our Sunday School families in the Fellowship Room today following Worship.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson.
Thanks to today’s greeters, Mike Deegan Donna Rhodes.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Prelude Pastorale Charles Wesley
Announcements, Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Peace Promises from The Book of Psalms
O LORD, we come to renew our relationship with you,
for you bless your people with strength and peace.
We come to learn meekness,
for the meek will enjoy great peace.
We come to listen to what you say, O LORD,
for you promise peace to your saints.
We come to learn and love your law,
for it will bring us great peace and keep us from stumbling into folly.
Love and faithfulness meet together in your house, O LORD;
righteousness and peace kiss in your sanctuary.
Around the Advent Wreath Andrew and Melissa Welcome
PASTOR: Today, we re-light the candles of Hope, Love, and Joy, and we light the Candle of Peace. Our world is not a peaceful world, but God promises peace, and we seek and pray for it. (Candles are lit.)
READER: The Candle of Peace is a symbol of God's promise and a reminder of the words of Jesus, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." In times of war and hatred, it's easy to forget these words. As Christmas approaches, let us be reassured that God, through his Son, will establish a new world and kingdom of peace and harmony. Let us read responsively Isaiah 60:16-20:
I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob . . . I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler.
PEOPLE: No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
READER: The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
PEOPLE: Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
READER: Let us pray: Dear God, sometimes all we see around us gives a message different from the message of peace. As we anticipate the coming of your Son, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, help us to renew our faith in his power to fulfill all of your promises. ALL: Amen.
*Hymn of Praise #311 God Has Spoken by His Prophets
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession Based on Psalm 32
If we keep silent in our sin, the hand of the Lord is heavy upon us day and night, and we lose our strength. Let us call upon our merciful God in confession, and seek renewal and peace through the righteousness of his son, Jesus Christ.
Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)
Lord God, we confess to our blind pursuit of worldly pleasures and passions; to our pride and arrogance; and to our disregard of your Word. We acknowledge our need of your salvation, and pray that you would purify us from all wickedness. Strengthen our hearts with your holiness, and fill us with your peace. Empower us to be self-controlled and upright in this present age, eager to answer your call to serve humbly while we wait for the glorious coming of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Praise be to God, who forgives us through faith in his Son, our Redeemer;
who keeps us pure, blameless - who sanctifies us body, soul, and spirit for his righteous purposes - until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing
Heavenly Father, bless these children with the wisdom that faith in Jesus brings a righteous heart; that a righteous heart is a heart at peace; that a heart at peace gives life to the body; and that joy awaits those who share the hope and peace that is in Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson Hebrews 10:5-10 (pp. 850-51)
Message “God in the Flesh”
Prayer of Thanks
Celebrating God
Offertory “Now come, Saviour of the heathen” Johann Pachelbel
*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
*Closing Hymn #179 God’s Love Made Visible
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude Voluntary in G major, op. 3/5 John Stanley
Donations for the poinsettias decorating our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed
in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
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.
THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO POSITIONS ON THE 2016 CONSISTORY: As Deacons: Tana Thompson and Chip Wood. As Elders: Patti Varga and Barbara Vosburgh. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they anticipate serving the Lord in their respective ministries. New Consistory members will be installed and ordained at the January 17 worship service.
ENVELOPE SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR PRESENTING WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS
For those currently participating in the envelope system to present offerings to the church, new envelope sets are now available for pick-up at the back of the sanctuary and ready for use beginning Sunday, January 3. If you are not currently using the weekly envelope system to present your contributions to the church, but would like to do so in 2016, please pick up one of the small green request forms in the last window well to your left at the back of the sanctuary. Completed forms may be dropped into the offering plate.
~6th ANNUAL LESSONS AND CAROLS TODAY AT 4 P.M. ~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. this afternoon at KRC. A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus are told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with choir music and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. The first Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King's College, Cambridge, England, and has been broadcast from there by the BBC to millions of listeners around the world each Christmas Eve since 1931. The order of worship was adapted from an order prepared 38 years earlier by Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro. Tradition says that the bishop organized a 10 pm service in Cornwall on Christmas Eve, 1880, in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
As always, KRC’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Last Sunday’s offering of $2,778, fell below the weekly minimum of $3,000 necessary to cover daily operating expenses, and as we near the end of this year, we find ourselves still operating in a deficit budget. Stewardship Ministry asks that each of us give prayerful consideration to how we might adjust our giving to reduce the shortfall, and reminds us to “double up” on our giving if we miss a Sunday,
In light of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
Classis Assessment contributions are divided three ways, with portions going to the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). The 2016 assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:
General Synod: $53.71 (Up $1.98 from 2015)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (Unchanged from 2015)
C. G. Classis: $ 6.22 (Down $1.07 from 2015)
2016 TOTAL $88.93 (Up $0.91 from 2014)
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Elizabeth Carroll (4th), Dave Ennis (8th),
Merrill Johnson (15th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen(22nd),
Mackensie Clinton (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th,), Patrick Carroll (27th)
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
< hose 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 programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Sunday School and youth group; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries. 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, especially Jason, just beginning his military career.
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: the Agan children grieving the death of their mother; the families of those killed in the recent San Bernardino shootings; Claudia and Arnie March, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Claudia’s mother, Doris Schmieder
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. Angel Tree children and their families, that their hearts may be open to the truth and hope of the Gospel of Christmas through this ministry of giving.
Christopher Proper, son of Susan Lamont, recovering from burns to his face and arms when a wood-burning stove he was loading exploded.
others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Elize Visser’s father; Vicki; Barbara Feliciano; Holly Clause; Jane Smith; grandparents of Marissa Brevoort; Bob, friend of Patti Varga and family; Gary Silvano; Angie Rivera; Florence Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Stacey Baker; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
those in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Donna Scalera; Bill Metzger; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Donna Scalera; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
those who are traveling.
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.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Harry Sturgill; Tom Eastman; Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of a higher level of education or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Greg L and friend, Joshua; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
residence-bound member Murray Leonardson, .
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
Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
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 encouraging report that Christopher Proper’s burns seem not to be as serious as was thought at first, and that quick thinking by Dawn and Liz Jennings reduced their severity.
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 and 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. Blue Christmas Service
7:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2015
At the (West) Ghent Reformed Church
1042 County Route 22 (Omi Road)
Just 0.2 mi. past Intersection of 9H with Cty. Rte 22
The holidays can be difficult for us all: the stresses and strains of trying to offer a time of celebration take their toll. Many people find they have trouble feeling "in the spirit" of things, whether because of the recent or anticipated death of a family member or friend, the end of a marriage, the loss of work, or other trying change.
This is the 7th year we will be gathering together for A Blue Christmas Service of the Longest Night. It is so named because it is near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. But the name is also fitting because--despite the trappings of gifts, special meals, and Christmas carols–-the season can be a darker than "normal" time of the year for those who struggle with loss. For more information call [518] 828-5946 or 828-9778.
We invite you to join us after worship for a time of refreshment, fellowship and reflection
with clergy and others who are feeling loss this Christmas.
Celtic Music*Poetry*Candles*Scriptures*Silence*Reflection*Prayer
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside
for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
