Kinderhook Reformed Church
Worship Service for December 22, 2013 - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
Fourth Sunday in Advent
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
A warm welcome to visitors. We would like to get to know you better and invite you to sign our Guest Book in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy a special Holiday Coffee Hour and fellowship
downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s): Dave and Beth Ennis Preschool Nursery available downstairs.
Prelude, Welcome, and Announcements
Call to Worship (Responsive)
Let us come together to worship God, who gives light to our eyes;
and to celebrate his Son, Jesus Christ, the Word who dwells among us,
the light unto our path, whose presence fills us with everlasting joy.
Let us come together to worship God,
who wraps himself in light like a garment;
and to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ, the light of life, whose love is so wide and long and high and deep that it surpasses knowledge.
Around the Advent Wreath - Joy (Responsive) Isaiah 55:1-11
LEADER: It seemed impossible, but the Israelites returned home from exile in
Babylon, and the prophet Isaiah offered a song of celebration.
PEOPLE: Come and rejoice! Eat and drink! Get your priorities in order! Can’t
you see that God is close by? The people rejoiced, amazed to have
a second chance.
LEADER: The end of the story has yet to be written. When we light the candle
of Joy, we celebrate the One who has come, is coming, and will
come again. (1st, 2nd, and 3rd purple candles are lit.)
PEOPLE: Whatever we face in life, God will make joy possible.
Around the Advent Wreath - Love (Responsive) John 1:1-18, Psalm 130:5-8
LEADER: The psalmist knew it long before the birth of Jesus: “For with the
Lord, there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”
PEOPLE: God became one of us, out of love for all of us, then and now and
forever.
LEADER: When we light the candle of Love, we stop in awe of God’s unending
love. (Previous 3 purple candles and the pink candle are lit.)
PEOPLE: Whatever we face in life, God’s steadfast love surrounds us.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT – “What Child Is This?”
Processional Mary’s Boy-Child
Litany “For to Us a Child Is Born.”
LEADER: Lord Jesus, we come into your presence with great joy today.
We come looking forward to the celebration of your birth.
PEOPLE: (very quietly-almost a whisper) For to us a child is born.
LEADER: We remember today that you came to earth
born of a young woman.
PEOPLE: (getting louder) For to us a child is born.
LEADER: We remember that you were born in a stable -
a place where animals lived.
PEOPLE: (getting louder) For to us a child is born.
LEADER: We remember that angels came and sang about your birth
to shepherds.
PEOPLE: (getting louder) For to us a child is born.
LEADER: We remember that these shepherds heard the angels,
then ran to see you in the manger.
PEOPLE: (very loud - with great enthusiasm) For to us a child is born!
LEADER: We are excited to welcome you to this place today
and sing with the whole world about your birth.
*Hymn #155 (Verse 1 only) O little town of Bethlehem
The Story of the Child’s Birth Luke 2:1-14
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."
Hymn #171 (Verse 1 only) Hark the Herald Angels
The Visit of the Magi Matthew 2: 1-2 & 10 -11
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked: Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
*Hymn #164 (Verses 1 and 2 only) Silent Night
Poem, Sunday School Children What Child Is This?
What child is this that came into my life
To stir up happiness amidst all the strife?
What child is this who wipes all my tears
And when He is close, conquers my fears?
What child grows older but keeps getting better?
What child is this that breaks every fetter?
What child is this, grown into a man,
Who makes me say, "With Him, all things I can"?
He gave up His life - a great child indeed.
He died on the cross so I could be freed.
What child is this that from this world should part?
He is the child that still lives in my heart.
What child is this? Why it's JESUS, God's Lamb,
And I can say with great faith, “Now His child I am.” Teri Couture
*Hymn #150 What Child Is This?
Prayer
We Give Our Tithes and Offerings/Offertory – Deborah Spaulding, Jesu Bambino
*Doxology (#809) 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.
A Living Sermon - Based on Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 2:1-14 "Joseph"
Love Offering for The Living Gospel Ministry
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #146 (All verses) Joy to the World
*Benediction, Blessing, and 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
Matthew & Tina Zawisza of The Living Gospel Ministry
are a husband and wife, full-time, traveling ministry team based in New York State’s Capital Region. Specializing in Living Sermons, it is the goal of their ministry, now in its 7th year, to present God’s Word in a unique way and with a new perspective absolutely necessary for today’s world. The eyes remember more than the ears. Jesus knew this, and often revealed the truth of his Word through highly-visual and dramatic parables. In a Living Sermon, the Word is seen and felt as well as heard.
What are Living Sermons? They are personalities from the Bible invited to your church as guest speakers. What would it be like to hear the Angel Gabriel recounting his appearance to Mary to inform her that she would be the mother of the Messiah? What about Joseph recounting his visit from the angel of the Lord who commanded him to take Mary as his wife? Matthew and Tina believe their call is to edify one another and fellow believers through the teaching of the Word of God, which is the number one priority when it comes to the assembling of the Church; and they believe there is no better way to do this than by hearing, seeing, experiencing, and feeling the Word’s power & truth. Over the 7 years of their full-time ministry, Matthew & Tina have seen God do some amazing things.
“We feel blessed and humbled to be invited to your church today to present the Living Sermon, “Joseph”, as part of your worship. From the very beginning we have been a faith-based ministry, which means we do not charge a fee, but accept only love offerings.”
Donations for poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
The following have been duly elected to serve on the 2014 Consistory of Kinderhook Reformed Church: As Deacons: Noreen Dick and Barbara Vosburgh. As Elders: Dawn Tuttle and Patti Varga. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they begin serving the Lord in their respective ministries.
For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, NEW ENVELOPES FOR 2014 ARE NOW READY FOR PICK-UP IN THE BACK OF THE SANCTUARY. Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name. PLEASE USE YOUR NEW ENVELOPES BEGINNING SUNDAY, JANUARY 5.
IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL REQUEST SLIPS (STANDING UP IN BACK OF ONE OF THE BOXES) AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
~CCRM MEN’S AND ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAMS ~
THE DEADLINE FOR RETURNING ALL CCRM MEN’S AND ANGEL TREE GIFT DONATIONS TO THE CHURCH HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL TODAY. Many thanks to all of you who shared your blessings so generously. Your gifts will bring warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer”, and Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. TODAY~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. 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 wooden shed serving as his cathedral.
A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
As always, KRC’s 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.
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Elizabeth Carroll (4th), Beth Ennis (8th), Matthew Hart (13th), Merrill Johnson (15th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen(22nd), Mackensie Clinton (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th,), Patrick Carroll (27th)
PLEASE NOTE: KRC YOUTH GROUP WILL BE IN RECESS UNTIL JANUARY 7, 2014.
Proceeds from KRC’s Fall Bazaar/Bake Sale have now totaled exactly $2000, and the costs of both printings of KRC’s Commemorative Cookbook have more than been recovered through cookbook sales. Proceeds and profits from these projects have been designated for KRC’s Building Restoration Fund.
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.
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, call 859-4158.
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: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; VBS; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. KRC’s 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
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..
our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
victims of warfare, terrorism, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
those, especially children, suffering violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the loss this past week of Jennifer Kline, following a long and difficult battle with cancer; and those grieving the death of Kenneth Robinson, 97, husband of Barbara Vosburgh’s sister.
Suzy Nieman, following cryosurgery the week before last to repair a retinal tear, and laser surgery this past week to repair a second area of retinal detachment found during a follow-up examination. Pray for a speedy and complete recovery without further complications for Suzy, and she thanks everyone for their prayers.
Dawn Van Buren, still dealing with kidney stone issues.
Jane Zanchelli, friend of a niece of Jane Smith, following a serious stroke.
those battling or recovering from cancer: Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Kim Lyle's grandma; Rose and Joanne, friends of the Simpkins and Spaulding families; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Marilyn; Dan McNeil; Kathy White, friend of Dawn VanBuren; George, father of Nancy Baker’s friend; Gail, daughter of a friend of Barbara Vosburgh; Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Sal Alessi; Donna Scalera.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Geoff; Cliff; Chris Proper; Grace Rugen; Rose, friend of Kim Lyle; Heather LaTorre's mother; Mike Rivera; Nancy Baker's brother; Dawn Van Buren's mom, Doris; Rachel’s infant son; Jane Smith; Noreen Kennedy; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Liz Carroll; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera; Faity Tuttle.
those facing challenges & difficult decisions: Dick Tasker and family; Marcia; Marie; Bill, his wife, and children, neighbors of Merrill and Erika Johnson; Christians suffering persecution; Libby Little.
reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
residence-bound members, Gordie Van Buren; Murray Leonardson.
those who are traveling.
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 and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
Consistory and all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, and working together to complete their callings.
KRC's Consistory, whose dedication to their calling is an inspiration to all.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.the good report that John Scofield, Patti Varga's father, is now home following vision and dizziness issues.
the joyous time of community outreach, fellowship, and celebration of the Christmas season at KRC’s recent annual Candlelight Night Open House. Praise God for, and our appreciation to all who gave of their time and effort to the successful fulfillment of this ministry.
the good report that Patrice Lyons’s mom has returned to full health and mobility and is doing fine. Patrice and her family are celebrating her mother's excellent recovery from hip and leg surgeries following serious injury just over one year ago.
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.
~CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE PLANNED FOR 2014~
Kinderhook Reformed Church is pleased to present the 2014 portion of Concerts in the Village (CITV), a concert series begun 4 years ago under the sponsorship of KRC’s Stewardship Ministry as a music outreach to the church’s surrounding communities featuring our refurbished pipe organ. Continuing under the dedicated administration of KRC’s CITV committee and the capable and talented leadership of music director and organist, David Smith, the series has evolved to include a variety of orchestral instrumentalists, vocal soloists, a chorus of over 70 voices (now known as the Broad Street Chorale), and a wide selection of sacred and secular pieces from diverse musical periods and cultures.
All of the following concerts will be performed in KRC’s sanctuary. A suggested donation of $15 will be gratefully accepted to assist in the ongoing funding of this exceptional series.
FEBRUARY, 2014 Chamber Concert: English Music of the Renaissance and Romantic Periods: Madrigals to Part Songs, Motets to Anthems. (Alternatively a concert devoted to the role of pastoral and folk music in England.)x
MARCH, 2014 Organ Recital by David Smith: English Organ Music from the 17th through 20th centuries.
MAY, 2014 “Purcell Sacred and Secular: Home, Church and Theater Music of the Early Baroque in England” with the Broad Street Chorale, soloists Amanda Boyd, Jon Morrell and others, and orchestra. This program will include the famously dramatic opera Dido and Aeneas, as well as the Te Deum and Jubilate of 1694 and a selection of consort and solo vocal music.
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 22 Combined 10 am Worship. Early Worship Resumes 1/5/14.
10:00 am Worship – Sunday School Christmas Pageant and
Living Sermon, “Joseph”
Please join the special Holiday Coffee Hour following today’s worship service.
11:15 am Adult Sunday School
4:00 pm KRC’s 4th Annual Lessons and Carols Christmas Worship Service
Tues., December 24
PLEASE NOTE: KRC Youth Group will be in recess until January 7, 2014.
7:00 pm KRC’s Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Thur, December 26
PLEASE NOTE:
Thursday’s Small Group & Community Prayer Group
will be in recess December 26.
Fri., December 27
9:30 am Weight Watchers meet, KRC Fellowship Room
Sun., December 29 Combined 10 am Worship. Early Worship Resumes 1/5/14.
10:00 am Worship – Perry Jones, Guest Preacher
11:15 am Adult Sunday School
