Kinderhook Reformed Church
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Worship Service for December 29, 2013 - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
Guest Preacher, Perry Jones
Executive Director, Capital City Rescue Mission
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. All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Ben Hart, John Schubert
Greeter(s): Ruth Edge and Mid Glass Preschool Nursery available downstairs.
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
BOLDLY APPROACHING OUR GOD
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 66;1-2,4
In Christ, the God of heaven has made his home on earth.
Christ dwells among us and is one with us.
Highest of all creation, he was born and lives among the least.
He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
Make a joyful noise to Christ the Lord, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.
All creation worships you; they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name.
*Hymn #171 (All verses) Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Call to Confession Based on Psalm 53
Our God of abundant love, grace, and mercy looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand that they are sinful, to see if there are any who seek his face and forgiveness. Let us not turn away, but let us turn toward him, call upon his name, and confess our sins.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O God, you have shown us the way of life through your Son, Jesus Christ. We confess with shame our slowness to learn of him, our failure to submit to his authority, and our reluctance to follow him. We confess to the poverty of our worship; to our neglect of fellowship and of the means of grace; to our hesitating witness for Christ; to our evasion of responsibilities in our service; and to our imperfect stewardship of your gifts. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon Based on Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about Christ, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Children’s Message and Blessing (Unison)
Lord Jesus, may our children always acknowledge you as the Son of the Most High God, and may they experience the power and direction of your Spirit within them. May they be your light in this world, testifying without shame to your truth, and attracting many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life. Amen.
WE COME BEFORE GOD'S OPEN WORD
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson Psalm 1 (p. 383)
Message "The Road to Blessings in 2014"
Prayer of Blessing
*Hymn #173 (All verses) O Come, All Ye Faithful
CELEBRATING GOD
Presentation of our Tithes and Offering/Offertory
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
God of grace and renewal, sanctify these gifts for the purpose of breaking the bondage of spiritual ignorance and sin through the redeeming work of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Use them to relieve guilt, fear, stress, physical and emotional disease and pain, poverty, hunger, and whatever other disabling burdens we and those around us may be bearing. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #171 (All verses) Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
*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
~ Many thanks to those who contributed to this year’s Christmas poinsettias ~
Will and Jayne Ferguson – In loving memory of
Will and Theresa Ferguson
Mid Glass – In loving memory of Susan Lester
Tana Strome – In memory of Edwin Thompson
Nancy Swinyard – In loving memory of
Reginald and Edna Swinyard and
Linda Swinyard Morehouse
Virginia Rothermel – In loving memory of
Ed, Bill, and Paul Rothermel, and Justin Lynch
Sug Hawver – Maureen Mooney – Sue Patterson
Florence Rivera – Glenn and Cricket Warren
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 NEXT 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.
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)
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 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.
Dawn Van Buren, still dealing with kidney stone issues.
Steven Blun, who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer.
others 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; Jane Zanchelli; Susy Nieman; 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 and 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 times of community outreach, worship, and celebration of the Christmas season at KRC’s recent annual Sunday School Christmas Pageant, Lessons and Carols, and Christmas Eve Candlelight services. Praise God also for the more than 800 people who entered the doors of our sanctuary to hear the gospel of Christ proclaimed in song and word; and our appreciation to all who gave of their time, talents, and efforts to the successful fulfillment of these ministries.
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.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: KRC YOUTH GROUP WILL BE IN RECESS UNTIL JANUARY 7, 2014.
~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.)
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.
~ LOOKING AHEAD ~
A NOTE ON NEXT YEAR’S (2014) CLASSIS ASSESSMENT
In response to questions regarding the distribution of our Classis Assessment contributions, they are divided three ways among the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). Next year, 2014, the assessment will be $86.79, and will be distributed as follows:
General Synod: $49.29 (up $1.67 from 2013)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (unchanged from 2013)
C. G. Classis: $ 8.50 (unchanged from 2013)
2014 TOTAL $86.79
Please see RCA’s Stewardship Report (when it becomes available) for information on General Synod’s use of its share of assessed funds. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.
~A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT PEW CARDS~
Just a note to remind parents to keep their children from writing on or tearing the visitors’ cards and the prayer and announcement cards found in the slots on the back of each pew. The visitors’ cards are purchased from a professional printer, and are expensive to replace. Please have your children make use of the writing and coloring materials available especially for them in the back of the sanctuary. Your attention to this request will be greatly appreciated.
KRC 2014-2015 CONSISTORY-ELECT
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Jane Deane – ’14, 758-7051
Noreen Dick – ’15, 758-6640
Derick Latorre – ’14, 376-1882
Barbara Vosburgh – ’15, 758-6512
Elders
Maureen Mooney – ’14, 210-6079
Dawn Tuttle – ’15, 758-6031
Patti Varga – ’15 392-4771
Bob Wildermuth – ’14, 828-0690
John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Liz Carroll – 758-6034
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
COMING EVENTS
Today, 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
Tues., December 31
PLEASE NOTE: KRC Youth Group will be in recess until January 7, 2014.
Thur, January 2
PLEASE NOTE:
Thursday’s Small Group & Community Prayer Group
will be in recess until January 9.
Fri., January 3
9:30 am Weight Watchers meet, KRC Fellowship Room
Sun., January 5
8:30 am Early Worship Service resumes
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes - Main floor conference and class rooms
Servers Next Sunday, January 5, 2013
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Ben Hart, John Schubert
