December 5, 2010

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
10:00 a.m. December 5, 2010 - Second Sunday in Advent
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

The Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.

Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Wayne and Sally Heimroth
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Sally Heimroth supervising.


Order of Worship

PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

 

God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) - Based on Psalm 124:8
The Lord is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of our lives; of whom shall we be afraid?
The Lord will protect us and guide us.
Let us gladly offer ourselves before our God with shouts of joy;
let us sing praises to the Lord, our God.

SECOND SUNDAY AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH - The Speer Family
(Responsively - Based on Mark 1:1-18)

(The purple candle previously lit is lit again.)

Leader: On this second Sunday in Advent, we once again
hear the Baptist’s cry urging us all to “Prepare the way for the Lord
and make straight paths for him.”
People: John the Baptist brought the people of his day renewed hope
that God’s Messiah would soon appear.
Leader: In a world filled with conflict, war, and violence,
they hoped for the day when God’s Messiah would usher in
a new era of peace and justice: a day when any and all weapons of war
would be no more.
People: As the people did back then, we too long for the day
when all swords will be turned into ploughshares;
the day when all conflicts, wars and violence will come to an end;
the day when true peace will reign supreme.
Leader: We now light this candle—the Candle of Peace,
symbolizing our longing for the day of Christ’s return;
symbolizing our longing for peace. Come Lord Jesus.
(A new purple candle is lit.)
Leader: Let us join in prayer.
All: Loving God, while we patiently wait for Christ’s return
and for your peace to ultimately prevail.
Enable each of us to work for peaceful solutions
to the various conflicts which abound locally, nationally and globally.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
*HYMN #136 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

CALL TO CONFESSION - Based on Psalm 53
You come to help those who do right, who remember your ways. But when we continue to sin against them, you are angry. How then can we be saved?
PRAYER OF CONFESSION - From Isaiah 64:1-9
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away. We hardly call on your name or strive to lay hold of you. We ignore you and we waste away because of our sins. Do not be angry beyond measure, O Lord; do not remember our sins forever
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Forgive us, Lord, we pray.
Grant us the grace to be still,
to listen, and to respond to the leading of your Spirit. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Beloved, God does not remain angry beyond measure, and is quick to forgive us. Indeed, God sent his only Son not to condemn, but to save us. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Jesus, make your presence known to these children; live within them and be with them always; through every challenge of life, may they experience your comfort and your peace. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS
God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURES Romans 15:4-13 (p. 805)
MESSAGE “Strength Is for Service, Not Status.”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children’s Response

SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION (Insert)
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Heavenly Father, with glad and eager hearts we lay our offerings before you. Sanctify them for the purposes of glorifying the name of Christ, spreading his gospel of grace and peace, and bringing increase to his kingdom. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*CAROL of PEACE #170 It Came upon a Midnight Clear
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE – By the Gift of God’s Grace
By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light
and your heart with his love be aglow.
May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest,
and may Christ grant you peace as you go. Amen.
POSTLUDE

~ TODAY AT 11:15 FOLLOWING WORSHIP ~
Adult Bible Study will meet in the main floor conference room.

 

 

 


Today is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.

 

 

KRC’s new Picture Directories are now available, one per family, on the back table. Donations ($5 suggested) to help cover printing costs would be greatly appreciated, but are not required.
 

From the Pastor's Desk

This year is quickly drawing to a close with Christmas now only a few weeks away. It frequently feels to me like a time of the year when things come together in very significant and wondrous ways. Our spirit of generosity seems a bit heightened and we are generally more intentional about engaging others in service and fellowship. As we revisit the past year, experience Christmas, and ponder the year ahead, we often become aware of where we are and where we want to go in life and in our journey with the living God. This time a year ago we had some members who are here no more. Some have passed on, and some have simply left the church. Yet this December, God is adding six new members to the KRC family of believers by affirmation of faith: Amy Clinton, Heather Donahue, Derick LaTorre, Angela Rivera Maycole, Doris Schmieder, and Andrew Welcome. In addition, five others have been added to our fellowship this past year by letter of transfer: Christopher Seftner, Harriet Simpkins, Elize Visser, Anna Marie Zietsman, and Paul Zietsman. All praise and honor to our God and King both now and in the coming year!

Christmas is a time to discover and re-discover who we are by becoming attuned to the generous and loving nature of God expressed in the gift of the Christ-child. It is a time to find ourselves by finding the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. My prayer for us and people everywhere is that the word of God’s redeeming love and grace might be heard in the silent night of Jesus’ birth.

The weeks ahead will be marked by celebrations of worship that attempt to re-acquaint us with the grand story of divine love we hear in the promises made by God through his prophets; in the pondering of Mary’s heart and the firm resolve of Joseph who so improbably believed the angel’s admonition not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife; and in the singing of a heavenly chorus praising God in the highest. The drama unfolds for us as we worship in memory of what God once did in Bethlehem, and in the sure and certain hope of what God will do yet again when his kingdom comes. May the glow of the Christ-child illumine your path this Advent season! Peace in Christ, Pastor Rudy

 

 

 

 


~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGE~
6 – 8:30 p.m. This Coming Friday, December 10
KRC will sponsor its annual Open House, featuring the beauty of our decorated sanctuary together with community fellowship, Christmas music, cookie decorating, a dessert buffet, and hot drinks in the Fellowship Room.

Volunteers to assist in this ministry, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be very much appreciated. Please sign up on the sheets provided at the back table.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING~
The Kinderhook Business and Professional Association has asked KRC, along with other area churches, to send carolers out on Candlelight Night, Friday, December 10. Each group is free to set their own caroling time between the hours of 6 and 8:30 pm; to make their own way through the village, stopping to sing in any businesses and shops with lights on and doors open; and to sing from the gazebo in the square if they would like. Please see Suzy Nieman if you are willing to join in this activity.


~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place gifts for homeless men: 2 pairs new warm socks; a hat; mittens or gloves, SM, MED, or LG; a personal care item (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clippers); and a treat that will not melt or crush. Giftwrap, mark SM, MED, or LG on outside of package, tape securely, and take to the Kinderhook FairPoint Communications Office or to KRC by Sunday, December 12.

~STAR AND ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAMS~
Gift needs for Capital City Rescue Mission’s New Life Center family, a mother and daughter currently receiving shelter and services from the Center, are now on star cut-outs, and needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the same tree in the main entrance of KRC. Gifts are due Sunday, December 12. Please take a moment to read the information below about the Angel Tree Project:

For the past several years, our church has helped Prison Fellowship with their Angel Tree Project. Prison Fellowship was started in the 70’s by Charles Colson after his own incarceration. His experience awakened him to the extraordinary need of inmates in our jails for caring and witnessing. Hundreds of thousands have been led to a freedom in Christ while still imprisoned. From contacts with prisoners, it became apparent that their imprisonment severely impacted their families – especially their children. Out of this awareness grew Angel Tree Project, one small way to bring caring and joy to the children of prisoners at Christmas. Since the project began, over 4 million children have been reached through thousands of participating churches.

As noted earlier, angel cutouts are now available on the Christmas tree in the front entranceway. The angels contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information from a particular child. We hope and pray that these will all be picked up by our families, and the directions followed, so these gifts can bring some Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Please return your gifts by December 12 to the Sunday School room opposite the church office.

If you are willing to help in the ministry
of distributing Angel Tree gifts to individual children,
please contact Sara Hartman at 828-6368.

 

~LESSONS AND CAROLS, 4:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18~
A gift from the KRC family to our surrounding communities – A program of organ and choral music and readings deriving from late 19th century England and emphasizing the rich sung & spoken traditions of the Christmas season


~KRC’s SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM AND SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE~
10 a.m. December 19
KRC’s Sunday School Christmas Program
will be presented during Sunday Worship.
5 p.m. December 19.
Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities.
For people living through dark times, Kinderhook Reformed Church will be creating sacred space at a Service of Remembrance for reflection, meditation, and focus on Christ’s promises of healing and hope. Participants will be invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone or to mark a significant event in their life. The beautifully-decorated sanctuary will be filled with silent prayers, meditative music, and scripture reading. Please mark your calendar, and join us as we come together in God’s presence for this time of reassurance.

 

~CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
8 p.m. Worship Service
As always, a highlight of the season of giving, and a special time to remember again and to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father

ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE. NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, DEC. 12. FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS AT KRC SATURDAY, DEC. 18, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.


Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete Ministry projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy, and for steady healing and improvement in Pastor’s injured elbow
• All those who participated in the beautiful decoration of our sanctuary for Christmas
• Signs that Jack Taylor is beginning to respond to treatment
• The compassionate care and great support of hospice nurses and volunteers
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
• 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
Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee requests, “Please include the search committee in your prayers every time you gather” - Wes Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the RCA, will retire in the fall of 2011
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; KRC’s Christmas gift programs; Lessons and Carols; Candlelight Night; other Ministry projects
• Leaders of KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group as they administer programs over the next several months; and for those attending these programs
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and personal safety needed to govern effectively
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster
• Those grieving the recent loss of loved ones, especially Bill and Kathy Schneider, their family, and friends grieving the loss of Bill’s mother, Helen, 94; the Jensen, Borrelli, and Deane families at unexpected loss of John Dean’s sister, Carolyn Jensen, 66
• Dawn Van Buren, recovering from an injury to her left knee
• Matt, recovering from a second stroke
• Those dealing with cancer: Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley; Lillian Roginski; Dawn Meyers; Melanie; Ed B.; Rylyn Swierzewski
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Vivian Williams; Blanche Rogers; Esther Baker; Stacey Baker; Elize Visser’s mother’ Irene Smith; John Hodgson; Karina Speer; Jack Taylor; Marie; Dorothy Novak; Christophe; Kris Morgan; Blanche Rogers; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Emese; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga; Earl Ennis
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; the Riveras; the Vargas; local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles, especially Rev. Michaelangelo, seeking a pastoral position; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; those struggling with family relationships; young people dealing with the challenges of the school year, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan and John and Sara Schubert
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Nicole, expecting her first child; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; new parents Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling during the holiday season
• Our military men and women – especially Will Ryan, recently deployed to Afghanistan, Matt Plescia, Carrington Hessell, Spencer Moore, and Jay Rippel - that they may know God’s presence and protection
• Families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance;
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare

 

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.


KRC’s annual Fall Food Drive in support of the Valatie Food Pantry resulted in a total contribution of 318 food items and $25 in cash and checks. Many thanks and blessings to the KRC Family for their generosity. During the month of October, the Valatie Food Pantry served 79 families - 145 adults & 115 children for a total of 294 people. Items needed this month are pancake mix and syrup, jelly, sugar, tuna, mac & cheese, cake mix, brownie mix, dinner helpers, and juice.

 

 

2 CARE packages have been sent out this week to Jay Rippel and his fellow soldiers serving near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, and there are enough “goodies” for 2 more packages. Packaging is a challenge, and donations of recycled packing materials - packing peanuts, bubble wrap - would be much appreciated.


Tom Little has been named by President Obama as one of the fifteen 2010 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President will honor Tom and the other recipients at a White House ceremony early next year. A complete list of all those being honored is on the back table of the sanctuary.

KRC OFFICE, EMAIL,WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call 758-9703 or 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.

 

 

 

 

Coming Events
Today, December 5 – Second Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
Receiving of New Members during Worship
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon., December 6
6:30 pm Stewardship Ministry meets, KRC Fellowship Room - Budget
7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets
Tue., December 7
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., December 8 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Fri., December 10 6 - 8:30 pm KRC Candlelight Night Open House
Sun., December 12 – Third Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Congregational Meeting immediately following Worship to
elect members to Consistory
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
CCRM Men’s, Star, and Angel Tree gifts due
Mon., December 13 7:00 pm Consistory meets
Sat., December 18 4:30 pm “Lessons and Carols” - An afternoon program of organ and choral music and traditional readings of the Christmas season - KRC Sanctuary
Sun., December 19 – Fourth Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
5:00 pm Service of Remembrance
Fri., December 24 8 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

 


Servers Next Sunday, December 12, 2010
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): The Hickman Family
Nursery: