KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, DECEMBER 6, 2015
Second 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 Romans 15:7-13 (p.805)
Message “So What Is on the Apostle Paul’s Christmas List?”
Communion
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 fellowship and refreshments
downstairs in the Fellowship Room today following worship.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur, Ken Sutherland.
Thanks to today’s greeter, Deborah Spaulding.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Prelude “Now come saviour of the heathens” BWV 659 J. S. Bach
Announcements, Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 96:8-13
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name;
bring an offering, and come into His courts.
Worship the Lord and tremble before him, all the earth.
Proclaim among the nations, "The Lord reigns!”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.
Sing for joy before the Lord,
for he is coming in righteousness and faithfulness!
Around the Advent Wreath Joy Bertram and Sally Heimroth, Thursday Bible Study Group
READER: Today, the second Sunday in Advent, we light two purple candles: last Sunday’s Candle of Hope, and this Sunday’s, Candle of Love. John 3:16, a Bible verse many of us know from memory, begins, "God so loved the world..." Today we remember again God's gift of Jesus to the world and know that God's love for all people is the reason for this gift.
(First and second candles are lit.)
READER: Let us read responsively Isaiah 11, verses 1 and 2, and 5 through 10:
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
PEOPLE: The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
READER: Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
PEOPLE: The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
READER: The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
PEOPLE: The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. (Continued on next page.)
READER: They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
PEOPLE: In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.”
READER: Let us pray: Dear God, we are amazed at this prophecy foretelling the coming of your son, Jesus. We thank you for your promise of a glorious kingdom ruled by him in wisdom and righteousness, and filled with his love, and peace.
ALL: Amen.
*Hymn of Love #199 Tell Me the Story of Jesus
*For those who are able, please stand.
Allowing God to Shape Us
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing
Father, bless these children with the knowledge that you have adopted them into the family of Christ with unconditional, measureless love, and in return, may they love you and one another wholeheartedly with the same love. Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Romans 15:7-13 (p.805)
Message “So What Is on the Apostle Paul’s Christmas List?”
Prayer of Thanks
Celebrating God
Communion
THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope.
We come in Remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.
We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.
We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.
Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,
so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.
THE INVITATION
This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share. Come, for all things are now ready.
COMMUNION HYMN #226 (Verses 1, 2, and 3) Hallelujah! What a Savior
THE COMMUNION PRAYER
Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.
It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you. For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world. In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:
Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
THE COMMUNION
The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."
(Distribution of the bread)
The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.
After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
(Distribution of the cup)
The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.
PRAISE HYMN after COMMUNION #226 (Verses 4, and 5) Hallelujah! What a Savior
Offering/Offertory “Now come saviour of the heathens” op. 79 Marcel Dupré
*Doxology and Offering Prayer (Unison)
Blessed Jesus, you loved us infinitely, that we might know how to love. You gave your life humbly for us, that we might know how to give. You blessed us with life everlasting, that we might know how to bless. With deepest gratitude, we present these offerings to you. Sanctify them, we pray, for the purpose of furthering your Gospel of Grace and establishing your kingdom. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer
*Hymn of Hope and Praise #733 We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude “Now come saviour of the heathens” BWV 661 J. S. Bach
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.
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our
upcoming Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service.
Greeters are also needed for our 10 am worship services.
Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
ENVELOPE SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR PRESENTING WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS
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. The envelope system not only offers a regular giving reminder, but facilitates the efficient processing of weekly contributions. Those not using the system are encouraged to give it a try. There is a $3 suggested donation to help offset printing costs, but this is not a requirement for using the system.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Last Sunday’s offering was $2,961. The weekly minimum necessary to cover daily operating expenses is $3,000. As we near the end of this year, we find ourselves once again 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.
~CCRM MEN’S and WOMEN’S GIFTS DUE NEXT SUNDAY~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to homeless men at Capital City Rescue Mission who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer”. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one knitted hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves – no MEDIUM please; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt - no peanuts or chocolate, please. Wrap with festive paper (NO BOWS), tape securely, and mark LG or XLG on the outside of package.
For the women, CCRM has suggested that we send “colorful, cozy, fuzzy” non-skid slipper socks, a fun yet practical gift for the ladies housed at the mission. For those who are still planning on contributing to this gift idea, we have discovered that these items may be purchased at Ocean State Job Lot at very reasonable prices.
RETURN ALL CCRM MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GIFTS TO THE CHURCH COLLECTION BOXES BY NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13.
~ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
The Angel Tree Program, founded by ex-convict, Mary Kay Beard, has been part of Prison Fellowship's work for 34 years. This ministry has served millions of children and brought the love of Christ, as well as reconciliation, to countless families.
SOME GIFT NEEDS FOR CHILDREN OF PRISONERS ARE STILL DISPLAYED ON ANGEL CUT-OUTS ON THE ANGEL TREE IN THE CHURCH’S MAIN ENTRANCE. To assist you in shopping, each angel contains very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child. Please consider taking an angel - your gift will bring Christmas joy to one of those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” All gifts will be due at the church NEXT SUNDAY, December 13.
PLEASE NOTE: An error was made on the Angel Tree sign up sheet: Each child receives 2 gifts, but space was left on the sheet for only 1 of the gifts. If you did not record the code number from your gift tag on the sheet because there was no room to do so, please put the code, along with your name and phone number, on the next page of the sheet.
~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT THIS COMING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11~
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, in conjunction with Kinderhook Village’s Candlelight Walk celebration. KRC’s Open House will feature tours of our beautiful sanctuary - decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity - together with Christmas music, cookie decorating, refreshments, and community fellowship in the Fellowship Room. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much-appreciated. Please sign up on the sheet at the back table, or contact a member of the Outreach Ministry if you are able to help with this ministry.
~SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13S
As part of our Worship Service next Sunday, December 13, KRC’s Sunday School children will be celebrating the birth of Jesus with the presentation of their Annual Christmas Program. Snow-date for the program is Sunday, December 22.
~6th ANNUAL LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 20, 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.
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)
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
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 Linda, co-worker of Noreen Dick and Merrill Johnson, is recovering well from recent health issues.
the happy news that Vicki Metzger, 96, mother of Nancy Baker, is doing extremely well following recovery from recent health issues.
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.
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 PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. Pray especially for Amber, that she will come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. 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 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, war.
those grieving the death of loved ones, especially: the families of those killed in the San Bernardino shootings this past Wednesday; Claudia and Arnie March, family, and friends grieving the death this past Wednesday of Claudia’s mother, Doris Schmeider; the family of Paul and AnnaMarie Zietzman grieving the recent death of Paul’s father in South Africa.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. grandparents of Marissa Brevoort, fighting illness due to mold in their home.
Charles Spaulding, uncle of Michael Spaulding. Charles is in Cooperstown Hospital with congestive heart failure and kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Keep in your prayers Charles's family as well at this difficult time.
Bob, friend of Patti Varga and family, recovering from pacemaker replacement surgery this past week.
others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Noreen, mother of Maureen Mooney; Ann, sister of Nancy Baker; Elize Visser’s father; Vicki; Barbara Feliciano; Angie Rivera; Florence Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; Vicki Metzger; 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.
Jane Smith, suffering chronic severe back and leg pain. Jane is quite discouraged at the prognosis from her doctor that nothing more can be done to relieve her discomfort. The recent anniversary of her husband Ken's death has also been difficult for Jane. Please pray that she will know God's presence, comfort, and reassurance.
Harry Sturgill, incarcerated during this holiday season. Please pray that his case will find justice and he will be reunited with his family.
Tom Eastman, as he transitions from military service to civilian life.
Gary Silvano, Dick Silvano’s brother, awaiting a heart transplant.
Stacey Baker, whose doctors say she is facing several more months of recovery from a serious concussion suffered last March.TJ Vooris, suffering with a quickly-spreading cancer.
others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Donna Scalera; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Bill Metzger; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
those who are traveling, especially Adam Spaulding and family returning from a conference in New Orleans.
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: Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of beginning 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; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Joan Van Alstyne.
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)
General Synod will use its share of assessed funds to pay for a Special Council on issues related to sexual orientation, support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other Synod-approved initiatives. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including grants, leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.
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
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 6 Second Sunday in Advent
8:30 am Early Communion Worship Service
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Tues., December 8
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur, December 10
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri, December 11
6:00 – 8:30 pm KRC Annual Candlelight Night Open House
Sun, December 13 Gift Donations for All Gift Programs Due at KRC
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service – Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Mon, December 14
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Sun, December 20
4:00 pm KRC Annual Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Thur, December 24
7:00 pm KRC Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Mon, December 28
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Servers Next Sunday, December 13, 2015
Ushers: Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson
Greeter(s): Joy Bertram
