Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10 a.m. December 9, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
David Alexander, RCA Missionary to Taiwan, Guest Speaker
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 we invite you to enjoy a missions brunch and fellowship with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Bill and Suzy Nieman
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Celebration of Worship
Prelude
Boldly Approaching our God
Welcome and Announcements Concerning the Family of God
*Song of Worship, Confession, Assurance of Pardon, & Inspiration for New Living:
Hymn #8 All Glory Be to God on High
*God’s Greeting and Passing the Peace
Welcome to Dave Alexander
Video Presentation – Life and Work of the Alexanders in Taiwan
Children’s Message
We Gather Around the Advent Wreath
READER: The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. Peace is a word that we hear a lot. It is one of the things that we hope for. Christ brought peace when he first came to us, and he will bring everlasting peace when he comes again.
READER: The prophet Isaiah called Christ "the Prince of Peace." When Jesus came, he taught people the importance of being peace makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God.
READER: We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and that through him peace is found. (The purple Candle of Peace is lighted.)
READER: Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.
SONG (All): A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A Candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease:
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay. Sandra Dean, 1986
READER: Let us pray:
(Unison) Thank you God for the peace you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day, to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
We Come before God’s Open Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson Luke 1:67-80 (p. 724)
Message “Advent – ure in Mission”
Prayer of Blessing
We Celebrate and Pay Tribute to God
Hymn (Insert) The Song of Zechariah
Sacrament of Communion (Insert)
Offering/Offertory
Doxology and Offertory Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn #136 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
*Benediction and Blessing
*Response Hymn
Postlude
A church family brunch will follow today’s Worship service, during which Dave Alexander will offer a short presentation and a question-and-answer time. Please plan to attend this missions update from Taiwan and enjoy the good food and fellowship as well.
Please enjoy the benefit of the four display panels now installed on the side walls in the rear of the sanctuary. These beautiful works, featuring highlights of Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300-year history, will be a rich source of information to KRC visitors as well as to our church family, and they will serve as an excellent enhancement to KRC’s ongoing free guided tour program.
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 active, confessing membership has elected
the following officers to serve on the 2013-14 Consistory:
ELDERS: DEACONS:
Maureen Mooney Derick Latorre
Dawn Tuttle Jane Deane
Bob Wildermuth
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Beth Ennis (8th), Merrill Johnson (15th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th)
CELEBRATE THE SEASON:
~CATSKILL GLEE CLUB ANNUAL CONCERT~
AT 7:30 PM THIS COMING TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 11, the Catskill Glee Club, directed by Floyd Haber, will present its 86th seasonal program at First Reformed Church in Catskill. Guest artist will be Floyd’s daughter, SFC Leigh Ann Hinton, U.S. Army Band (Pershings’ Own), Washington, D.C.
~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer” in these difficult times. KRC is now collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; and (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt. Wrap with festive paper (no bows), tape securely, mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, and return to the church collection boxes BY NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. On each angel you will find very specific age, size, and gift-request information given for a particular child. Please take an angel to assist you as you gift-shop, note your selection and other necessary information on the sheet provided, and return your wrapped gift, with the angel attached, TO KRC BY NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16. Angel Tree gifts will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Volunteers are needed to help deliver the gifts to local families. Please contact Sara Hartman, 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, or Sally Heimroth 784-316).
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGE
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. THIS COMING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, featuring 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. Refreshment buffet will include hot dogs, cookies, cake, candy, hot drinks, and eggnog. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please sign up on the sheets provided at the back table, and contact a member of the Missions/Evangelism Ministry if you can help with this community outreach.
LESSONS AND CAROLS
We are looking forward to a large and enthusiastic gathering for Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 3rd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols, to be held at 4 p.m. NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16. The Celebration, which emphasizes the rich sung and spoken traditions of the season, derives from England in the late 19th century. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and instrumental and choir music. In its many modifications, the Celebration is presented throughout the world and in a diversity of denominations during the Christmas season. Please mark your calendars, and plan to attend this deeply meaningful and beautiful Worship Service.
~KRC’s SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM ~
10 a.m. NEXT SUNDAY DECEMBER 16
KRC’s Sunday School Christmas Program
will be presented during Sunday Worship.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
(PLEASE NOTE: Service begins at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as in previous years.)
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.
Angel Tree SPOTlight
CHUCK COLSON’S LAST ANGEL TREE GIFT — by Emily Colson
It was Christmas 2011 — my dad’s last Angel Tree, though we didn’t know it at the time. Max and my dad and I shopped together for gifts for a little girl on the Angel Tree. We hadn’t met her yet, but we knew she was eight years old. We picked out the scooter she had asked for, and my dad chose the sneakers. I remember how he held them up, saying, “I like these. I think these are the best-looking.” Because my 21-year-old son, Max, has autism, it was a challenge bringing him shopping, but the bigger challenge with Max was always delivering the gifts.
We pulled up to dirt-colored buildings in the projects. I was sure Max would refuse to go into the apartment. His autism makes so much of life feel frightening, especially in new environments. But he walked right in beside my dad. We met the little girl and her mom, and several others who came in and out of the apartment. My dad gave her the gifts and explained that they were from her dad who was in prison, and that we were just helping deliver them.
As my dad talked to this little girl, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the full circle in front of me. Even though our lives were drastically different, I remember being that girl once, the one whose dad was in prison. I remember the ache of separation. I felt different from others, as if! carried a secret. And like Max, I wanted the world to feel more predictable, more secure.
A Little Christmas Miracle
My dad brought out a children’s Bible and the little girl read the Christmas story to us. My dad was standing over her, both of them pointing to the words on the page. And then my dad explained to her that Jesus came to this world for her, because God loves her, and that we can trust Him. “You can pray and God will listen,” my dad encouraged her. As we finished our visit, my dad said, “Let’s all join hands and have a prayer.”
My heart sank. My son’s autism makes him crave sameness and predictability. Max loves to pray, but if you pray at unexpected times, he often goes running out of the room! I joined hands with the family, saying my own prayer that it would all work! As we prayed, I kept one eye open to watch Max, who stood right behind me, just outside of our circle. My dad began to pray, but Max didn’t move. So I finally closed both eyes. A moment later, I felt a hand on my forearm. It startled me at first, but I looked up and saw Max standing beside me. He looked right into my eyes — that doesn’t happen very often. And as he looked at me, he slid his hand down into mine and joined our circle. It felt like a little miracle.
Even in the projects, through the veil of autism, Max could see beauty. He could see God’s love in action, the hands and feet of Jesus bringing hope and healing to a broken world. And it was as if he was saying, “I’m in...I’m in.”
Prayer Focus: Will you pray for all of the prisoners’ children who are waiting to receive a gift and the Gospel over the next few days and weeks? Please pray that each and every one of them will not be forgotten, and pray also for the Angel Tree volunteers delivering the gifts — that just like the Colson family, they all will experience the miracle of Christmas.
Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Sunday School; Youth Group; church restoration; tricentennial events.
• small group ministries, adult Bible studies, Community Prayer Group.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander (visiting KRC NEXT SUNDAY), 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 and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops and victims of warfare, terrorism, misunderstanding, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
• those, especially children, suffering the abuses of violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• victims of natural disaster, especially those who continue to suffer all manner of loss due to Hurricane Sandy.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Jane Smith, her son, David, and other family members and friends grieving the recent death of Ken Smith
• Dawn Tuttle, hospitalized at Albany Memorial with diverticulitis.
• Gordie Van Buren, recovering at home following a brief hospitalization for seizure.
• 3½-year-old Ian, cousin of Maureen Mooney, recovering from successful heart-repair surgery this past week.
• Patrice Lyons' mother, Eleanor, in good spirits following a very successful surgery to repair a broken hip and broken upper femur bone. Pray also for Patrice and other family members assisting in Eleanor’s recovery.
• Sara Schubert, being treated for Lyme disease which has recently become active again.
• Bert Beach, recovering from surgery this Thursday.
• Doris, dealing with multiple medical issues. Pray for healing and reassurance for Doris and wisdom for the doctors who are treating her.
• Timmy Alvarez, critically ill and now in New York City for treatment. Pray for a quick turn-around and a full recovery from this illness for Tim.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Bea Post; Fred Steeves; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Ken and Marion P; Pat Moore; Paul Rogati; Sara Schubert; Pete McCardle; Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Dave Ennis’s father; Florence Rivera; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Rosanne and Connie, friends of the Warrens; Betsey Klein; Don Berlin; Suzanne W; Jenny Kline; John Bosquet-Morra; Helen Drumm; Tammy DeVito; Dick; Sal Alessi; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Donna Scalera; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those traveling. especially those traveling over this holiday season
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: the Royce Family; Pastor Glenn Metzler battling a blood disorder and facing a bone marrow transplant; the Schuberts as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Libby Little.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick and Heather LaTorre, recently married; new parents, Ben and Kathryn Hart (Baby Daniel Robert, born October 29); first-time parents, Tom and Jaime (Welcome) Eastman (Baby Evan Anthony Eastman, born Saturday, May 19); Terry Nawrot (twins, Baby Joshua and Baby Brian, born June 29.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
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 forward this information, as well as praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. If you are not already on our email prayer list, and would like to receive prayer and praise requests through email, please contact Paul to have your address added. If you do not have email, contact Jane Smith at 758-6442, and she will be happy to include you in the phone prayer chain.
Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• the good report that Rosemary Goetz, friend of the Wildermuths, is doing well in physical therapy following successful hip surgery, and has recovered sufficiently to travel to Florida in the upcoming days.
• the very good news that Paul Rogati, Carly Skow's son-in-law, is now home after 3 weeks in rehab and able to walk on his own. Praises also that bones that were broken have healed without surgery, and Paul is making progress toward full recovery.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• His blessings, especially at this Christmas season, of family, friends, and all the provisions for our basic life needs and much more.
• 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.
THE MISSIONS MINISTRY WOULD LIKE TO OFFER ITS HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE KRC FAMILY MEMBERS WHO CONTRIBUTED A TOTAL OF 358 FOOD ITEMS TO THE VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY’S THANKSGIVING BASKET PROGRAM. 124 needy families in our community received baskets which provided Thanksgiving dinner for 479 people - 274 children and 205 adults! Jean Norton, pantry director, writes, “This is truly an ecumenical outreach, and we thank you for your help. The extra food and monies will be put into the general Food Pantry fund and used for regular visits.” Non-perishable foods that are always popular at the pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.
KRC’s share of support is $6,546 this year for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of this support. Contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” To date, NEARLY $3,000 has been received to help defray this expense and MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED.
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 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, pleasecall 859-4158.
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 9
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Sunday School,
Dave Alexander, RCA missionary to Taiwan, preaching -
Church family brunch with Dave following Worship
Please Note: Adult Sunday School classes are in recess today.
Mon, December 10
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tues, December 11
7 – 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Catskill Glee Club concert, 1st Reformed Church, Catskill
Thur, December 13
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC - Joyce Meyer study
“Battlefield of the Mind”
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri , December 14
5:30 - 8:30 pm Annual Candlelight Night Open House at KRC
Sun, December 16
10:00 am Worship Service with Sunday School Christmas program
Sunday School Christmas celebration/Coffee Hour following Worship.
Please Note: Angel Tree & Capital City Rescue Mission gifts due Dec. 16.
Children’s Sunday School will be in recess
December 23 and 30. It will resume Sunday, January 6.
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes:
1st John study group meets in the classroom opposite the office.
Romans study group meets in the main floor conference room.
4:00 pm 3rd Annual Lessons and Carols
with organist David Smith, instrumentalists, and choir
Mon, December 24
7:00 pm Annual KRC Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Servers Next Sunday, December 16, 2012
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Steve Shpur
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Steve Shpur
