Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10 a.m. December 23, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
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 we invite you to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Jerry and Donna Flansburg
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Celebration of Worship
Prelude “How brightly shines the morning star,” op. 67 Max Reger
Offering Our Praises to the Lord
Welcome and Announcements
*Hymn of Praise: #150 What Child Is This?
*God’s Greeting and Passing the Peace
We Gather Around the Advent Wreath
Pastor - Last Sunday we lit the candle of joy. We light it and the candles of hope and peace again as we remember that Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfill all of God's promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy. (Light the 2 purple candles of hope and peace, and the pink candle of joy.)
Family - The fourth candle of Advent is the Candle of Love. God's love is a perfect love. It holds nothing back. God, in love, gives us everything we need to live a life of hope and peace.
Congregation - The Bible says that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Jesus shows us God's perfect love.
Family - This is what love is like: Love is patient, love is kind and envies no one. Love is never boastful or conceited, rude, or selfish. Love is not quick to take offense, it keeps no records of wrongs, it does not gloat over other people's troubles, but rejoices in the right, the good, and the true. There is nothing that love cannot face, there is no limit to its faith, to its hope, to its endurance.
Family - Love never ends. We light the candle of love to remind us that Jesus brings us God's love and shows us how to love others. (Light the final purple candle of love.)
Congregation - Love is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the love we find in Jesus Christ.
Song (All): A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A candle is burning, a candle of love,
A candle to point us to heaven above,
A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth,
For Jesus is bringing God's love to our earth.
Sandra Dean, 1986
Prayer (Unison)
Thank you, Lord God, for the love you give us. As we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, we ask 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 love 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 Micah 5:2-5 (p. 658)
Message "In The Midst of All this Impending Doom, God Offers Hope!
Prayer of Blessing
We Celebrate And Pay Tribute To God
Installation and Ordination of Office Bearers
Song of Blessing #632 The Lord's Prayer
Offering/Offertory
Doxology and Pastoral Prayer
*Song of Celebration #155 O Little Town Of Bethlehem
*Benediction and Blessing
*Response Hymn
Postlude “Sleepers awake,” op. 67 Max Reger
Donations for the poinsettias decorating our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions, along with any memorial designations you may have, may be placed in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
~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.
For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, NEW ENVELOPES FOR 2013 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 6.
IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN 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.
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Liz Carroll (4th), Beth Ennis (8th), Merrill Johnson (15th), Neal Clinton (16th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen (22nd), Mackenzy Clinton (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th), Patrick Carroll (27th)
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 natural disaster; the abuses of violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the death of Dorothy (Dimpie) Davidson; Jane Smith, her son, David, and other family members and friends grieving the recent death of Ken Smith.
• Jill Shpur, sister-in-law of Steve and Janet Shpur, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for reassurance and peace for Jill and her family as she begins treatment.
• Frank Vosburgh, home recovering favorably from an infection. Pray that he will regain strength following his hospital stay, and for Barbara as she attends to Frank’s needs.
• Dawn Tuttle, recovering at home from diverticulitis.
• Gordie Van Buren, now at home following a brief hospitalization and not doing as well as had been hoped for. Please keep Gordie in your prayers as he struggles with serious health issues, and remember also Gordie's son, Mark, as he assists in and makes decisions regarding his father's health care.
• Leo Dolan, making good recovery progress at home following recent surgery
• Sara Schubert, continuing treatments for Lyme disease and feeling somewhat improved.
• Bert Beach, recovering from recent surgery.
• Doris, dealing with multiple medical issues. Pray for healing and reassurance for Doris and wisdom for the doctors who are treating her.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Timmy Alvarez; Ian, cousin of Maureen Mooney; Eleanor, mother of Patrice Lyons; Bea Post; Fred Steeves; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Ken and Marion P; Paul Rogati; 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; 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.
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.
• Dawn Tuttle’s presence with us in Worship following a recent hospitalization.
• the joy of seeing the students of our growing Sunday School celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus in song and pageant last Sunday morning.
• the beauty of the Lessons and Carols worship service last Sunday afternoon, and the spiritual ministry of music and Word it provided to our church family and community in this season of Advent.
• 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.
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.
Please enjoy 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.
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, $3,330 has been received to help defray this expense and MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED.
KRC 2013-2014 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Jane Deane – ’14
Noreen Dick – ’13
Derick Latorre – ’14
Patrice Lyons – ’13
Elders
Maureen Mooney – ’14
Dawn Tuttle – ’14
Dawn Van Buren – ’13
Bob Wildermuth – ’14
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
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 anytime, call 859-4158.
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 23
10:00 am Worship Service
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.
Mon, December 24
7:00 pm Annual KRC Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Thur, December 27
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC - Joyce Meyer study
“Battlefield of the Mind”
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun, December 30
10:00 am Worship Service - Perry Jones Preaching
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.
Sun, January 6
8:30 am Early Worship Service Begins
10:00 am Worship Service – Sunday School Resumes
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.
Mon, January 7
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Mon, January 14
7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets
Servers Next Sunday, December 30, 2012
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome
Greeter(s): Ruth Edge and Mid Glass
