KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, FEBRUARY 12, 2017

 “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.

SCOUT SUNDAY

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Announcements, The Lord’s Greeting, and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise

  Scripture Reading                                                                              Psalm 119:9-16 (p. 437)

  Message                                                                                               “Staying Close to God”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Following worship today, all are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments

downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Jim Baker, Max DiOrio.

Thanks to today’s greeters, Joy Bertram. 

Nursery facility available downstairs.

  Prelude

  Welcome, Announcements and God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 27

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. 

*Hymn of Praise  (On screen)                                                         This Is My Father's World

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Summery of The Law of God Matthew 22:34-40

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

O Lord God, we so often turn away from you, and when our shortcomings are exposed to your light, we are so used to hiding. So easily we forget your mercy and become foreigners to your grace, O God. From the darkness of our hiding places we look for you. Our sin and the world’s claim on our lives make us deaf to your call to come into and abide with the light. Because of your Son Jesus's death on the Cross, we know that forgiveness and a new life in Christ awaits us every day, for through him we are reconciled with you.  Amen.

  Song of Assurance  (On screen)                                                                      Jesus Paid It All

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children's Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Father in Heaven, establish these children firmly in your word, and bless them with the righteous living and freedom that come from faith in Jesus Christ and from obedience and discipleship to his truth.  Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Reading                                                                              Psalm 119:9-16 (p. 437)

  Message                                                                                               “Staying Close to God”

  Prayer of Thanksgiving

Celebrating God and Community

   Ceremony of Recognition 

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

  Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

O Lord, we thank you for your steadfast love and mercy on us. We believe that every word in the Bible was breathed out by you, and we believe your promise that you will bless us when we are obedient to your Word.  Without hesitation, Father, we gladly give to you what is already yours, and ask your blessing upon these offerings.  Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Blessing  (On Screen)                                                                 Shine, Jesus, Shine

*Blessing, Benediction, and Response Hymn                            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

~CONGRATULATIONS TO RUDY AND ELIZE!~

Rudy and Elize were sworn in as US citizens on Friday, February 10.  In honor of this wonderful achievement we are holding a brunch/lunch reception following the 10 AM service on Sunday, February 19.  We would love to see you there to celebrate this momentous event in the lives of Rudy and Elize. As is our usual plan, we would appreciate it if you would bring a brunch/lunch type dish to share.  Please see any member of Church Family Ministry and give them a heads up about what you are able to contribute.

       At 2 p.m. today, CITV returns to The School/Jack Shainman Gallery with 20^th Century Music for Strings and Women’s Voices, including works by Vaughan Williams, Britten, Saint-Saëns, Poulenc and Foote. The women of the Broad Street Chorale will perform, along with soprano Amanda Boyd, soloist in Britten’s Les Illuminations. On April 2^nd at Kinderhook Reformed Church Masterpieces from the Classical Age will feature Mozart’s magnificent Mass in c minor, as well as Haydn’s virtuosic Sinfonia Concertante for which the soloists will be principals of the Broad Street Orchestra: violinist Elizabeth Silver, cellist Erica Pickhardt, oboist Karen Hosmer, and bassoonist Cornelia McGiver. Suggested donation for all performances - $20.  Please Note: The artistic exhibition currently on display in the Shainman Gallery contains graphic imagery including violence, nudity, and sexual content.

                                                    Jayne Ferguson (1^st), Jocelyn Morris (5^th), Courtney Wood (8^th),                                                                                            Filip Carroll (9^th), Mary Schubert (9^th), Heather LaTorre (18^th), Chip Wood (23^rd), Jackson Carroll (24^th)

       The Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry took in $2,730.00 in donations and paid out $2,408.40 for food purchases this past November in order to deliver 135 Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families in our communities. Remaining funds went into the Pantry’s General Fund in support of ongoing operations. At the same time, the Pantry carried on its regular services, assisting 74 families, including 25 seniors, 150 adults, and 97 children. In the month of December, 58 families were served, including 22 seniors, 125 adults, and 84 children. Non-perishable foods always popular at the Pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti/spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake and brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.  Many thanks to Dolly Petith for updating us with the above information.

~PROPERTY MINISTRY WINDOW PROJECT UPDATE~

       It is the responsibility of the Property Ministry to see that the properties owned by the church are maintained and kept in suitable condition. The parsonage on Eichybush Road is one of those properties. In the 1970's, a porch was added to the back of the parsonage behind the kitchen in a corner formed by parts of the structure. It was screened in, and during the years since then those screens deteriorated to the point where they were removed. In order to protect and preserve the remaining portions of the porch and also to further insulate the kitchen area of the parsonage, the Property Ministry recommended and the consistory approved a plan to close the porch in with sliding windows plus screens, making it much more serviceable. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PROPERTY MINISTRY WAS IN ERROR ABOUT THE COST OF THIS PROJECT, WHICH IS ACTUALLY JUST UNDER $3,000, MUCH LESS THAN THE $5,000 TO $6,000 REPORTED IN PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS.  The church has contracted with Window World, and the work is underway. 

       The Property Ministry plans to hold some fund raising events in the spring of this year to help pay for this project. As always, any donations that a person may choose to make toward this work will be gratefully accepted to help reach our goal. If donations should exceed the amount required, they will be held for support of future projects which continually need to be addressed. 

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. 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.
• Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as she fulfills her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; Adult and Children’s Sunday School; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the new government officials taking office, 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 Lansing serving in South Korea.
• 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, terrorism, war, displacement.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially Evelyn, friend of Alan and Noreen Dick who lives in Maine, grieving the recent death of her husband.  
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.
• Alan Dick, suffering debilitating back and neck pain, poor appetite, weight loss, and discouragement.  Pray for renewed spirits and strength for Alan, and for a positive outlook and good results as he undergoes tests to determine the causes and treatment of his pain.
• Jill, Maureen Mooney's niece, as she recuperates at home from recent major surgery. Pray for speedy healing and full recovery to health for her, and pray also for Maureen as she assists in Jill’s care
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Jean Wildermuth, Lennox, Darla Skiermont; Betty Osborn; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
• Ronny, recovering from recent breast cancer surgery. Pray for speedy and complete healing without complications for Ronny.
• Donna Scalera, struggling in her battle with cancer and with the associated therapies she is undergoing.  Pray for God's blessings of encouragement, strength, and healing for Donna.
• Bill, Janet Smith's brother, recently diagnosed with cancer. Pray for God's peace and reassurance for Bill and his family, and for successful treatment for his cancer.
• Jen, as she continues 3 more months of treatment following a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. Pray for good outcomes and a complete return to full health for Jen.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Ron Dick; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Jay, Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• those who are traveling.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Kara (Ennis) Mobley; Libby (Little) Saxton; Corrie Shattenkirk, relocating back to this area from Omaha, Nebraska; Cydney Rippel, Carly Rippel, Greg Clause Jr., and others as they face the challenges of a higher level of education or seek a career; Vince Beaudoin; the alarming epidemic of heroin addicts.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill: Nancy Stewart; Rick Scalera.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family. Praise also for the happy news that Pastor Rudy and Elize became U.S. citizens in a ceremony in Albany this past Friday.  Congratulations Rudy and Elize!
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
• 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 a friend of Noreen Dick is cancer-free following 8 months of chemotherapy.
• Jen’s presence in worship with us after completing 1 month of chemotherapy.
• the good news that Jean Wildermuth's recent eye surgery went well, and continued prayers for complete healing and restoration of her eye.  Jean and Bob wish to thank everyone for their prayers during her surgery and recuperation.
• the good report that Merrill Johnson’s surgery was very successful in relieving the pain he was suffering, and that he is again able to be in worship with us. Please continue to pray for a complete recovery for Merrill. Notes and cards of encouragement would be greatly appreciated, and may be sent to Merrill at 533 Old Post Road, Ghent, NY 12075.
• the good news that Stacey Baker is doing very well as she begins her internment program.                                             
• the happy update from Nancy Baker that her mother, Vickie Metzger, 97, is doing so remarkably well in her advanced years.              (Continued on next page.)
• all those of KRC's family and friends who donate their time, talent, and energy so generously and so willingly to the various ministries and programs of our church, many of which are carried out quietly and selflessly by behind-the-scenes volunteers who often receive little notice or recognition.
• His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,310 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
$88.50 (down 43¢ from last year).  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of
this support.  The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient. If
offered weekly, that’s just $1.88 per week for the remaining weeks (47) in this year. All Classis contributions should be clearly
designated, “Classis Assessment.” 

                                       ~2017 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT DISTRIBUTION ~

General Synod:     $52.23   (Down $1.48 from 2016)

Albany Synod:       $30.00   (Up $1 from 2016)

C.  G.   Classis:        $  6.27   (Up $0.05  from 2016

                                    2017 TOTAL:            $88.50   (Down $0.43 from 2016)

                                               KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

                          Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                                Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach and Missions . . . 758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick – ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Tana Thompson – ’17  Property  . . . . . . . . . . . 392-3312  tanastrome@gmail.com

                                                                    Elders

Merrill Johnson – ’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga – ’17  Education, Consistory VP.   .   755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel. . . . . . . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

                                             KRC STAFF

                 KRC Office Manager              KRC Office Assistant          

              Paul Clause – 859-4158     Courtney Wood – 784-2134

                          KRC Sexton                 KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

           Greg Clause Jr – 653-2786       Greg Clause – 369-8472 

COMING EVENTS

Today February 12  Scout Sunday

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       9:45 am  New Bible study of the Book of Genesis continues

     10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

     11:15 am                                 Please Note:

               Adult Sunday School will not meet again until further notice.

      2:00 pm CITV Concert, 20^th Century Music for Strings and Women’s Voices,

                                  The School/Jack Shainman Gallery

Tues,  February 14

       7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur, February 16

    9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible-based study @KRC

            “I Am a Church Member – Discovering the Attitudes that Make the Difference”

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

       7:00 pm  New Bible study group meets, @KRC main floor Conference Room

Sun,   February 19

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       9:45 am  New Bible study of the Book of Genesis continues

     10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School 

     11:30 am  Brunch/lunch reception in honor of new US citizens,

                                      Rudy and Elize Visser!

Mon,  February 20 

       6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Tues, February  21

Please Note:  Youth Group will not meet February 21.

Mon,  February 27 

       6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues,  February 28

       4:30-7:00 pm  Pancake Dinner benefit, Emanuel Lutheran Church,

                                           Route 9, Stuyvesant Falls

Servers Next Sunday, February 19

Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel

Greeter(s):