Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. February 6, 2011
“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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Jerry and Donna Flansburg
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Nikki Barman supervising
Flowers are given today by Maureen Mooney.
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 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Lord, we praise you for your faithfulness.
We worship you because you are worthy.
May all we do bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #77 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
CALL TO CONFESSION – HYMN # 622 (vs. 1) What a Friend We Have in Jesus
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Merciful God, you have made us spiritually hungry for your beauty, your goodness, your saving grace, and your empowering presence within us.
But far too often, instead of seeking after and depending on you to fulfill our deepest spiritual longings and potential, we seek fulfillment in the entertainment, the material comforts, and the techno-toys and gadgets of our age. You have created us for profound love, O God, and have given us depth of feeling and the ability to share it with others. Yet in our self-centered, escapist, and sometimes mindless pursuits, we tune out the needs of a lost and bewildered world.
[Moment of Silence]
Forgive us, O God.
Touch us once again in our deep places, the wells of hunger that only you can fill. Fashion us once again to be your vibrant people, spiritually alive and full of love for you and for those around us, in all that we say, feel, and do.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
No matter the situation, no matter the problem, no matter the trouble, God is always with us. God is always ready and willing to — receive us, redeem us, renew us, restore us, refresh us, rebirth us, now and always. Amen and Amen.
We receive the gift of God’s forgiveness with joy and thanksgiving!
Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
Holy Spirit, enter into these children, each one a temple of God, so they may bear all the good fruit of your presence in their lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Reveal to them their spiritual gifts, and how to use them in ministry to others.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
INVOCATION and PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 (p. 808)
MESSAGE “How to Build a Temple for God!”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
We are your temples, O God, and we give ourselves to you. Fill us so full of your love and grace that in all our giving we may not become empty, but find ourselves refreshed, eager, and ready for your service. Use us and these gifts, we pray, to bring forth fruitfulness out of barrenness and streams of life out of flinty rock. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #523 Trust and Obey
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE - My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
POSTLUDE
~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
-Photos of Helen Cullings and her daughter, Kay Hanson. Helen frequently attended KRC with Kay before moving to Kay’s home in Avondale, Arizona.
-The new books available through the KRC library. You are welcome to check them out right at the display.
-Capital Region Theological Center course offerings. Pick up an information sheet to see which of these might be of interest to you.
Pastor and Consistory are considering a proposal from Ghent Reformed Church to join with them in a 6-week cooperative Lenten study, “40 Days of Purpose,” based on Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. The goal is not simply to go through a study, but to urge our congregations, as the Body of Christ, toward Kingdom work which will serve God’s purpose in our generation. Sessions would be held on Wednesday evenings, March 16 – April 20, with Ghent and Kinderhook hosting alternately. The following topics would be addressed through short videos, discussions, and workbook activities: 1. What on Earth Am I Here For? 2. Worship – You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure 2. Fellowship – You Were Formed for God’s Family 3. Discipleship – You Were Created to Become Like Christ 4. Ministry – You Were Shaped for Serving God 5. Evangelism – You Were Made for Mission. Please contact Pastor or a member of Consistory if you are interested in participating in this Lenten journey.
~THANK YOU, CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY~
for the excellent, hearty northern bean soup served up last Sunday.
It was delicious!
ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH FEBRUARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS TODAY!
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 12:00 – 12:30 PM.
MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. 3,389 PEOPLE WERE SERVED BY THE PANTRY DURING THE 2010 YEAR. Foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk, coffee, sugar, boxed cereals, pancake mix, syrup, jelly, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, spaghetti sauce, pasta, mac & cheese, dinner helpers, apple sauce, juice, cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.
UPDATE FROM LIBBY LITTLE
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing this while packing for a trip to Washington, DC. I have been invited by the President of the United States to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to Tom posthumously, at the White House Ceremony on Tuesday, February 15th. Molly, Nellika, Kate, Vivian, Chris, Fred, and Elizabeth (Tom's youngest siblings) will join me, the other recipients, and their guests at the ceremony. That evening, we hope to share dinner together before returning to our homes and places of work.
Because you, too, have loved Tom and followed his life over the years, I invite you to celebrate this unique honor with us, to the glory of God. Your encouragement and support, your prayers and interest, have all played a significant part in Tom's life.
With love and affection, Libby
(You are invited to pick up a copy of Libby’s very full global itinerary for 2011 on the back table.)
Columbia-Greene Classis has notified KRC that its share of support is $6,711 for services and resources to be provided for us this year by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE: AN ERROR WAS MADE IN THE LETTER OF NOTIFICATION. IT STATED, INCORRECTLY, THAT EACH ACTIVE MEMBER’S ASSESSMENT SHARE IS $75. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S SUPPORT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN SET AT $80.85, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR. Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their 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 throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” The pink slip in today’s bulletin has been corrected, and is provided as a take-home reminder.
Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; Ministry projects
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and 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; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility, natural disaster
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones,
• Dawn VanBuren, hospitalized with a complication related to her recent knee surgery
• Ginny Rothermel, recovering from back problems – pray that rest and pain medications will result in quick and complete healing
• Deb Rothermel and Beth C., both awaiting test results
• Christophe, Isabelle Bosquet-Morra’s cousin, battling a neurological problem that is baffling his doctors – pray that God will give them guidance, and Christophe the will and strength to fight his disease
• Florence Rivera, recovering from recent knee surgery; pray for quick healing and recovery for Florence during her rehabilitation at home
• Bob Ringen, recovering slowly but steadily following removal of a benign brain tumor
• Jordan Steneck, 21, nephew of a friend of the Moores, recovering from severe head trauma and multiple broken bones following an auto accident; after weeks in a coma and on life support, Jordan regained consciousness, was taken off life support, and moved to rehab in Rockland County; he is not able to speak, but is responding to caregivers and family members; doctors are not certain, but hold out hope for a good recovery
• Jennifer Kline, recently diagnosed with an incurable, inoperable cancer – please pray that ongoing chemo and other treatments will shrink the tumors and keep them from spreading, and pray also for peace and reassurance for Jennifer and her family
• Julie’s aunt and Dave’s wife, both suffering with terminal cancers
• Others dealing with cancer: Matt; Tom Saulpaugh; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Ken Smith; Jeffery Smith; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Larry Cady; Pastor Rudy; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Elizabeth; Libby Little; the Vargas; churches consolidating or considering closing their doors; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, 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: Mary Schubert and T.J. Lynch, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; Nicole, expecting her first child; new parents Luke and Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling
• 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
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
• 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
• The encouraging news that Susie Hennessey will require monitoring only and no additional treatment following recent surgery
• The good report from Ginny Rothermel that she is up and around and that her back pain is coming under control
• Successful surgery for Florence Rivera - Florence is in good spirits and responding to physical therapy; praise the Lord also for Julie and Angela who are assisting in their mom’s at-home recovery
• The steady progress being made by Gordie VanBuren following recent surgery, and Ann following recent hospitalization
• 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
~From the Pastor’s Desk – February 2011~
I read the newspaper! Today’s news-report includes three full pages of obituaries - write-ups of the recently-deceased which are usually accompanied by a head shot of the lately-departed, although the photo might be 60 years old.
I found it fascinating reading. Some of the listings included people younger than myself who, without exception, had died because of disease or accident. The ages of those on this three-page roster of the deceased ranged from 22 to 98, and each entry offered a brief life-story. They were men and women, young and old, married and single, divorced or never divorced, rich and poor, highly educated or not highly educated. Some had been in the military or on stage, or in the education, banking, health care, or service industries. Some were homemakers, some artists, some pastors. And all of their lives had spanned two centuries and two millennia.
But they are all dead.
I read the details of each life: birth, schools, marriage, children, grand-children, occupations, hobbies, and so on, and it led me to muse again on this fleeting thing we call life; what the apostle James refers to as a vapor in the wind, smoke in the breeze, or what the psalmist calls grass in the fields that grows for a spell, then withers and dies.
But we are not dead, and before that time comes…!
I think of the song of the popular 1980s television show called Cheers, a song which claimed that “you want to go where everyone knows your name.” What the song was trying to point out is how much it means to most people to be known by others and recognized. What better way do we come to experience being known and recognized than when someone calls us by name? Most of us want to frequent places where others know us by name.
How blessed are we to have a church family where others know us by name, and how much more blessed are we when we remind one another that the Lord our God knows each of our names!
May you and your family know and experience the KRC family as ever- growing, not so much in number, but in trust in God and each another, in faith, and in love.
PREACHING SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY, 2011
Today - How to Build a Temple for God! 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Sunday, February 20, How an Eye for an Eye Makes Everyone Blind!
Matthew 5:38-48
Sunday, February 27, Investing Ourselves in Things That Do Matter!
Matthew 6:24-34
~YOU CAN HELP REDUCE KRC’s FUEL AND ELECTRIC BILLS ~
In an effort to exercise the best possible stewardship in the use of our heating fuel and electricity, we are requesting that individuals and ministries using the church building make a special effort before leaving the church to be sure that all inside lights are out and that the doors between the various heating zones are properly closed. All of these doors have signs posted on them as reminders, with the exception of the doors leading into the front and rear of the sanctuary, and the wooden folding doors leading to the meeting rooms behind the pulpit and the third floor classrooms of the Christian education wing; these doors should be closed as well when the sanctuary and the meeting rooms are not in use. Thank you.
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO WATER DAMAGE TO THE CHURCH OFFICE,
IT IS TEMPORARILY LOCATED IN THE CLASSROOM ACROSS THE HALL.
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.
KRC 2011-2012 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Margaret Herrmann, Stewardship – ’12 758-6175
Laura Rafferty, Property – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory, Cemetery – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Missions, Church Treasurer – ’12 758-6512
Elders
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12 210-6079
Ann VanBuren, Consistory Vice President, Cemetery, Worship – ’11 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 758-1266
KRC STAFF
KRC Treasurer KRC Secretary
Barbara Vosburgh – 758-6512 Paul Clause – 859-4158
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
Coming Events
Today, February 13 - Angel Food Ordering Deadline
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon., February 14
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tue., February 15
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., February 17
3:00 pm Christian Ed Ministry meets @parsonage
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Sat., February 19 12:00 – 12:30 pm Angel Food Distribution, @KRC
Mon., February 28
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Fri., March 11 – Sunday March 13 Youth for Christ “Break Out” event,
Saratoga Springs
Tue., March 29 – Outreach Dinner, St. Luke’s Church
Servers Next Sunday, February 20, 2010
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Paul and Anna Marie Zietsman
Nursery: Sara Schubert
