Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. February 19, 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 fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights
Greeter(s), John and Isabelle Bosquet-Morra
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young — a place near your altar.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #62 Immortal, Invisible God, Only Wise
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
Friends, our High Priest, Jesus Christ, knows all our weaknesses, and can sympathize, because he was tested in every way we are, only without sinning. So let’s come boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Dear Heavenly Father, we lower our heads before you, and we confess that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. Sometimes we carry on our lives as if there was no God, and we fall short of being a credible witness to you. For these things we ask your forgiveness, and we also ask for your strength.
[Moment of Silence]
Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may witness to you in our world. Remind us to be who you would have us to be regardless of what we are doing or who we are with. Hold us to you, and build our relationship with You and with those You have given us on earth.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends, the word of the Lord is trustworthy and sure: When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. We are made new creatures in Christ. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Hallelujah! Amen.
PRAISE SONGS A Double Portion, Spirit of the Living God
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison)
All-knowing and faithful God, lead our children along paths of righteousness into the places and purposes that you have planned for their lives. May they trust always in your promise and power to guide and direct them in serving you and in bringing blessings to others. Amen.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON 2 Kings 2:1-12 (p. 260)
MESSAGE “Give Us A Double Portion of Your Spirit, O Lord!”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison)
We bring our gifts of tithes and offerings as expressions of our love for you, O Lord. Receive them in your grace and multiply their effectiveness as causes for good around the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #302 Holy Spirit, Light Divine
*BENEDICTION BLESSING & 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. (2x)
POSTLUDE
On February 26th, there will be a Congregational meeting in the church sanctuary immediately following morning worship. The Stewardship Ministry will report on the financial status of the church and present a preliminary budget for 2012. There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from members of the congregation. Stewardship will take this discussion into consideration and then make its final recommendation for a budget for 2012 to the Consistory, whose members will vote on the proposal. A handout that will be used on the 26th is available on the table at the back of the sanctuary today, and anyone who would like to study it in advance may take one.
KRC SMALL GROUPS
KRC’s small groups, offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., will be in recess this coming week. The new study, “Why Believe?”, will resume March 1st. All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are always welcome! Jean Hacker will lead Thursday mornings, and Pastor Rudy will lead the Thursday evening group.
As a thank-you for the 45 coats that were donated by the KRC family for use by those in need, the Burlington Coat Factory has provided us with complimentary coupons offering 10%-off the cost of an entire order. Coupons, which may be picked up from the back table today, are good only through February 20, 2012. Many thanks to Alan Dick for coordinating this ministry and for transporting the coats to the collection point.
The KRC Family will once again join forces to cook the free supper planned for Tuesday, February 28, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie. Anyone willing to lend a hand to this ministry (cooking, serving, cleaning up), please contact Pastor Rudy.
Kinderhook Reformed Church has launched its Tricentennial Celebration! The 300th Anniversary Banner is now on display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner in the spring. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, AND EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our year-long celebration, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with offers to assist in this ministry.
MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. The Pantry served 104 families last November and 83 families in December. The Pantry is heavily over-stocked on spaghetti at this time, but other non-perishable foods that are always popular 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.
Jayne Ferguson, Angie Hickman, Ashlee Olsen,
and John Schubert
BE SURE TO PICK UP FROM THE BACK TABLE A COPY OF LIBBY LITTLE’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE , JANUARY THROUGH JULY 10, 2012, AND USE IT AS A GUIDE FOR REMEMBERING LIBBY IN PRAYER AS SHE CARRIES OUT A VERY STRENUOUS AND DEMANDING ITINERARY.
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.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• Stacey Baker’s excellent and complication-free recovery from recent jaw surgery.
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• 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.
• Ron and Kathy Binder, Wycliffe missionaries working in Panama. They were
attacked and robbed recently by local gangsters, and are doing much better
now; and Luciano, their Wounaan friend who was stabbed repeatedly trying to protect the Binders, should be out of ICU soon, and the prognosis is very positive for a full recovery. Your prayers have been and still are very much appreciated.
• Richard Williams who is recovering nicely.
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 call the church office.
Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday events.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• 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, 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.
• one of our Ichabod Crane families who is asking for continued prayer for
their miracle baby girl, Brooklyn Faith Meyer. She is one pound six
ounces in NICU at Albany Med
• Lori Kolb-Speer’s niece, Terry (Gaylord) Nawrot. She is a very high-risk pregnancy, but praise God, so far so good! Terry is due in July, and as of her last Dr.’s visit, mom and twins are doing wonderfully.
• those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially: Sally Heimroth grieving the recent loss of her sister, Mary Anne Snyder, who passed away unexpectedly; remember also Mary Ann's husband, Bill, and children at this time of sudden loss, and Sally as she travels back to Florida; Nancy Call, family, and friends grieving the death of Nancy’s father; Loris Clark, family, and friends grieving the death of Loris’s daughter, LaRee Devine, 45, mother of 4; and those grieving the death of Al Van Alstyne.
• those dealing with cancer: Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Myrtle; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Jan Herrmann; Florence Rivera, Mary Ann; Ryan; Joan Clause; Gordie Van Buren; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment or other economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Brad and Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew),
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - 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.
COMING SOON TO KRC
“Heartsong”, Singers for Christ
Join us Sunday, March 25, at 4 p.m. for a country gospel concert featuring “Heartsong”. Going into their second decade, Heartsong singers for Christ has been sharing their love for their Heavenly Father through song to the Body of Christ. Over 1000 churches of various denominations, large and small, have personally experienced their compelling presentation of the gospel through exhortation. They are unique and energetic with a fresh progressive country sound peppered with contemporary. They have been able to blur the edges of country, southern gospel, and contemporary into a blend that is unmistakably Heartsong music. This distinct trio can take their harmonies and fashion innovative concepts and retool old traditional hymns as well. Heartsong’s territory has expanded from the northeast region to national notoriety. You can find them on TBN, The Praise the Lord Show, and other national TV and radio programs. They come as an excellent team of encouragement for any audience blessed to receive them!
With the exception of the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, KRC will no longer be handling the ordering, delivery, and placement of flowers for the pulpit area. However, we invite anyone who wishes to do so to purchase fresh flowers on their own and place them on the platform pedestals. Vases are available for this purpose if needed. A sheet may be found on the back table in the sanctuary for signing up to bring flowers and for noting memorials and celebrations for which they are being given. As before, donors’ names and memorial notes will still be published in the Sunday bulletins
KRC’s share of support will be $6,456 in 2012 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 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT FOR 2012 HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! THIS AVERAGES OUT TO JUST $1.57 PER WEEK PER MEMBER. 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.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED over $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.
OFFICE, EMAIL,
WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy will be out of the office Feb. 21-23, returning
Friday morning.
If you need to meet during this time, please contact
Dawn or Paul.
Evenings have been 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, please call 859-4158.
KRC 2012-2013 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Noreen Dick – ’13, Church Family 758-6640
Patrice Lyons - "13, Missions 758-8400
Laura Rafferty – ’12, Property 828-7189
Barbara Vosburgh – ’13, Stewardship / Treasurer 758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis – ’13, Worship 784-9656
Maureen Mooney – ’12, Evangelism / Clerk of Consistory 210-6079
Dawn Van Buren – ’13, Cemetery / Pastoral Relations /
VP of Consistory 758-7564
Patti Varga – ’12, Christian Education 392-4771
John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee
KRC STAFF
KRC Secretary Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
COMING EVENTS
Sun., February 19
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room
Distribution of 2012 budget proposal
Mon., February 20 - Ecumenical Food Pantry Meeting
Wed., February 22 – Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service
7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Valatie
Thurs., February 23
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Please Note: Small Groups are in recess until next week.
Sun., February 26
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Congregational Meeting in church sanctuary
Adult Sunday School meets following Congregational Meeting
Tues., February 28 – KRC family cooks free supper at St. Luke’s
Sun., March 25 -- “Heartsong” Country Gospel Concert
4 pm at KRC
Servers Next Sunday, February 26, 2011
Ushers: John Schubert, Jim Baker, Loren Speer, Bob Dreier
Greeter(s): Fred, Angie, Haley and Morgan Hickman
Nursery Supervisor:
