KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, FEBRUARY 21, 2016
“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.
8:30 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Announcements
The Lord’s Greeting, and Morning Prayer
*Morning Praise
Scripture Philippians 3:17-4:1 (p. 832)
Message “Oh So Intertwined, the Earthly and the Heavenly”
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments
downstairs in the Fellowship Room today following worship.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Jason Brevoort, Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur.
Thanks to today’s greeter(s), Sug Hawver.
Guest Organist, David Smith
Prelude Prelude and Fugue II in B-flat, op. 16 Clara Schumann
Welcome and Announcements
God’s Greeting
Drawing Near to God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Colossians 3, Psalm 119
Into the presence of the Almighty, we come,
setting our minds not on earthly things,
but on things above.
Into the presence of the Almighty, we come,
finding sure delight in lifting our faces up to God.
Into the presence of the Almighty, we come,
setting our hearts on heavenly things, where Christ is,
seated at the Father’s right hand.
Into the presence of the Almighty, we come,
turning our eyes away from worthless things to behold his glory,
ready to live according to his word.
*Hymn #77 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession
When we come into the holy presence of God, our own earthly humanity is laid bare. When we stand in the living presence of truth, our own falsehood is revealed. Let us acknowledge who we are and ask forgiveness of our ever-present God.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
How often, O God, have we tried to hide from your presence, and how seldom have we searched for your loving face! We have forgotten the grace and joy of your salvation and pulled away from your guiding hand. We have wandered from your ways, and turned our attention to the values of a broken world and our own selfish desires. In your presence, we confess our failure to keep our focus on what is pure, what is holy, and what is good. Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry. Help us to live again in your heavenly light and walk anew in your righteous ways, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) Romans 5:1, 2
Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
Alleluia and alleluia! Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Spirit of God, inspire our children with the eternal rewards you promise, and motivate them to seek first your kingdom and righteousness and to lay up treasure in heaven. May they, like Christ, live with integrity, and invest generously and unselfishly in the lives and spiritual welfare of others. Amen.
Blessing on the Word Proclaimed
Scripture Philippians 3:17-4:1 (p. 832)
Message “Oh So Intertwined, the Earthly and the Heavenly”
Prayer of Thanks
Celebrating God
Offering/Offertory Adagio in C major, op. 56/6 Robert Schumann
*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
God of glory, receive these gifts and the offering of our lives. As Jesus was lifted up from earth, draw us to your heart in the midst of this world, that all creation may be brought from bondage to freedom, from darkness to light, and from death to life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn of Commitment #648 O Jesus, I have Promised
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn 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 Prelude and Fugue III in d minor, op. 16 Clara Schumann
PLEASE NOTE: NEXT SUNDAY THERE WILL BE A COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE
AT 10 A.M. THE 8:30 AND 10 AM WORSHIP SERVICES WILL RESUME MARCH 6.
~MESSAGE FROM DERICK LATORRE, KRC TREASURER~
Stewardship Ministry will be meeting with KRC’s investment manager, Doug Petersen, at the church on Wednesday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. Investment strategies will be reviewed, and If you would like to know more about our investments, I encourage you to attend the meeting which should last about ½ hour or so.
~UPCOMING “FIRST FRIDAY” POTLUCK DINNER MARCH 4~
The Outreach Ministry encourages you to mark your calendar for March 4, the next scheduled First Friday community outreach meal. We are especially excited about this March date, as we will have a free concert by the Irish vocal group, Triskele, and an Irish dance demonstration by our very own Clinton girls following the meal. So, save the date and plan to attend!
Loudonville Community Church in Albany is offering an evening dinner event at 6 pm Friday, March 11, to promote the work of Interserve, and Libby Little will be the main speaker. There is no cost for the meal, but an offering for Interserve's work will be taken. KRC family and friends are cordially invited. An RSVP is requested, and if you plan on attending, please contact Paul or email krc@fairpoint.net. Jim and Bonnie Dunham will be going to this event, and have offered to take two or three others along with them. If you would like to ride with the Dunhams, please let them know.
Donations for Easter lilies to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted, and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed directly in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
This past Sunday, our weekly offering of $1,570 fell significantly below our weekly need of $3,000. Repeated shortfalls of this size, as we have seen in the recent past, have resulted in a budget deficit, and regular contributors are reminded to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday. Stewardship Ministry asks that everyone give prayerful consideration to how they might adjust their giving to help keep income at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.
Total income to date: $24,700
Total expenses to date: $20,500
Inspired by the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
~ELEVATOR FUND UPDDATE~
To date we have raised $6,245 towards the cost of installing an elevator. Your contribution to this special project is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Please mark donation "Elevator Fund". Many thanks to those who have already given.
~NOTE OF THANKS FROM VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY~
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church,
Please accept this letter as a thank-you for your generous donation of $370 to the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry. Your support is appreciated very much. Our pantry serves all of the households in the Ichabod Crane School District who request help, the only stipulation being proof of residency in the district. We are fortunate to live in communities that are very giving.
We find that more people are using the pantry in today’s economy. On their behalf, and on behalf of all our volunteers, a sincere thank-you for your assistance. Many people will eat a good meal thanks to your help.
Sincerely yours, Jean S. Norton
Libby Little’s January/February newsletter is now available.
Please feel free to pick up a copy from the back table.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;
Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson
Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany
Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:
Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary
Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas
Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. 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.
KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially new members, Tana Thompson and Chip Wood; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
our state, national, and world leaders, 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.
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 the Rivera family and friends grieving the recent loss of Florence.
all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.
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 who are nearing the close of this life.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
Ron, Alan Dick's brother, diagnosed with melanoma on top of his head. Ron has been told to expect a painful procedure as doctors attempt to trace the prime site of the cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and outcome, and for peace for Ron and his wife, Judie.
Steve, recovering from prostate cancer surgery this past Tuesday. Pray also for his wife, Gail, as she assists Steve in his recovery.
others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Donna Scalera; Maria Zincio; Dorothy Wheeler; Darryl Ferguson; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
Baby Ben, grandson of Sara Hartman, born prematurely. Pray for continued healthy development for Ben, and for God’s reassurance and peace for his family.
others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Baby Chasse Zincio; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; Maggie Brower; Brian Post; Stacey Baker; Vickie Metzger; Ann Powell; April Grimes; Gary Silvano; Angie Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Don and Phyllis Tymeson; Harry Sturgill; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of a higher level of education or seeking a career; Cliff Laraway; Greg L and friend, Joshua; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
God's protection and safety for those traveling, especially Ted and Dawn Tuttle as they drive their RV to and from Florida for a month's vacation.
residence-bound members, Murray Leonardson and Joan Van Alstyne.
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.
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 Stacey Baker has recently made substantial progress in her recovery from a concussion suffered nearly a year ago, and is considering increasing her work activity. Stacey wishes to thank everyone for their prayers since her accident last March.
for the First Friday free meal program and for those who are making this church family fellowship and community outreach ministry both possible and enjoyable.
the happy news that Sara Schubert has a granddaughter due to arrive May 29 to son, Josh Schubert, and his wife, Helen.
the happy news from Arnie and Claudia March that they have a grandson who is due to arrive in May.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.
Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY!
Jayne Ferguson (1st), Courtney Wood (8th), Filip Carroll (9th),
Mary Schubert (9th), Heather LaTorre (18th), Chip Wood (23rd),
Jackson Carroll (24th)
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as greeters
for our 10 am worship services.
Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
~ANNUAL BARE ROOTS TREE SALE~
The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District is now holding its Annual Bare Root Tree Sale. Orders may be mailed in or delivered to the District’s office prepaid, and must be received in the office by April 1. Order forms and additional Information on the sale details are available on the back table for your convenience.
2016 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT
General Synod: $53.71 (Up $1.98 from 2015)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (Unchanged from 2015)
C. G. Classis: $ 6.22 (Down $1.07 from 2015
TOTAL PER MEMBER: $88.93
(Up $0.91 from 2014)
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside
for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
The School for Christian Living and Service, a ministry of the RCA Mid-Hudson and Orange Classes, is offering its spring courses beginning April 2: Dignity and Grace in Dying; Preparing Children’s Sermons; Multi-Media; and Church History 2. Times, dates, locations, and course details may be found in the handouts available on the back table. Please feel free to pick one up.
KRC 2016 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Liz Carroll – ’16 Outreach, CITV Committee, Clerk
Derick LaTorre – ’16 Cemetery, Stewardship, Treasurer
Tana Thompson – ’17 Church Family
Chip Wood – ’17 Property
Elders
Merrill Johnson – ’16
Patrice Lyons – ’16 Outreach, Clerk
Patti Varga – ’17 Christian Education, Vice President of Consistory
Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel and Pastoral Relations
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Liz Carroll – 758-6034
Cemetery Supervisor KRC Sexton
Greg Clause Mike Deegan
COMING EVENTS
Today, February 21
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude
Mon, February 22
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Tues, February 23
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur, February 25
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun, February 28
10:00 am Combined Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude
Wed, March 2
1:30 pm Stewardship Ministry meets @KRC to review investments
Fri, March 4
6:00 pm First Friday community outreach meal with free concert
by the Irish vocal group, Triskele, and an Irish dance demonstration
by our very own Clinton girls following the meal.
Sun, March 6
8:30 am Early Communion Worship Service
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude
Fri, March 11
6:00 pm Evening dinner event at Loudonville Community Church
promoting the mission work of Interserve, with main speaker, Libby Little.
RSVP to krc@fairpoint.net
Servers Next Sunday, February 28, 2016
Ushers: Jason Brevoort, Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur
Greeter(s):
