Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, February 25, 2018

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

Welcome visitors! Please fill out a visitor’s 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

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Texts                                  Genesis 17:1-7 & 15-16
  Message                                                                                      “Exceedingly Fruitful Living”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Following worship, all are invited downstairs for refreshment and fellowship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Patrice Lyons                    Nursery facility available downstairs.

  Prelude, Welcome, and Announcements

  The Lord's Greeting

  Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)

God of grace, you have given us minds to know you,

hearts to love you and voices to sing your praise.

       Fill us with your Spirit that we may celebrate your glory

       and worship you in spirit and in truth

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

       He remembers his covenant forever;

       the word he commanded, for a thousand generations.

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

       That they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the Lord.

*Hymn of Praise #96                                                               Praise: Praise Him! Praise Him!

  Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against him.  Let us then renounce our willfulness and seek his mercy by confessing our sins in repentance and faith.

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

We thank you, gracious God, for Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” We rejoice that by grace we are branches grafted into him, the vine which bears the loveliest of all the fruit. Yet we confess that all is not well with the way we live. Forgive us for the times we have introduced disease into the vine, threatening its vigour and health.  Forgive us for failing to draw deeply on the vitality of the vine; for our tendency to range away from it instead of disciplining ourselves to the framework it provides; for being content with, and sometimes even proud of, sparse or undersized fruit; for our apathy, which results in some seasons when we bear no fruit at all. Have mercy on us. Do not lose patience with us or sever us completely from the true vine. Instead, heal our diseases, train our wandering tendrils, prune our unfruitful branches, and cut away the impure. May we remain in Christ and he in us, and let us delight in bearing the fruits of love, our true purpose and joy. Amen!

  Assurance of Pardon

Jesus said: “If you reside in me, and my words reside in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.”  Friends, we have asked for forgiveness and correction, and it has been truly done for us.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer of Blessing upon Our Children (Unison), and Invitation to Sunday School

Father, enable these children to bear all the good fruit of your Spirit in ministry to others - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.    Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Texts                                  Genesis 17:1-7 & 15-16
  Message                                                                                      “Exceedingly Fruitful Living”

  Prayer of Blessing

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

*Hymn of Assurance #520                                                       ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus 

Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology #809                                                   Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Holy and wise God, we want to walk the path of generosity, yet we hold back, anxious about how our own needs will be met how much we can spare. But you invite us to faithful living. Guided by your Spirit, confident in your voice leading the way, we give these gifts faithfully, joyfully, in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen. 

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

*Hymn of Exhortation #540                                                                    Take Time to Be Holy

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn            My Friends May You Grow in Grace

  Postlude

       On the following Wednesdays – February 28, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 – KRC will host a series of Lenten Bible-Study Meals at 6 pm each Wednesday. “On the menu” will be soup, bread, coffee, and a healthy portion of the series theme, "RESTORED - Finding Redemption in Our Mess." The Bible study will be offered at the same time the meal is being shared in community by those attending, and we are prayerfully expecting a blessed, meaningful experience for all.

For the next three Sundays, a printout of the names, email and mailing addresses, and phone numbers listed in our computerized Membership and Friends Manager will be available on the back table.  We ask that you take a look at the listing, check over your particular information, and make any necessary corrections and additions directly on the printout.  Also, please place a ✔ in the “Correct” column if no changes are needed.  If your information does not appear on the printout, and you would like to have it listed in the new directory, please enter it at the end of the printout.  Photos will be taken in April for those who wish to have them included; please watch for additional information on the date(s) for sittings.

Tens of thousands of CROP Hunger Walkers are committed each year to building a hunger-free world.  Kinderhook Reformed Church is once again invited to stand with its neighbors in our community who rely on food-assistance programs, and to partner with and support families worldwide struggling in the face of grinding poverty. CROP WALK committee chair, Beegee Ropollo (biroppolo@gmail.com, 518-320-6232), is asking for a volunteer from KRC to act as contact person and be willing to encourage participation by our church family and friends in this year’s effort.   An organizational meeting will be held at 7 pm Monday, March 26, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

French Music from the early 20^th century:

Works of Lili Boulanger, Nadia Boulanger, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy

4:00 pm Saturday, March 24, Van Buren Hall, 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook, NY

Preview talk by David Smith and others:  4:00 pm, Saturday, March 17^th

Kinderhook Memorial Library, 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY 12106; 518-758-6192

       CITV celebrates an especially beautiful and critical evolutionary period in music history, while also recognizing two centennials: the untimely deaths of Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) and Claude Debussy (1862-1918). Eight outstanding musicians are brought together for performances of richly-textured vocal and instrumental works, some well-known, others less so. The exceptionally precocious Lili Boulanger, at 19 the first woman to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome, will be represented by eight pieces, including four songs from her colorful, but not often performed song cycle, Clairières dans le ciel, written at the age of 20. Lili’s older and better-known sister, Nadia, is regarded by many as the most important musical pedagogue of the 20^th century. Unfortunately, her talent as a composer has been largely overlooked. When Nadia Boulanger decided to cease composing, about 1922, Gabriel Fauré and other luminaries regarded this decision as a significant loss. In CITV’s program she is represented by seven dramatic, but virtually unknown songs (1906-1922), and the especially clever Trois Pièces for cello and piano (1914).

       Following intermission, Maurice Ravel’s exotic, forward-looking  Chansons madécasses (1925-26) for soprano, flute, cello and piano, wondrously capturing the spirit of Madagascar, has a rare performance. The program concludes with Debussy’s last major work, the virtuosic Sonata for Violin and Piano (1916-17). Performers include sopranos Amanda Boyd and Andrea Bargabos, tenor Jon Morrell, violinist Elizabeth Silver (Concertmaster, Broad Street Orchestra), cellist Jay Shulman, flutist Elizabeth Chinery, and pianists Noah Palmer (CITV Musical Assistant) and David Smith (CITV Artistic Director).

A $20 donation is suggested from those attending either of the above concerts.

KRC will sponsor an indoor flea market and bake sale from 10 am – 2 pm Saturday, April 14, for the benefit of the youth mission trip to New Berlin, NY this summer. Please see Dawn Van Buren for details on setting up your own table at the flea market ($20 fee), and Susan Patterson if you are able to donate baked goods.

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.
• Pastor Rudy, as he fulfills his ministerial duties.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially newly installed officers, Jane Deane, Jean Hacker; Susan Patterson, and Deborah Spaulding; KRC’s administrative ministries, KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; 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 government officials now in 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 S. Korea.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies, especially those caught in the California mudslides who have lost loved ones and homes; those suffering economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially family and friends grieving the recent death of Mark McIntosh.
• 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 those nearing the close of this life, especially John Lewis.
• those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Charles Roppolo; Terri; Christine; Michael, brother of Mary Jane Haywood; Connie Witkowski; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B.; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Jean Hacker; Fred Borrelli, nephew of Jane Deane; Merrill Johnson; Bill Lansing, father of Carol Zincio; Virginia Rothermel.                       
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Caleb L, youth group teen, suffering severe depression; Merrill Johnson, dealing with unspoken issues; our students as they deal with challenges of higher levels of education in this school year, career choices, and job searches; Greg Clause Jr.; Libby Little-Saxton, working with Afghan refugees; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
• God’s protection for travelers.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

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. 
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, Derek DeJager, and others who lead KRC worship from time to time.
• the welcome news from Suzy and Bill Nieman that they have settled happily and comfortably into their new home, church, and surroundings in New Hampshire, and send warm greetings to all in the KRC Family.
• the good news that Merrill Johnson’s shoulder pain and mobility are improving, and that Merrill will not be needing shoulder replacement surgery. Please continue to pray for his complete healing.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.

     The Stuyvesant Reformed Church “Stitchers” will be meeting the third Saturday of every month from 10 am to 12 pm.  They will be prepared to do any light mending -buttons, hems, torn seams, patching, etc. - that members of the community may need done.  Free-will donations will be accepted in lieu of payment.

     On the fourth Saturday of every month, from 4:30 – 6 pm, SRC will offer a soup-and-sandwich light supper consisting of a limited number of soups and a limited number of sandwiches.  Free-will donations will also be accepted. 

                                                 KRC 2018 CONSISTORY

                           Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                Deacons

  Noreen Dick – ’18   Church Family. . . . . . . .  518-758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

  Susan Patterson – ’19  Property. . . . . . . . . .   518-755-4909  patterss@strose.edu

  Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship. . . . . . 518-392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

  Deborah Spaulding – ’19  Outreach. . . . . . .  518-758-7316  ber00519@fairpoint.net 

                                                                  Elders

  Jane Deane – ’19  Christian Ed., Cemetery. . 518-758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

  Jean Hacker – ’19  Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . .      518-758-9412  jch9412@aol.com

  Merrill Johnson – ’18   Worship. . . . . . . . . . .    518-828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

  Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Consistory Vice-President, Cemetery, Pastoral Relations,   

                                         Personnel. . . . . . . . .      518-758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Clerk of Consistory

Patti Varga – 518-755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

KRC TREASURER

Derick LaTorre – 518-376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com

                                                   KRC STAFF

            KRC Office Manager                          KRC Office Assistant

     Paul Clause – 518-859-4158         Courtney Wood – 518-852-7172

                            KRC Sexton                            KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

     Steven Green – 518-505-4918         Greg Clause – 518-369-8472

COMING EVENTS

Today, February 25 

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service   

       9:45 am  Bible Study, Genesis, main floor Conference Room

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

Tues,  February 27

Please note:  KRC Youth Group is now meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursdays.

Wed,  February 28, March 7, 14,  21, and 28

       6:00 pm  KRC hosts a series of Lenten Bible-Study Meals:

            "RESTORED - Finding Redemption in Our Mess."

Please Note:  Wednesday evening Bible Study at Merrill and Erika Johnson’s

is in recess for the next 5 weeks to accommodate the Lenten Bible study series.

Thur, March 1

       9:00 am  Small Group Bible study @KRC

            Group continues its study, Grace, by Max Lucado – Please join us!

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

       6:30 – 8 pm  KRC Youth Group meets 

Fri,   March  2

       6:00 pm  First Friday free community dinner - Doors open at 5:30.

Sun,  March  4 

       8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service   

       9:45 am  Bible Study, Genesis, main floor Conference Room

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

Sat,  March 17

       4:00 pm  CITV Concert Preview talk by David Smith and others

French Music from the Early 20^th Century

                 Kinderhook Memorial Library, 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook

Sat,  March 24

       4:00 pm  CITV Concert - Van Buren Hall, 6 Chatham Street, Kinderhook  

                               French Music from the Early 20^th Century

Vocal and Instrumental Works of

Lili Boulanger, Nadia Boulanger, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy

Mon, March 26

       7:00 pm  CROP WALK organizational meeting, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

Sat,  April 14

     10 am – 2 pm  Indoor Flea Market and Bake Sale @ KRC

          to benefit the youth REACH summer mission trip to New Berlin, NY            

Servers Next Sunday, March 4, 2018

Ushers: Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur

Greeter(s): Joy Bertram