KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, FEBRUARY 26, 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.

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Thanks to today’s ushers, Dave Ennis, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel.

Thanks to today’s greeters, The LaTorre Family.        Nursery facility available downstairs.

Following worship today, all are cordially invited downstairs to a reception

to welcome our new members.

  Prelude                            O Love That Will Not Let Me Go  #531

  Welcome, Announcements and God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship (Responsive)  Based on Psalm 111

I will give thanks to God with my whole heart;
       I will give thanks in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
       full of honor, majesty and righteousness.
God is faithful and just, trustworthy in all.
       The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
       The Lord’s praise endures forever!

*Hymn #84                                                                              Children of the Heavenly Father

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

Knowing that we fall short of the exceeding righteousness to which Jesus calls us, let us come before God to lay bare our guilt that we might be forgiven and made whole.

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Holy and loving God, anger is often our weak spot. It fuels our resentments. It prevents us from letting go. It feeds our self-righteousness. We cling to anger as if it could save us, hoping it will protect us from pain and loss. But it is all folly. Salvation is found in trusting you to make all things right. Hope is found in keeping our eyes on you, and on what you have done for us, rather than on others and how they have let us down. Forgive our short-sighted and self-inflicted foolishness, Lord. Restore us in love and grace to trust you in all things.

  Assurance of Pardon  (Responsive)

The power of Christ's liberating forgiveness sets us free from the anger and sin that beset us. Hear the good news and believe: Jesus Christ cleanses you from all unrighteousness and makes you a new creation. 

       Thanks be to God!

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer of Blessing upon Our Children

Lord Jesus, lead our children into an understanding that in love for them, you offered yourself up to suffering and death for their eternal salvation.  Assure them that you speak up for them before God, and that because of you, they are good in God’s sight and will live forever, never to be separated from his love.  Amen.  

  Scripture Reading                                                                            Romans 8:31-39 (p. 801)

  Message                                                                                                      “Locked into Love”

Celebrating God’s Family

  Receiving of New Members - Amy, Greg, Janet, Jean, Phil, Stacey, and Wayne

Profession of Faith 

*Apostles’ Creed  (Responsive – Congregation and Candidates) 

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended to heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Hymn of Promise #619  (Congregation is seated)                 God Will Take Care of You

Baptism

Celebrating God’s Abundance and Care

  Offering/Offertory                        The Love of God

“The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell -

It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.”

*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)

Receive and bless these gifts and our lives, O God, which we offer in response to your steadfast love. As your son, Jesus, transformed people's lives, so may the lives of others be transformed through these gifts, through our love, and through our witness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

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

*Hymn of Affirmation #519                                                                 It Is Well with My Soul

*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                                          Love Found a Way

~WORSHIP SERVICES TO BE OFFERED WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT~

Beginning this coming week on Ash Wednesday, Lenten worship services led by Pastor Paige Convis will be offered each Wednesday through April 6 on a rotating basis at the Kinderhook, Muitzeskill, and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.  Ash Wednesday’s service will be held at 7 p.m. at KRC.  The remaining Wednesdays will each include a simple soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by Worship from 6:45 – 7:15.  The March 8 supper and Worship will be held at Muitzeskill, and the March 15 service will be held at Stuyvesant.  Watch this space for additional dates and places for these services. A Communion Worship will be held on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. at Muitzeskill, and a Good Friday Worship will be held at 3 p.m. at KRC.

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.

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 Noreen Dick, family, and friends grieving the death of Alan Dick this past week.  A memorial service for Alan is planned for 11 am Saturday, March 4, at KRC. There will be no viewing hours.
• 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.
• Kara Ennis Mobley, recovering at home following recent surgery and anxiously waiting biopsy results. Please keep parents, Dave and Beth, in your prayers as well, as these are truly appreciated
• J.B., diagnosed with brain cancer, and his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.  Please pray for God's peace and reassurance for this family at this critical time.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Jay, Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• Betty Osborn, who has had a setback following a previous hospitalization. Pray for a speedy recovery and return to health for Betty.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Darla and Jill; Lennox; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
• those who are traveling.
• an unspoken request from Brianna. Please pray for a timely and good resolution to whatever issue Brianna is dealing with.
• others facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: 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: Maureen Mooney; 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 God also and congratulations to Pastor and his wife for the happy news that they are now U.S. citizens!
• 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.
• new KRC members received into fellowship today. Please lift them up in your prayers as they join with us in ministry and fellowship.
• the safe return of Dawn and Ted Tuttle from their recent travels and for their presence again with us in worship.
• the good news that Joan Clause’s recent tests returned negative, and that no further treatment is indicated.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so willingly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly and selflessly behind-the-scenes with 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.

~HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY!~

                                                          Jayne Ferguson (1^st), Jocelyn Morris (5^th), Courtney Wood  (8th),                                                                                                                            

                                                            Filip Carroll (9^th), Mary Schubert (9^th), Heather LaTorre (18^th),

Chip Wood (23^rd), Jackson Carroll (24^th)

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 $1.97 per week for the remaining weeks (45) in this year. Please clearly designate all contributions, “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)

~PROPERTY MINISTRY WINDOW PROJECT UPDATE~

              In order to protect and preserve the remaining portions of the back porch of the parsonage, and also to further insulate the kitchen area, Consistory has approved a plan to close the porch in with sliding windows plus screens, making it much more serviceable. The cost is just under $3,000, and we have contracted with Window World to do the work. 

       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 made toward this work will be gratefully accepted to help reach our goal. Donations which exceed the amount required will be held for support of future projects.

                                            KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

                      Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                          Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  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  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

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

                                                           KRC TREASURER

                            Derick LaTorre – 376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.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 26 Combined Worship at 10 am - New members to be received.  

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

Please Note: Adult Sunday School will not meet until further notice.

     11:15 am  Reception to welcome new members, Fellowship Room

Mon, February 27

      6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues, February 28

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

      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets @KRC

                                      Route 9, Stuyvesant Falls

Wed,  March 1  Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins

     7:00 pm  Ash Wednesday Worship Service @ KRC with Pastor Paige

Thur, March 2

      9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible-based study meeting  for breakfast - 

                                     Main street cafe/diner in Valatie

               for food, fellowship, and discussion re: a new Bible study.

    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

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

Fri,    March 3

      6:00 pm   First Friday free community dinner and fellowship. 

                                 Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Sat,    March 4

    11:00 am  Alan Dick Memorial Service @ KRC

Sun,   March 5

      8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

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

Wed,  March 8  Lenten Fellowship & Worship with Pastor Paige @Muitzeskill

     6:00 pm  Soup supper

     6:45 – 7:15 pm  Worship

Sat,  March 11 – KRC volunteers serve at Capital City Rescue Mission

Sun, March 12 

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

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

Wed, March 15  Lenten Fellowship & Worship with Pastor Paige @Stuyvesant

     6:00 pm  Soup supper

     6:45 – 7:15 pm  Worship 

Sun, March 19 - Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

                Pastor Rudy and family in South Africa

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

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

                      Servers Next Sunday, March 5                   
Ushers:  Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

Greeters:  Joy Bertram