Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. February 27, 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: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Philip and Birgitta herman

Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Jayne Ferguson supervising.

 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 Isaiah 46
Come now into the house of God
to listen to him and to worship him.
He has upheld us since we were conceived,
and he carries us from birth to old age.
Come now to thank God who sustains us,
who makes known the end from the beginning.
None can compare to him, and he has no equal.
Some pour out gold and silver from their bags
and make it into a god, and bow down and worship it.
They cry out to it, but it does not answer;
they call upon it, but it cannot save.
Come and pray to God who hears,
Exalt and sing praises to God who grants us salvation,
who brings his righteousness and splendor near.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #29 O Worship the King
CALL TO CONFESSION Based on Isaiah 45:21-22
“There is no God apart from me,” says the Lord. “I am a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Seek after me, for I am God, and there is no other. Turn to me and be saved, all of you. ”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive) Based on Psalm 106
O Lord, we have put you to the test; we have not believed your promises or remembered your many miracles and kindnesses.
Holy God, we have rebelled against you, and have turned to other sources to sustain us. Instead putting our faith in you, we have made gods of our own inadequate abilities, possessions, and resources. Instead of seeking after your righteousness, we have done as we pleased and willfully pursued fulfillment of our own desires. We have provoked you with our proud attitudes and self-centered deeds; and we have wasted away in our sin.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Save us, O Lord our God.
Renew us with the righteousness of your Son, Jesus Christ;
humble and sanctify us for service to you
through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive) Based on Isaiah 44:21-23
“Remember these things,” says the Lord. “You are my servants; I have made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me; sing for joy and shout aloud, for I have redeemed you.”
*PRAISE SONGS Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God; We Will Delight Ourselves in You
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
Gracious 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.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

God’s Opened Word
INVOCATION and PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 6:24-34 (p. 685)
MESSAGE “Investing Ourselves in Things That Do Matter!”
PRAYER OF THANKS

God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Holy Father, sustainer and supplier of all our needs, we present these offerings to you as an expression of our gratitude and as an investment in fulfilling the mission you have put before us - to know Christ and to make him known. Sanctify our gifts for these purposes we pray. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #619 God Will Take Care of You
*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

Next Sunday is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.

 Consistory has approved the 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 will be held on Wednesday evenings, March 16 – April 20, with Ghent and Kinderhook hosting alternately. Sessions will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, with study time following from 7 to 8 p.m. Topics to be addressed through short videos, discussions, and workbook activities are: 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. If you are thinking of participating, please sign up on the “I AM INTERESTED IN THE GHENT/KINDERHOOK LENTEN JOURNEY” sheet on the back table.

 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
• A speedy end to the violence in the Middle East
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., and Martin
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility, natural disaster
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the Novak and Rothermel families and friends grieving the loss of Dorothy Novak after a long illness; and family and friends of Johnny Putnam, – Johnny was a young friend of several of our KRC family
• Dawn VanBuren, recovering at home from an emergency surgery for complications following her recent knee operation; pray also for strength and reassurance for Leo
• 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
• Others dealing with cancer: Juile’s aunt; Dave’s wife; 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: Ginny Rothermel; Christophe; Deb Rothermel; Bob Ringen; John Steneck; Florence Rivera; 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 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

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 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,
• The good news that Isabelle Bosquet-Morra’s mother is up and walking without a cane following recent knee surgery
• 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
• Florence Rivera’s sufficient recovery from knee surgery to be present with us in Worship
• 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 - Investing Ourselves in Things That Do Matter!
Matthew 6:24-34

COMMUNICATION WITH THE KRC CHURCH FAMILY
1. The consistory is looking ahead to 2012 and would like to invite members of the KRC family to offer suggestions on how to celebrate three hindered years of our Lord’s faithfulness and the ministry of this church. The Stewardship Ministry eagerly awaits your input. Historian Jeff Benton got the go ahead to do preliminary research on writing and publishing a book that will span KRC’s 300-year history.
2. RCA Notes: We have $20,000 in one note and $8,000 in another note which have been redeemed from the Endowment Fund. $23,000 will go back into the General Reserves Fund, which we borrowed for roof repairs. Over $2,000 was contributed by the congregation and dedicated to the roof project.
3. Request was approved for the wedding of Susie Salisbury and Dan Minnick in our sanctuary on July 30.
4. Opportunities to learn: The Natural Church Development Team will soon release news on the launching of our Home Small Group Bible Study opportunities. Note that Adult Sunday School will remain in the 11:15-12:15 time slot, directly after the morning service.
4. Request was approved for use of the sanctuary by Barbara Vosburgh for a piano recital April 2 at 2 p.m.
6. Our church is being utilized for community activities now more than ever, and we are happy to report that people from all over are feeling comfortable entering and using our building. Examples of this are Zumba classes 2x a week and a music appreciation class for kids that will begin in the spring. More information will follow.
7. Our next Congregational meeting is now scheduled for Sunday, March 27, and will include a potluck brunch in the Fellowship Room following Worship. Please note your contribution to the brunch menu on the sheet provided at the back table.

~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
- Capital Region Theological Center course offerings. Pick up an information sheet to see which of these might be of interest to you.

- You are invited to pick up a copy of Libby Little’s very full global itinerary for 2011 on the back table.

- Sign-up sheets for several important events: Lenten Studies - 6 weeks beginning March 16; Congregational Meeting and potluck brunch March 27 following Worship; Flower Donations for Worship; Fellowship Hour refreshments

- New books available through the KRC library - You are welcome to check them out right at the display.

 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 27
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon., February 28
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tue., March 1
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
5:30 pm Outreach Dinner, St. Luke’s Church
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
7:45 pm Stewardship Ministry meets
Thur., March 3
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Mon. March 7 - 7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets at the church.

Fri., March 11 – Sunday March 13 Youth for Christ “Break Out” event,
Saratoga Springs
Sun., March 27
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Brunch and Congregational Meeting, Fellowship Room
Tue., March 29 – Outreach Dinner, St. Luke’s Church

Servers Next Sunday, March 6, 2011
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s):
Nursery: