KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, FEBRUARY 28, 2016

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

Beth von den Driesch, Guest Preacher

We are very pleased to welcome Beth, preaching elder commissioned by the Classis of Columbia/Greene, to our pulpit today. Beth and her husband, Guy, live in Niverville and are members of the Stuyvesant Reformed Church. They have had the recent great pleasure of gaining a “daughter” by the marriage of their son, Joshua. Beth is currently employed as a nurse educator for The Community Hospice, which has been a wonderfully enriching ministry for her, and has been instrumental in her walk of faith.

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 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), Susan Patterson

Preschool nursery is available downstairs.

  Prelude            

  Welcome and Announcements

  God’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Isaiah 55:2, 11-12; John 4:24

Let us worship God, for whom our souls thirst and our bodies long.

       Listen, listen to me, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

We have come to hear the Word God has sent.

       God’s Word will not return empty

       but will accomplish through us his holy purpose.

Let us worship God in spirit and in truth.

       Then we will go out with joy and be led forth in peace;

       the mountains and the hills will sing;

       the trees of the field will clap their hands.

*Hymn #506                                                                                   I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession Based on Isaiah 55:6-7

Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Trusting ourselves to the grace of God, let us confess our sins before God and one another.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Almighty God, you despise nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts, that, truly repenting of our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, we may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness,

                                              [Moment of silent personal confession]

through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

   Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) From Romans3:22, Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A 21

Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

By faith I have a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven; I have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation. Thanks be to God!

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

Spirit of God, in the waters of baptism our children are marked as Christ’s own forever. We pray as they grow that they would come to know you as their Savior. That they, by the power of your Spirit, would become all that you want them to be.  Now guide us, as we guide them, in Jesus name we pray. Amen

  Blessing on the Word Proclaimed             

  Scripture                                                      Isaiah 55:1-9 (pp. 524-5); Luke 13:1-9 (p. 738)

  Message                                                                                “Did You Get Your Invitation?”

  Prayer of Thanks 

Celebrating God

  Offering/Offertory Solo  Deborah Spaulding                             Lamb of God, Twila Paris               

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

 Mighty God and Father, you overwhelm us with your great mercy. At the time of our greatest need you surprised us with your wondrous love. Jesus offered his life for us to remove our dreadful curse. As you draw us into this renewing relationship of love, may we respond with gratitude as we offer the substance of our souls to continue the ministry of Christ. For his name and glory we pray and present our gifts. Amen!

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

*Hymn #489                                                                                                              Jesus Paid it All

*Benediction From Romans 11:33-36; Blessing

  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

~WAR ROOM BIBLE STUDIES TO BEGIN THIS WEEK~

See "COMING EVENTS" below.

  ~MESSAGE FROM DERICK LATORRE, KRC TREASURER~

Stewardship Ministry will be meeting with KRC’s investment manager, Doug Petersen, at the church this coming 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 this coming Friday, March 4, the date of our next First Friday community outreach meal.  We are especially excited about this month’s event, 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.  Doors are open at 5:30 pm, dinner is served at 6, and entertainment around 7. So, save the date and plan to attend! 

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 $2,865 came in just below our weekly need of $3,000. Repeated shortfalls, as we have seen in the recent past, lead quickly to a budget deficit, and regular contributors are asked to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday. Stewardship Ministry urges 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: $29,065

Total expenses to date: $26,657

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 $7,012 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

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 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.
• Praise God for Harper and Payton, twin granddaughters of Janet and Wayne Van Allen, who celebrated their 3rd birthdays on February 13.  They were born 6 weeks premature, and there was much worry and many prayers, but today they are happy, healthy 3-year-olds. Praise God with Janet and Wayne, who feel very thankful and blessed.
• Praises that Baby Ben, grandson of Sara Hartman, has been discharged from the hospital and is doing well following his recent premature birth. Prayers for Ben were greatly appreciated.
• Praises that Baby Chase Zincio, born January 26 with health issues, is now home and doing well. Chase's family thanks everyone for their prayers.
• Praise God with Maria Zincio, recovering at home and doing fine following recent cancer surgery. Thanks to all who offered prayers for Maria. 
• 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.

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: Patti Varga and the Scofield family grieving the death of Patti’s grandfather, Jack Scofield, this past Wednesday; family and friends grieving the recent death of Bill Van Alstyne. Bill was a long-time member of Stuyvesant Reformed Church; the Rivera family and friends grieving the recent loss of Florence.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. 
• all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.
• God's blessing on the new Bible studies, "War Room," which will focus, among other topics, on the power of prayer.  Studies consist of 5 one-hour sessions, and for your convenience, 4 separate study groups will be meeting beginning the first week in March: Tuesday,7 pm; Thursday, 7 pm; Sunday, 10 am; Sunday, 11:30 am. Call Patti, 758-6755, or 755-3054 for more information.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.      
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
• Sug Hawver, diagnosed with a golf ball size growth in her intestinal tract and awaiting additional test results.  Pray for calm and God's reassurance for Sug and Bruce, and for a good outcome of the pending tests.
• Donald Smith, father of Janet Allen, suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Donald is still able to live in his New Hampshire home with caregivers, about 250 miles from here.  Pray also for Janet, his primary caregiver, who resides in Kinderhook. 
• Sissy Mahoney, diagnosed recently with a brain aneurysm. Pray for God's peace and reassurance for Sissy.
• Vicky, cousin of Susan Lamont, hospitalized with health issues. Pray for a speedy healing for Vicky.
• Amber, granddaughter of Erika and Merrill Johnson. Pray for peace and safety for Amber as she pursues career goals in New York City.
• Ron, Alan Dick's brother, diagnosed with melanoma on top of his head. Ron has been told to expect a painful procedure March 4 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.   
• Donna Scalera, not doing well in her struggle with the current round of chemotherapy, and discouraged. Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to Donna at 13 Michael Court, Hudson, NY 12534.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Dorothy Wheeler; Darryl Ferguson; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Maggie Brower; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; 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.                    (Continued on next page.)
• 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: Sug and Bruce Hawver, vacationing in Florida; Sara Schubert as she travels from Hawaii to Oregon to spend time with family; 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.

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY 

Jayne Ferguson (1^st), Courtney Wood (8^th),  Filip Carroll (9^th),

 Mary Schubert (9^th), Heather LaTorre (18^th), Chip Wood (23^rd),

 Jackson Carroll (24^th)

~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.

                                        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 28   

     10:00 am  Combined Worship Service and Sunday School

                       Beth von den Driesch, Guest Preacher   

     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

               The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude

Tues,  March 1

       6:30 pm  Youth Group meets @KRC

       7:00 pm  WAR ROOM Bible Study @KRC 

Wed,  March 2

       1:30 pm  Stewardship Ministry meets @KRC to review investments

Thur, March 3

     9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

       7:00 pm  WAR ROOM Bible Study @KRC 

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

                      WAR ROOM Bible Study @KRC 

     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

     11:30 am  WAR ROOM Bible Study @KRC 

               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, March 6, 2016

       Ushers:  Jim Baker, Mike Deegan, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson

       Greeter(s):  Dave and Beth Ennis and Girl Scouts