Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, February 4, 2018

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors. 

Welcome visitors! Pleases 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   Isaiah 40:21-22, 28-31 and Mark 1:29-39 

  Message                         

“Is God the ‘One Who Sits above the Circle of the Earth’,

Not too Far Removed from Me and My Problems?”

  Communion  (Intinction) 

  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, Greg Clause Jr., Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

Thanks to today’s greeters.                                         Nursery facility available downstairs.

Guest Organist, David Smith

  Prelude                          “My heart is filled with longing” op. 122                       Johannes Brahms

                                                “O God, Thou Faithful God” op.122

  Welcome,  Announcements, and God's Greeting

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Based on  147:1-11

Praise the Lord.

       How good it is to sing praises to our God,

       how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

 The Lord builds up his people; he gathers in the outcasts.
       He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
       Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
 The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

        Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

*Hymn of Praise #53                                                                          Let All Things Now Living

  The Law of God  Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

  The Grace of God  (Unison)  Romans 3:10, 21-24

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

  Scouts REACH Presentation and Prayer of Blessing upon the Scouts

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

God of all creation who sustains and watches over the lives of these children, bless each of them with a heart of thanksgiving and praise for your enduring love, and everlasting faithfulness.  Amen.  

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Texts   Isaiah 40:21-22, 28-31 and Mark 1:29-39 

  Message                         

“Is God the ‘One Who Sits above the Circle of the Earth’,

Not too Far Removed from Me and My Problems?”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Solo, Nancy Baker                      His Eye Is on the Sparrow                      Charles H. Gabriel

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."

  Communion  (Intinction)   

  Offering/Offertory    “Help me, O God, that I may overcome” op. 28       Marcel Dupre

*Doxology #809                                                   Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Dear God, through whom all things exist, you are the Sovereign of the universe! Yet you have named us among your beloved children and call us to live as loving brothers and sisters of Christ. We rejoice that you gather us around the Table of Jesus, the risen Lord. May our offerings reach out to those whom you know and love, but who have not yet personally experienced your hope and grace. Amen.

  Prayer requests and Pastoral Prayer 

*Prayer Hymn #52                                                                  I Sing the Mighty Power of God

*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                                         Toccatta in a minor                             Jan Pieter Sweelinck

There is mail in the church family mailbox (upper left corner box) for

Amy Deweerd, Gary Leggett, Maureen Mooney, Barbara Vosburgh

       This year’s Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Worship Service, coordinated by Rev. Rudy with the assistance of a number of local pastors, will be held here at KRC February 14 at 7 p.m.  All are cordially invited to attend, and we look forward to your support of this observance of the beginning of the 2018 Lenten season. 

       On the six Wednesdays following Ash Wednesday - February 21 and 28, and March 7, 14,  21, and 28 - KRC will host a series of Lenten Bible-Study Meals at 7 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 and meaningful experience for all.

     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. 

Music and the Progression of Life:

Schumann’s Kinderszenen and Schubert’s Winterreise

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

Preview talk by David Smith and Jon Morrell:  5:00 pm, Saturday, February 10^th 

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

CITV offers two memorably expressive commentaries on youth and maturity. Robert Schumann’s Kinderszenen cycle for piano (1838) presents 13 brief “imaginings,” each distilling a powerful emotion from the early years of life. Pianist Noah Palmer (CITV Musical Assistant) brings his impressive talents to these exquisite keyboard works. Following intermission, tenor Jon Morrell and pianist David Smith (CITV Artistic Director) bring their own extensive experience to bear on Franz Schubert’s haunting Winterreise (1823), regarded by many as the most important and challenging song cycle ever written. In Schubert’s intense sequence of songs, performers and listeners alike will experience an unforgettable “winter journey,” a remarkable passage through maturity.

French Music from the early 20^th century:

Vocal and Instrumental 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.

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 Dennis & Jody Stupplebeen, family, and friends grieving the sudden death of Jody's father.
• 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.
• Merrill Johnson, undergoing shoulder replacement surgery this coming Friday; pray for  successful surgery and a complete and easy recuperation, and pray also for Erika and family as they assist Merrill in his recovery.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Fred Borrelli, nephew of Jane Deane; Bill Lansing, father of Carol Zincio; Noreen Kennedy, mother of Maureen Mooney; Ann, close friend of Amy Deweerd; Ruth Edge; Virginia Rothermel
• 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 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.
• 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.

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. Although we have collected empty egg cartons in the past, the Pantry is no longer in need of these items.

                                                                  KRC 2018 CONSISTORY

                                         Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                           Deacons

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

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

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

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

                                                                                      Elders

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

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

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

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

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

Clerk of Consistory

Patti Varga – 755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

KRC TREASURER

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

                                                                                         KRC STAFF

               K RC Office Manager                 KRC Office Assistant

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

                                  KRC Sexton                     KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

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

COMING EVENTS

Today, February  4  

       8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service   

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

Tues,   February  6

       7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets 

Thur,  February  8

       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

Sat,   February  10

       5:00 pm  Schumann/Schubert February 24 CITV Concert Preview Talk,          

                David Smith and Jon Morrell @ Kinderhook Memorial Library      

       5:30 - 8:30 pm  Parents’ Night Out – more details coming soon!

Sun,  February  11 

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service   

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

Wed, February 14 – Ash Wednesday observance of the beginning of Lent.

       7:00 pm  Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Worship Service @KRC.

Sun,  February 18 

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service   

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

       6:30 pm  Danen Kane concert

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

       7:00 pm  KRC hosts a series of Lenten Bible-Study Meals:

            "RESTORED - Finding Redemption in Our Mess."

Sat,   February 24

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

                                      Music and the Progression of Life:

                     Schumann’s Kinderszenen and Schubert’s Winterreise

Sat,  February 24-25

       Schoharie Reformed Church Rededication Weekend – RSVP by 2/11  

Servers Next Sunday, February 11, 2018

Ushers: Greg Clause Jr., Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

Greeter(s):