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
TODAY 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 and community members.
2017 contribution statements are now available on the back table for pick-up, and envelopes are in alphabetical order for your convenience. PLEASE NOTE: EVERY TWO STATEMENTS PICKED UP FROM THE BACK TABLE SAVES THE CHURCH NEARLY $1 IN POSTAGE!
There is mail in the church family mailbox (upper left corner box) for
Amy Deweerd, Gary Leggett, Maureen Mooney, Barbara Vosburgh
ASH WEDNESDAY ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE
AND LENTEN BIBLE-STUDY MEALS
TO BE HELD AT KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH
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.
HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY!
Jayne Ferguson (1st), Pierce Damiano (4th), Jocelyn Morris (5th),
Courtney Wood (8th), Filip Carroll (9th), Mary Schubert (9th),
Heather LaTorre (18th), Chip Wood (23rd), Jackson Carroll (24th)
~STUYVESANT REFORMED CHURCH ANNOUNCES REGULAR MONTHLY EVENTS~
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.
CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE: FEBRUARY AND MARCH, 2018
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 10th
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 20th 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 17th
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 20th 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.
Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
Outreach Ministry is asking that those who submit a prayer request to KRC’s family and friends also inform us if they know of any additional material or physical needs, beyond the initial prayer request, that we might be able to meet. We would love the opportunity to engage with those in need of prayer in tangible ways as well, such as with meals, emergency monies, a ride, a listening ear, a visit, childcare - to name a few.
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, 19
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
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.
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.
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.
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.
MANY THANKS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR SUPPORTING THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY
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):