Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. February 6, 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: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Dolly Petith
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Sue Patterson supervising
Flowers are given today by John and Sara Schubert
in honor of those in our church family who have birthdays in February.
All are invited downstairs following Worship today for a time of celebration, fellowship, and refreshment.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Come, all who are troubled or weary, who know the pain of the world's people.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
As we gather, we affirm God's presence and seek to know as we are known.
The God of hosts is with us; the God of our ancestors hears and leads us.
Be still, and know that God is God, exalted among the nations of this earth.
The realm of God is here and everywhere, in time and beyond time.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #130 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
THE LAW OF GOD CALLING US CONFESSION OF SIN – Exodus 20
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Oh Lord my God, I see in Your Law, first and foremost, who You are, but I also see that I fall short of who You want me to be.
[Moment of silence]
Forgive me, O God, as I continually prefer the old to the new, half life to full life, and my own achievements to Your gift of life. Forgive me, as it is my nature to be reluctant to move from milk to solid food. I so eagerly cling to the flesh and all it represents instead of adhering to Your message of salvation and grace. Forgive me as I so often fail to see the signs of Your presence in my life.
[Moment of silence]
Have mercy on me, O God, and enable me to lay hold of the life that is life indeed. Restore to me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me, and this church family, with Your gracious Spirit. Accept us, O God, and deliver us from all our sin, through Jesus, our Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Hymn #60 (Verse 3) Great Is Thy Faithfulness
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Loving Father, transform our children into the likeness of your Son, Jesus Christ. Renew them day by day, and bring them ever closer to his perfection. Clothe them in his righteousness, and produce a rich and mature harvest of holiness in their lives. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (pp. 807-8)
MESSAGE “Called to be ‘Mature’ in Christ, but . . .”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
God’s Children Celebrating Him
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION (Insert)
OFFERTORY SENTENCE and INVITATION TO BRING OUR OFFERING
“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
We bring our gifts and our lives to be blest by you, Spirit of God. May all that we bring be a sign and witness of our love and devotion to you and to thischurch. As we offer these gifts, may our lives be renewed and may our church become even more a witness of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #295 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
*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
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 & community members.
~CHURCH FMAILY SOUP ORDER DELIVERY~
Soup orders maybe picked up today in the Fellowship Room following Worship.
~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
-Photos of Helen Cullings and her daughter, Kay Hanson. Helen frequently attended KRC with Kay before moving to Kay’s home in Avondale, Arizona.
-The new books available through the KRC library. You are welcome to check them out right at the display.
ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH FEBRUARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 12:00 – 12:30 PM.
There is Mail in the Church Family Mailbox for
Diane Morgan
(Upper left Mailbox in the Church Office)
Pastor and Consistory are considering a 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 would be held on Wednesday evenings, March 16 – April 20, with Ghent and Kinderhook hosting alternately. The following topics would be addressed through short videos, discussions, and workbook activities: 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. Please contact Pastor or a member of Consistory if you are interested in participating in this Lenten journey.
MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. 3,389 PEOPLE WERE SERVED BY THE PANTRY DURING THE 2010 YEAR. Foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk, coffee, sugar, boxed cereals, pancake mix, syrup, jelly, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, spaghetti sauce, pasta, mac & cheese, dinner helpers, apple sauce, juice, cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.
Columbia-Greene Classis has correctly notified KRC that its share of support is $6,711 for services and resources to be provided for us this year by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. HOWEVER, PLEASE NOTE: AN ERROR WAS MADE IN THE LETTER OF NOTIFICATION. IT STATED, INCORRECTLY, THAT EACH ACTIVE MEMBER’S ASSESSMENT SHARE IS $75. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S SUPPORT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN SET AT $80.85, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR. Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their 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 throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” The pink slip in today’s bulletin has been corrected, and is provided as a take-home reminder.
~YOU CAN HELP REDUCE KRC’s FUEL AND ELECTRIC BILLS ~
In an effort to exercise the best possible stewardship in the use of our heating fuel and electricity, we are requesting that individuals and ministries using the church building make a special effort before leaving the church to be sure that all inside lights are out and that the doors between the various heating zones are properly closed. All of these doors have signs posted on them as reminders, with the exception of the doors leading into the front and rear of the sanctuary, and the wooden folding doors leading to the meeting rooms behind the pulpit and the third floor classrooms of the Christian education wing; these doors should be closed as well when the sanctuary and the meeting rooms are not in use. Thank you.
Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee’ Wes Granberg-Michaelson, current General Secretary of the RCA, will retire in the fall of 2011
• 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
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• 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 those of Carol Hageman, widow of Dr. Howard Hageman, former President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Mrs. Hageman was a member of First Church in Albany for the past 20 years.
• Bob Ringen, undergoing surgery tomorrow for removal of a benign brain tumor
• Jordan Steneck, 21, nephew of a friend of the Moores, recovering from severe head trauma and multiple broken bones following an auto accident; after several weeks in a coma and on life support, Jordan has regained consciousness, has been taken off life support, and moved to rehab in Rockland County; he is not yet able to speak, but is responding to caregivers and showing signs of recognition of family members; doctors are not sure of the outcome, but have not ruled out a complete recovery for Jordan
• Julie’s aunt in Massachusetts, and Dave’s wife in Connecticut, both suffering with terminal cancers
• Others dealing with cancer: Matt, now seeking help in getting treatment from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; Tom Saulpaugh; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley;
• Florence Rivera, recovering from recent knee surgery; pray for quick healing and recovery for Florence during her rehabilitation at home
• Ken Smith, suffering a compound fracture in the lumbar spine as a result of a recent fall; pray that medications and rest, will promote speedy healing for Ken
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Susan Lamont; Susie Hennessey; Jeffery Smith; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Larry Cady; Dawn Van Buren; 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; local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; those struggling with family relationships; young people dealing with the challenges of the school year, 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: Nicole, expecting her first child; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; new parents 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
Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete Ministry projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy, and for steady healing and improvement in Pastor’s injured elbow
• Successful surgery for Florence Rivera, and for the expertise of her doctors which helped avoid complications - Florence is in good spirits and responding positively to physical therapy; praise the Lord also for Julie and Angela who are actively assisting in their mom’s at-home recovery
• The steady progress being made by Gordie VanBuren following recent surgery, and Ann following recent hospitalization
• A successful outcome to Angela’s and Antonio’s apartment lease case; they won their case January 21, and now have a renewal lease – All the glory to God!
• 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
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.
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, Communion Sunday
Called to Be “Mature” in Christ, but We Never Outgrow Our Need for God’s Love!
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Sunday, February 13, How to Build a Temple for God! 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Sunday, February 20, How an Eye for an Eye Makes Everyone Blind!
Matthew 5:38-48
Sunday, February 27, Investing Ourselves in Things That Do Matter!
Matthew 6:24-34
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO WATER DAMAGE TO THE CHURCH OFFICE,
IT IS TEMPORARILY LOCATED IN THE CLASSROOM ACROSS THE HALL.
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 6 – Communion Worship
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Church Ministry Soup Order Delivery – Fellowship Room
Mon., February 7
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets – Anyone interested in this phase
of the work of the church is welcome to attend.
Tue., February 8
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., February 10
6:00 pm Property Ministry meets
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Sun., February 13 - Angel Food Ordering Deadline
Mon., February 14
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Thur., February 17
3:00 pm Christian Ed Ministry meets @parsonage
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Sat., February 19 12:00 – 12:30 pm Angel Food Distribution, @KRC
Mon., February 28
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Servers Next Sunday, February 13, 2010
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s): Jerry and Donna Flansburg
Nursery: Nikki Barman
