Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. January 23, 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: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Maureen Mooney
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Angie Hickman supervising.

~ Many thanks to those who contributed to the Christmas poinsettias ~
Will and Jayne Ferguson – In loving memory of Will and Theresa Ferguson
Mid Glass – In loving memory of her parents, Marshal & Ruth Tebbutt
Virginia Rothermel – In loving memory of
Ed, Bill, & Paul Rothermel, and Justin Lynch
Nancy Swinyard – In loving memory of
Reginald & Edna Swinyard, and Linda Swinyard Morehouse
Maureen Mooney - Suzanne Nieman
Florence Rivera - Gordie & Ann Van Buren

Order of Worship

PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) - From Psalm 19
Come into this sacred space to worship God
whose teaching is perfect; whose directions are sure.
Come into this holy place to worship God
whose standards are right; whose commandment is clear;
whose judgments are true.
Come with holy fear -- to be given life, and made wise,
to have your heart stirred and your eyes opened wide.
Come --- let us worship God.
Let the words of our mouths, the whispering of our hearts
be according to your will, and the praises of our souls
be lifting you on high, O God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #27 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
CALL TO RECONCILIATION
When we are embarrassed by how we have treated Him and others, God Himself invites us to seek the face of His grace. When we regret foolish thoughts, actions, and words that cannot be taken back, God reminds us of the hope which comes to us in every moment. Let us confess our faults to the One who not only hears us, but answers us with forgiveness.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Oh Lord, we are reluctant to admit all the ways we have failed to be our people. Created to be one Body, Holy Hope, we are often torn apart by small-mindedness and inner squabble.
Forgive us Father, we ask!
[Quiet Prayer and Consideration]

You have promised to be our Light, Healing Father -
so lead us from the shadows of our sin to the quiet waters of your abundance. You are our salvation, and every day we are invited to be alive in you, O Sovereign Father - so set us free to explore the depths of your heart. You have promised to lead us into your kingdom - so show us how to join hands with one another, as we follow you, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[Silence is kept . . .]
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Right now, right now! Christ proclaims the good news to us; Christ teaches us how to live with one another; Christ tears down the barriers and sets us free.
In God our joy is multiplied beyond comprehension - we can only welcome this gift into our hearts, rejoice, and sing. “How Great Thou Art!” Thanks be to God. Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Draw our children face-to-face with you, O Lord. May they feel your presence, taste your goodness, and sense how much you value them. May they experience your power to renew and strengthen them in times of need; and may they long for more of you each day of their lives. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (pp. 393-4)
MESSAGE “I Am a Miracle of Beauty, a Masterpiece of Design, but . . .”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Father God, it is with joy that we respond to your greatness and your presence in our lives. Thank you for creating us in your own image and for the value you have placed upon us. Thank you for loving us as your own and for honoring us with the privilege of serving you. We thank you as well with these gifts and offerings. Receive and sanctify them now, we pray, for use in sharing your love through the Gospel of Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #558 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE – By the Gift of God’s Grace
By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light
and your heart with his love be aglow.
May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest,
and may Christ grant you peace as you go. Amen.
POSTLUDE

~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.

~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
For some time now we have been praying for the safety of a young serviceman deployed to Afghanistan - Carrington Hessell - and we would like to put a face to his name. On the back table, you can view a photo of Carrington with some of his fellow servicemen, and you are asked to continue to pray for protection for him and his companions.
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Libby Little has sent a January Update on her projected activities for the new year along with a photo of the “Little Women.” You are welcome to take a copy of Libby’s update.
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End-of-year family contribution reports and KRC financial statements are available for pick-up today. Envelopes are in alphabetical order.
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Volunteers are needed to help out with preparing and serving the outreach dinner at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Tuesday, February 1. Please sign up if you are willing to be a part of this ministry.

There are still a few boxes of new envelopes for 2011 awaiting pick-up in the back of the sanctuary. Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name.

IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS (IN THE TRAY WITH THE NEW ENVELOPE BOXES) AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

PLEASE NOTE ANGEL FOOD ORDERING/DELIVERY CHANGES FOR JANUARY: ORDERING DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL TODAY, JANUARY 23.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION WILL NOW BE SATURDAY, JANUARY 29,
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, KRC FELLOWSHIP ROOM.

There is Mail in the Church Family Mailbox for
Noreen Dick and Diane Morgan
(Upper left Mailbox in 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 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
• The beauty and joy of all of our recent Christmas celebrations, for the many members of our community and church family who attended, and for all who gave of their time, talents, energy, and financial support to these events
• 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.

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee requests, “Please include the search committee in your prayers every time you gather” - Wes Granberg-Michaelson, 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
• The families of those wounded and killed in the recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona, and for speedy recoveries for the injured
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster – especially the flood victims in Australia and Brazil
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those of Steve Deane, uncle of John Deane, and those of Bill Demars
• Florence Rivera, undergoing knee revision surgery in New York City tomorrow; pray for successful surgery and for quick healing and recovery for Florence while in rehab
• Ann Van Buren for speedy healing of a leg infection, and Gordie Van Buren for improvement in energy level and positive outlook – both are now at home recovering
• Jeffery Smith, nephew of Jane Deane, recovering from a heart attack and stent- placement surgery
• Susan Lamont, who suffered 3 seizures recently while in Florida
• Those dealing with cancer: Matt; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley; Lillian Roginski; Dawn Meyers; Melanie; Ed B.; Rylyn Swierzewski
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Vivian Williams; Esther Baker; Elize Visser’s mother; Jack Taylor; Earl Ennis; Irene Smith; Dorothy Novak; Christophe; Blanche Rogers; John Hodgson; Emese; Marie; Karina Speer; Loren Speer; Larry Cady; Dawn Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; the Riveras; 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, especially Rev. Michaelangelo, seeking a pastoral position; 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

~A STANDING INVITATION FROM COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP~
KRC’s Community Prayer Group invites you to join us at 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings in the conference room kitty-corner from the church office. If you prefer not to pray aloud, we are delighted to have you join in prayer with us silently. We have a scripture, and pray for the pastor, consistory, our ministries, Sunday School, our youth, and illness and troubles in our families, church, and the world. We use unspoken requests to unload the cries of our hearts on the One who can do all things and do them well.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK - JANUARY 2011
Ahh, the New Year is here! The New Year is signaling for so many a time of new beginning, turning a new page, and an opportunity to make a change or two in their ways of living. In making those New Year’s resolutions, we resolve to behave differently and use the New Year as a fresh start. Of course, the resolutions come in many forms. Some include kicking bad habits, or being more intentional about following a certain course of action, or even working on or distancing ourselves from a destructive relationship or pattern of behavior. Most of the time, such resolutions are aimed at helping us live our lives better or at achieving a more sound state of physical, spiritual, or emotional health.
The fact that we use the New Year as a point of departure and commitment is interesting since, in many ways, January 1 is just another day in the year. We could resolve to change our lives on any day. January 1 has no particular power or place of distinction in life apart from its appointment as the first day of the year as we attempt to measure time via the calendar. In short, there’s nothing magical about it. Yet, it does have the power we assign to it in a symbolic way. As the first day of the New Year, it can mark a new beginning for us, an opportunity to do a new thing. From a theological standpoint, God certainly did a new thing on the day Christ was born in Bethlehem. For the first and, thus far, only time, God chose to become flesh and bone and blood as we are. God chose to follow a path of re-commitment to the covenant that had been established so many years before with Abraham. God chose to “re-create” the world in a new way and reshape the divine image of humanity by becoming one of us and taking on the lives that we live.
It might not be too much of a stretch to say that when God became incarnate, the Creator made a resolution that heaven and earth would no longer be estranged from one another. God became human so that we might become more like Him through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. On that first day of the new era of history, God decided that the realm of heaven and the population of the earth would no longer be strangers, and in Christ, the gulf has been bridged. Since Romans 8:17 teaches, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory,” we come to a fuller understanding that because we are heirs, a whole New Year of sharing in God’s, yes, sufferings, but also in His glory, lies ahead in 2011.
In our quest to be what God wants us to be, we will be addressing the following topics during January of 2011:
Today, I Am a Miracle of Beauty, a Masterpiece of Design but . . .
Psalm 27:1-9
January 30, Camping with God - Psalm 15 Youth Sunday
May your New Year’s resolutions succeed and fulfill who God wants you to be in this New Year! Peace in Christ, Rudy

~ BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, JANUARY 2011~

Bills Paid Month-to-Date, January 1 to 21, 2011 $7,107
Current Checkbook Balance $5,538
Outstanding Bills
Ministry Expenses (Christian Ed, Worship, Evangelism, Missions) $1,959
Pastoral Services and Personnel $2,826
Fuel and Utilities $1,809
TOTAL Outstanding Bills $6,594

General Reserves Investment Account, Current Balance $27,592
Due to Be Deposited ((RCA Notes + KRC Designated Roof Donations) + $25,000
Balance $52,592
Due to Be Withdrawn (Balance, 2010 Missions Pledges) - $6,000
Due to Be Withdrawn (Balance, 2010 Classis Assessment) - $4,669
General Reserves Projected Balance $41,923

Benevolent Fund Available Balance $1,183
Renovation Fund Available Balance $4,521

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, – ’12 758-6175
Laura Rafferty, – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, – ’12 758-6512
Elders
Maureen Mooney, – ’12 210-6079
Ann VanBuren,  - 11, 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren,  – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, – ‘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, January 23
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Rescheduled Deadline, January Angel Food Orders is Today

Mon., January 24
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets

Tue., January 25
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., January 27 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

Sat., January 29 11:30 – 12:30 Angel Food Distribution, @KRC

Tue., February 1 - St. Luke’s Outreach Dinner
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets

Servers Next Sunday, January 30, 2010
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): KRC Youth Members, Haley and Morgan Hickman
Nursery: Jane Deane