Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. January 30, 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): Haley and Morgan Hickman
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Jane Deane supervising.
Youth Sunday
Please note that we will be celebrating our youth in today’s Worship Service, and that all Sunday School students will remain in the sanctuary to participate. Sunday School is in recess until next week.

Order of Worship

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

God’s Children’s Approach

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) – Based on Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, everyone and everything!
Be happy as you worship the Lord. Sing joyful songs to him.
Know that the Lord is God, and that he is good.
God created us, and we are his children.
God saves us from sin, and lives in our hearts.
His goodness shines in us like the sunrise.
Come into the house of the Lord to thank him and praise his name.
The Lord keeps his promises to us, and he never stops loving us.
He takes care of us like a good shepherd cares for his sheep.
The Lord is a faithful friend to us forever.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #306 Standing on the Promises
CALL TO RECONCILIATION – Based on Isaiah 55:6, 7
God commands us to stop doing bad things and thinking bad thoughts, but we have done these things anyway. If we turn to the Lord and admit that we have sinned, he will forgive us, and he will not punish us. Let’s look for him while we can still find him, and call his name while he is still near.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) - Based on Psalm 107 and Isaiah 59
God of goodness and light, we have not paid attention to your rules. We have deliberately pulled away from you, and “unfriended” you. We have done what you told us not to do and disappointed you. Because of this, your face is hidden from us, and we stumble around in the dark.

[Silent Prayer of Confession]

Forgive us, O Lord we pray.
We are ashamed that we have disobeyed you and sinned against you. Take away our shame, and let us see your face again.
Continue to live within us, and make us good just as you are good.

[Silence is kept . . .]
 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Based on Psalm 66:16-20
Listen - this is what the Lord has done for you: You were sorry for your sin, and wanted to get rid of it. So you called out to God for forgiveness. If you had wanted to keep sin in your hearts, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely heard your confessions and listened to your voices in prayer.
Praise be to God who loves us,
who has heard our prayers and has forgiven us!
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Lord Jesus, may the hearts of our children be open to your eternal presence. May they know that when you are living within them, your goodness becomes their goodness in the eyes of God. May they be your light in this world, sharing without shame your truth, and attracting many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life. Amen.

God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Psalm 15 (p. 388)
MESSAGE “Camping with God”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Father God, thank you for your gift of redemption through your Son, Jesus, and for the righteousness that is ours through his indwelling Spirit. Just as you have given so freely to us, we present these offerings to you. We dedicate them for use in bringing your salvation, comfort, and hope to a needy world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #536 Open Our Eyes, Lord
*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

~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.

Next Sunday 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.

~SOUP SALES DEADLINE TODAY~
In the main entrance way you will find a sigh-up sheet and payment envelope for ordering Church Family Ministry’s next homemade soup offering – Healthy-Hearty North Woods Bean Soup with these tempting ingredients: carrots, onions, turkey kielbasa, garlic, northern beans, spinach, Italian seasoning, and low sodium chicken broth. Pints are $4, and quarts are $8. REMEMBER TO ORDER TODAY AS YOU LEAVE THE SANCTUARY.

~ 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.

-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.

-Volunteers are needed to help out with preparing and serving the outreach dinner at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church THIS COMING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1. Please sign up if you are willing to be a part of this ministry.

ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH FEBRUARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 12:00 – 12:30 PM.

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.

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
• 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 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

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
• 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 Steve Deane, uncle of John Deane, and those of Bill Demars
• Florence Rivera, recovering at home from knee revision surgery this past Monday; pray for quick healing and recovery for Florence during her rehabilitation
• Ken Smith, suffering a compound fracture in the lumbar spine as a result of a recent fall – pray that anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and rest, will promote speedy healing for Ken
• Susie Hennessey, for healing
• Jeffery Smith, nephew of Jane Deane, recovering from a heart attack and stent- placement surgery
• Connie, diagnosed with breast cancer
• Tom Saulpaugh, father of a friend of the Clauses, diagnosed with a massive intestinal cancer; Tom is unable to sustain surgery, and is facing chemo and radiation treatments
• Others dealing with cancer: Matt, now seeking help in getting treatment from Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City; 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; Susan Lamont; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Loren Speer; 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: 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; 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

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

Communion Sunday, February 6
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

There is Mail in the Church Family Mailbox for
Diane Morgan
(Upper left Mailbox in the Church Office)

Columbia-Greene Classis has notified KRC that its share of support is $6,710.55 for services and resources to be provided for us this year by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH ACTIVE MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S SUPPORT IS $75, THE SAME AS LAST YEAR, which averages out to only $1.44 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 is provided as a take-home reminder.

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, January 30
10:00 am Worship - Youth Sunday
Please Note: Sunday School is in recess and will resume next Sunday.
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Deadline is today for Church Family Soup orders.

Mon., January 31
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

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

Thur., February 3 - 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

Sun., February 13 - Angel Food Ordering Deadline

Sat., February 19 12:00 – 12:30 pm Angel Food Distribution, @KRC

Servers Next Sunday, February 6, 2010
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s):
Nursery: Sue Patterson