KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES JANUARY 4, 2015                                                                                                                                                                               

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  We invite you to sign our Guest Book in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Announcements and the Lord’s Greeting

  Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise                                                                                  To God Be the Glory 

  Scripture                                                                                    Psalm 147:12-20 (p. 448)

  Message                                              “The Spirit of Praise as We Begin a New Year”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Communion

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn                                                                            Let All Things Now Living

*Benediction

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship

downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Ushers:  Chris Laurie, Derick LaTorre, Steve Shpur, Ken Sutherland

Greeter(s):                        Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude           Introduction and Voluntaries Nos. I and II, op. 14          Edward Elgar

  Announcements, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near To God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)

Lord God you are great, you are mighty, you are holy. 
       To the only God be glory. 
You proclaim truth and justice and light.
       To the only God be glory. 
Your name is above all other names. 
       To the only God be glory. 
Your holiness is beyond our understanding. 
       To the only God be glory. 
       All glory be to you, our God, now and forevermore.

*Hymn of Praise #72                                                                          To God Be the Glory

  Invocation

Turning Our Hearts to God

  Call to Confession

The psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.” With this knowledge, we may confess our sins before God and one another with confidence.

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

God of the heights and depths, at our own peril, we turn away from you. When our shortcomings are exposed to your light, we wish to hide. We fear your judgment; we forget your mercy. When we are angry, we plot little revenges and shun your desire for reconciliation and compassion. Your ways are not our ways, for your ways are permeated with love. We look to you from the petty darkness of our hiding places and hear your call to come into the light. Lord God, we have just touched the joy of Christmas the other day. Let us carry a measure of delight and bounty of love into your new day. Fill us with the joy of living and praiseful worship as we approach the New Year. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon 
       Hymn #60 (Verse 3 only, congregation seated)              Great Is Thy Faithfulness

  Allowing God to Shape Us

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Father God, assure our children that heaven, earth, and all the powers of nature and humankind are controlled by your command. Bless them with restful, confident hope as they learn to trust and praise you for their spiritual and physical well-being, self-worth, relationships, educational progress, and life’s work.   Amen. 

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                    Psalm 147:12-20 (p. 448)

  Message                                              “The Spirit of Praise as We Begin a New Year”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Communion 

                                       THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope. 

We come to Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.

We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.

We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.

Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,

so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.

THE INVITATION

This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share.  Come, for all things are now ready.

COMMUNION HYMN #768 (Verses 1, 2, & 3)   I Come with Joy

                                                 THE COMMUNION PRAYER

Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.

It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you.  For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world.  In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

                                                                 THE COMMUNION

The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

(Distribution of the bread)

The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.

After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

(Distribution of the cup)

The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.

PRAISE and THANKSGIVING after COMMUNION  (Unison)

It is proper and right that we should exalt you, bless you, praise you, give thanks to you, and adore you in all places of your dominion; for you are God, incomprehensible, from everlasting, and changeless – you, and your Only-Begotten Son, and your Holy Spirit.  You called us into being from nothingness, and when we had fallen away from you, you raised us up again, brought us back, and endowed us with your kingdom which is to come.  For all these things we offer to you a ministry of thanks and praise which you are pleased to accept at our hands even though myriads of angels and archangels stand before you, calling aloud, singing the triumphant song, “Holy Lord, Hosanna in the highest! Heaven and earth are full of your glory!”  Amen and amen.

  Offering/Offertory                    Voluntary No. VI, op. 14                         Edward Elgar     

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Lord, you have blessed us with the precious dew from heaven and the deep waters below; with the finest the sun brings forth; with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains and everlasting hills; with the fullness and fruitfulness of the earth; and with the favor, peace, and comfort of your sovereign power.  After your example, freely and with grateful hearts, we bring our offerings to be sanctified by you and used in your service.  Amen.     

  Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn of Thanks #53                                                                Let All Things Now Living

*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                        Voluntary VIII and Coda, op. 14                           Edward Elgar

       MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED

For those now using the envelope system to present offerings to the church, a few new envelope sets are still awaiting pick-up at the back of the sanctuary. If you are not currently using the system, but would like to do so in 2015, please pick up one of the small green request forms near the new envelopes, fill it out, and drop it into the offering plate. The system f
acilitates the efficient processing of weekly contributions, and those not using it are encouraged to give it a try.  There is a $3 suggested donation to help offset printing costs, but this is not a requirement for using the system.

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2015

In response to questions regarding the distribution of our Classis Assessment contributions, they are divided three ways among the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local).  Next year, 2015, the assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:  

General Synod:  $51.73   (Up $2.44 from 2014)

Albany  Synod:     $29.00   (Unchanged from 2014)

C.  G.   Classis:         $7.29   (Down $1.21 from 2014)

                           2015 TOTAL          $88.02   (Up $1.23 from 2014)

Please see RCA’s Stewardship Report (when it becomes available) for information on  General Synod’s use of  its share of  assessed funds. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management.  Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith, especially Diane, that she will come to know the Lord.
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• those, especially children, suffering poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the death of loved ones.
• Paul Varga, suffering an unusually painful attack of gout.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Zoe Covey; Andy; Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen Simmons; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Charlie Ropollo; Donna Scalera.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Jim Hatch; Amy Deweerd; Floyd Haber; Linda Moran; Dick Van Alstyne; Alan Dick; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers;; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Florence Rivera.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Jim, in need of job opportunities; Greg L; Bill and Abby, in need of many special prayers; Craig Johnson; Holly and Marc Morales; those facing the challenges of their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.
• those who are traveling,  especially Pastor Rudy as he travels this week to join Elize, Annake, and Liezl visiting family and friends in South Africa.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• Residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, Joan Van Alstyne, and Doris Schmeider

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
• Barbara Vosburgh back in worship with us again following a train trip to Florida to be with family over the holidays.
• the magnificent Lessons and Carols outreach worship service held recently and for the nearly 500 people who attended. Praise God also for the many talented musicians and for the dedicated direction of David Smith who provided such glorious music in celebration of Jesus’s birth. 
• the encouraging report that Linda Moran is now recovering at home and improving.
• the happy news that Baby Ellie LaTorre’s hip joint is now stable and healthy, and that she is no longer in need of a support harness.
• all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
• the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.

~THANK-YOU FROM BRIAN AND BEA POST, WYCLIFFE MISSIONARIES~

Dear Rev. Visser and Friends at Kinderhook Reformed Church,

       May God bring you all a joyous Christmas Season in sweet fellowship with one another and in the company of those you love.  May he bring you as well a deeper walk with Jesus throughout the coming New Year!  We look forward to celebrating with our children, and are planning a short time away Christmas weekend.

       We are very thankful for your partnership in Bible translation and for your ministry to Bibleless peoples. Your support of our family has strengthened us into our 24^th year!  Thank you for your gifts of prayer and for your investment of missions offerings in our ministry. We are encouraged through your partnership always.  God bless you! 

                                                                   In Christ, Brian and Bea, Psalm 27

HAPPY JANUARY BIRTHDAY!

  Paul Clause (2^nd), Libby Little (2^nd), Kari Anne Powell (2^nd),

 Harriet Simpkins (2^nd), Robert Carroll (12^th), Jennifer Jennings (19^th),

Stacey Baker (20^th), Noreen Dick (22^nd), Sug Hawver (27^th), Jean Skipper (29^th), 

William Carroll (31^st), Ainsley Clinton (31^st)

        KRC 2014 CONSISTORY-ELECT

    Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                  Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16,                          758-6034

Noreen Dick – ’15,                      758-6640

Derick Latorre – ’16,                  376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,           758-6512

                                           Elders

       Merrill Johnson                            828-6726

       Patrice Lyons ’15,                        758-8400

Dawn Van Buren 6,                    758-7564

Patti Varga – ’15                         392-4771

                                                          KRC STAFF

                  KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant     

               Paul Clause – 859-4158                   Liz Carroll – 758-6034

                                    Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton

                                            Greg Clause – 369-8472

COMING EVENTS

Today,  January 4

         8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

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

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Tues., January 6

        7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

                    Please Note:  Consistory will not meet in January

Thur., January 8

        9:00 am  Small Group meets @ KRC

  Please join us as we continue our Stonecroft Bible Study,

       Living in God’s Will – A Guide to Decision-Making

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Sun.,  January 11

    Congregational meetings following both 8:30 & 10 am Worship Services

         8:30 am  Early Worship Service

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

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Mon., January 12   Please Note:  Consistory will not meet in January

Sun.,  February 8   

         8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

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

                    New Consistory Members Installed and Ordained

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Servers Next Sunday, January 11, 2011

       Ushers:  Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Bob Wildermuth, Paul Zietsman