Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. January 9, 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: Chuck Rothermel, Bill Schneider, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Alan and Noreen Dick
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs.

~ 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) - Based on Hebrews 1:1-3
Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
now God has spoken to us by a Son.
God made the world through the Son, who has been appointed heir of all things
and the perfect reflection of God's glory.
The Son is the exact representation of God's being,
sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Praise God for the gift of the Son.
We welcome the Light of the world!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #194 Jesus Came, the Heavens Adoring
CALL TO CONFESSION - Matthew 22:34-40
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Searcher of hearts, you know us from the beginning. You see in us more good and beauty than we have dared to believe. You beckon us to do more than we have dared to try. Forever you call our names. But we have filled our ears with the sounds of the world; we have timidly spoken of your great love, your greatness and goodness. So easily we doubt the gifts hidden within each of us. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy and forgive us.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Searcher of hearts, shine your forgiving light into our hesitancy.
Embolden us to live with such joy and fire
that all the world may know of your love. Let it be so. Amen.

X
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us.
Friends, hear the good news and believe: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Lord Jesus, who created and holds the world together, who is the image of the invisible God, transform our children into your perfect likeness. Clothe them in your righteousness, and produce a rich harvest of holiness and good works in their lives. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 42:1-9 (p. 513)
MESSAGE “Faithfully Bring Forth Justice”
PRAYER OF THANKS

God’s Children Celebrating Him
SACRAMENT of COMMUNION (Insert)
*AFFIRMATION of FAITH
I believe in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God — the source of all light and life. I believe that God sent Jesus Christ, as the Word Incarnate, into this world so that all might be bathed in his light and know the true source of life. On the witness of the disciples, I believe that Jesus was crucified, died and was buried - then brought back to life that we might also have new life in him. I believe the Word of God still speaks today to those who have ears and hearts to listen. I believe, with the power of the Holy Spirit, that my life can be a witness to God’s living presence and grace. Amen.
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
You are our God, and you have been good to us. In gratitude, we give to you that which is already yours, that your goodness and mercy might be known throughout the earth. Reward our faithfulness, O Lord, with further opportunities and responsibilities, with deeper fulfillment and joy. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #199 Tell Me the Story of Jesus
*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. CURRENTLY, THE FUND BALANCE IS BELOW $800 AND IN NEED OF REPLENISHMENT. YOUR IMMEDIATE SUPPORT OF THIS IMPORTANT MINISTRY, WHICH PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY CHURCH FAMILY & COMMUNITY MEMBERS, WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Christmas decorations in the sanctuary will be taken down
between 9 am and 12 noon next Friday, January 14.
You are invited to come and lend a helping hand!

Elected to Consistory
The following members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church have been elected to serve new terms on Consistory starting in 2011. As Deacons: Margaret Herrmann, Laura Rafferty, and Barbara Vosburgh. As Elders: Maureen Mooney and Patti Varga. Please keep them in your prayers as they serve the Lord in these ministries.

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:

January 9, Faithfully Bring Forth Justice - Isaiah 42:1-9

January 16, Is There a Retirement Age for Disciples? - John 1:29-42
Ordination and installation of newly-elected Elders and Deacons

January 23, 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

There is Mail in the Church Family Mailbox for
Noreen Dick, Jim Dunham, Diane Morgan, and Florence Rivera,
(Upper left Mailbox in the Church Office)

ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH JANUARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS JANUARY 18.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

The Cemetery Committee has 8 or so 2011 calendars still available. See Jim Dunham (759-6171) if you are interested in purchasing one. The cost is $10.

For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, new envelopes for 2011 are ready for 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.

~IMPORTANT REQUEST FROM STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY ~
In an effort to exercise the best possible stewardship in the use of our heating fuel, we are requesting that individuals and ministries using the church building make a special effort before leaving the church to be sure 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 door 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 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 recent PET scan showing that Trisha’s cancerous tumors have disappeared – Trisha is the cousin of Lori Kolb-Speer
• Kris Morgan’s speedy healing following successful surgery and negative test results
• The beauty and joy of our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, for the many members of our community and church family who attended and joined in the congregational caroling, and for all who shared their singing and instrumental talents to provide a memorable evening of traditional Christmas music
• 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; and other Ministry projects
• Leaders of KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group as they administer programs over the next several months; and for those attending these programs
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and personal safety needed to govern effectively
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones
• Larry Cady and his family – Larry is now in hospice care
• Those dealing with cancer: 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: Loren Speer; Gordie Van Buren; Dawn Van Buren; Matt; Vivian Williams; Blanche Rogers; Esther Baker; Stacey Baker; Elize Visser’s mother’ Irene Smith; John Hodgson; Karina Speer; Jack Taylor; Marie; Dorothy Novak; Christophe; Kris Morgan; Blanche Rogers; Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Emese; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga; Earl Ennis
• 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.

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 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 9
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room

Mon., January 10 7:00 pm Consistory meets

Tue., January 11
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., January 13 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

Fri., January 14 9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets

Sun., January 16
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Ordination & installation of newly-elected Consistory officers
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room

Tue., January 18 Deadline for January Angel Food Orders

Sat., January 22 11:30 – 12:30 Angel Food Distribution, @KRC

Servers Next Sunday, January 16, 2010
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Dolly Petith
Nursery: Claudia March