Kinderhook Reformed Church

KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE JULY 12, 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.

9 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  All are invited to refreshments and fellowship at the Lemonade Stand hosted today by Jane Deane on the front lawn of the church following worship.

Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Jonathan Pratt

  Greeter(s): The Visser Family                         Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

Guest Organist: David Smith

  Prelude     Partita on “In my beloved God I trust” D. Buxtehude;  Andantino  Edwin H. Lemare

  Announcements

  Welcome and God’s Greeting

  Drawing Near To God

  Call to Worship (Responsive)  Based on Psalm 25

Enter into the house of the Lord, lift up your souls, and trust in him.                          

Our trust is in you, O God, our Savior. 

Show us this day your paths and teach us your truth.

Enter into the house of the Lord to remember his goodness, mercy, and love.

Our refuge is in you, O God, our Redeemer.  

Guide us this day in what is upright and good.

Enter into the house of the Lord, and he will renew his covenant with us.  

Our hope is in you, O faithful God. 

Remind us this day of your promises and the ways you have chosen for us.

*Hymn of Praise #9                                                                            Sing Praise to the Father

Allowing God to Shape Us

   Call to Confession  Based on Isaiah 45:21-22

 “There is no God apart from me,” says the Lord.  “I am a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.  Seek after me, for I am God, and there is no other.  Turn to me and be saved, all of you.”

   Prayer of Confession (Unison)                                                                                                

Almighty and merciful God, we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep and have sinned against you. Because we have followed after our own desires and offended against your laws, our hands and hearts are not clean, and our sin makes us unacceptable in your sight.  O Lord, have mercy upon us. We confess our faults and repent, and ask that you restore us to yourself according to your promises.  Grant that we may live lives of righteousness and purity, and make us fit to stand in your holy presence through the power of your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

   Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)  Based on Isaiah 44:21-23

“Remember these things,” says the Lord.  “You are my servants; I have made you, and I will not forget you.  I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.  Return to me; sing for joy and shout aloud, for I have redeemed you.”

Praise God! We are made holy through Christ our Savior!  Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                                          Psalm 24 (p.392)

  Message                                                         “Clean-handed and Pure-hearted Worship ”

  Prayer of Thanks 

 [Moment of Silent Reflection]

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and I admit that I am not right with you. I repent and ask your forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my offences.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean, Jesus, from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

    Celebrating God

  Offering and Offertory                 “O Christ, You are light and day”                  W. F. Bach

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer  (Unison) 

Almighty God, we praise and honor you, for you are good.  You created us and provided for our every need. When we turned away from you, you reached down to us, purified us through the gift of your Son, and lifted us up to yourself.  You watch over our coming and our going, and your Holy Spirit guides our every step. For your abundant grace we give you thanks, and gratefully offer the gifts of our time, talents, and tithes for your glory. Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer 

*Hymn (Screen)                                                                                     I Need thee Every Hour

*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                                              Forest Music                                              G. F. Handel

KRC family and friends are encouraged to volunteer as front-door greeters for our 9 a.m. combined summer worship service.  A sign-up sheet for this purpose may be found on the back table of the sanctuary, and your willingness to participate in this important ministry is much appreciated.

~NOTE OF APPRECIATION & UPDATE FROM STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY~

Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,

     We truly thank God for the financial support he has enabled each of you to provide to KRC’s general operating budget so far this year.  The blessing of your gifts is deeply appreciated, and has gone a long way toward helping us meet our day-to-day expenses. 

     A recent assessment of exactly how we are doing financially showed that our operating expenses ($92,000 to date) have stayed within the current year’s projected budget.  Income, however, ($87,000 to date) has not quite kept up, leaving us about $5,000 behind.  On average, giving has totaled around $2,600 each Sunday, but at least $3,000 a week is required in order to meet our financial obligations. Considering that our active membership and regular adherents together number over 80, an average increase of $5 each in weekly giving would keep the current shortfall from getting bigger. 

     We are very conscious of the fact that some are unable to manage a full $5 increase, but there may be many others who can do this much, and some who can do even more.  A priority goal for Stewardship is to end the year without having to draw upon reserves to balance the budget, and we would ask that you prayerfully consider how you might be able to respond to help us meet this goal.   

The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will hold its annual Mini-Market and Chicken Barbeque on Saturday, August 8^th. Cleaning out your attic or storage unit and not sure what to do with unwanted items?  Had a garage sale and have items that didn't sell? Should have had a sale, but didn't get around to it? Well, let us help! We will take your donations of unwanted items!  (Please no clothing, stuffed animals, or outdated electronics.) Call 732-7976 or 732-2471 to make arrangements for drop-off of Mini-Market items, and WATCH THIS SPACE for additional information about the Chicken Barbeque.

LOOKING AHEAD

KRC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015

                VBS will run this summer at KRC from AUGUST 17^th to 21^st, 9 am to Noon, with arrival and sign-in at 8:45 to 9 am daily.  All kids of our community ages Pre-K (3 and potty-trained) through Grade 6 are invited to this year’s fun and spiritually-nurturing program.  Forms are now available on the back table for pre-registering your children or grandchildren, and Christian Ed Ministry is looking for VBS volunteers to teach and to help. For information about the positive rewards of serving in this ministry and the relatively small time commitment involved, please speak with Patti Varga.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith,
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s VBS; 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, especially Tom Eastman, fulfilling a tour of military duty in Afghanistan. Pray for Tom's safety, and for his family’s peace & reassurance.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide.
• our state, national, and world 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, especially the Tuttle and Carroll families grieving the death this past Thursday of Faity Tuttle, 104, mother of Ted Tuttle and grandmother of Liz Carroll; Karen, friend of Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, grieving the loss of her husband; Rose Kennedy, family, and friends grieving the loss of Rose's mother, Joan; Joan was Maureen Mooney's aunt.
• a peaceful passing for Marie Milem, grandmother of Derick LaTorre.  Marie is suffering from kidney failure and is expected to pass soon.  Her family is with her, and she is comfortable, at peace, and  ready for her Lord.  
• Priscilla Frisbee, who has taken a turn for the worse. At 97, Priscilla is the oldest living active member of Kinderhook Reformed Church, but her caregivers indicate that she is transitioning into her journey to meet her Lord, and may have only a few days left with us. Pray at this time for peace and comfort for Priscilla and for her family.
• Elizabeth Clinton, mother-in-law of Amy Dick Clinton. Elizabeth has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and is awaiting the next step toward treatment.  Pray for healing for Elizabeth, and for peace, strength, and reassurance for her and for her family during this difficult time.
• Donna Scalera, having a difficult time with the therapies being administered for recurring cancer. Pray for peace and reassurance for Donna, and for a positive outcome to her treatments.
• Zoe Covey and her family as they struggle through Zoe's illness.
• others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer:  2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Charlie Ropollo Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Marlene; Daniel; Andy; Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Jean. 
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Rick Skiermont; Bruce Hawver; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Florence Rivera; Steve Shpur; Carley Rippel; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie Maul.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions:  Caleb; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little; Jean and Evangelique, sponsored Compassion International Children of John & Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; Susan Lamont and her children; Bill and Abby; Greg L; Craig Johnson; those facing the challenges of graduation, beginning a higher level of education, or seeking a career - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices and decisions they face.
• those who are traveling, especially the Clause family.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Forward information, as well as new praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158.

• 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.
• the good news that Stacey Baker is showing some success in overcoming the lingering results of a concussion suffered some weeks ago.  Please continue to keep Stacey in your prayers
• 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.

HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!

Jeff Barmen (2^nd), Edward Bailey (2^nd), Sally Heimroth (3^rd), Virginia Rothermel (3^rd),

Patrice Lyons (5^th), Jay Rippel, (6^th), Will Ferguson (7^th), Haley Hickman (12^th,)

 Dick Van Alstyne (13^th), Ted Tuttle (18^th), Edward Arnold (26^th), Glenn Warren (26^th), Carien Zietsman (28^th), Patti Varga (30^th)

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2015

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,633.28 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in
America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN
SET AT $88.02.  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above 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. If offered weekly,
that’s around $4 for each of the remaining weeks in this year. All contributions made for this purpose should be designated
“Classis Assessment.” 

For those of you who would like to donate flower arrangements for the pulpit in memory of loved ones or in celebration of special occasions, please contact Dawn Van Buren.

COMING EVENTS

Today, July 12  

         9:00 am  Combined Worship Service

       10:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Mon.,  July 13

         6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Tues.,  July 14

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., July 16

         9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Sun.,   July 19  

         9:00 am  Combined Worship Service

       10:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Tues.,  July 21

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Mon.,  July 27

         6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Fri.,    August  7  First Friday Community Potluck Dinner

Mon., August 10  Consistory meets 

Mon. – Fri, August 17 – 21  @KRC

         9:00 - Noon   SonSpark Labs – Gospel Light VBS: JESUS Every Day!

Mon., August 24  Outreach Ministry meets 

Servers Next Sunday, July 19, 2015

       Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Jonathan Pratt

       Greeter(s):  

       Lemonade Stand Host(s):  Sue Patterson

                                             KRC 2015 CONSISTORY

                    Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                           Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16,  Clerk of Consistory / Outreach /  CITV Committee    758-6034

Noreen Dick – ’15,  Church Family   758-6640

Derick LaTorre – ’16,  KRC Treasurer / Stewardship / Cemetery    376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,   Property    758-6512

                                                                                                            Elders

            Merrill Johnson – ‘16,  Worship   828-6726

            Patrice Lyons – ‘16,  Outreach    758-8400

Dawn Van Buren – ‘15,  Personnel / Pastoral Care    758-7564

Patti Varga – ’15  Consistory Vice President / Christian Education / Classis Delegate     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