Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. July 17, 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 we invite you to fellowship with us and enjoy refreshments served by Nancy Call at our Lemonade Stand on the front lawn of the church following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Chuck Rothermel, Bill Schneider, Andrew Welcome, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Glenn and Cricket Warren
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Sara Hartman supervising.
Flowers are given today by Harriet Simpkins.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on Psalm 84.
ALL: How lovely is the dwelling place of God, the Lord of all.
PASTOR: My soul longs to be at home with God,
to sing with joy in honor of the Creator.
ALL: We are blessed to be part of God’s household,
belonging to God’s family.
PASTOR: We lean on God for strength;
our hearts are the place of worship and praise.
MEN: A day with God is better than a thousand elsewhere.
WOMEN: I would rather be a servant in God’s house
than the guest of honor in the world’s palaces.
PASTOR: For in God is light and life.
God protects and defends and bestows gifts with generosity.
ALL: Our faith is in the Lord. Blessed are we,
the people and family of God!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #710 We Are Called To Be God’s People
CALL TO CONFESSION
Jesus modeled for us a life of humility and faith and calls us to follow his example. Where have we fallen short of being Christ to the world this week? Let us openly confess our sins together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord we are a proud people. If things are not done in our favor, at our timing, for our good pleasure, then it must be wrong. It is out of our fear, impatience and stubbornness that we make really bad decisions; that not only hurts us but others, and most importantly, our relationship with you. Lord hear the confession of our hearts…
[Moment of Silence]
Lord, wash us with your Word!
For it is in the moments of clarity your Word provides that we see clearly your love for us. We learn anew that you are gracious, compassionate and slow to anger. For this we humbly thank you. Help us, O Lord, to turn from our sinfulness.
[Moment of Silence]
Father, we confess that we forget just how good
the Good News of the Gospel really is.
Give us hearts for the Kingdom. Let us seek only the treasure that comes from knowing you. Thank you for your forgiveness. We are not worthy, but you are merciful, and we are so grateful. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The mercy of God is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, hear the Good News and believe: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and by the Spirit we are empowered to live new lives.
Hallelujah, Amen!
PRAISE SONGS
God’s Word Opened
INVOCATION AND PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Romans 8:18-27 (p. 800)
MESSAGE “In This Hope We Are Saved!”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, the generosity of your Spirit is evident all around us in the diversity and pageantry of your creation. May our giving to your mission and ministry be cheerful, open-handed, and gracious, as we give thanks for our blessings and recognize the needs of this world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #517 The Solid Rock
*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
In the interest of glorifying our Lord through use of the beautiful organ in our sanctuary, Frank Vosburgh has made a very generous donation of $1,200 to pay for the services of an organist on up to 12 separate occasions over the next several months. The Kinderhook Reformed Church Family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Frank for this gift. If others would like to follow Frank’s lead in supporting an organ ministry for our Worship services, additional donations would be most appreciated.
The Reformed Church in America has asked for donations to aid people in tornado-ravaged areas. To send buckets filled with cleaning supplies, as was suggested, is not practical for us, but we would like to add our “Drop In the Bucket” by donating anything our hearts suggest. A bucket for that purpose hangs in the front foyer. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ADD YOUR “DROP IN THE BUCKET”!
Christian Ed Ministry is looking for “fill-in” volunteer teachers and helpers for the Vacation Bible School program August 22 - 26, 9 a.m. to noon each day. For additional information about the positive rewards of serving in this ministry and the relatively small time commitment involved, please see Patti Varga. Forms are available on the back table to pre-register children for this year’s exciting program.
~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT NEEDED~
Youth Group will be in recess for the remainder of the summer, but Christian Ed is looking now for an assistant youth leader, or multiple rotating assistants, for KRC’s youth meetings beginning in the fall. The group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30, and Loren Speer, who has been assisting, will no longer be available due to scheduling conflicts. You are encouraged to pray about being a part of this truly rewarding outreach ministry! If you feel led to assist, please speak to Patti Varga.
KRC’s Youth Group is still accepting donations from Sponsors for their recent 30-Hour famine experience. All proceeds will go to support KRC’s commitment to its Compassion ministry. Donations may be given to a Youth Group representative or placed in the offering plate. Kindly make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church with “30-our Famine” on the memo line. If you would like to continue to support Compassion with coin-box donations, boxes are still available on the back table. If you have not yet turned in your filled coin box, please do so.
If you are willing to offer your services to the Lemonade Stand ministry during the month of August, please contact Sally Heimroth, 784-3164.
You are invited to pick up your family’s copy of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY from the back table today. This easy-to-read publication features Bible-based articles of good counsel and practical advice especially relevant to families raising children or grandchildren, along with other features of general interest. A new edition will be available to you each month.
~ COMMUNITY EVENTS ~
CLOTHING BARN
The North Chatham United Methodist Church’s Clothing Barn, offering good, used clothing at reasonable prices, is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month through September. It will close with the Lord’s Acre Auction on October 15. Donations of good used clothing are always welcome – call 766-3925 for information.
MINI-MARKET AND CHICKEN BARBECUE
Cleaning out your attic or storage unit? Had a garage sale and now have items not sold? Should have had a sale but didn't? The Reformed Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its Annual Mini-Market and Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, August 13. If you would like to donate items for the Mini-Market, call 732-7976 or 732-2471 to arrange for drop-off of items.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Funeral for a Church
On Sunday March 13, 2011, the Leeds Reformed Church (1734) closed its doors for good. The Classis of Columbia-Greene celebrated with the few remaining members its highs and lows in ministry at a closing service on Tuesday, June 28. Indeed it was the funeral of a Church and a sad, sad experience! The decline of a church in spirit as well as attendance does not happen suddenly. It is a gradual process, influenced by several factors over a period of time. The signs of a dying church can be many and varied, but according to studies done by the guys at churchleaderinsights.com, they usually fall into one of the following categories discussed below.
ATTITUDE
The attitude about the priorities of the church can cause a church to die spiritually. Everyone need not agree on specifics, but if there is a consensus on the fundamental purpose of the church, attitudes will tend to remain upbeat. Dissenters, however, can become negative if they think their opinions are not valued. This negativity can start the decline.
ACRIMONY
Once attitudes take shape, cliques will form that will try to influence others into thinking their way or taking a stand on issues ranging from style of worship, music, and leadership positions, to staffing requirements. If members cannot listen to each other and respect everyone else's points of view, resentment builds and relationships become strained. This leads to confrontation and angry words.
AMBIVALENCE
When differing groups side against each other, ambivalence can take over. Members who are undecided on an issue, or those who may be considering joining the church, will become uneasy in the midst of turmoil. This tension-filled atmosphere among nervous congregants is another sign that a church is going in the wrong direction.
APATHY
Apathy hurts the growth of a church. When members are comfortable with the long-held customs of worship and don't want to be a part of positive changes, the church will stagnate spiritually and numerically. This attitude can be seen in churches that have little or no outreach to people of differing cultures, races, and values. For many people, their church is a place of solace and a haven for them and people like them.
ATTENDANCE
A decline in attendance results when the majority of people are uncomfortable worshipping in their church because of personality conflicts, policies and procedures, or exclusionary groups. When people stop coming, the lack of interest in ministry and missions affects the influence of the church in the community. The church may still exist with some members, but it is "dying" or even "dead" to people on the outside --the very ones it was supposed to help.
More than any of the signs just mentioned, I fear “Forgetting Why We Are a Church” the most! But if we remember again why we are congregated and called, negative Attitude, Acrimony, Ambivalence, Apathy and declining Attendance will be absent. For “Remembering Why We Are a Church” necessarily means that we must constantly revisit the throne and therefore the presence of the Holy God. This, in turn, means that we will get to know Him better and better, and that we will sound and behave more and more like a people, a body, a congregation that is giving not only ear, but also mind and heart to Matthew 22:37-40 - which is a good place to be when you are in the “church business”!
As you enjoy your summer, think about Him, talk to Him, love Him, and love and regard others and pray for them. To this we are called!
Have a happy July!
Pastor Rudy
Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday celebration
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study; Community Prayer Group; small group ministry
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• A speedy end to the violence and unrest in the Middle East
• Our missionaries and our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the death of 2-day-old Baby Nevaeh; remember also those grieving the recent death of Dot Emrey, 81 - Clark and Dot Emrey, and children Martha and David, were active members of KRC for a number of years before moving from Kinderhook
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Annake Visser, recovering from an intestinal infection - pray for a speedy and complete healing for Anneka, and also for comfort, rest, and renewed strength for Pastor Rudy and Elize
• Angie Rivera Maycole, hospitalized and still in significant discomfort as the strep cellulitis, blood infection, and other related issues she is battling are not responding to treatment as well as expected – pray for quick healing and for reassurance for Angie, and pray also for Florence and Julie as they assist in Angie’s recovery
• Paul Zietsman Sr., hospitalized in South Africa and facing the many challenges of emphysema, an unidentified lung bacteria, and a “worrisome” prognosis - pray also for his wife, Minnie, during this trying time, and for Paul Jr. & Anna-Marie Zietsman dealing with this news of a weakening father 12,000 miles away
• Gordie Van Buren, now at to Barnwell – pray for continued healing, strength, and for an uplift in his spirits and outlook; visits from his KRC family and friends would be good
• Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth, home recovering from treatment for a brain aneurysm - pray also for Sally as she travels to be with Betty and assist her for several days
• Those dealing with cancer: Emese, sister-in-law of Patti Varga; Ginger; Donna Scalera; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Scott Clinton; Ryan; Ryan (Hacker) Morris; Tammy; Florence Kern; Doris Schmieder; Twin babies of Ashley and Mike; Dawn VanBuren; Priscilla Frisbee; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic, expecting a baby girl in early September, Nicole (Baby Arianna), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke), and Luke & Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn)
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Those who are traveling, especially Haley Hickman on a 3-week tour of Europe; and Stacey Baker traveling and studying in France until August 25
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - 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
Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• The great news that Patti Varga’s Uncle Ken Scofield is now cancer free – Patti sends a HUGE thank-you to all who prayed, as this healing is truly a miracle!
• The good report that Angie Maycole’s heart has not been affected by the infection she is fighting, and that the cellulitis rash appears to be somewhat improved
• The encouraging news that Rev. Ron Stockhoff continues to improve following a fall taken several months ago in Florida and the numerous related medical and physical issues that resulted – Ron is walking better (“can make it a couple of times around the block”), and is able to do some driving; Ron is still in need of prayer as he battles a lingering bone infection and faces surgeries on both shoulders in the near future
• Carrington Hessell, whose yearlong tour in Afghanistan is over - Carrington has been reunited with his family in the U.S., and is not expected to have to return to Afghanistan - praises and thanks to God for his safe return
• 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.
~NOTE FROM CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY~
We are getting quite a collection of plates and serving dishes in the kitchen from previous food affairs, and they are taking up valuable space. We will put these in boxes and place them in the vestibule for people to check and see if they belong to them. If not claimed, these items will be donated to charity!
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 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 – ’11 758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis ’12 784-9656
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12 210-6079
Dawn VanBuren, Consistory Vice-President, Worship,
Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 392-4771
KRC STAFF
KRC Secretary Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
COMING EVENTS
Today, July 17
10:00 am Worship
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Tues., July 19
Please note: Youth Group will not meet for the remainder of the summer, and will resume after Labor Day.
Thur., July 21
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
Saturdays, July – October 8
10 am – Noon - Historic Tours of KRC
Thur., July 28
3:00 pm Graveside memorial service for Marge Johnson - reception for
family and friends to follow, KRC Fellowship Room
Mon., August 8
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Mon., August 22 – 26
9 am – Noon daily – Vacation Bible School @ KRC
Sun., September 11
10:00 am Communion Worship
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
12 Noon – Annual Church Picnic at Dawn Tuttle’s home
Servers Next Sunday, July 24, 2011
Ushers: Chuck Rothermel, Bill Schneider, Andrew Welcome, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Merrill and Erika Johnson
Nursery:
Lemonade Stand: Patti Varga
