Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Services

Sunday, July 20, 2014

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  We would like to get to know you better

and 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.  COMBINED CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship at our summer Lemonade    

Stand hosted by Sara Hartman and Sally Heimroth on the front lawn of the church  following today’s Worship Service.

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

  Greeter(s): Sug Hawver       Pre-school Nursery available downstairs.

Guest Organist, David Smith

  Prelude                                   

  Welcome, Announcements

Boldly Approaching our God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  From Psalm 47

LEADER:   Better a day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

CONGREGATION:   I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than live in the tents of the wicked.

LEADER:   For the Lord is a sun and shield.

CONGREGATION:   The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.

*Hymn of Praise #497                                                               Wonderful Grace of Jesus

  Call to Confession

God is holy and He calls us to be holy. Our sinful nature seeks to prevent us from living into that calling. We cannot come before Him without first admitting to Him and to ourselves that we are a sinful people. Fortunately, if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Merciful God, we give You thanks for Your grace which covers us. We confess that we do not always acknowledge and appreciate the gift of that grace. Forgive us and help us to be constantly aware of Your great love for us; not just in the great things that You do for us, but also in the everyday things that we tend to overlook and take for granted. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  Hebrews 4:14-16

We Come before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message

*Prayer Song for Illumination #536                                                Open Our Eyes, Lord

  Old  Testament  Scripture                                                          Hosea 11:1-11 (p. 642)

  New Testament Scripture                                                             John 1:14-17 (p. 750)

  Sermon                                                                                                 "Irresistible Grace"

  Prayer of Blessing

  Affirmation of Faith  (Unison)

    (The Canons of Dort, The Second Main Points of Doctrine, Article 7: Faith God's Gift)

“But all who genuinely believe and are delivered and saved by Christ's death from their sins and from destruction receive this favor solely from God's grace-- which God owes to no one-- given to them in Christ from eternity.”

Celebrating God

  Offering and Offertory                      Verset in F major                 Louis-A.-J. Lefébure-Wély

*Doxology and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

God of infinite grace and renewal, we present these offerings for your blessing.  Through the power of your Spirit and the ministries of this church, use these gifts to break the bondages of sin, spiritual ignorance, complacency, fear, abuse, physical and emotional disease, pain, poverty, hunger, and whatever other disabling burdens we and those around us may be suffering.  Amen. 

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Rejoicing #472                                                      Grace Greater than Our Sin

*Blessing, Benediction, 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                                Postlude in G major (1896)                                 Horatio Parker

SON THE BACK TABLES

● NEW KRC DIRECTORY – Quite a number of directories are still on the back table. They are labeled in alphabetical order by family name, and if you have not yet picked yours up, please remember to do so today.

● VALLEY ENERGY’S CHURCH FAMILY PROGRAM FLYER – Valley Energy is KRC’s heating oil supplier.

● KRC CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES – KRC’s administrative ministries are looking for additional members to assist them in fulfilling their designated functions, and you are urged to prayerfully consider participating in one of these ministries.  Sign-up sheets are available on the back table.  

● COLUMBIA COUNTY ACTIVITY/DINING GUIDE BOOKLETS – Pick up your free copy today from the back table.

● VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORMS & VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEETS

~SEND THE KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL PREPARED~

As you know, many disadvantaged families struggle to provide some essentials for their children, like new school supplies. Stewart's Shops has again generously donated $1,000 to purchase backpacks for Capital City Rescue Mission’s 6th Annual Backpack Giveaway Party in August. But we need your help to fill them! KRC’s Youth Group is collecting school supplies for the rescue mission again this year, and we are asking church family and friends to join us in this effort. Labeled collection containers will be available at the church’s entryways, and OUR DONATIONS NEED TO BE IN THE CONTAINERS NO LATER THAN AUGUST 3rd.  What better way to help school kids than by making sure they are well-equipped as they begin the new school year? Below are some needs to get you started, and gender-neutral supplies are appreciated.  Thanks for your help! 

• 2-pocket folders
• 3-ring binders
• Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled)
• Colored pencils & crayons
• Elmer's glue & glue sticks
• Erasers (all types)
• Markers (all types)
• Marble & spiral notebooks (wide-ruled)
• Pencil sharpeners & pencil cases
• Pencils & pens
• Rulers & scissors (round-tipped)
• Highlighters

EMMANUEL REFORMED HOSTING GIFFY’S CHICKEN BARBECUE

LOOKING AHEAD

KINDERHOOK & MUITZESKILL REFORMED CHURCHES’ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2014

    VBS will run this summer at KRC from AUGUST 18th to 22nd, 9 am to Noon, with arrival and sign-in  at 8:45 to 9 am daily.  We 
are very excited and busy making preparations for the SonTreasure Island theme! Set your sails for Shipwreck Bay! Visitors to 
SonTreasure Island are welcomed by the scent of exotic flowers, the taste of tropical fruits and the captivating sound of island 
music. But this is no ordinary tropical escape! There is treasure to be found here. More precious than gold, more lasting than 
diamonds, it is the greatest treasure of all - God’s love! At SonTreasure Island, treasure seekers will play island games, create 
colorful crafts, and enjoy tropical snacks. But more importantly, they will discover the rich treasure of God’s love through the life 
of Jesus.  

       We hope you'll be able to join us this year, and ask that you register your children as soon as possible to allow us to make 
the necessary arrangements, purchase supplies, etc.  Students ages 3 who are potty trained to those entering grade 8 are 
welcome  to attend.  Students Grade 6 and above are allowed to be helpers if they would prefer to do that, however they still 
need a completed registration form in order to help. REGISTRATION FORMS AND VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEETS MAY BE FOUND 
ON THE BACK TABLE, AND REGISTRATION FORMS MAY ALSO BE PICKED UP AT THE CROSS EYED OWL GIFT SHOP.  Please 
return  completed forms at your earliest convenience to either the church or the Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop.   

        As always, there is no charge to attend VBS here in Kinderhook, but donations to help offset the cost are always welcome.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call the church or contact Patti Varga at any time.  We look forward to seeing many of you in August at SonTreasure Island VBS!

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially: Brian, who is also experiencing disabling health issues; and Craig.
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; VBS; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s 2014 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• Patti Varga and the KRC youth as they prepare for REACH, their mission trip to Cairo, NY, July 20 – 26.  
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies.
• 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,  that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassurance that he is in control.
• 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.
• family and friends grieving the recent death of loved ones.
• comfort for Bev Van Alstyne, nearing the end of her long and difficult illness.  Pray also for God's strength, reassurance, and peace for Dick at this very stressful time.  
• Diane Morgan's mom, Blanch Rogers, recovering from a recent stroke.  Blanche is doing well due to a new drug, but it is not certain how long it will continue to help improve her situation.  Praise God for the dedicated care she received and the quick response her caretakers gave her when they realized she was in distress. Also, prayers for her roommate, who is worried that Blanche is not 'home' with her.  
• Glen, an acquaintance of Barbara Vosburgh, recovering from brain surgery this past Wednesday to remove a tumor. Please pray for his wife and family as well.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness;  chronically ill; or in hospice care: Mimi; Steve Shpur's brother; Harry, Susan Lamont’s cousin; Susan Lamont’s father; 10-year-old Sofia DeLuke; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Sylvia, sister of Susan Lamont; Jane Zanchelli; Kate, sister of Maureen Mooney; A J, son of Susan Lamont; Dawn Tuttle; Doris Schmieder; Baby Ellie LaTorre; Jean Skipper; Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; Maureen Mooney; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Kim Lyle’s grandmother, Linda; Gen Weiland; Harold; Sharon; Kevin; Theresa Van Warner; Rosemary Whitmore & Mrs. Martinez, mothers of Paul Varga's best friends; Steven Blun; Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Guinda Derrico; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Mary Beth Gottshall; Donna Scalera.
• those facing challenges and difficult decisions: Bill and family; Jaime, dealing with a severe social anxiety disorder; Amber and others about to graduate as they make their plans to attend college in the fall; pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many challenges, choices, and decisions that they are facing. Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Jean Brouwer and family; Abby and Bill; Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Alex and his family; mothers and children who have had to leave their homes due to family violence; Christians, wherever they be, who are suffering persecution, Libby Little (COPIES OF LIBBY’S JULY NEWSLETTER ARE AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE.)
• safety for friends and family of Pastor Rudy and Elize in South Africa. Elize's parents were victims recently of an attempted car-jacking as they were vacationing.

• those who are traveling: Stacey Baker, vacationing in Florida through July 14.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members, Gordie Van Buren and Murray Leonardson.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• the encouraging news that Kara Ennis’s doctors have decided that a biopsy is not necessary at this time, and that no additional tests are needed for 6 months.  
• the good news that Stacey Baker has found a rental home as she begins graduate studies in Colorado and has been accepted into a work-study program.  Pray for good relationships among Stacey and her rental partners, and for the Baker family as they move Stacey to Colorado in August.
• 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.
• 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.
• the blessing of times in which families fellowship, grow, give support; and bond together.

2014 GENERAL SYNOD RECAP

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2014

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,728.14 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 $86.79.  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. That’s just $3.00 per week for each week remaining in this year. All contributions for this purpose should be designated, “Classis Assessment.”  

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), Mid Glass (8^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)

• the missions and missionaries supported by KRC: Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan; Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson;  Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission; Alex and Fran Knauss,  Trans-World Radio; Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission; Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary; Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators; Seth and Melissa Rogati, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas; Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission.