Kinderhook Reformed Church, Sunday, July 29, 2018
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudolph Visser, Pastor
Rev. Derek DeJager, Visiting Pastor
Welcome visitors! Please fill out a visitor’s pew card and place it in the offering plate.
9:00 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Following worship, all are invited for refreshment and fellowship at the lemonade stand
hosted by Donna Flansburg outside on the front lawn.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett.
Thanks to today’s greeter.
Nursery facility available downstairs.
Prelude Partita “In God, my faithful God” Dietrich Buxtehude Allemande, Sarabande, Courante
Drawing Near to God
Welcome, Announcements
Call to Worship (Responsive) From Psalm 27
LEADER: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
PEOPLE: The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
LEADER: One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after:
PEOPLE: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
LEADER: to behold the beauty of the LORD,
PEOPLE: and to inquire in his temple.
LEADER: I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
PEOPLE: Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
LEADER: wait for the LORD!
PEOPLE: Wait for the LORD!
*Song of Praise (Screen) In Christ Alone
Allowing God to Shape Us
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Heavenly Father, in our haste to find security, we often lose sight of your kingdom. In fearing what we assume the future holds, we forget that you hold the future. Forgive us, O God, for expecting from the powers of the world what only the love of your Son can bring to pass, and help us to see that little is much when we entrust it all to you. Grant us a vision of your kingdom that is even now coming among us in the glory of your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon Romans 8:26-27
In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Coming Before God’s Open Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lessons Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13
Message “Learning How to Pray”
Prayer of Thanks
Prayer Hymn of Response #532 Be Thou My Vision
Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Acknowledge Christ as Their Savior:
"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins. I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. In your name I pray. Amen."
Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance
Offertory/Offerings and Tithings Allegro from Suite in d minor, HWV 436 G. F. Handel
*Doxology #809 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Generous God, you have given us life, a place to live in, and people to live with. Open our eyes to each other and to all our brothers and sisters, especially to poor, the oppressed, the alienated. Make us humble enough to help and comfort them, so that your love and justice and peace may come to them. We make bold to consecrate ourselves and our gifts to you and to the service of others, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer and Praise Requests and Pastoral Prayer
*Song of Assurance #493 I Know Whom I Have Believed
*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 Partita “In God, my faithful God” Dietrich Buxtehude Gigue
Our new church family directories have arrived and are on the back table! If you had pictures taken, please pick up your free directory and check your name off the list. If you did not have pictures taken, you are welcome to take a copy without charge, but if you are able, free-will donations designated “Directory” would be much appreciated and may be dropped into the offering plate to help cover printing costs.
A Congregational Meeting is planned for NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, following worship. The Church Family Ministry is organizing a potluck brunch for the meeting, and if you are willing to contribute food items to the brunch menu, please sign-up on the sheet available on the back table.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Our offering last Sunday was $1,856.50. For most of the past several Sundays contributions have fallen several hundred dollars below the $3,200 needed weekly to cover KRC’s daily operating expense.
This has resulted in a current shortfall of nearly $4,000 in required resources:
Income-to-date: $93,191 - Expenses-to-date: $96,865
Stewardship Ministry asks that everyone prayerfully consider how they might adjust their giving so we can avoid falling further behind and having to tap into our very limited reserves to meet budgetary obligations.
Many thanks to those who have recently made substantial gifts toward bringing our income into line with expenses, and to our regular contributors who have “doubled up” on their giving to cover the Sundays they missed.
Inspired by the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!
Sally Heimroth (3rd), Patrice Lyons (5th), Jay Rippel, (6th), Will Ferguson (7th),
Dick Van Alstyne (13th), Ted Tuttle (18th), Pat Arnold (26th),
Pat celebrates her 91st birthday! Glenn Warren (26th), Carien Zietsman (28th),
Patti Varga (30th), Stacey Dunbar (31st)
JAN DE BOER, BURGEMEESTER OF BUREN, NETHERLANDS,
TO VISIT KINDERHOOK
From July 30 to August 4, Jan de Boer, the Burgemeester of Buren, the Netherlands, will be visiting Kinderhook. There are at least 3 events involving Kinderhook Reformed Church planned in commemoration of this special occasion:
MONDAY, JULY 30, MID-AFTERNOON WALKING TOUR OF THE VILLAGE
The tour will include a stop at the Kinderhook Reformed Church. Bonnie Dunham will be available at the church, if needed, to provide some of the church history and show the Burgemeester (mayor) pertinent old records, including some related to Martin Van Buren.
TUESDAY, JULY 31, 9:30 AM, DEDICATION OF THE SISTER-CITY TREE
Martin Van Buren Gravesite, Kinderhook Cemetery
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 9 AM TO 12:30 PM “WHERE'S MARTY?”
SCAVENGER HUNT FOR KIDS
Kinderhook Reformed Church will be included in the hunt, and Bonnie plans to be at the church to provide the kids with some of the church’s history especially relative to Martin Van Buren.
LOOKING AHEAD
~ANNUAL RISE AGAINST HUNGER MEAL PACKAGING EVENT~
Dear KRC Family and Friends:
I am writing to you today to invite you to be part of a life-giving event, our 4th annual Rise against Hunger meal packaging event Saturday, September 8, 2018, from NOON to 3 pm at the former Martin H Glynn School Building, Church Street, Valatie. You may have participated in some fashion in the past, or maybe this is the first time you are hearing about it.
This multi-generational event has packaged more than 50,000 meals over the years, and we will package another 20,000 or more this year. We have set a goal of $5,800 to pay for all those meals. That’s right, for about 29¢ we are able to feed a hungry person! These simple rice, vitamin, soy, and dried vegetable meals are packaged and then sent off to feed a family of six somewhere in the world, including in our own country when disaster strikes.
In addition, we have watched as members of our community come together to package these life-giving meals, and we have seen the friendships made, the laughter, and the energy that grows around the tables as everyone works with a common goal of helping those in need. It is truly a life-giving and transforming ministry, and I invite you to be part of it.
There are three ways you can become involved, and each is vital to the success of this ministry:
· Pray for those who are hungry around the world and for those who will come and pack meals on September 8.
· Make a donation. $8.70 feeds someone for a month. $105.85 provides someone with food for a year! All donations will make a difference. We thank you in advance for any monetary donation you can provide. Checks can be mailed to Kinderhook Reformed Church with RAH in the memo line, or look for donation jars around town. To allow us to plan properly, please mail in any donations by August 31.
· Join us on September 8th at the former Martin H Glynn School gymnasium to package the meals and experience this life-giving opportunity for yourself! We will be there from noon until we finish around 3 pm. You’re welcome to help with set-up at 11 am or to stay after 3 pm for cleanup as well. Wear a hat (unless you love hair nets!) and please RSVP to let us know you’re coming.
You can use this link to register and donate online:
https://shn.secure.force.com/events/homepage?id=701f1000002pCYGAA2
Make it a family outing, invite friends and neighbors, and encourage your church or organization to donate toward our goal and to put a packing team together. Remember, many hands make light the work. We need at least 100 volunteers to make this event happen! My prayer is that you will help us do that. In advance, I thank you for your support in this ministry.
Peace,
Pastor Rudy Visser
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will hold its annual Mini-Market Saturday, August 11. The Mini-Market opens at 9:00 a.m., while the BBQ will be served between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. BBQ price: adults $12.00, children under 12 $6.00. Reservations are not needed, but BBQ is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Take out is available. Questions? Call 732-2471. The church is located at the intersection of Muitzeskill Rd. and Schodack Landing Rd., in the town of Schodack Landing.
The church is in need of a full-size, 4-drawer, fire-proof filing cabinet for storing irreplaceable historic documents. Please contact Bonnie Dunham or Dolly Petith if you know where such a cabinet might be available.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family.
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, Derek DeJager, and others who lead KRC worship from time to time.
• this happy update from Jane Deane: I would like to thank everyone for praying for our seven-year-old granddaughter, Gracie, who has been suffering from chronic stomach aches. After a couple of months of many tests, it was found that she has an allergy to milk protein, which can be treated through dietary restrictions. I truly appreciate all of the prayers for a positive outcome with Gracie's health issues!
Praises to our Lord for his loving care!
Jane
• the good news that the serious issue facing Charles, member of Thursday Morning Bible Study, has been resolved positively in his favor! Charles is very grateful for your prayers.
• the successful mission and safety of the REACH team kids and chaperones as they provided practical service recently to needy families of New Berlin, New York.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
Outreach Ministry is asking that those who submit a prayer request to KRC’s family and friends also inform us if they know of any additional material or physical needs, beyond the initial prayer request, that we might be able to meet. We would love the opportunity to engage with those in need of prayer in tangible ways as well, such as with meals, emergency monies, a ride, a listening ear, a visit, childcare - to name a few. Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call (518) 859-4158.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities.
• Pastor Rudy, as he fulfills his ministerial duties.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects, and those planning & administering them as they seek new directions and God’s wisdom and blessing in moving our church toward a greater and more effective impact on our surrounding communities: KRC’s Consistory, especially newly installed officers, Jane Deane, Jean Hacker; Susan Patterson, and Deborah Spaulding; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; VBS 2018; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday Free Community Dinner; and other outreach programs.
• the complete our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the government officials now in office, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies; those suffering economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, war, displacement, gun violence, and terrorism.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially family and friends grieving the recent loss of Virginia Rothermel.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the loss of loved ones.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for those nearing the close of this life.
• Kara, daughter of Dave and Beth Ennis, undergoing biopsy this coming Tuesday following discovery of growths that doctors feel are most likely benign.
• Dave Ennis, diagnosed through routine blood work with a chronic form of leukemia. Dave is experiencing no symptoms, and with treatments currently available, the prognosis is that the disease can be successfully managed for between ten and twenty years. Please pray that Kara, Dave, and their families will experience God’s presence, reassurance, and peace during these unsettling times.
• Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller, Fort Myers, Florida, Police Department, who suffered a serious gunshot wound to the head while answering a call to a gas station. Adam underwent emergency surgery, which indicated the bullet passed through parts of his brain that are the least likely to cause catastrophic damage, but he remains unconscious in critical but stable condition. His suspected attacker is in custody. Please pray for God's healing and full recovery for Adam, and also for reassurance and comfort for his wife, family, and friends at this uncertain and difficult time. Adam and his sister are friends of Holly, daughter of Joan and Paul Clause, and her husband, Marc Morales.
• Jane Stutzman, 85, sister of Paul Clause, hospitalized in Mechanicsburg, PA, with a broken hip suffered in a fall at her church this past Sunday. Praise God, Jane's doctor was able to perform a less-invasive repair of her hip instead of a full replacement, and that she is in good spirits and in no significant pain. Prayers for God's healing and for a complete and speedy recovery for Jane will be greatly appreciated.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: 12-year-old Issy Kwei; Bill Nieman; Ben Kissel; Jean Hacker; Carol, future daughter-in-law of Erika & Merrill Johnson; Freya, Patti Varga’s aunt; Friend of Erika Johnson; Judy Alvarez; Charles Roppolo; Terri; Michael, brother of Mary Jane Haywood; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B.; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Sal; George Graham; Pete McCardle; Fred Borrelli, Merrill Johnson.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy and Jim Baker caring for their aging parents.
• those who are traveling, especially Paul and Joan Clause and family.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Kim Panting, her daughter, and her foster daughter; Vickie Metzger, 98, Nancy Baker's mother; Brianna; our students as they deal with the challenges facing them at the close of this school year, including college and career choices, and job searches; Greg Clause Jr.; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs. Libby Little-Saxton, working with Afghan refugees.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;
Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson
Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany
Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Child, Evelin Chuquinia, 19
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
The Silvas, RCA missionaries, Hungary
Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas
Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD
IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.
CLASSIS ASSESSMENT
Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $94.68 (Up $6.18 from last year). 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 about $4.30 per week for the remaining weeks (22) in this year. Please clearly designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.”
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 518-859-4158.
Church Phone 518-758-6401 Church Fax 1-518-758-6402
KRC 2018 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Noreen Dick – ’18 Church Family. . . . . . . . 518-758-6640 noreend122@twc.com
Susan Patterson – ’19 Property. . . . . . . . . . 518-755-4909 patterss@strose.edu
Beth Anne Rippel – ’18 Stewardship. . . . . . 518-392-5044 barippel@yahoo.com
Deborah Spaulding – ’19 Outreach. . . . . . . 518-758-7316 ber00519@fairpoint.net
Elders
Jane Deane – ’19 Christian Ed., Cemetery. . 518-758-7051 jdeane1943@gmail.com
Jean Hacker – ’19 Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-758-9412 jch9412@aol.com
Merrill Johnson – ’18 Worship. . . . . . . . . . . 518-828-6726 docjohnson36@gmail.com
Dawn Van Buren – ’18 Consistory Vice-President, Cemetery, Pastoral Relations,
Personnel. . . . . . . . . 518-758-7564 dawnandleo@fairpoint.net
Clerk of Consistory
Patti Varga – 518-755-3054 patvarga66@gmail.com
KRC TREASURER
Derick LaTorre – 518-376-1882 derick.latorre@gmail.com
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 518-859-4158 Courtney Wood – 518-852-7172
KRC Sexton KRC Cemetery Supervisor
Steven Green – 518-505-4918 Greg Clause – 518-369-8472
COMING EVENTS
Today, July 29
9:00 am Worship Service
Mon, July 30
11:00 am – 1:00 pm KRC assists with Ichabod Crane students’ summer
lunch program at the First Presbyterian Church, Valatie.
Mon, July 30 – Saturday, August 4
Jan de Boer, Burgemeester of Buren, Netherlands, will be visiting Kinderhook. There are at least 3 events involving Kinderhook Reformed Church
planned in commemoration of this special occasion:
Mon, July 30, Mid-afternoon walking tour of the village
Tues, July 31, 9:30 am, Dedication of Sister-City Tree, MVB gravesite
Sat, August 4, 9 am - 12:30 pm “Where's Marty?” kids’ scavenger hunt
Wed, August 1
7:00 pm Bible Study w/Jean Hacker
Thur, August 2
9:00 am Small Group Bible study @KRC
Group continues its study, The Holy Spirit – Please join us!
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @KRC8
Fri, Ausust 3
6:00 pm First Friday free community dinner – Doors open at 5:30.
Sun, August 5
9:00 am Worship Service
Brunch and Congregational Meeting is planned following August 5 Worship.
Sat, August 11 Muitzeskill Reformed Church Annual Mini-Mart & BBQ
Mon, August 13
6:30 pm Consistory Meets
Mon – Fri August 20 – 24
9:00 – Noon Vacation Bible School - Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus
Sat, September 8
Noon – 3 pm Rise Against Hunger meal-packaging event,
Gymnasium, Former M H Glynn School, Church Street, Valatie
Servers Next Sunday, August 5, 2018
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, and Glenn Warren
Greeter(s):
Sermon Notes
“Learning How to Pray”
Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13
