Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. June 5, 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: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Wayne and Sally Heimroth
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Nikki Barmen supervising.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
GOD’S GREETING
God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Adapted from Psalm 68:32-35
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.
To him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God.
Whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens.
You, God, are awesome - in you we find our sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!
*HYMN #258 Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise
CALL TO CONFESSION Based on Hebrews 4:14, 16
Seeing that we have a great High Priest who has entered the inmost heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us therefore approach the throne of grace with fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need. In the strength of this assurance, let us confess our sins to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive) Based on Psalm 106
O Lord, we have put you to the test; we have not believed your promises or remembered your many miracles and kindnesses.
Holy God, we have rebelled against you, and have turned to other sources to sustain us. Instead putting our faith in you, we have made gods of our own inadequate abilities, possessions, and resources. Instead of seeking after your righteousness, we have done as we pleased and willfully pursued fulfillment of our own desires. We have provoked you with our proud attitudes and self-centered deeds; and we have wasted away in our sin.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Save us, O Lord our God.
Renew us with the righteousness of your Son, Jesus, who now sits in heaven at your right hand advocating for us; humble and sanctify us for service to you through the power of the Spirit of Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive) 1 John 1:7, 8
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Praise God for the fellowship we have with him and with one another
through the blood of Christ which purifies us from all sin.
*PRAISE SONGS Ascended into Heaven, I Exalt Thee
PRAYER BLESSING for CHILDREN (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
Heavenly Father, shape these children into the likeness of your glorified Son, Jesus Christ. Guard them from the evils of this world, and renew them day by day. Bring them ever closer to Christ’s perfection, and clothe them in his righteousness. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE TEXT Acts 1:6-14 (p. 770)
MESSAGE “Celebrating Ascension Day”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children Celebrating Him
SACRAMENT of COMMUNION
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Heavenly Father, with glad and eager hearts we lay our offerings before you. Sanctify them for the purpose of bringing honor to the name and person of Christ, alive and glorified in heaven; and for the purpose of increasing his kingdom on earth. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #720 Christ, Whose Purpose Is to Kindle
*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
PLEASE NOTE: Consistory has accepted the nomination of Dave Ennis
to serve the 6 months remaining in Ann VanBuren’s term as Elder.
JUNE 7, GARDEN WORKSHOP
Kerry Mendez of Perennially Yours will be the leader of this workshop hosted by Evangelism Ministry on Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 - 8 pm. Please pick up a flyer from the back table for more details, and plan to participate in this informative presentation.
JUNE 11, KRC’S PLANT SWAP/SALE AND BAKE SALE
Contributions from your garden and kitchen would be most welcome for this annual event sponsored by Evangelism Ministry, Saturday, June 11, 9 am to Noon. See Maureen or Lori for more information.
JUNE 12, SUNDAY SCHOOL YOUTH CELEBRATION
AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
We will be celebrating KRC’s Sunday School youth and staff Sunday, June 12, during Worship. Immediately after Worship, a brunch will be served followed by a congregational meeting. Please plan to attend and be a part of these events.
Today is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members
~“SHARE THE WOOL,” A PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY~
Share the Wool has been active at St. Paul’s Church, Kinderhook, since October of 2009. During that time we have made upwards of 60 shawls, throws, and scarves to be given to people who are ill; to people who have a family member who is very ill or has recently died; to those leaving home for school or who are off to other places and ventures; to new mothers and their babies; and to those celebrating other joyful times and events.
We have people from four area churches working on projects: St. Luke’s (Valatie), St. Paul’s, St. John the Evangelist (Stockport), and Kinderhook Reformed. We meet Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 12:30 at the McNary Center, Classroom 3, and enjoy each other’s company as we pray and work on our various projects. If someone is not able to come every week, they can work at home. Many of us work at home as well.
All of our yarn, gift bags and paper, storage bags, and some crochet hooks and knitting needles have been donated by many people. Last Christmas we sent 35 scarves, made mostly by Christine, to children at her son’s school in Columbus, Ohio. The students are placed by the court in this school and have had difficult lives so far. They were extremely appreciative of the scarves. Many of the people who have been given one of our gifts have written to thank us and express their gratitude. These responses remind us of our blessings, too, and inspire us to work harder to create more of these items.
We would welcome more participants in our venture. We will teach you how to knit or crochet if you don’t know how, and we will help you recall the skill if you haven’t used it in a while. So if you’d like to join us, we’d be glad to have you. If you have any questions or would like to join us, please email or phone any of our members. Laura Lane, Coordinator
St. Paul’s
Laura Lane LMLane@nycap.rr.com 758-7271, cell: 929-1071
Mary Phillips phillips@fairpoint.net 758-1412
MaryAnne Russo jrusso30@nycap.rr.com 336-4341
Sue Hopkins sue0217@taconic.net 766-2108 766-2652
Cathy Nusca cnusca@earthline.net
Kinderhook Reformed:
Birgitta Sherman birgittaelsa@yahoo.com 755-3503
St. Luke’s: Christine Kulisek ekulisek@aim.com 758-7161
St. John the Evangelist, Stockport Lois Pullen 758-1617
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
• Safe travels for the Schubert Family
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
•
• The excellent report from Dave and Beth Ennis that their daughter, Kara Ennis Mobley, successfully completed her 6th and hopefully last reconstruction surgery; in addition, all scans were negative – praise God for this wonderful news and many thanks for your prayers!
• 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
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
• New 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 Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group
• 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; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those who have lost loved ones, suffered personal injury, and lost homes and businesses in the recent tornado disasters
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Earl Johnson and family grieving the recent death of Earl’s wife, Marge; John and Sara Schubert and family grieving the recent death of John’s mother, Florence; and the Martinez Family and friends at the loss of Linda Martinez, friend of Patti and Paul Varga
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Ryan, recovering from recent brain surgery
• Rachael, granddaughter of Paul and Joan Clause, recovering from pneumonia
• Ginger, sister of Bill Nieman, diagnosed this past week with a stage 4 brain tumor
• Others dealing with cancer: Ken Scofield; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh; Walt; Joe; Jennifer Kline; Julie’s aunt; Dave’s wife; Connie; Carin; Donna Scalera
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Priscilla Frisbee; Gordie VanBuren; Faity Tuttle; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Dawn VanBuren; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues, especially Ashley & Mike, expecting twins in June who may be born with possible medical problems; 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
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• 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; Dave and Beth Ennis would like to announce that their daughter, Kelly Ennis Babic, and husband Brad, are expecting a baby girl in early September - please keep them in your prayers; first-time parents, Nicole (Baby Arianna), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke); Luke & Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) & Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling, especially Stacey Baker traveling and studying in France - Stacey will not be returning home until August 25
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; Carrington Hessell; 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
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.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Putting the Emphases where It Belongs!
As flooding and severe weather continues and tornadoes cause destruction in the Southern and Midwestern United States, I hear of more and more people who fear the end of the world is at hand. Frankly, being ready for the end of the world that is at hand because God says so, and fearing that the end of the world is at hand and rushing around selling all you possessions and giving up your children’s collage funds, are two very different things. The Bible is clear about two things in this regard. Plainly said, He is coming and no one knows when He is coming. For believers this is good news, and we need not fear the coming of the Lord. Fearing the Lord, not the coming of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom Proverbs 9:10 says.
When reading Luke 21:25-28, the alarmist emphasizes verses 25-26. Prophets emerge from everywhere, capturing all who are willing to listen. They preach destruction, fuel fear, and call it evangelism. The believer focuses on verses 27-28, and with a glad heart awaits the glory of God, stands up, and with eyes on high prays, Maranatha, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.” – 1 Corinthians 16:22, Philippians 4:5, and Revelation 22:20.
Towards the end of the month we will be hearing the Word of God on this topic, so . . . be ready for it. Before we get to the End-of-the-World sermon, we will be celebrating Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Father’s Day.
Christians observe Christ’s ascension on Ascension Day, which this year will be on June 2. KRC will celebrate Christ’s ascension during our worship time on June 5th. Our sermon schedule for June looks as follows.
June 5 Acts 1:6-14 Celebrating Ascension Day
June 12 John 7:37-39 Pentecost
June 19 Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Father’s Day
June 26 Matthew 24:36-51 The End of the World is Nigh
Our congregational meeting, pancake breakfast, plant swap, and bake sale activities will also be taking place this month, and we hope you will be able to join us for all these events. As always, and especially with the upcoming summer vacation, you are asked to be faithful, if possible, with your tithing even for those Sundays that you cannot make it to church.
I would like to leave you with the following three scriptures for this month: First, in the light of the doomsday prophet’s messages, Isaiah 31:13, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” and 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Secondly, in the light of the pain and annihilation caused by nature and natural phenomena in the Heartland of our nation. Romans 8:35 and 38-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? . . . For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I pray that, as we grow together in Christ and His guidance through the Holy Spirit, and as we gladly await His second coming, we will glorify Him in all we do.
Pastor Rudy
~ BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, MAY 2011~
Income, May 1 to 28, 2011 $11,157
Bills Paid, May 1 to 28, 2011 $12,530
Current Checkbook Balance $1,858
Outstanding Bills --
Ministry Expenses $1,570
Pastoral Services and Personnel $1,890
Classis Assessment, Quarter 2 $1,678
TOTAL Outstanding Bills $5,138
General Reserves Investment Account Balance, May 1 $40,302
Benevolent Fund Available Balance $1,658
Renovation Fund Available Balance $5,489
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
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, June 5
10:00 am Worship and last session of regular Sunday School Classes
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Tues., June 7
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
6:30 pm Garden Workshop with Kerry Mendez of Perennially Yours
Thur., June 9
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
Sat., June 11
9:00 am – Noon KRC Plant Swap/Sale and Bake Sale
Sun., June 12
10:00 am Worship and celebration of Sunday School youth and staff
Please Note: Sunday School will be in summer recess after June 12.
11:00 am Brunch and Congregational Meeting
Please Note: Adult Bible Study will not meet June 12.
Tues., June 21
6:00 pm Property Ministry meets
Wed., June 22
7:00 pm Interfaith Baccalaureate Service, St. John’s, Valatie
Servers Next Sunday, June 12, 2011
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Sunday School Students
Nursery:
