KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, MARCH 19, 2017

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor             Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

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.

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Announcements, The Lord’s Greeting, and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise

  Scripture Reading                            1 John 2:1-17, and Matthew 5:13-20 (pp. 862, 683)

  Message                                                                                              "Love Made Complete"

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Bob Dreier, Jerry Flansburg.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Susan Patterson.        Nursery facility available downstairs.

Guest Organist, David Smith

Following worship, all are invited downstairs for fellowship and refreshments.

  Prelude   Intermezzo (Andantino) from Sonata No. 4 in a minor, op. 98    Josef Rheinberger    

  Welcome, Announcements and God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship (Responsive)

Loving God, we come to worship today

      because we love you and we want to love you more.

We come to worship needing love in our lives –

love for family, friends, strangers, and enemies.

In this hour of worship, touch our hearts, fill our hearts,

      open our hearts to your love which passes all understanding.  Amen.

*Hymn of Praise #9                                                                            Sing Praise to the Father

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to confession (Responsive)  Based on Daniel 9:4, 5

In the words of Daniel the prophet, let us pray to the Lord our God and confess: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong.

  Prayer of Confession  (Responsive)  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Merciful Father, we confess that we have failed you in many ways, but especially in following the example of true love shown to us through your Son, Jesus.

Because love is patient,

help us to be slow to judge, but quick to listen, hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage, remembering your endless patience with us.

Because love is kind,

help our words to be gentle and thoughtful, and remind us that even small acts of kindness have great potential for good.

Because love does not envy or boast, and is not proud,

help us have hearts that are humble, ready to appreciate the good in others, and eager to celebrate their accomplishments and successes.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking,

help us to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When we’re tempted to get wrapped up in our own personal ambitions, desires, and disappointments, remind us that the bigger world beyond ourselves is full of people with aspirations, needs, and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs,

help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. When we want to hold onto grudges, teach us to release them, and to reach out instead with hands of love.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth,

help us to stand up for what is right and good, to defend the defenseless, and to help the helpless. Give us opportunities and courage to make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts,

help us to be a refuge for those around us.  When the world outside is cold, harsh, and threatening, may our hearts be places of acceptance, warmth, and comfort.

Finally, because love always perseveres,

help us to live faithfully according to the true meaning of love revealed in your Word. May our hearts continually beat with love for you and for others. Amen.                                                Based on a prayer of commitment written by Holley Gerth

   Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) Psalm 103:8-12

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

               Thanks be to God!

Coming before God’s Open Word

   Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Father, bless these children with the knowledge that you have adopted them into the family of Christ with unconditional, measureless love, and in return, may they love you and one another wholeheartedly with the same love. Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Reading                            1 John 2:1-17, and Matthew 5:13-20 (pp. 862, 683)

  Message                                                                                              "Love Made Complete"

  Prayer of Blessing

Celebrating God’s Abundance and Care

  Offering/Offertory            “Adorn yourself, O dear soul” op. 122/5         Johannes Brahms

*Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

  Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Generous God, with this offering we also present to you ourselves: all that we are because of your love, all that we shall become because of your grace, and our resolve to walk in your way.  Accept us and our offering, for Jesus’s sake. Amen. 

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

*Prayer Hymn #297                                                                              Spirit of the Living God

*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                   “O God, Thou righteous God” op. 122/7               Johannes Brahms

~ST. LUKE’S FREE DINNER MINISTRY~

KRC has been greatly blessed by participating in this community ministry twice a year for the past several years.  If you are willing to reserve Tuesday, March 28, 2017, on your calendar to help prepare and serve the free dinner offered at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Valatie, please sign on the sheet available on the back table.

~WORSHIP SERVICES TO BE OFFERED WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT~

Lenten worship services led by Pastor Paige Convis will be offered each Wednesday through April 6 on a rotating basis at the Muitzeskill, Stuyvesant, and Kinderhook, Churches.  Each service will include a simple soup supper at 6 p.m. followed by Worship from 6:45 – 7:15. The March 22 service will be held at Kinderhook.  March 29 and April 5 services will be held at Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant respectively. In addition to these services, a Communion Worship will be held on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. at Muitzeskill, and a Good Friday Worship will be held at 3 p.m. at KRC.

Maureen Mooney (5^th), Stan Bertram (12^th), Nancy Call (14^th),

Greg Clause (19^th), Emily Wood (20^th), Beth Ennis (30^th),

 Paul Zietsman (31^st).

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.
• Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as she fulfills her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; Adult and Children’s Sunday School; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the new government officials now in office, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal 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, especially Jason Lansing serving in South Korea.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: famine, earthquakes, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially Noreen Dick, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Alan Dick. 
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.
• Sara Hartman, now at home and doing better in her recovery from pneumonia.
• those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Jeff, friend of the Bakers; J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Jay, Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Keith Niver; Jim Van Deusen, friend of the Vargas; Betty Osborn Darla and Jill; Lennox; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
• those who are traveling, especially Pastor Visser and family as they with family and friends in South Africa.
• others facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Brianna; Libby (Little) Saxton; Corrie Shattenkirk, relocating back to this area from Omaha, Nebraska; Cydney Rippel, Carly Rippel, Greg Clause Jr., and others as they face the
• challenges of a higher level of education or seek a career; Vince Beaudoin; the alarming epidemic of heroin addicts.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill: Maureen Mooney; Nancy Stewart; Rick Scalera.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe.

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, and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
• 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.
• new KRC members recently received into fellowship. Please lift them up in your prayers as they join with us in ministry and fellowship.
• this happy update from Dave and Beth Ennis on their daughter, Kara:                                  

​ Dear Prayer Partners:                                                                                                

We would like to share some good news, which will need to be confirmed @ Dana Farber in Boston. Our daughter's (Kara's) Albany oncologist has reviewed her surgical pathology report and told us that results showed an atypical benign tumor. We feel greatly relieved!  The power of prayer is real!  Thank you everyone for your prayers, cards, and words of encouragement during this difficult time.

                                                                       Blessings to all, Dave and Beth

• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so willingly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly and selflessly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
• His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

Non-perishable foods always popular at the Pantry are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti/spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake and brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $88.50 (down 43¢ 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 just $2.21 per week for the remaining weeks (40) in this year. Please clearly 
designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.”  

                                      ~2017 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT DISTRIBUTION ~

         General Synod:     $52.23   (Down $1.48 from 2016)

Albany Synod:       $30.00   (Up $1 from 2016)

C.  G.   Classis:          $6.27   (Up $0.05  from 2016

                                  2017 TOTAL:              $88.50   (Down $0.43 from 2016)x

~PROPERTY MINISTRY WINDOW PROJECT COMPLETED~

The Property Ministry reports that the windows and screens to enclose the porch at the parsonage have now been installed and have made a really noticeable difference in the temperature and comfort level not only in the kitchen but also in the additional room at the back of the house that abuts the porch. The cost came in at just under $3000.00.  Donations toward this project will be most gratefully accepted as we give thanks for another needed improvement that has been completed.. 

KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick – ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Tana Thompson – ’17  Property  . . . . . . . . . . . 392-3312  tanastrome@gmail.com

Elders

Merrill Johnson – ’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga – ’17  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel, Clerk. . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

KRC TREASURER

Derick LaTorre – 376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com

                                             KRC STAFF

                KRC Office Manager              KRC Office Assistant          

            Paul Clause – 859-4158      Courtney Wood – 784-2134

                   KRC Sexton                 KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

           Greg Clause Jr – 653-2786       Greg Clause – 369-8472 

COMING EVENTS

Today, March 19 - Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

    10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

Tues,  March 21

      7:00 pm  Youth Group meets @KRC

Wed,  March 22  Lenten Fellowship & Worship with Pastor Paige @KRC

      6:00 pm  Soup supper; 6:45 – 7:15 pm  Worship

Thur, March 23

      9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible-based study @KRC:

              Group continues a new Bible study, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

      7:00 pm  Bible study group meets, KRC main floor Conference Room

Sun,  March 26 - Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

    10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

Mon,  March 27

      6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues,  March 28

      5:30 KRC volunteers cook, set up, and serve St. Luke’s outreach dinner

                   Please Note:  Youth Group will not meet March 28.

Wed,  March 29  Lenten Fellowship & Worship with Pastor Paige @Muitzeskill

      6:00 pm  Soup supper; 6:45 – 7:15 pm  Worship

Thur, March 30

      9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible-based study @KRC:

              Group continues a new Bible study, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

      7:00 pm  Bible study group meets, KRC main floor Conference Room

Sun,   April   2 - Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

      8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

    10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

Servers Next Sunday, March 26
 

Ushers:  Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Bob Dreier

Greeter(s):