Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. March 20, 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: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Bill and Kathy Schneider
Preschool Nursery is available for parental use downstairs.

Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

Boldly Approaching Our God

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Adapted from Isaiah 40:26-28
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?
The Lord, our God. He is the maker of heaven and earth.
He who brings out the starry hosts one by one and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
We praise you, O Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
We worship and welcome you, Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #21 (Verses 1, 2, & 3) How Great Thou Art
CALL TO CONFESSION 1 John 1:5b – 10
SOLO, Deborah Spaulding Lamb of God
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Responsive)
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
We confess we have been careless of the feelings and needs of other
people. We have pridefully imagined our needs to be more important
than those of others. We have been careless stewards of your creation.
We have placed our own interests before anything or anyone else, even
you, our Savior and Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.
We have failed to help the helpless in their need, to defend the
defenseless from attack, and to speak for those who have no voice. You
died and rose again to bring hope to the whole world, but we have
treated the hope within us like a private, personal possession, sharing it
with almost no one.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: grant us peace.
To you, O Lord, we turn for pardon and peace. Grant that we, being
cleansed from all our sin, may serve you in obedience and delight all
our days. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God is with us. God brings us peace and forgiveness. God brings us opportunities - new and fresh every day! Alleluia. Amen.
PRAISE SONGS
 

CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
All-knowing and faithful God, lead our children along paths of righteousness into the places and purposes that you have planned for their lives. May they trust always in your promise and power to guide and direct them in serving you and in bringing blessing to others.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

We Come before God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE TEXT Genesis 12:1 - 9
MESSAGE “Recalling the Call”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
O God, these offering plates contain but a portion of our thanksgiving. The remainder we offer through deeds of loving kindness, through service in the name of Christ, through enactment of the hope born of faithfulness, and because of our reaffirmed call to servanthood. To the grace of your goodness we respond with gratitude, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Glen E. Rainsley, Hear Our Prayer
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN OF AFFIRMATION AND PRAISE #517 The Solid Rock
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE – By the Gift of God’s Grace
By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light,
and your heart with his love be aglow.
May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest,
and may Christ grant you peace as you go. Amen.
POSTLUDE

Kinderhook Reformed Church has joined with Ghent Reformed Church in a 6-week cooperative Lenten study, “40 Days of Purpose,” based on Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Although sessions began at Ghent this past Wednesday evening, it is still not too late to join in and continue each Wednesday through April 20. Kinderhook will be hosting this coming Wednesday, March 23, starting with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by study time from 7 to 8 p.m. Topics remaining to be addressed through short videos, discussions, and workbook activities are: 2. Worship – You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure 2. Fellowship – You Were Formed for God’s Family 3. Discipleship – You Were Created to Become Like Christ 4. Ministry – You Were Shaped for Serving God 5. Evangelism – You Were Made for Mission.

BUFFET BRUNCH AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME AND ENJOY THE GOOD FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP OF A POTLUCK BRUNCH BUFFET NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 27, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP. A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WILL FOLLOW BRUNCH TO BRING OUR CHURCH FAMILY UP TO SPEED ON THE CURRENT OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED PLANS OF SOME OF OUR CHURCH MINISTRIES, AND TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS THAT THE CONGREGATION MAY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN SOME TME SINCE WE HAVE GATHERED FOR CHURCH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP AND A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, AND ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. QUARTERLY MEETINGS ARE BEING PLANNED THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. A SIGN-UP SHEET IS AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO SUPPLY BUFFET ITEMS.

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; Ministry projects
• 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 in the Middle East
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., and Martin
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially: those grieving the death of Roger VanAlstyne; Mark and Fran, whose son was killed while serving his country in war; the Krizar Family grieving the passing of their mother
• Florence Rivera, recovering from a blood infection
• The 13-year-old niece of Ruth Edge, recovering from brain surgery this past Monday
• Aaron, now at home recovering from multiple injuries suffered in a recent auto accident
• Doris Schmieder, suffering sciatica pain and awaiting test results
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Deb Rothermel; Jeffery Smith; Larry Cady; Chuck Shattenkirk; John; Dawn VanBuren; Christophe; Bob Ringen; John Steneck; Ken Smith; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Matt, facing a 50% chance of brain and spinal cancer
• Rick, battling brain cancer
• Others dealing with cancer: Tom Saulpaugh; Walt; Joe; Jennifer Kline; Julie’s aunt; Dave’s wife; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Elizabeth; Libby Little; the Vargas; churches consolidating or considering closing their doors; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; 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 and John and Sara Schubert
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derrick Latorre and Heather Donahue, and Mary Schubert and T.J. Lynch, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; Nicole, expecting her first child; new parents Luke and Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling, especially the Tuttles
• Our military men and women, especially Will Ryan, recently deployed to Afghanistan; Matt Plescia; Carrington Hessell; Spencer Moore; and Jay Rippel - 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 good news that recent tests for Donna Scalera have returned negative
• Remarkable improvement in the spirits and physical condition of Aaron, who suffered multiple injuries in a recent auto accident; Aaron is now recovering at home, his neck brace is off, he is talking away, and he is able to do some walking - many thanks for all the prayers that went up – keep them coming!
• The good report that Dawn Van Buren continues to improve - "Each day," she says, "I see some progress and, with physical therapy, see a light at the end of the tunnel."
• 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.

~From the Pastor’s Desk – March 2011~
Happiness can be an elusive thing, but the author of Psalm 112 declares, “Happy are all those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.” And he goes on without qualifying his remarks to enumerate several blessings for such people.
It’s actually good to hear the psalmist link happiness to the fear of the Lord and the keeping of his commandments. For sometimes Christianity, with its “thou shalt nots,” is assumed to be too restrictive to be a source of happiness. The psalmist, however, connected happiness with holiness. Want to be happy? You start by doing the right thing.
Frankly, he was on to something. John Wesley knew that. Sarah Heaner Lancaster, a professor of systematic theology at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, examined a number of Wesley’s sermons and found that he “explicitly spoke of happiness as the goal of Christian life.” She found that more than 70 of his sermons include some reference to happiness, and some of them are devoted solely to that subject.
Like the psalmist, we can and should link happiness to holiness. Professor Lancaster found that one of Wesley’s recurring themes is what constitutes “true religion.” As we might put it, religion isn’t real when it is just an outward show, such as wearing an unearned military decoration. While relational, gratitude and benevolence are shorthand for the two great commandments - love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself - which lead to real or true religion. The cherry on the top, of course, is that righteousness, peace, and joy are present in the lives of those who live true religion.
Lancaster summarized by saying: “If we are unable to live the holy lives for which we were made, we will also not be able to enjoy the happiness of relationship with God for which we were made.” In other words, happiness is a byproduct of a life of right living, and faking holiness won’t bring real happiness any more than faking military decorations brings real honor.
In the weeks ahead may we steer clear of fake spiritual milestones and work hard at our relationship with God and our neighbor as we dwell in the Old Testament. Let’s see what blessings God has for us!!

MARCH SERMONS:

TODAY - Recalling the Call - Genesis 12:1-9

March 27 - From the Wilderness of Sin We Come - Exodus 17:1-7

April 3 – Can God Transform Us Too? - Ezekiel 37:1-14

CONSISTORY NEEDS TO SHARE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOU:
• For those of the congregation who are able, you are encouraged to prayerfully consider making up your offering/pledge/tithe for Sundays you are not in church.
• Our Lenten services will be in the form of Bible studies with potluck dinners alternating between Ghent and Kinderhook Reformed Churches each Wednesday evening through April 20. Please see announcement in this bulletin for more information.
• Consistory is working on setting up a time for a “2011 Consistory Brush-up”. Dates that were identified were 4/9 and 4/30. Please pray for us as we grow with God and grow into our ordained positions as Consistory members.
• Our Church’s big 300-year birthday in 2012 is getting closer. You are invited again to share with Consistory your ideas on “How to celebrate 300 years of church history”.
• And now, as we strive to live holy lives, may the Lord bless and keep you, and be gracious unto you and invade you with the peace He so freely brings.
Pastor Rudy

Church Family Ministry is planning a Chili Nite on Friday, April 8, beginning at 6 p.m. Chili, toppings, and corn bread – and hot dogs for the children and anyone else who doesn’t care for chili – will be provided. We are asking for your help in rounding out the menu with tossed salads and dressings, veggie platters with dip, sodas, juices, and desserts. We are also looking for volunteers to set up AND TO CLEAN UP! Please sign up on the sheet provided at the back table.

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. 93 families were served in the month of January, including 153 adults and 142 children. Foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; pasta; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.


Literacy Connections of Columbia and Greene Counties will again be hosting training sessions for volunteers interested in becoming tutors for Literacy. These workshops will take place at the Hudson Area Library, at 400 State Street in Hudson. Each workshop will be a total of 12 hours. The Basic Reading Workshop, trains tutors to work with native English speakers to increase literacy. This will be held Saturday April 9 and Saturday April 16. On both of these days, the workshop will be held from 10 am to 4 pm. The English Immersion Workshop trains tutors to work with students learning English as a second language. This will be held on Tuesdays, April 19 and 26, 1-7 pm. These workshops are free, except for a $25 fee for the text book. To enroll, call Literacy Connections at 518-697-8227 to register and for more information. Share your love of words - become a literacy volunteer. www.literacyconnections.org

~ BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, MARCH 2011~

Bills Paid, March 1 to 20, 2011 $9,034
Current Checkbook Balance $4,305
Outstanding Bills --
Ministry Expenses $ 0
Pastoral Services and Personnel $3,073
Fuel and Utilities $2,315
TOTAL Outstanding Bills $5,388

General Reserves Investment Account, Current Balance $17,692
Deposited but Not Yet Posted (RCA Notes, KRC Roof Donations) + $25,000
General Reserves Projected Balance $42,692

Benevolent Fund Available Balance $1,434
Renovation Fund Available Balance $4,522

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 758-9703 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
Ann VanBuren, Consistory Vice President, Worship – ’11 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 758-1266

KRC STAFF
KRC Secretary Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338