Kinderhook Reformed Church

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Worship Service for March 30, 2014

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.

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Welcome/Announcements

*Morning Praise

  Scripture Lesson                                                                       Ephesians 5:8-14 (p. 829)

  Message                                                                           “Home Is Where the Heart Is”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Offering

  Intercessory Prayer

*Song of Devotion

*Benediction

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship

downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Ushers:  Jim Baker, Bob Drier, John Schubert, Dick Silvano

Greeter(s): Jeff and Nikki Barmen              Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

Prelude

Drawing Nearer To God

Announcements and God’s Greeting

Call to Worship (Responsive)   Based on selections from the Book of Psalms

You, O Lord, are our light and our salvation.

     Let the light of your face shine upon us.

With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life,

     and in your light we see light.

The unfolding of your words gives light.

     Keep our lamps burning, and turn our darkness into light.

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide us;

     let them bring us to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

*Hymn of Readiness #747                                                          Lead On, O King Eternal

Turning Our Hearts to God

  Call to Confession   Based on 2 Chronicles 6:27

Let us call upon our merciful Father to hear from heaven and forgive the sins of His people.  Let us implore Him to enlighten us; to teach us the right way to live; and to sanctify us for useful service in His Kingdom.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Holy God, we confess that we have not lived as You have taught us. We have strayed from the light of Your Word into darkness.  Your Word is so clear, and Your grace is so good, yet we continue to ignore Your will and close our ears to Your call.  In our pride we misuse the gifts You have given us, and in doing so, we dishonor You, the One who made us. We know what You require of us, yet what we do is not the good we want to do, and the evil we don’t want to do is the evil we keep on doing. Holy God, we groan at our weaknesses, and turn again to Christ, who intercedes for our forgiveness, and to Your Holy Spirit, whose power renews and redirects our lives.

Moment of Silent Prayer]

  Assurance of Pardon   2 Chronicles 7:14

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin . . .”

  Children’s Message and Blessing  (Unison)

Jesus, may our children always recognize You as the Son of the Most High God, and may their knowledge of You increase daily.  May they be your light in this world, and lead many to Your truth and to the good news of Your salvation.   Amen.

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Lesson                                                                       Ephesians 5:8-14 (p. 829)

  Message                                                                           “Home Is Where the Heart Is”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Presentation of Our Tithes and Offerings/Offertory

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Holy God, we offer these gifts to be used to preach the truth of salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus, your Son, the Light of Life; to proclaim your promise of renewal of mind, body, and spirit; and to make known the blessings of your love, reassurance, and peace to those who are in need.  Amen.  .  

  Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Praise and Assurance #121                       Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts                                                     

*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

~CONCERT IN THE VILLAGE, 3 P.M. TODAY AT KRC  ~

        The third offering in the 2013-2014 Concerts in the Village series will be "Henry Purcell Sacred and Secular: Home, Church, and Dramatic Music of the Early Baroque in England.” Featured will be the Broad Street Chorale, soloists Amanda Boyd, Jon Morrell and others, and orchestra.  This program will include a concert performance of Dido and Aeneas, the first important opera in the English language, as well as instrumental and solo vocal music.

    IF YOU ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE FINGER-FOOD ITEMS 

        Kinderhook Reformed Church is pleased to present the 2014 portion of Concerts in the Village (CITV), a concert series begun 4 years ago under the sponsorship of KRC’s Stewardship Ministry as a music outreach to the church’s surrounding communities featuring our refurbished pipe organ.  Continuing under the dedicated administration of KRC’s CITV committee and the capable and talented leadership of music director and organist, David Smith, the series has evolved to include a variety of orchestral instrumentalists, vocal soloists, a chorus of over 70 voices (now known as the Broad Street Chorale), and a wide selection of sacred and secular pieces from diverse musical periods and cultures.

        All concerts will be performed in KRC’s sanctuary, and a suggested donation of $15 will be gratefully accepted 
to assist in funding this exceptional series.

Kinderhook Reformed Church Participating in Ecumenical Lenten Series

 "Restored in Christ"

EACH WEDNESDAY during Lent this series will focus on an event in the Lenten story.  You are invited to attend any or all of the remaining sessions in this series:

April 2: 6 p.m. Soup & Sandwich meal at Ghent Reformed Ch. 1039 Rte. 22 (Omi Road)

7 p.m. “Broken Promises Restored” based on Matt. 26: 69-75: Peter’s broken promises to never deny Jesus are restored by the surpassing love of Christ.

Preacher: Rev. Iris Waddell of Payne AME, Chatham

April 9: 6 p.m. Soup & Sandwich meal at St. Peter’s Presby. 5219 County Rte. 7, Spencertown

7 p.m. “Broken Justice Restored” based on 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21: A broken justice system put Jesus on the cross; we are restored when we are declared not guilty, pardoned by his death. Preacher: Rev. Nancy A. McClure-Long of Ghent Reformed.

NORTHERN COLUMBIA COUNTY 11^th ANNUAL CROP HUNGER WALK

CONTACT FOR INFORMATION: MELISSA WELCOME

When and Where:  SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014, KINDERHOOK ELKS CLUB, ROUTE 9H Registration: 1:30 P.M.              

Walk: 2:00 P.M.

The 2014 CROP walker packets should be returned to Melissa by April 27 to allow time for processing before turning them in on May 4.

     On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been the first-ever CROP Hunger Walk – and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger. Several other CROP Hunger Walks occurred soon thereafter, and before long there were hundreds of Walks each year in communities nationwide. Currently, well over 2,000 communities across the U.S. join in more than 1,600 CROP Hunger Walks each year. More than five million CROP Hunger Walkers have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone.

     CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today while building for a better tomorrow. Each year, some two million CROP Hunger Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors worldwide put their hearts and “soles” in motion, and in the last 20 years have raised nearly $300 million to help end hunger and poverty around the world and in our own communities.  Hungry people in developing countries typically walk as many as six miles a day to get food, water, and fuel, and to take their goods to market. CROP Hunger walkers walk to be in solidarity with their struggle for existence.  They walk because they want to end hunger – one step at a time.

      WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES A CROP HUNGER WALK MAKE?

     $24 can provide a 1-year supply of nutrition packets for 20 children.

     $50 can provide seeds and tools to help a family grow their own food to eat and sell.

   $110 can provide emergency food for the needs of a family of five.

   $140 can give a struggling farm family a new source of income: a pair of pigs. A piglet

             from each litter is then given to another family in need.

   $300 can pay for 10 meters of a shallow borehole well for a community desperate for

             clean, safe water and sustainable food.

$1,000 can provide pump and maintenance training, allowing women and girls to grow food and attend school instead of carrying water long distances daily.

     It is expected that some $3.5 million of CROP Hunger Walk funds raised this year will be shared with food banks, pantries, community gardens, and other local efforts across the U.S., with 25% of the funds raised by the Kinderhook walk going to hunger-fighting agencies in Northern Columbia County.  Our local efforts are making a huge difference, and you can be a part of it! Last year’s CROP walk against worldwide hunger and in support of local food pantries was a great success! 120 walkers participated, and over $14,000 was raised.  More than $3,500 was returned for use by local food distribution agencies.  YOU DON’T HAVE TO WALK TO CONTRIBUTE!  Checks made out to “CWS/CROP” are welcome and are tax-deductable.

HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY

Doris Schmieder (1^st), Maureen Mooney (5^th), Kathy Schneider (5^th), Priscilla Frisbee (6^th), Jack Hart (10^th), Stan Bertram (12^th), Nancy Call (14^th), Greg Clause (19^th), Emily Wood (20^th), Dave Ennis (30^th), Paul Zietsman (31^st).  PRISCILLA FRISBEE, TURNING 96, IS THE OLDEST MEMBER OF THE MARCH BIRTHDAY GROUP! ! If you wish to send a personal greeting, Priscilla’s address is P.O. Box 173, Stuyvesant Falls, NY 12174.

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. Non-perishable foods that are 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 & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

  REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, and working together to complete their callings.
• KRC's Consistory, whose dedication to their calling is an inspiration to all.
• all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
• the good report that the lump on A.J. Laraway's neck is not dangerous to his health.
• the good news of a new job opportunity for a member of the KRC congregation.
• John and Sara Schubert’s escape from serious injury in the recent auto accident in Pennsylvania which totaled their car.
• the KRC family and beyond 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, and bond together
• 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 who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially 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 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander; Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• the Christian community in Afghanistan; the upcoming election of a new Afghan President – one that will be of God’s choosing.
• 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. Remember especially Jason, serving in Afghanistan, as well as another unspoken military-related need.
• victims of warfare, terrorism, and  violence worldwide,  that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge 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 violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the recent death of John Bryant; those grieving the loss of Dan McNeil, especially Dan’s wife, Linda; the Brightly Family grieving the recent loss of George, father of a friend of Nancy Baker.
• John Deane, Sr., 94-year-old father-in-law of Jane Dean, battling pneumonia in Columbia Memorial Hospital.
• Paula Mueller, suffering healing complications following a cornea transplant which may result in the need to repeat the surgery.  Paula is the wife of Norman Mueller, KRC's guest preacher this past Sunday.
• Bev Van Alstyne, suffering several cracked ribs in a recent fall.
• Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, recovering from a serious cut on her finger requiring surgery and several weeks of physical therapy.  Please pray for quick healing for Isabelle and for full use of her hand and feeling in her finger when healing is complete.  Pray also for John as he assists Isabelle with her recovery.
• Jen Weiland, former ICC High School teacher and colleague of a number of KRC family members, struggling with brain cancer.
• Harold, Florida resident, battling serious prostate cancer.
• Sharon, dealing with breast cancer.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Sal Alessi; Kevin; Theresa Van Warner; Rosemary Whitmore & Mrs. Martinez, mothers of Paul Varga's best friends; Steven Blun; Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Jen, Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Kim Lyle's grandma; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Donna Scalera.
• John, awaiting test results and diagnosis.
• Joe Harden, undergoing quintuple heart bypass surgery this coming Tuesday. Pray also for Joe’s wife, Donna, cousin of Paul Clause, at this stressful time.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness;  chronically ill; or in hospice care: Sara Schubert; Bev Van Alstyne;  Maureen Mooney;  Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Jane Zanchelli; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera.
• those who are traveling, especially John Deane and Leo Dolan.
• Those facing challenges and difficult decisions: Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Alex and his family; the Laraway/Lamont family; the mom and child of one of our long-time VBS families, who had to leave their home recently due to family violence; Christians suffering persecution; Libby Little.
• 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, Doris Schmeider, Claudia March's mom; Gordie Van Buren; and Murray Leonardson.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type.  Please forward this information, as well as new praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. 

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