KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, MARCH 6, 2016
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
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 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (p. 740)
Message “To Dwell on the Garbage in Our Lives”
Communion
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments hosted by the Girl Scouts
downstairs in the Fellowship Room today following worship.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Jim Baker, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson
Thanks to today’s greeter(s): Dave and Beth Ennis and Girl Scouts
Preschool nursery is available downstairs.
Prelude Mystique from Trois Nouvelles Pièces, op. 87 C. M. Widor
Welcome, Announcements, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near to God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Adapted from Psalm 111
I will extol the LORD with all my heart.
Great are the works of the LORD.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
The LORD is gracious and compassionate for he remembers his covenant forever.
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever –
holy and awesome is his name. To him belongs eternal praise.
*Hymn #45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession Based on Psalm 32
Knowing his sin, the psalmist comes to God: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Come let us, too, confess our sin before almighty God.
Prayer of Confession (Unison) Based on Psalm 32
Lord God, we come to you in prayer while you may be found, acknowledging our need of your forgiveness. We confess that we ignore too easily your instructions and teachings, discount them as archaic and irrelevant, and manufacture our own guidelines for life. Then we find ourselves to be like the horse and the mule, with no understanding of your will or your counsel, controlled and brought back to you only by the bit and bridle of woe and shame. God of mercy – our hiding place, our protection, and our deliverance – teach us to trust you, to follow you, and surround us with your unfailing love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them.
Because Jesus paid our pardon in full, God does not count our sin against us.
Thanks be to God.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
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.
Blessing on the Word Proclaimed
Scripture Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (p. 740)
Message “To Dwell on the Garbage in Our Lives”
Prayer of Thanks
Celebrating God
Sacrament of Communion
THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope.
We come in Remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.
We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.
We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.
Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,
so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.
THE INVITATION
This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share. Come, for all things are now ready.
COMMUNION HYMN #448 (All verses) Jesus I Come
THE COMMUNION PRAYER (Responsive)
Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.
It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you. For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world. In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:
Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!
As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.
THE COMMUNION
The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."
(Distribution of the bread)
The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.
After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
(Distribution of the cup)
The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.
THANKSGIVING and PRAISE after COMMUNION (Unison)
Gracious God, whose mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, and deeper than all our sin, we thank you for receiving us, your broken and defeated children, into your loving embrace once again. We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice offers forgiveness for our folly, our excesses, our self-centeredness, and our passion for things of the moment. We praise you for the presence of your Holy Spirit working within us, changing our hearts, turning all our desires to your way, and empowering us to love what you love and do what you command. For all of these undeserved blessings, we are eternally grateful. Amen.
Offering/Offertory Petit Offertoire César Franck
*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Almighty God, we praise and thank you for all your mercies: your goodness has created us; your bounty has sustained us; your protection has surrounded us; your patience has borne with us; and your love has redeemed us. We give ourselves up to your service, cheerfully submitting ourselves, these gifts, and all things to your blessed will. Amen.
Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer
*Prayer Hymn of Submission #445 Just As I Am
*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 Prelude and Fugue in d minor, BWV 554 J. S. Bach
Donations for Easter lilies to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted, and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed directly in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
~VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY EASTER BASKETS~
Easter Food Baskets will be given to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. In November, 135 families received Thanksgiving baskets, and we anticipate about the same number of families for Easter. The baskets include food for Easter dinner: ham, potatoes, yams, corn, green beans, pineapple, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items for the baskets in bulk, and if you would like to help financially with these purchases, checks may be made payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and dropped in the offering plate. If you prefer, you may make checks out directly to Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc., with Easter Baskets on the memo line, and mail them to: Jean Norton, 35 Harris Drive, Valatie, NY 12184 . The Pantry thanks you in advance for any help you are able to give. All monies or food items left over after the Easter baskets are distributed will be put into the Pantry account or onto the Pantry shelves
In January, the Pantry served 75 families, including 118 children, 31 seniors, and 152 adults.
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as greeters
for our 10 am worship services.
Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
Kinderhook Reformed Church Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016
~ Hop on for Fun and Fellowship ~
Crafts, Snacks, and more at 10 a.m.
Easter Story and Egg Hunt at 10:30 a.m.
We need volunteers to make this event an awesome time for all who attend! Please contact Patti Varga if you are available and willing to help out with this outreach ministry.
~St. LUKE’S FREE DINNER MINISTRY~
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church family, Valatie, together with other area churches, continue the tradition of preparing and serving free dinners once a month in the St. Luke’s Fellowship Hall. KRC will be providing and serving the free dinner offered Tuesday, March 29, and it is anticipated that up to 150 people will be attending. A sign-up sheet is now on the back table for volunteers who are willing to participate in this ministry.
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.
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.
Harper and Payton, twin granddaughters of Janet and Wayne Van Allen, who celebrated their 3rd birthdays on February 13. They were born 6 weeks premature, and there was much worry and many prayers, but today they are happy, healthy 3-year-olds. Praise God with Janet and Wayne, who feel very thankful and blessed.
the 125 church family and community members who enjoyed the wonderful potluck buffet, good fellowship and excellent Irish dance and vocal entertainment provided by the Clinton sisters and Triskele at last week’s First Friday outreach event. Praise God also for the hard work and efforts of all who organized, set up, served, and cleaned up after the festivities.
the good report that Maria Zincio is recovering at home and doing fine following recent cancer surgery. Thanks to all who offered prayers for Maria.
the happy news that Sara Schubert has a granddaughter due to arrive May 29 to son, Josh Schubert, and his wife, Helen.
the happy news from Arnie and Claudia March that they have a grandson who is due to arrive in May.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. 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.
KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially new members, Tana Thompson and Chip Wood; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
our state, national, and world leaders, 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.
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: Patti Varga and the Scofield family grieving the death of Patti’s grandfather, Jack Scofield, this past Wednesday; family and friends grieving the recent death of Bill Van Alstyne. Bill was a long-time member of Stuyvesant Reformed Church; the Rivera family and friends grieving the recent loss of Florence.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.
God's blessing on the new Bible studies, "War Room," which began this past week and which focus, among other topics, on the power of prayer. The first study in the series of 5 will be presented today 10 am and again at 11:30 am.
reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
Christine Rhodes, mother of Donna Rhodes, who has been in and out of the hospital over the last few weeks. Pray for God's strength and healing for Christine, who is weak and needs a lot of assistance. Pray also for God's strength for Mike and Donna, who are tending to every detail of Christine's care over the weekends.
Sug Hawver, diagnosed with a golf ball size growth in her intestinal tract and awaiting surgery. Pray for calm and God's reassurance for Sug and Bruce, and for a good outcome to the surgery.
Ron, Alan Dick's brother, recovering from a surgical procedure this past Friday to determine the extent of the melanoma on his head. Please pray for a successful treatment and outcome, and for peace for Ron and his wife, Judie.
Donna Scalera, not doing well in her struggle with the current round of chemotherapy, and discouraged. Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to Donna at 13 Michael Court, Hudson, NY 12534.
others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Steve; Dorothy Wheeler; Darryl Ferguson; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Sissy Mahoney; Vicky, cousin of Susan Lamont; Donald Smith, father of Janet Allen; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; Brian Post; Stacey Baker; Vickie Metzger; Ann Powell; April Grimes; Gary Silvano; Angie Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Amber, granddaughter of Erika and Merrill Johnson; Don and Phyllis Tymeson; Harry Sturgill; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of a higher level of education or seeking a career; Cliff Laraway; Greg L and friend, Joshua; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
God's protection and safety for those traveling, especially: Sara Schubert, in Oregon visiting daughter, Lisa.
residence-bound members, Murray Leonardson and Joan Van Alstyne.
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 Children:
Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
Dick and Carolyn Otterness, 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
HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY!
Maureen Mooney (5th), Stan Bertram (12th),
Nancy Call (14th), Greg Clause (19th), Emily Wood (20th), Beth Ennis (30th),
Paul Zietsman (31st).
NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 13.
SET CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR.
~ANNUAL BARE ROOTS TREE SALE~
The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District is now holding its Annual Bare Root Tree Sale. Orders may be mailed in or delivered to the District’s office prepaid, and must be received in the office by April 1. Order forms and additional Information on the sale details are available on the back table for your convenience.
KRC 2016 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory
Deacons
Liz Carroll – ’16 Outreach, CITV Committee, Clerk
Derick LaTorre – ’16 Cemetery, Stewardship, Treasurer
Tana Thompson – ’17 Church Family
Chip Wood – ’17 Property
Elders
Merrill Johnson – ’16 Worship
Patrice Lyons – ’16 Outreach, Clerk
Patti Varga – ’17 Christian Education, Vice President of Consistory
Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel and Pastoral Relations
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Liz Carroll – 758-6034
Cemetery Supervisor KRC Sexton
Greg Clause Mike Deegan
