KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES March 8, 2015

 “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 Lesson                                                               1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (p. 807)

  Message                                                                   “Taking a Fresh Look at the Cross”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn

*Benediction

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship

hosted by the Girl Scouts downstairs today following worship.

  Ushers:  Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, Chip Wood      

Greeter(s):   Girl Scouts                     Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude

  Announcements and God’s Greeting

  Drawing Near To God

Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Based on Psalm 19.

The heavens are telling the glory of God;

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
       We gather together to sing our praise to God's glory.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
       We gather with open hearts and souls,

       to receive the comforting presence of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
O God, as we gather in gratitude, may the words of our mouths

and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you,

our rock and our redeemer. To you we lift our voices in praise! 

*Hymn of Praise #558                                                     Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

Lent is a time of reflection, preparation, and repentance. As we fix our gaze upon Christ's great sacrifice, let us examine ourselves and confess our sin before God and one another. Let us pray.

  Prayer of Confession 

We have sinned and go on sinning, which saps our energy, dilutes our love, distracts us from worthwhile growth, and disturbs the harmony of our homes and communities. Forgive us, Father, and help us begin anew. Your favor is a mystery which we bear uneasily. Your favor bids so broad a justice, and holds us so firmly to the compassion you require from us, that we feel only half-glad to be called your people! Indeed Lord, by a wiser choosing than our own, we find ourselves concerned with your justice with the causes of health, peace, and harmony. Grant us usefulness as branches for Christ’s sake and our own. Amen.

*Profession of Faith  Apostles’ Creed (Front inside cover of hymnal)

  Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Lord, lead our children to trust not in their own good works, but only in the grace of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for their salvation; assure them that, through faith in Jesus, their souls are secure in your hands for all eternity.  Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Lesson                                                               1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (p. 807)

  Message                                                                   “Taking a Fresh Look at the Cross”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Offering and Offertory

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer    Based on The Book of  Common Prayer

O merciful Creator, whose hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us, we beseech thee, ever thankful for thy loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.         

  Pastoral Prayer and Prayers of the People   Based on The Book of Common Prayer

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above, for the loving kindness of God, and for growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the unity of the church of God, and for the well-being of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For this gathering of our church family, and for all – both adults and children – who worship, learn, and offer praise in this place, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For all who serve in the various ministries of this church, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For our President and government leaders, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.

For this village, for our neighbors and friends, and for all who live in our surrounding communities, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.  (First names of individuals may be voiced.)

For reassurance and peace for those awaiting test results or surgery; for the sick, for the suffering; for loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; and for those grieving the loss of loved ones, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.  (First names of individuals may be voiced.)

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.   (First names of individuals may be voiced.)

For deliverance in times of challenge, affliction, strife, and temptation to engage in self-destructive habits and behaviors, let us pray to the Lord.

       Lord, have mercy.   (First names of individuals may be voiced.)

And now let us pray as Christ taught us.   (The Lord’s Prayer)

*Hymn #213                                                                     When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn           My Friends May You Grow in Grace

  Postlude

Kinderhook Reformed Church Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015

 ~ Hop on for Fun and Fellowship ~

Crafts, Cookie Decorating, and Snacks 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 sign up on the sheet at the back table if you are available and willing to help out with this outreach ministry.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, the KRC Family will once again join forces to cook the free supper at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie.  Anyone willing to lend a hand to this ministry (cooks from 2:45 pm; set-up crew from 4 pm; serving crew from 5 pm; clean-up crew from 6:30 pm) please sign up on the sheet provided at the back table.

Dutch

A NOTE OF CAUTION FROM THE PROPERTY MINISTRY

The very long and very heavy oval table in the conference room can be moved only with the help of several strong men who can lift it. Recently it was discovered that apparent efforts to push or pull it at the ends had loosened screws in the hardware that holds the table together, causing some of the screws to fall out. As a result one of the legs had started to buckle, a very dangerous situation. The table has been repaired with more and heavier hardware and is now in good and safe condition. Please note that no efforts should be made to move it. If that ever becomes necessary, we will collect the man power to do it correctly.

HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY! 

Doris Schmieder (1^st), Maureen Mooney (5^th), Priscilla Frisbee (6^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 97, 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.

TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
• 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.
• the report that Adam Spaulding, recovering from a dislocated shoulder following a snowboarding accident, was spared from more serious injuries.
• recent tests showing that Zoe Covey’s brain tumors, though inoperable, appear to have been reduced somewhat in size. Please continue your prayers for Zoe's recovery.
• the good news that Vanessa has returned home safely from Kenya.
• 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, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith, especially Diane, that she will come to know the Lord or experience a renewal.
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Tom Eastman, beginning the 1st year of a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.  Pray for Tom's safety, and for peace and reassurance for his family as well.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide, Pray for an end to the violence and persecution, for safety of Christians in Niger and throughout the world, and for protection of homes, churches, and businesses.
• 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 poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the death of loved ones, especially Arthur Gross, dealing with personal health concerns and grieving the recent death of his brother. 
• Harriet Spaulding, undergoing knee-replacement this coming Wednesday.  Pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery without complications for Harriet.
• Adam Spaulding, recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in a recent snowboarding accident.
• Jean Skipper, long-time member of KRC now living near her daughter in New York City. Jean is at Mt. Sinai Hospital awaiting a cardiac procedure of some risk to prevent abnormal electrical signals or rhythms from moving through the heart.  Calls and cards or notes of encouragement would be very much appreciated.  Jean's cell phone number is 347-604-1075, and her mailing address is 80 John Street, Apt 21-C, New York, NY 10038.
• Libby Little, dealing with an abscessed tooth as she carries out a demanding Interserve Australia speaking tour this month.  Pray especially that Libby’s tooth will heal sufficiently for her to be able to take the high-altitude return flight to the U.S. following her speaking engagements. Copies of Libby’s daily travel and speaking schedules are available on the back table. 
• Mid Glass, discharged from the hospital, and now at Whittier Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Room 327A, Route 66, Ghent, NY 12075. Her phone number is 828-0800, ext. 627.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Larry and Leonard, Susan Lamont’s brother and cousin; Zoe Covey; Andy; Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen Simmons; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Charlie Ropollo; Donna Scalera. 
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Doris, Cricket Warren’s aunt, and Doris’s elderly husband, Dick; a grandmother with congestive heart failure; Stan Bertram; Alan Dick; Scott Calhoun; Baby Emma; Paul Varga; Floyd Haber; Dick Van Alstyne; Alan Dick; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Florence Rivera.
• First-time parents, Andrew & Melissa Welcome, expecting their little one in May.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions:  Susan Lamont and her children, now in Florida; Bill and Abby - pray that God will bless them with his strength, hope, and guidance; Kent Busman and his wife, whose home was destroyed by fire recently; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren, and Jim, in need of job opportunities; Greg L; Craig Johnson; Holly and Marc Morales; those facing the challenges of their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing.
• those who are traveling,  reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• Residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.

~THANK-YOU FROM VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY~

In January, the Pantry served 300 people representing 79 families, including 42 handicapped/seniors, 35 adults, and 123 children. Donations to the Pantry of cake and brownie mixes would be especially appreciated at this time; however, other non-perishable foods always in demand 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.

KRC 2014 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                           Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16,  Clerk of Consistory / Outreach /

                               CITV Committee     758-6034

Noreen Dick – ’15,  Church Family      758-6640

Derick LaTorre – ’16,  KRC Treasurer / Stewardship /

                                        Cemetery      376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,   Property     758-6512

                                                                                                               Elders

            Merrill Johnson – ‘16,  Worship        828-6726

            Patrice Lyons – ‘16,  Outreach       758-8400

Dawn Van Buren – ‘15,  Personnel / Pastoral Care  758-7564

Patti Varga – ’15  Consistory Vice President / Christian Education / Classis Delegate        392-4771

COMING EVENTS

Today, March 8  

         8:30 am  Early Worship Service

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

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Mon.,  March 9

         6:30  Consistory meets @ Barbara Vosburgh’s home

Tues.,  March 10

                 7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., March 11

         9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets

  Please join us as we continue a new Bible study on the Book of Isaiah.

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Sat.,    March 21

       10:00 am  Annual KRC Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Activities

         1:00 – 3:00 pm  Chicken Bar-B-Que, Muitzeskill Reformed Church

Mon.,  March 23

         6:30  Outreach Ministry meets

Sun.,   March 29 – Palm Sunday          

         8:30 am  Early Worship Service

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

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

         3:00 pm  Concert in the Village, KRC sanctuary

   “Schubert and Beethoven: The Dawn of the Romantic Age”

Tues.,  March 31

         5:00 pm  St. Luke’s Community Dinner

Thur., April 2 

        9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets

  Please join us as we continue a new Bible study on the Book of Isaiah.

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

        6:00 pm  Maundy Thursday supper, KRC Fellowship Hall

        7:00 pm  Communion Worship

Servers Next Sunday, March 15, 2015

       Ushers:  Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, Chip Wood      

       Greeter(s):