KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES MAY 3, 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 Reading Acts 8:26-40 (p. 777)
Message “Ministry at the Margins of Traditional Society”
Communion
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to refreshments and fellowship downstairs today following worship.
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Keith Garwood, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s): Sug Hawver Preschool Nursery available downstairs.
Prelude Recit de Chromhorne from Messe pour les Convents F. Couperin
Announcements and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
*Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalms 118 and 124:8
Open the gates of the Lord. Enter and give thanks,
Let sounds of joy and victory resound!
The Lord is our strength and our song; he has become our salvation.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
What did God do to help us?
God chose the people of Israel to make a new beginning.
They received God’s covenant,
and prepared the way for Jesus to come as our Savior.
Let us worship the God of the covenant, the God of our redemption.
*Hymn #45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession Based on Hebrews 4:14, 16
Seeing that we have a great High Priest who has entered the inmost heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us approach the throne of grace and confess our sins to God, that we may receive forgiveness for our failures.
Prayer of Confession (Unison) Based on Daniel 9:4-19
Holy God, filled with mercy and steadfast love, we are embarrassed to come before you, for we have preferred the ways of this world to your ways. We have rebelled against your wisdom, rejected your fatherly guidance, and have gotten lost altogether. Gracious Father, listen to our troubles, and hear us as we pour out our hearts in repentance before you. Forgive us, not because of any righteousness of our own, but because of the righteousness of your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we pray, for he is our Savior, the one who stands between us and your wrath, the one who renews us and makes us worthy of your mercy. Amen.
Words of Assurance (Responsive) Jeremiah 33:8
Hear the word of the Lord from the prophet, Jeremiah: “I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me.”
Praise be to our God of perfect love and abounding grace! Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Message and Blessing (Unison)
Lord Jesus, may the hearts of our children be filled with your eternal presence, making your goodness their goodness in the eyes of God. May they be your light in this world, testifying eagerly to your truth, and attracting many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life through your sacrifice on the cross. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Reading Acts 8:26-40 (p. 777)
Message “Ministry at the Margins of Traditional Society”
Prayer of Blessing
Moment of Silent Reflection and
Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:
"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and I admit that I am not right with you. I repent and ask your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my offences. I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean, Jesus, from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. In your name I pray. Amen."
Celebrating God
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.
THE COMMUNION PRAYER
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.
PRAISE after COMMUNION - HYMN #768 (Verses 4 and 5) I Come with Joy
Offering and Offertory “Jesus, my joy” from Seventy-Nine Chorales, op. 28 Marcel Dupré
*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Holy Father, sustainer and supplier of all our needs, we present these offerings to you as an expression of our gratitude and as an investment in fulfilling the mission you have put before us - to know Christ and to make him known. Sanctify our gifts for these purposes we pray. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #498 I Love to Tell the Story
*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 Fugue on B-A-C-H J. G. Albrechtsberger
KRC family and friends are encouraged to volunteer as front-door greeters for our 10 a.m. worship service. A sign-up sheet for this purpose may be found on the back table of the sanctuary, and your willingness to participate in this important ministry is much appreciated.
~ UPCOMING KRC EVENTS ~
SUNDAY, MAY 10 – Last day of Children’s Sunday School Classes this season
SUNDAY, MAY 17 – Youth Sunday Celebration, with members of KRC’s Sunday
School and Youth Group participating in the 10 am Worship Service
SATURDAY, MAY 30 – Annual KRC Pancake Breakfast and Plant Swap/Sale
All are welcome to come and to invite family and friends to a delicious all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast Saturday, May 30, from 8 – 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. Sausage, coffee, and juice will be served along with the pancakes. No reservations needed, free-will donations accepted, and each year a different charity is chosen to receive the proceeds.
On the same day, “rain or shine”, the Outreach Ministry will hold its Annual Plant Swap/Sale from 8 am - 12 noon. Please consider contributing extra divisions or cuttings from your garden to this popular event. We will set up on Friday, May 29. If you have something you need divided but need help, please see/call Maureen Mooney. We will also pick up plants if you cannot drop them off. Anyone who helps at the Pancake Breakfast gets to take advantage of a pre-sale/swap Friday evening from 4 - 8 when we will be setting up. Please invite your friends and neighbors. (Continued on next page.)
FRIDAY and SATURDAY, JUNE 5 and 6 – KRC Recycling Sale.
Donations will be accepted from now until sale week and stored in the classroom directly across from the nursery. Days and times for receiving and sorting donations will be posted soon, and questions may be addressed to Elize Visser or Patti Varga.
HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY !
Elize Visser (4th), Joan Clause (5th), Sara Hartman (9th), Tom Call (23rd),
Andrew Welcome (23rd), Sarah Bailey (24th), Liezl Visser (28th),
Anina Visagie (29th), Jerry Flansburg (30th)
CLASSIS ASSESSMENT 2015
KRC’s share of support this year is $5,633.28 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN SET AT $88.02. 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 around $2.40 weekly for the remaining weeks in this year. All contributions made for this purpose should be designated, “Classis Assessment.”
REMEMBER 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 good news that little Finn Calhoun will not require surgery on his hand The Calhouns thank you all for your prayers.
the encouraging news that John Bowen has significantly improved following his recent stroke.
the good report that Floyd Haber is healing well from recent hip-replacement.
the good report that Faity Tuttle has been discharged from Sunnyview Rehab to assisted living at Camp Hill.
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.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
AROUND THE WORLD THAT KRC HELPS TO SUPPORT:
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
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith, especially Diane, that they 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, fulfilling 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, especially those impacted by the earthquake in Nepal: pray for those who have been injured or displaced or lost loved ones; for healing for injured people; for medical workers and aid workers responding to immediate needs; for quick arrival of basic supplies, such as food and water.
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.
those, especially children, suffering poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
families and friends grieving the death of loved ones,
John Bowen, recovering from a recent stroke. John was supervisor when KRC was without a pastor some years ago, has been guest preacher in our pulpit on many occasions, and pipe-player for our Candlelight Night Christmas carol music.
Richard Williams, Dawn Van Buren's stepfather, hospitalized and in intensive care in St. George, Utah, following a very serious, emergency operation. Please keep Dawn's mother, Doris Williams, in your prayers as well.
Jack, fighting advanced cancer.
Bob Mellott, battling stage 4 lung cancer.
others in hospice care, battling, or recovering from cancer: Joan Kennedy; Donna Scalera; Marlene; Mid Glass; Daniel; Zoe Covey; Andy; Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Jean; Edward Giordano; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Charlie Ropollo.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Floyd Haber; Stacey Baker; Michelle; Art Gross; Marge Laurie; Faity Tuttle; Alan Dick; Harriet Simpkins; Marie Fronczak; Bob, husband of Patti Varga's Aunt Kathy; Jean Skipper; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie Maul; Florence Rivera.
first-time parents, Andrew & Melissa Welcome, expecting their baby girl in May.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Jean and Evangelique, sponsored Compassion International Children of John & Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; Carly Ripple; the Smith Family; Susan Lamont and her children, now back in New York; Bill and Abby - pray that God will bless them with his strength, hope, and guidance; 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.
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.
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.
For those of you who would like to donate flower arrangements for the pulpit in memory of loved ones or in celebration of special occasions, please contact Dawn Van Buren.
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, and for immediate assistance at any time, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
KRC 2015 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
KRC STAFF
KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Liz Carroll – 758-6034
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472
COMING EVENTS
Today, May 3
8:30 am Early Communion Worship Service
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Tues., May 5
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., May 7
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
Please join us as we continue our Bible study on the Book of Isaiah.
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun., May 10
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and last day of Sunday School classes this season
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Sun., May 17
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Youth Sunday Celebration
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Fri., May 29 – Pancake Breakfast/Plant Swap Set-up
Sat., May 30
8:00 am – 11:00 am KRC’s Annual Pancake Breakfast /Plant Swap
in conjunction with the 39th Olde Kinderhook Fair, 10 am – 3 pm,
and Olde Saratoga Fyfe and Drumms Parade & Muster
Fri. and Sat., June 5 and 6 – KRC Recycling Sale
Watch for details about when to store donations in preparation for the sale.
Upcoming Kinderhook Business and Professional Association (KBPA) Events:
May 9 - Farmers’ Market Opening Day, Kinderhook Village Square
Servers Next Sunday, May 10, 2015
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Keith Garwood, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s): Dave and Beth Ennis
