Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Services

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

May 4, 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.  All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Greeter(s):

Ushers:  Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Bob Wildermuth, Paul Zietsman

Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

Guest Organist:  David Smith

  8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Welcome/Announcements 

  Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise                                                                       Come, Thou Almighty King

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson             Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 (p. 749)

  Message                                                            “Jesus, the Stranger, Guest, and Host”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Communion

  Offering

  Intercessory Prayer

*Prayer Hymn                                                                       Just a Closer Walk with Thee

10 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Prelude       “Now praise, my soul, the Lord”      BuxWV 214      Dietrich Buxtehude

  Announcements and God’s Greeting

    Entering God’s Presence

  Call to Worship (Responsive)

Let us worship God as children . . . with wonder and awe.

Let us worship God as youths . . . with questions and eager hearts.

Let us worship God as adults . . . with gratitude and praise.

Let us worship God as parents and grandparents . . . with wisdom and hope.

Let the Body of Christ sing praises to God, from whom all blessings flow.

 *Hymn of Praise #5                                                                Come, Thou Almighty King

   Call to Confession

Our world and our lives are not all that they should be. We fall short of reflecting the image of God and being the hands and feet of Christ to the world. Let us confess our sin, confident that God hears the cries of a sinner who repents.

    Seeking God’s Renewal

  Prayer of Confession   (Unison)

Our heavenly Father, thank you that you love us and care for us all the time! But Father, like the disciples, we are short-sighted and small-minded. We focus on problems and needs and on what seem like logical or possible solutions. We rely on our own strengths and resources and are quickly overwhelmed. We forget to turn to you, and we fail to depend on your Spirit. Forgive us, Lord!

[Moment of Silent Prayer and Reflection]

Merciful God, we long for your intervention in our lives.

Remind us again and again that your ways are not ours, and that with you, all things are possible. Renew us in faith and commitment, that we might trust you in every situation.  Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon   (Adapted from 2 Corinthian 5:17-19 and Revelation 21:5)                     

What a precious gift that we do not remain broken and burdened by our sin! Jesus Christ forgives us, renewing us to walk in freedom and power, for he  says,  “See, I am making all things new.”

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new Creation.   In Christ, God reconciled the world.  Through Christ your sins are forgiven.  All honor and glory and praise be to God! Amen.

  Children’s Blessing

Encountering God’s Word

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson             Luke 24:13-16, 28-35 (p. 749)

  Message                                                            “Jesus, the Stranger, Guest, and Host”

  Prayer of Blessing

    Celebrating God’s Blessings

  Communion

  Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings

  Offering/Offertory                Dialogue sur les grands jeux             Francois Couperin     

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Use us, and our gifts, to love and to serve you, O God. May we live lives of witness and victory in Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen

  Pastoral Prayer

*Prayer Hymn #561                                                           Just a  Closer Walk with Thee

*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                         Toccata and Fugue in a minor                          Joseph Seeger

Many thanks to those who contributed

 to the lilies decorating the pulpit:

Virginia Rothermel 

in loving memory of Ed, Bill & Paul Rothermel, and Justin Lynch

Tana Thompson

in loving memory of her father, Ned

Mid Glass        Bruce and Sug Hawver        Glenn and Cricket Warren

              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.

(Continued from previous  page.)

          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.

~VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY UPDATE~

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY, not only for your generosity in support of the Valatie Food Pantry’s Easter Basket program, but also for your on-going donations of food and money. 94 families, including 141 adults and 112 children, benefitted from this community ministry in the month of March.  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.

KRC’S ANNUAL 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 31, 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.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially: Brian, who is also experiencing disabling health issues; and 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. the missions and missionaries supported by KRC: Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan; Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson;  Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission; 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, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas; Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission.  
• 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.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide,  that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassurance 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 abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the recent death of Sal Alessi, especially his wife, Becky; daughter, Jessica; and his mother and father. Sal's wake will be held today from 4 – 7 p.m. at Bond Funeral Home, and the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, May 5, here at the church.  Friends and family are invited to a memorial reception at KRC's fellowship hall following the service of committal at Kinderhook Cemetery.  Remember also the Ball family of Cairo, grieving the recent death of their young son and brother, Eddy Ball; the Moore family grieving the recent death of Ron’s father; families grieving those murdered recently in the Christian hospital in Kabul. This was a very painful and shocking event for Libby Little, who was well- acquainted with the doctor and was close to the young couple.
• Joe Harden, husband of Paul Clause’s cousin, undergoing a cardiac stent placement this coming Tuesday following cardiac bypass surgery a few weeks ago.
• Libby Little, returning to a demanding schedule following a severe case of influenza.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness;  chronically ill; or in hospice care: C J and Chris Laraway; Jean Skipper; Mark Young; Joe Harden; Luke; Ron Moore's father; Bobby Bailey; Angie Rivera; John Dean Sr; Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; John; Paula Mueller; Dawn Van Buren; 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.
• the unspoken requests offered for Cliff and Brianna.
• Sandy, mother of Andy Shpur, undergoing chemo and radiation treatments.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Bridget; Mary Beth Gottshall; Kim Lyle’s grandmother, Linda; Gen Weiland; Harold; Sharon; Kevin; Theresa Van Warner; Rosemary Whitmore & Mrs. Martinez, mothers of Paul Varga's best friends; Steven Blun; Mary, Jessica Farley's mom; Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Guinda Derrico; Donna Scalera.
• those who are traveling.
• Those facing challenges and difficult decisions: Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Alex and his family; the Laraway/Lamont family; mothers and children who have had to leave their homes due to family violence; Christians suffering persecution, especially the Christian community in Afghanistan and other places in the Middle East; 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.

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 Noreen Dick is much improved following an attack of the shingles.
• the good news that Leonard’s cancer is in remission.  Leonard is Susan Lamont’s cousin.
• the encouraging news that Cliff Laraway has been hired at a good job that he likes and that suits his needs.  Pray that Cliff will find blessing in this employment.
• the good report that the CAT scan of Kim Lyle’s grandmother, Linda, showed no new cancers.
• 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, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY:     

Elize Visser (4^th), Joan Clause (5^th), Sara Hartman (9^th),

Brenda Longe (9^th), Tom Call (23^rd), Andrew Welcome (23^rd),

Sarah Bailey (24^th), Liezl Visser (28^th), Anina Visagie (29^th),

 Jerry Flansburg (30^th)

CLASSIS ASSESSMENT

KRC’s share of support this year is $5,728.14 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 $86.79.  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. That’s only $2.50 per week for each week remaining
 in this year. All contributions for this purpose should be designated, “Classis Assessment.”  

During the month of May, The Eddy/St. Peter’s Health Partners are offering free installation of a traditional emergency help button (a savings of around $50), or the new mobile alert with a gps.  Anyone who is homebound should consider getting an emergency help button.  Active individuals should consider the new mobile/gps system. The monthly cost of the traditional system after free installation is around $40.  For information on the monthly cost of the mobile alert, or to obtain either alert system, call the Eddy at 833-1040.

~A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT PEW CARDS~

Just a note to remind parents to keep their children from writing on or tearing the visitors’ cards and the prayer and announcement cards found in the slots on the back of each pew.  The visitors’ cards are purchased from a professional printer, and are expensive to replace.   Please have your children make use of the writing and coloring materials available especially for them in the back of the sanctuary.  Your attention to this request will be greatly appreciated

                    KRC 2014 CONSISTORYY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                       Deacons

Jane Deane – ’14,  Outreach  758-7051

Noreen Dick – ’15,  Church Family 758-6640

Derick Latorre – ’14,  Stewardship / KRC Treasurer   376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,   Property   758-6512

                                                        Elders

Maureen Mooney – ’14,  Outreach / Consistory Vice-President  210-6079

Dawn Tuttle – ’15,  Worship / Personnel / Consistory Clerk   758-6031

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

Bob Wildermuth – ’14,  Pastoral Relations      828-0690

                John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee

                                                   KRC STAFF

               KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant    

              Paul Clause – 859-4158                   Liz Carroll – 758-6034

                                    Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton

                                   Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338

COMING EVENTS

Today, May 4

        8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service     

      10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Sunday School    

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

             Please join in our continuing study of The Lord’s Prayer.

        1:30 pm  2014 CROP Hunger Walk, Kinderhook Elks Club

        4 – 7 pm  Sal Alessi Wake, Bond Funeral Home

Mon., May 5

         9:30 am  Olde Dutch & Such Craft Group meets

       11:00 am  Sal Alessi Funeral and Memorial Reception, KRC

         6:45 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues., May 6

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets       

Thur, May 8

         9:00 am  Small Group meets @ KRC

          Please join us as we continue our study of the book of Revelation.

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Fri.,   May 9

         9:30 am  Weight Watchers meet, KRC Fellowship Room

Mon., May 12

         9:30 am  Olde Dutch & Such Craft Group meets

         6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Mon., May 19

         7:00 pm  Food Pantry meeting

Sat.,   May 31

         8:00 am – 11:00 am  KRC’s Annual Pancake Breakfast /Plant Swap

Servers Next Sunday, May 11, 2014

       Ushers:  Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Bob Wildermuth, Paul Zietsman

       Greeter(s):