ASCENSION SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, MAY 8, 2016

MOTHERS’ DAY  

 KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH - REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Welcome visitors!  Please 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                                                                                                     Acts 1:1-11 (p. 770)

  Message                                                     "Jesus Remains True to the Father's Mission."

  Prayer of Thanks

  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 downstairs following worship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, and Glenn Warren

 Thanks to today’s greeter(s), Marissa Brevoort    Preschool nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude, Welcome, Announcements, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)

Have you heard of our great God? 

       He created all that is and reigns over it all. He rules with justice and mercy. 

Our God is full of glory, and his ways are perfect. 

       No one can match his wisdom and understanding. 

       He knows each name and sees each person - his love for us is unequaled.

       We belong to him and he calls us his own. 
Come, now, and worship our great God,

for he is worthy of all honor and glory and praise.

*Hymn #669                                                                             God of Grace and God of Glory

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

Sin afflicts us all. We know what it is like, as Paul described it: doing the very thing we don't want to do, and not doing the good that we desire to do. Let us humbly and sincerely come before God for confession and repentance.

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

Loving Lord God, this morning we confess our sinful nature that so easily corrupts our best attempts at obedience. We are self-centered yet fearful; thoughtless, and heartless towards others yet in need of others to validate our existence. Time and time again we run after every new and empty promise - promises of security, ease, meaning, or intimacy. Forgive us, Lord. Forgive our idolatry, our refusal to give up lordship of our lives, and our forgetfulness of your grace and faithfulness. Continue to call us back, and we thank you for never giving up on us.

  Assurance of Forgiveness

Friends, there is no greater joy than to return home and run into the loving embrace of God. Go in peace, knowing that God forgives you. Amen.

       Praise be to our God of Grace!

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

All-powerful and merciful God, preserve these children from falling into sin and its spiritually and physically destructive evils.  Empower us, through your Holy Spirit, to raise them up to lead holy and virtuous lives of faithfulness, love, and humble service to you and to others. Amen.

  Prayer of Blessing

  Scripture                                                                                                     Acts 1:1-11 (p. 770)

  Message                                                     "Jesus Remains True to the Father's Mission."

  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  A Celebration of Thanks to God for Our Mothers

Leader:  Mothers come in many different forms, and today we celebrate them all!
       All:  Thank God for mothers!

Leader:  Everyone here is either a son or a daughter.
       All:  Thank God for my mother!

Leader:  For those women who have joined God in Heaven and whom we miss dearly here on earth.
       All:  Thank God for the mothers of the past.

Leader:  For every woman who is working day and night to raise her children right now.
       All:  Thank God for the mothers of today.

Leader: For all the women who are expecting, but aren't quite mothers yet!
       All:  Thank God for the soon-to-be-mothers.

Leader: For the women who took in others' children through adoption and foster care.
       All:  Thank God for the mothers with hearts so big.

Leader:  For those women who have lost a child to death and must carry on.
       All:  Thank God for the mothers who are so strong.

Leader:  For all the women who have desperately wanted to have children of their own, but chose instead to mother everyone else.
       All:  Thank God for the mothers in spirit.

       All: We thank you, Lord, for the women who have influenced our lives in so      

       many ways. We pray that we will honor them in everything we do.  Amen.

  Offering/Offertory           

*Doxology (#809)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Lord God, we give ourselves and these offerings up to your service, cheerfully submitting to the ministry of spreading the gospel of hope that is in Jesus Christ and bringing honor and glory to his name.  Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Proclamation #95                                             All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

*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   

~NEW BIBLE STUDIES CONTINUE ~

A 4-week Bible study based on themes in the movie, God's not Dead 2, continues Thursday evenings at 7 pm and Sunday mornings at 10 am (for those who attend the 8:30 service). 

• Lesson/Week 3 (Today, May 8): Passing the Test - As Believers, Our Faith Is Tested.

• Lesson/Week 4 (Thur, May 12; Sun, May 15): Spreading the News – Communicating the Gospel to Others

~NOTES FROM CONSISTORY~

• The elevator is installed and working!  Finishing “cosmetic” touches still need to be completed in the entry way.  Cost-to-date is $34,500, which has been offset somewhat by nearly $8,000 in contributions to the project, and additional contributions would be greatly appreciated.
• During the first quarter of 2016, income for meeting daily operating expenses was down approximately $1,000.00 due to lower weekly giving.  Expenses are “on track” with the 2016 projected budget.
• KRC has a new Associate Pastor, Rev. Paige Convis, who will be charged with rural ministry to Stuyvesant and Muitzeskill churches.
• Although Rev. Convis is Associate Pastor at KRC under the terms of her call, full financial responsibility for her salary and for all the benefits of her employment rest with the Stuyvesant and Muitzeskill churches rather than with KRC.
• Our Pastor Rudy met with the President and VP of RCA to discuss the Stuyvesant and Muitzeskill scenario - they were VERY impressed with his creative solution to the lack-of-a-pastor problem of these two churches.
• May 29^th -  David Alexander, RCA missionary to Taiwan whom KRC helps to support, will be visiting KRC at a combined 10 a.m. worship service.
• June 12^th - Perry Jones will be preaching at KRC at a combined 10 a.m. worship service.
• Remember, KRC sells gravesites for full burials and columbarium sites for cremains burials at competitive prices.

     KRC Outreach Ministry will hold its Annual Plant Swap/Sale from 8 am - 12 noon on Saturday, May 21. Please invite your friends and neighbors to participate in this popular event, and consider contributing extra divisions or cuttings from your own garden as well: perennials, herbs, ground covers, shrubs, house plants – visit kinderhookreformedchurch.com for a partial list. If you have something you need divided, but need help in doing so, please see call Maureen Mooney.  We will also pick up plants if you cannot drop them off.  We will be setting up from 4 – 8 pm on Friday, May 20, and anyone who volunteers to help gets to take advantage of a pre-sale/swap that evening.  100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the KRC Youth Group’s mission trip.

    Saturday, June 4, all are welcome to come and to invite family and friends to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast of amazing food and fellowship with great people in the KRC Fellowship Hall. Sausage, coffee, and juice will be served along with the pancakes.  No reservations needed, free-will donations accepted, and 100% of this year’s proceeds will to benefit the Wee Care program which outreaches to mothers in need of outfitting their newborn babies.

~NEW SEWING GROUP BEING CONSIDERED AT KRC~

A signup sheet is available on the back table for those who would like to take part in starting a sewing group at KRC. Although some ideas have already been put forward about sewing for different charities, the direction the group takes and what it decides to sew all depends on who joins.  If you enjoy sewing, please consider taking advantage of this outreach opportunity. 

~HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY!~

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

~2016 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT~

General Synod:     $53.71   (Up $1.98 from 2015)

Albany Synod:       $29.00   (Unchanged from 2015)

C.  G.   Classis:        $  6.22   (Down $1.07  from 2015

          2016 TOTAL PER MEMBER:        $88.93

                          (Up $0.91 from 2014)

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.
• the wonderful fellowship, good food, fun, and generous outreach at the Wee Care baby shower last Sunday following worship.  Many thanks to Amy Deweerd and all those who assisted in the success of this event to benefit mothers in need of outfitting their newborn babies.
• the good news that Steve Shpur is now recovering at home following recent hospitalization.  Steve says he still has a way to go in his full recovery, but he is very happy to be doing this at home!  Please pray for a speedy return to full health for Steve, and for his wife, Janet, as she assists him in the healing process.
• this encouraging update from Sug Hawver: “I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concern for me during my surgery and now my recovery, and also for the cards and phone calls - all is greatly appreciated. Hope it won't be too long and I will be back to Sunday worship. Peace to all, Sug Hawver.”
• 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. 
• The good news that Greg Clause Jr. continues to make gains in his addiction recovery at the home of his grandparents, Paul and Joan.  Please remember to pray for Greg as he attends out-patient treatment and counseling, and pray that his family will be able to maintain a strong and successful support system for him.
• 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.
• Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s new associate pastor, as she is called to take up her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches beginning May 1.
• 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; Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st 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.
• 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.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.     
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy Stewart as she manages the needs of her aging parents in Ogdensburg, NY.
• God's blessing on the Bible studies continuing this week: 7 pm Thursday and 10 am next Sunday, and Adult Sunday School Class as they study 1 Peter.
• Suzanne, daughter-in-law of Alan and Noreen Dick, suffering broken ribs and a bruised kidney following a recent fall.  
• Charles (Chucky) Spaulding, Michael Spaulding’s uncle, in his 90s, facing radiation treatments for a very aggressive prostate cancer. Pray for reassurance and peace for Charles and his family.
• Kathleen Campbell, mother-in-law of Jane Deane's daughter, Jen, recovering from surgery following a recent heart attack. Please pray for a speedy healing for Kathleen.  
• Ron Dick, Alan’s brother; Ron has NOT suffered a relapse of his cancer as we recently reported. However, the incision from his cancer surgery was not closing as expected, and some very painful procedures had to be performed to promote better healing. Please pray for a speedy recovery without further complications for Ron.
• Angie Rivera, suffering from cellulitis and finding the difficulty of fighting this condition very discouraging.  Pray for speedy healing for Angie, and for God’s peace, reassurance, and encouragement during this stressful time.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Greg Clause Jr.'s mother; Steve Shpur; Sug Hawver; Elizabeth Clinton; Gary Silvano; Stacey Baker; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
• Those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Donna Scalera; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Donna and Jason; 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 for those traveling, especially Hannah Deweerd and her uncle. 
• residence-bound KRC friends and family, Murray Leonardson; Joan Van Alstyne; George Clowe.

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