Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. November 13, 2011
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our guest book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at coffee hour downstairs in the fellowship room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Arnie and Claudia March
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs, Dawn Tuttle supervising.
Flowers are given today by Laura Rafferty in memory of Robert Peter Rafferty.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based in part on Psalm 40, The Message
Blessed are those who give themselves over to God,
Women: Who turn their backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
Men: Who ignore what the world worships.
LORD my God, nothing and no one comes close to You.
Women: I start talking about You, and quickly run out of words.
Men: Neither numbers nor words account for You.
Let us join now together in joyous celebration.
All: Our God is a mighty and wondrous God, and in this season of
light and hope, we worship and give Him our praise.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #801 This Is the Day
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let us admit our brokenness to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Our gracious God and Father, one by one the disciples left all they had to follow the long-awaited Messiah. You promised them hardship, rejection, a loss of comfort, hostility, suffering, and finally, a cross to carry. Piously we give lip service to following you but complain when it is difficult; we worry when we cannot see where you are leading; we question, “Why?” when suffering inevitably comes; and we choose to ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security. Forgive us, Lord.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]
Forgive our selfish desire to follow but at no cost.
Forgive our desire to claim you but not risk anything on your behalf; to embrace new life without experiencing the garden of Gethsemane. Remind us that we live not for ourselves, but for a needy world, in your stead. We are entitled to share in your joy only as we share also in your suffering.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]
By the power of your Spirit, give us boldness and courage
to be your disciples in word, truth and deed. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God is forgiving. Even though our actions create great pain and strain our relationship, he is bigger and more compassionate than we can ever comprehend. God not only forgives but also restores.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
MOMENT FOR OUTREACH: ANGEL TREE
PRESENTATION OF THANKSGIVING FOOD GIFTS – KRC Children
BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison) Based on Luke 12:32-40
All-knowing God, preserve these children from the sins of pride and arrogance, and from the offenses of injustice, violence, and inhumanity that attend these evils. Lead them into holy and virtuous lives of humility and faithfulness to you, and of love and humble service to others. Amen.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION, Hymn #557 (vs.1) Open My Eyes, That I May See
SCRIPTURE LESSON Psalm 123 (p. 441)
MESSAGE “A Relationship of Energy between Unequals”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, as we celebrate the power of the resurrection this day, we ask that you would receive these offerings and gifts that we give joyfully and generously. By the power of your Spirit, multiply them and use them to bring peace, justice, hope and the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #297 Spirit of the Living God
*BENEDICTION, BLESSING, & RESPONSE - 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
~KRC SMALL GROUPS ~
Each week, small group opportunities are offered on Thursday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Sally Heimroth is coordinator of the Thursday morning group, and Pastor Rudy the Thursday evening group. You are cordially invited to join one of these groups – Walk-ins welcome!
~MESSAGES FROM CHURCH FAMILY AND MISSIONS MINISTRIES~
THANKSGIVING DONATIONS TO FOOD PANTRY
The Missions Ministry has started the distribution of bags to be used to gather food for the Valatie Food Pantry before Thanksgiving. A list of suggestions about their needs is stapled to each bag, but nearly anything in the nonperishable line will be welcomed. Each Sunday through November 20th, the Sunday School children will collect any bags people have brought and gather them together at the front of the church as we reach out in Thanksgiving to assist in a need that becomes greater each day.
DROP IN THE BUCKET
The Missions Ministry has begun a new “Drop in the Bucket” program for our flood- ravaged neighbors in Schoharie and Prattsville. Funds will be sent to area churches to aid with the recovery and relief efforts. A collection bucket is in the foyer for any donation your heart suggests. Please make checks payable to KRC, with “flood relief” in the memo, and thank you for your support.
Orders for 2012 calendars, featuring photographs of Kinderhook by Jim Dunham, are being accepted for a donation of $15 to benefit the Kinderhook Cemetery. To order one of these beautiful calendars, see or contact Jim, 758-6171.
For the past several years, KRChurch has partnered with Prison Fellowship in their Angel Tree Project, and will do so again this year. Prison Fellowship was started in the 70’s by Charles Colson after his own incarceration. His experience awakened him to the extraordinary need of inmates in our jails for caring and witnessing. Hundreds of thousands have been led to a freedom in Christ while still imprisoned. From contacts with prisoners, it became apparent that their imprisonment severely impacted their families – especially their children. Out of this awareness grew Angel Tree Project, one small way of showing care and bringing joy to the children of prisoners by providing Christmas gifts for them. Since the project began, over 4 million children have been reached through thousands of participating churches.
krc’s 300th anniversary celebration
A committee for celebrating KRC’s 300th anniversary in 2012 has been formed, and you are invited to join us as a committee member. OUR NEXT MEETING IS AT 6 P.M. THIS COMING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, HERE AT THE CHURCH. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year with great ideas for numerous celebratory events, and that these events will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED, AND WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY.
The Worship Ministry will be decorating the church for the Christmas Season on Thursday, December 1st, from 9 a.m. until noon. If you would like to offer your services to the ministry of beautifying our sanctuary in celebration of the birth of our Lord, please contact Dawn Van Buren.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Ted Call, Fred Hickman, Claudia March, Joan Van Alstyne
Cliff Laraway, Susan Lamont, and their children, back from Florida and living in Philmont, are in need of a pull-out sofa bed to help them complete their furnishings. Please contact Bonnie or Jim Dunham with any suggestions as to where one might be found that could be donated to the family.
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House, featuring the beauty of our sanctuary (decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity) together with community fellowship, Christmas music, cookie decorating, and refreshments in the Fellowship Room. The refreshment buffet will include cookies, cake, candy, hot drinks, and eggnog. Volunteers to assist in this ministry, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be very much appreciated. Please sign up on the sheets provided at the back table, and contact Maureen Mooney if you can help with this outreach ministry.
We are hoping for a large and enthusiastic gathering for Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 2nd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols, now scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, December 18. The Celebration, which emphasizes the rich sung and spoken traditions of the season, derives from England in the late 19th century. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music. In its many modifications the Celebration is presented throughout the world and in a diversity of denominations during the Christmas season. Please mark your calendars, and plan to attend this deeply meaningful and beautiful Worship Service.
KRC’s share of support is $6,711 this year 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 $80.85, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR. Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their 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 throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED A TOTAL OF $3,503 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.
OFFICE, EMAIL,WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call or 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.
Remember to Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday celebration
• Leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• Our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell
• Our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially the family and friends of Dana Delair, killed in a recent auto accident; Dana's mother, Linda Wilton, works at Dr. Merrill Johnson’s Animal Care Clinic with Noreen Dick
• Olivia and family as she faces a major family crisis/decision – pray for God’s will, protection, and direction for all involved
• Carol, recovering from neck surgery this past Thursday at St. Peter's - pray for speedy and complete healing without complications.
• Shelly LoPiccolo, suffering stage 4 lung cancer, & expected to live only a short time
• Others dealing with cancer: Marcia Smith; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh
• Patricia, 24 weeks into her pregnancy with twins and on complete bed rest so that she can carry the babies as close to full term as possible; at the same time, her mother is dying of cancer, and Patricia is suffering much stress and anxiety in the face of these very difficult circumstances
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Morgan Hickman; Stacey Baker; Gordie Van Buren; Richard Williams; Angie Rivera Maycole; Sue Jones; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Mark VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements – Libby’s October-November schedule is now available on the back table; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke)
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection
• Families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance;
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare
Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.
Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision
• The good news that Gordie Van Buren is settled back into his own home and doing very well - baked goods and visits would be welcome!
• The good report that Susan Dick, Alan’s niece, has recovered well from her recent surgery
• The encouraging report that Angie Rivera Maycole is improving steadily each day
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
•
• Those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy
KRC 2011-2012 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Laura Rafferty, Property – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory, Cemetery – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Missions, Church Treasurer – ’11 758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis ’11 784-9656
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12 210-6079
Dawn VanBuren, Consistory Vice-President, Worship,
Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 392-4771
KRC STAFF
KRC Secretary Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
COMING EVENTS
Today, November 13
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Please Note: Sunday School will be in recess November 27.
11:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
New Members’ Class with Pastor Rudy
Mon., November 14
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tues., November 15
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., November 16
7:00 pm Stewardship Ministry meets @ KRC
Thur., November 17
9:00 am Small Group meets, Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
6:00 pm 300 Committee meets @KRC
7:00 pm Small Group meets, Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Mon., November 28
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Thur., December 1
9:00 am – Noon Worship Ministry decorates the sanctuary for Christmas
Fri., December 9
6:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Annual Candlelight Night Open House
Sun., December 18
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
4:00 pm 2nd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Servers Next Sunday, November 20, 2011
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Sally and Wayne Heimroth
Nursery Supervisor: Laura Rafferty
