KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, NOVEMBER 15, 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 Jeremiah 31:7-9 (p. 560)
Message “God Is in the Relocation Business.”
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 in the Fellowship Room today following worship.
Ushers today are Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, and Chip Wood.
Greeters today are Johnathan and Jennifer Pratt.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Guest Organist, David Smith
Prelude Fuga from Organ Sonata no. 6, op. 65 F. Mendelssohn
Announcements
Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 98:1-6
Sing a new song to the Lord, who has worked wonders,
whose right hand and holy arm have led his people to a new beginning.
The Lord has remembered truth and love for his people.
He has made known his salvation, and has shown justice to the nations.
All the ends of the earth have seen the redemption of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing out your joy.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.
*Hymn of Praise #16 Give to Our God Immortal Praise
*For those who are able, please stand.
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call To Confession Based on Isaiah 30:15, 18
In repentance and rest is our salvation, and our strength is in quietness and trust of our God and Redeemer. But we stray from his guidance and will have none of it. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to us. Let us confess our sin to him, and he will rise up to show compassion. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Prayer of Confession (Unison) Based on Daniel 9:4-19
God and Father most gracious, filled with mercy and steadfast love, we are ashamed to come before you, for we have rebelled against your wisdom, forsaken your paths, and wandered into a wasteland of sin and desolation. We have preferred the ways of this world to your ways, rejected your fatherly guidance and nurturing, and have gotten lost altogether. To you belongs righteousness, O Lord, and to us confusion of face. Hear us as we pour out our sorrow before you. Forgive us, and in your great mercy, guide us out of our wilderness of troubles to a place of reconciliation, redemption, and renewal through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Moment of Silent Personal Confession]
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 5:1,
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Faithful God, lead our children along paths of righteousness into the places and purposes that you have planned for their lives. May they trust always in your promise and power to guide them in serving you and bringing blessing to others.
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Jeremiah 31:7-9 (p. 560)
Message “God Is in the Relocation Business.”
Prayer of Blessing
Celebrating God
Receiving of New Members, Johnathan and Jennifer Pratt
Offering and Offertory Finale (Andante) from Organ Sonata no. 6, op. 65 F. Mendelssohn
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
We are not our own; we belong to you. You have created us and given us life anew, O God, our Savior and Sustainer. In gratitude for all your gifts, we gladly open our hands and hearts to present our offerings to you. In the name of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit, sanctify them for the purpose of bringing the Gospel of salvation and hope to many. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
*Prayer Hymn #522 Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude Fuga from Organ Sonata No. 2, op. 65 F. Mendelssohn
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our10 am worship services. Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
~ NOMINATION BALLOTS FOR THE 2016 CONSISTORY DUE TODAY ~
All active KRC members should have received their ballots and informational letters for nominating members to serve on the 2016 Consistory. If you have forgotten, failed to fill out, or have not received your ballot, please contact Paul following today’s service. All nomination ballots must be completed and in the hands of the election stewards TODAY in order to be included in the nomination process.
~UPDATE ON ANNUAL BAZAAR AND THANK-YOU TO VOLUNTEERS~
The Olde Dutch & Such organizing committee would like to thank all the volunteers for the hours they put into making KRC’s 4th Annual Bazaar such a success. We won't mention names for fear of leaving someone out, but we are so appreciative of all who helped. Of course, we're also thankful for all who came and purchased items from the bazaar and enjoyed the fellowship of the event. Around $1500 was raised for the benefit KRC’s 4th Century renovation fund. Please join us in praising God for all those who contributed so generously to this ministry.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Praise the Lord that last Sunday’s offering of $3,420 exceeded the weekly minimum of $3,000 necessary to cover daily operating expenses! Nevertheless, as a result of recent weekly shortfalls, we are still in a budgetary deficit:
Total Income-to-Date = $144,000; Total Expenses-to-Date = $147,000.
Everyone is urged once again to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday, and Stewardship Ministry asks that each of us give prayerful consideration to how we might adjust our giving to keep income at a level sufficient to meet expenses.
In light of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
~VALATIE FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING BASKETS~
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,
Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be given again to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. Last year, Thanksgiving baskets were given to 132 families (484 people), and we anticipate about the same this year. The baskets will contain everything needed for Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items in bulk, and if you would like to help financially, checks may be made payable to “Kinderhook Reformed Church” with “Thanksgiving Baskets” on the memo line and dropped into the offering plate. Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give. Any monies or food items left over after the baskets are distributed will be put into the pantry account or onto the pantry shelves.
Sincerely, Jean S. Norton, for the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry
~OUTREACH MINISTRY’S THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE ENDS TODAY~
Along with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s financial appeal in support of its Thanksgiving Food Basket program, KRC’s Outreach Ministry is once again collecting Thanksgiving food items for the pantry. THE DRIVE ENDS TODAY, SO PLEASE BE SURE YOUR BAGGED DONATIONS ARE PLACED IN THE FOYER. As a result of last year’s drive, many needy families in our local communities enjoyed great thanksgiving dinners, and KRC contributed substantially to this ministry. Many thanks to all who have donated food or monetary gifts to make this year’s drive just as successful!
~NEW BIBLE STUDY GROUPS PROPOSED~
A number of people in our KRC family have expressed interest in forming new Bible study groups. For those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity, a survey sheet is available on the back table of the sanctuary for indicating interest and noting days and times convenient for you to participate.
~CCRM MEN’S and WOMEN’S GIFT PROGRAMS CONTINUE~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer”. KRC is again collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one knitted hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves – no MEDIUM please; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt - no peanuts or chocolate, please. Wrap with festive paper (NO BOWS), tape securely, mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, and return to the church collection boxes by Sunday, December 6.
For the women, CCRM has suggested that we send “colorful, cozy, fuzzy” non-skid slipper socks, a fun yet practical gift for the ladies housed at the mission. These socks are not readily found in the local stores, but are available online at very reasonable prices and free shipping. If you would like to contribute to this gift idea, make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church, with “Slipper Socks” in the memo line, and the church will purchase the socks online using your contributions.
~ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
The Angel Tree Program, founded by ex-convict, Mary Kay Beard, has been part of Prison Fellowship's work for 34 years. This ministry has served millions of children and brought the love of Christ, as well as reconciliation, to countless homes during the Christmas season.
Mary Kay was a safe-cracker, a bank robber, and one of America’s Most Wanted. Arrested in June, 1972, she quickly collected 11 federal indictments and 35 charges against her. But her 180-year sentence turned into a six-year sentence, during which time she asked God to change her hardened heart. And that's exactly what happened. Through her experience in prison, Mary Kay gained a deep appreciation for the estrangement and brokenness prisoners suffer from being separated from their families. When a parent is sentenced to prison, he or she is not the only one being punished. The children suffer too, and it is especially tough for them at Christmas time. Mary Kay also saw how a simple act of giving and receiving a gift can renew hope and bring change to the lives of those on both sides of the bars. That's why she founded Angel Tree, and why she considers it perhaps the greatest way God has used her since he first changed her heart in prison. "I am both awed and humbled to have been a part of something so enormously effective," says Mary. "Being there at the beginning, I consider it one of the highest privileges of my life." For Mary, Angel Tree represents an awe-inspiring testimony to prisoners and their families of the Gospel: "The very first Christmas gift," she reminds us, "was a child." For those desperate for forgiveness and those desperate for a parent's love, the simple opportunity to give or receive a gift at Christmas not only breaks down the barriers which isolate family members in prison from those outside, but makes the story of a God, who loves us no matter what, come powerfully to life.
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners will be displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance beginning Sunday, November 29. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please consider taking an angel when the tree goes up. Your gifts, which will be due at the church on Sunday, December 20, will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Volunteers will also be needed to participate in the delivery of the gifts to local Angel Tree families. Please see Sara Hartman at church, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.
~REFORMED CHURCH AT MUITZESKILL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR~
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill invites you to visit its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road and Muitzeskill Road in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently-used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a luncheon cafe and a bake sale. We look forward to seeing you there!
~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11~
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, in conjunction with Kinderhook Village’s Candlelight Walk celebration. KRC’s Open House will feature tours of our beautiful sanctuary - decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity - together with Christmas music, cookie decorating, refreshments, and community fellowship in the Fellowship Room. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please watch for a sign-up sheet on the back table in the near future, but feel free to contact a member of the Outreach Ministry if you are able to help with this ministry.
~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 20, at KRC. A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus are told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. The first Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King's College, Cambridge, England, and has been broadcast from there by the BBC to millions of listeners around the world each Christmas Eve since 1931. The order of worship was adapted from an order prepared 38 years earlier by Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro. Tradition says that the bishop organized a 10 pm service in Cornwall on Christmas Eve, 1880, in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral.
HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Joy Bertram (14th),
Claudia March (22nd), Joan Van Alstyne (26th)
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 immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
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 safe return of Tom Eastman, brother-in-law of Andrew and Melissa Welcome, after completing 313 days of military service in Afghanistan. Welcome home, Tom!
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 and 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.
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
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. Pray especially for Amber, that she will come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. 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
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s youth group; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
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, especially Jason, just beginning his military career.
victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: earthquakes, famine, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression and unrest; warfare and terrorism.
those grieving the death of loved ones, especially the family of Paul and AnnaMarie Zietzman grieving the recent death of Paul’s father in South Africa.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
Vicki, dealing with kidney failure, now home following a month's stay in the hospital.
Barbara Feliciano, on life support.
Donna Scalera, suffering from a swelling of the hands in addition to coping with the difficulties of recent chemo and biopsy procedures. Pray that the cause of the swelling will be quickly identified and the condition successfully treated.
Harriet Stockhoff, now receiving care at the Hawthorne Ridge Memory Care Center in East Greenbush. Please also keep in your prayers Harriet’s husband, Rev. Ron Stockhoff, during this challenging time.
Leonard Blish, battling stage 4 stomach cancer and now on a feeding tube.
Judy Alvarez, dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Elizabeth Clinton; Susan Lamont's sister; a friend of Erika Johnson; Cheryl Johnson; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Daniel; Andy; Lucy; Rodrigo; Jean; Florence Rivera; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Bill Metzger; TJ Vooris; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
Elize Visser's father, dealing with shingles.
Elize's niece and her new husband, married last Saturday. Pray for God's blessing upon their marriage and His protection as they travel.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Eric; Maryann; Linda, co-worker of Noreen Dick and Merrill Johnson; Gary Silvano; Vicki Metzger; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Noreen, mother of Maureen Mooney; Stacey Baker; Ann, sister of Nancy Baker; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of beginning a higher level of education or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Greg L; 16-year-old pregnant teenager, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
Residence-bound members 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/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
COMING EVENTS
Today, November 15
Consistory Nominee Ballots Due
Thanksgiving Food Drive for Valatie Food Pantry Ends
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service - New members received; Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Tues, November 17
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur, November 19
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun, November 22
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Mon, November 23
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Sun, November 29 First Sunday in Advent
Angel Tree Program Underway
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Sat, December 5
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Reformed Church at Muitzeskill Christmas Bazaar
Sun, December 6 CCRM Men’s & Women’s Gift Donations Due at KRC
Fri, December 11
6:00 – 8:30 pm KRC Annual Candlelight Night Open House
Sun, December 20 Angel Tree Gift Donation Due at KRC
4:00 pm KRC Annual Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Thur, December 24
7:00 pm KRC Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Servers Next Sunday, November 22, 2015
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, Chip Wood
Greeter(s): Susan Patterson
