Kinderhook Reformed Church
Worship Service for November 17, 2013 - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
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.
8:30 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Welcome and God's Greeting
Call to Worship
*Hymn of Praise #87 (2x) His Name is Wonderful
Morning Prayer and Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson Mark 10:46-52 (p. 716)
Message "The Calling of a Blind Man"
Prayer of Blessing
Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings
Intercession and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #492 I Will Sing of My Redeemer
*Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Bob Wildermuth, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Ted and Nancy Call Preshool Nursery available downstairs.
Flowers are given today by Dawn Van Buren in remembrance of her father,
John R. Van Buren, who passed away on 11/7/13.
Guest Organist: David Smith
Prelude Voluntary IV in e minor John Stanley
Welcome and Announcements
BOLDLY APPROACHING OUR GOD
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on Psalm 15 and Micah 6:8
Lord, who may dwell in Your sacred tent? Who may live on Your holy mountain?
Those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous,
who speak the truth from their heart.
What does the Lord require of us?
To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God! Lord,
purify our hearts that we may be blameless and humble before You.
*Hymn of Praise #87 (2X) His Name is Wonderful
TURNING OUR HEARTS TO GOD
A time for Confession —Based on Psalm 52
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; worry when we cannot see where you are leading; question, “Why?” when suffering inevitably comes; and choose to ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security. Forgive us, Lord.
Prayer of Confession (Responsive)
Forgive our selfish desire to follow but at no cost; 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 the world, in Your stead. We are entitled to share in Your joy only as we share also in Your suffering.
[Silent Prayer of 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 looks favorably upon those who seek him. He is quick to forgive. In the name of Jesus Christ, you have been forgiven. Amen.
God’s love is steadfast and true. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Hallelujah, Amen.
Children’s Message and Blessing (Unison)
Lord, lead our children to trust not in their own good works, but only in Jesus’ righteousness and sacrifice for their salvation; assure them that, through faith in Jesus, their souls are secure in Your hands for all eternity. Amen.
WE COME BEFORE GOD'S OPEN WORD
Prayer Hymn for Illumination #557 (Vs 1 only) Open My Eyes, that I May See
Scripture Lesson Mark 10:46-52 (p. 716)
Message "The Calling of A Blind Man"
Prayer of Blessing
CELEBRATING GOD
Presentation of our Tithes and Offering/Offertory
Chromhorne sur la Taille from Mass for the Convents F. Couperin
*Doxology (#809) & Offertory Prayer
O God, these plates contain but a portion of our thanksgiving. The remainder we offer through deeds of loving kindness, through service in the name of Christ, and through enactment of the hope born of faithfulness. To the grace of Your goodness we respond with gratitude, now and always, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #492 (All verses) I Will Sing of My Redeemer
*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 VI in F major Joseph Seeger
~ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS BEGINS STUDY OF THE LORD’S PRAYER~
Beginning today, the adult Sunday School class led by John Schubert will begin a study based on The Lord's Prayer. The study will last from 6 - 8 weeks depending on the Sundays available for the class to meet, and will include audio lessons from Adrian Rogers’ messages as well as a study guide. The prayer that Jesus taught His disciples and us is filled with the way we should seek to be in communication with God. From praise, to longing for His presence, to seeking His forgiveness, to asking for His favor and strength in our lives, we acknowledge who God is in His character, love, and power. It is hoped that this study will be of help to any who feel the need to draw closer to our God, and all are invited to attend.
~THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE ENDS TODAY~
KRC’S OUTREACH MINISTRY’S VALATIE ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING DRIVE ENDS TODAY. PLEASE PLACE YOUR BAGGED DONATIONS IN THE FOYER BY THE END OF TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE. AS A RESULT OF THE FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE LAST YEAR, OVER 100 THANKSGIVING BASKETS WERE DELIVERED TO NEEDY FAMILIES, AND KRC CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO THIS EFFORT.
~ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE NOVEMBER 27~
Wednesday, November 27, the Stuyvesant Reformed Church will be hosting the Ichabod Crane Council’s Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service. A combined choir of singers from all of the churches will perform a special anthem. All are invited to share in the blessing of this Thanksgiving Worship.
~THANK YOU TO FROM THE KRC CEMETERY COMMITTEE~
Many thanks to all those who attended and helped to make our recent fundraiser so successful, and special appreciation to Greg Clause for his time and talent in organizing and preparing such a delicious spaghetti dinner. Special thanks also Greg’s son, young Greg Clause, and Hudson La Bella’s Restaurant for providing their services and facilities to assist in preparation for the event; and to the Valatie Hannaford Market for their donation of food items.
The dinner not only raised over $800 in much-needed support of the operation and maintenance of the cemetery, but provided a wonderful outreach opportunity and time of warm fellowship for community and KRC family members who attended.
~SERVICE OF COMMISSIONING~
The Reverend Classes of Albany and Schoharie and The Regional Synod of Albany of the Reformed Church in America invite you to attend a Service of Commissioning of the Rev. Robert Hoffman to serve as the Synod Administrator for the Regional Synod of Albany, and the Rev. Abigail Norton-Levering to serve as Synod Ministries Coordinator for the Regional Synod of Albany. Worship will begin at 2 pm this coming Saturday, November 23, 2013, at the Herkimer Reformed Church, 102 Church St., Herkimer, NY 13350. A celebratory reception will follow. (Pastor Rudy will attend and offer the Pastoral Prayer for the service.)
THANK-YOU FROM NEW YORK STATE SENATOR
KATHLEEN A. MARCHIONE, 43RD SENATE DISTRICT
Dear KRC Family,
I want to take this opportunity to recognize your church’s recent efforts to assist with the packaging of over 14,000 meals for the “Stop Hunger Now” program. What an amazing accomplishment in just a few hours! This certainly could not have been accomplished without the efforts of volunteers like the ones from your church.
Stop Hunger Now is a wonderful organization that, over the past 15 years, has delivered much needed aid, disaster relief supplies, school supplies, food, and much more to over 65 countries. It is devastating to know that more than 868 million people throughout the world lack adequate food and more than 25,000 of them die each day from hunger-related illnesses. With the help of churches like yours, Stop the Hunger can bring relief to many of those 868 million people and help prevent dying due to hunger.
Please let your volunteers know how much I admire their dedication to their fellow man and tell them to keep up the great work.
Sincerely, Kathleen Marchione
~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer” in these difficult times. BEGINNING NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, KRC will be 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 hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; and (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt. 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 15.
~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION~
Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done from 9 am - 12 noon Tuesday, December 3, under the direction of Jim and Bonnie Dunham. All are invited to offer their services to the ministry of beautifying our sanctuary in celebration of the birth of our Lord.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners will soon be displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please watch for the Angel Tree, and consider taking an angel. Your gifts 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 help deliver the gifts to local families. Please contact Sara Hartman (828-6368 or 917-538-6576) if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13E
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 13, 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. Refreshment buffet will include cookies, cake, candy, hot drinks, and eggnog. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please watch for a sign sheet to be provided 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 DECEMBER 22~
KRC’s Fourth Annual Lessons and Carols Christmas Worship Service directed by David Smith will be presented on December 22. Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is 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.
A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all.
Consistory is presenting the following slate of nominees for positions on the 2014-15 Consistory, and these nominees have agreed to serve if elected: As Deacons: Noreen Dick and Barbara Vosburgh. As Elders: Dawn Tuttle and Patti Varga. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they anticipate serving the Lord in their respective ministries.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith.
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. Pray especially for KRC's adult Sunday School class led by John Schubert as the group begins a new prayer study.
KRC’s 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
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..
our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
victims of warfare, terrorism, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge 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 violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility. families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the recent death of Al Seebode.
The millions of victims suffering the death and devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Rose, best friend of Kim Lyle, hospitalized and in a coma. Doctors cannot say when Rose may regain consciousness.
Cliff, in a great deal of pain from diverticulitis.
Chris Proper, awaiting endoscopy results to determine the cause of stomach pain.
Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin, suffering stage 4 stomach cancer. Leonard's doctors say that nothing more can be done for him.
DIck Tasker, former member of KRC and teacher of the adult Sunday School class, following a serious stroke that left his cognitive functions severely impaired. Dick will be in need of full-time care, and family members cherish your prayers as they work through the difficult decisions ahead.
Grace Rugen, recovering from recent spinal surgery following an accident.
Kim Lyle's grandma, hospitalized with cancer and soon to undergo chemotherapy.
Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law, diagnosed with breast cancer.
others battling or recovering from cancer: Rose and Joanne, friends of the Simpkins and Spaulding familie; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Marilyn; Jen Kline; Dan McNeil; Kathy White, friend of Dawn VanBuren; George, father of Nancy Baker’s friend; Gail, daughter of a friend of Barbara Vosburgh; Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Sal Alessi; Tom Saulpaugh; Donna Scalera.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Heather LaTorre's mother; Maureen Mooney's Uncle Jerry; South African family who survived a brutal farm attack; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Liz Carroll; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera; Faity Tuttle.
those facing challenges & difficult decisions: Bill, his wife, and children going through a very difficult time - Bill and his family are neighbors of Merrill and Erika Johnson; Middle East Christians; Libby Little.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
residence-bound members, Gordie Van Buren; Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
Consistory and 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
Praise God for the good news from Deb Spaulding and her mother, Harriet Simpkins, that their family member in the Philippines has checked in and is fine. Deb and Harriet wish to thank the KRC family for all their prayers.
the good report that Susan Lavin, friend of the Dicks, has recovered well from surgery to remove a lung tumor.
the wonderful news that the hole in Louise’s eye was healed.
John Lyon's safe return from Florida.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and 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.
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.
HAPPYY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Claudia March (22nd), Joan Van Alstyne (26th)
~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.
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.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, call 859-4158.
