Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. November 20, 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: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Sally and Wayne Heimroth
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs, Laura Rafferty supervising.
Flowers are given today by Dawn Van Buren
in acknowledgement of Thanksgiving Blessings from our Lord.
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 on Psalm 145
Come into the presence of the Lord
Who is faithful to all his promises and righteous in all his ways,
Who watches over all who love him.
Come and praise the Lord
Who has compassion on all he has made,
Who is gracious and good, slow to anger, and rich in love.
Come and worship the Lord
Who upholds all those who fall,
Who lifts up all who are bowed down.
Come and extol the Lord
Whose dominion endures through all generations.
We come to praise his holy name!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #72 To God Be the Glory
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION – Based on Psalm 119:5, 6
Our ways have not been steadfast in obeying the Lord’s decrees. When we consider his commands, we are put to shame. Let us confess to him our failures and seek him with all our heart.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) - Based on Psalm 130
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our voices. Let your ears be attentive to our cries for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore, we fear you. We wait for you, Lord, our souls wait - for in you and in your word, we put our hope.
[Waiting in Silent Prayer and Confession]
Our hope is in you, O Lord.
Redeem us from all our sins, for with you there is unfailing love, and with you is full redemption. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Psalm 145:18, 19
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAISE SONGS
PRESENTATION OF THANKSGIVING FOOD GIFTS – KRC Children
BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison)
Draw our children face-to-face with you, O Lord. May they feel your presence, and taste your goodness; may they experience the power of your Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen them in times of need; and may they long for more of you each day of their lives. Amen.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison)
From the hymn, “Lord Speak to Me, That I May Speak”
Lord, speak to us, that we may speak in living echoes of your voice. Lead us, Lord, that we may lead those who stumble, and feed us that we may feed those who hunger for you. Teach us, that we may teach others the precious things that you impart. Fill us with your fullness, Lord, until our hearts overflow with glowing words that tell of your love and show your praise.
SCRIPTURE LESSON Ephesians 1:15-23 (p. 827)
MESSAGE “Is Knowing God Experiencing God?”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, who has blessed us abundantly with many good gifts, after your example we lay these offerings before you. May they be used to promote the Good News of Christ, the whole truth of scripture, and spiritual nourishment, growth, and joy both within and far beyond our church family. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN OF PRAYER AND PRAISE #27 O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright
*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
TTHANKSGIVING EVE ECUMENICAL SERVICEA
An ecumenical service will be held at 7 p.m. this coming Wednesday, November 23, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie. All are invited to join in this evening of Thanksgiving and worship.
~MESSAGE FROM MISSIONS MINISTRY~
DROP IN THE BUCKET
The Missions Ministry continues its “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.
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.
Donations are now being accepted for Christmas poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area. Your gifts are greatly appreciated.
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. WATCH FOR KRC’S ANGEL TREE, ALONG WITH DIRECTIONS ON HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE PERSONALLY IN THIS PROGRAM, SOON TO BE DISPLAYED IN THE FOYER.
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. 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.
~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!
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 looking forward to 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 more than $3,700 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 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 volunteer efforts of Maureen Mooney and those who accompanied her to paint at the Reformed Church in Middleburg yesterday.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• the report that Carol, who had neck surgery recently, is home and doing well; Carol did not have to have any “hardware” put in her neck to relieve the compression on her spinal cord. Thanks for your prayers - God is good.
• the good news that Gordie Van Buren continues to do very well at home - baked goods and visits would be welcome!
• 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.
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• 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.
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 planning.
• 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. A special prayer request from Dave and Char Alexander: The East Asia Mission supervisor from the Reformed Church in America is coming to Taiwan this week for conversations with leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan about the future of their mission partnership. This will impact our future as missionaries here as well, so we ask you to pray for all people involved on all sides of the discussion.
• 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.
• Olivia and family as she faces a major family crisis/decision; pray for God’s will, protection, and direction for all involved.
• those dealing with cancer: Shelly LoPiccolo; 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; Carol; 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.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Ted Call, Fred Hickman, Claudia March, Joan Van Alstyne
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 20
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Please Note: Sunday School will be in recess next Sunday, 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
Tues., November 22
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., November 23
7:00 pm Thanksgiving ecumenical worship, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Thur., November 24
Please Note: Small Groups and Community Prayer Group
will be in recess Thanksgiving Day, November 24
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 27, 2011
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Jean Hacker
Nursery Supervisor:
