KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, NOVEMBER 22, 2015
Christ the King Sunday
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
Welcome Today to Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher
Rev. McCrossan, Reformed Church in America ordained minister, has been a pastor since 1979, serving four churches in California, Montana, Colorado, and New York. He now works at City Mission of Schenectady in the Men's Ministry, and provides pulpit supply for area churches most Sundays. Tom is married and has three grown children.
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 Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (p. 631); Revelation 1:4b-8 (p. 867)
Message “The Justice and Judgement of the King”
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.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, and Chip Wood.
Thanks to today’s greeter, Susan Patterson.
Thanks to Nancy Baker for flowers given today in thanks to God for all the blessings he has given to us.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Prelude
Announcements
Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Opening Prayer (Responsive)
Almighty and everlasting God, it is your will to restore all things to Christ, whom you have anointed priest for ever and ruler of creation. Grant that all the people of the earth, now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise #26 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
*For those who are able, please stand.
Allowing God to Shape Us
Prayer of Praise and Confession (Responsive)
Pastor: You who are loved by God, let us draw near with a true heart,
and confess our sins to our loving God.
PEOPLE: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Pastor: Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
PEOPLE: Our sins are set before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
Pastor: We have sinned against you and the people you love in thought,
word, and deed; by what we have done and by what we have left undone.
PEOPLE: Have mercy on us, O Lord. Teach us to hate our errors,
cleanse us from our secret faults, and forgive our sins
for the sake of your dear Son.
Pastor: O most holy and loving Father, help us we pray,
to love and obey the commandments of Jesus Christ our Lord.
PEOPLE: Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.
Pastor: For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
ALL: Praise the Lord.
Congregational Response (Unison)
"He is Lord, He is Lord, He is risen from the dead and He is Lord;
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."
Acceptance (Responsive)
Pastor: God knows us better than we know ourselves,
and loves us better than we love ourselves.
PEOPLE: God forgives us more than we forgive ourselves. As far as the east
is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us.
All for Christ's sake.
Pastor: Believe the Good News! Believe the Good News, and live according to God's Word which says, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12-14)
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Jesus, King of Heaven, assure our children that heaven, earth, and all the powers of the universe are controlled by your righteous command. With confidence and hope, may they open their hearts to you and recognize you as King of their lives. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (p. 631); Revelation 1:4b-8 (p. 867)
Message “The Justice and Judgement of the King”
Prayer of Blessing
Celebrating God
*Hymn #48 God of Creation, All-Powerful
Offering and Offertory
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Jesus Christ, Lord of all, yours are the greatness, the glory, and the majesty! O Lord, you are exalted above all, and in your hand are the power and might to make great and to give strength to all. Bless these gifts we bring to you, and make us profitable servants, that your kingdom may come. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
*Prayer Hymn #262 Rejoice, the Lord Is King
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude
PLEASE NOTE: There will be one combined worship service at 10 a.m. next Sunday, November 29, and will include a budget presentation. Please join us for worship and for information on KRC’s 2016 budget.
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Again, praise God that last Sunday’s offering of $3,400 exceeded the weekly minimum of $3,000 necessary to cover daily operating expenses!
Total Income-to-Date = $147,000; Total Expenses-to-Date = $154,000.
Everyone is encouraged 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.
~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.
~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
~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1~
Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done beginning at 9:30 am TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 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.
~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.
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 NEXT 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 choir music and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. 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)
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our
10 am worship services. Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
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, especially the hundreds who were injured and families and friends of the 129 people killed in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
others 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.
Tom Eastman, as he transitions from military service to civilian life.
Dick Silvano’s brother, awaiting a heart transplant.
Stacey Baker, whose doctors say she is facing several more months of recovery from a serious concussion suffered last March.
others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Elize Visser’s father; Vicki; Barbara Feliciano; Angie Rivera; Florence Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; 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.
those in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Donna Scalera; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Bill Metzger; TJ Vooris; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
those who are traveling, especially this coming Thanksgiving week.
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: 16-year-old pregnant teenager, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; 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; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.
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 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 happy news that Vicki Metzger, 96, mother of Nancy Baker, is doing extremely well following recovery from recent health issues.
the good report that medication has reduced the swelling in Donna Scalera’s hands, allowing for her cancer treatments to resume
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.
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.
~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.
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
Classis Assessment contributions are divided three ways, with portions going to the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). The 2016 assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:
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 $88.93 (Up $0.91 from 2014)
General Synod will use its share of assessed funds to pay for a Special Council on issues related to sexual orientation, support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other Synod-approved initiatives. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including grants, leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.
COMING EVENTS
Today, 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
Tues, November 24
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur, November 26 Thanksgiving Day
Sun, November 29 Please Note: One combined Worship service at 10 a.m.
First Sunday in Advent
Angel Tree Program Underway
10:00 am Combined Worship Service, congregational meeting, Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Tues., December 1
9:30 am Decoration of church sanctuary
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 29, 2015
Ushers: Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur, Ken Sutherland
Greeter(s): Mike Deegan and Donna Rhodes
