Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. November 25, 2012
“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: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Dave and Beth Ennis
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.
Celebration of Worship
PRELUDE
Drawing Nearer to God
VOTUM AND GOD'S GREETING
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsively)
The Lord is good! Let the people rejoice!
Our joy is found in you, O God!
The Lord brings hope! Let the people rejoice!
Our hope is found in you, O God!
The Lord has saved us! Let the people rejoice!
Our salvation comes from you, O God!
The Lord is great! Let the people rejoice!
We rejoice in you, O God!
*MORNING PRAISE HYMN #95 All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
Turning Our Hearts to God
CALL TO CONFESSION
All who have sinned fall short of the glory of God. Trusting that we are justified freely by God’s grace, let us confess our sins together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)
Father, we’re entering a season that celebrates the greatest gift we’ve ever received, your Son. But we confess that the gifts we think about most are wrapped in paper under our Christmas trees. We’re consumed with wish lists and lights, decorations and songs, but we leave you out of it, missing true joy. Help us see you this season and celebrate the light you gave to the world. And may the greatest gift we give this year be in sharing your gift with others. Amen.
[Moment Of Silence]
Hold us in your grace, tender God,
and help us to move beyond ourselves so that we may live and serve as did Jesus. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Brothers and sisters in Christ, God loves us not because of what belongs to us, but because we belong to God. In this truth, Jesus offers us new life, ways that invite us to new living! Know that we are forgiven by God’s love, and called to new living in God’s grace.
Alleluia! Amen.
PRAISE SONGS King of Kings, Majesty
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE AND BLESSING
Jesus, through the work of your Holy Spirit, make your presence known to these children; live within them and be with them always; and through every difficulty of life, may they experience your joy and your peace. Amen.
Allowing God to Shape Us
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON John 18:33-37 (p. 767)
MESSAGE "Internalizing the Truth”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Giving Ourselves for God's Glory
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERING
*HYMN #809 (Doxology) Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise him all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER
*CLOSING SONG HYMN #45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
*BENEDICTION and 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
Four display panels featuring highlights of Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300-year history have been created and generously donated to the church. These beautiful works will be a rich source of historic information to KRC visitors as well as to our church family, and they will serve as an excellent enhancement to KRC’s ongoing free guided tour program. The panels will be permanently installed in the back of the sanctuary, and will be dedicated next Sunday, December 2, during our morning Worship Service.
Dave Alexander, RCA missionary to Taiwan whom we support through our missions giving, will be visiting with us and preaching on Sunday, December 9. A church family brunch will follow the morning service, during which Dave will offer a short presentation and a question-and-answer time. Please plan to attend this update from Taiwan and enjoy the good food and fellowship as well.
KRC’s active, confessing membership has elected
the following officers to serve on the 2013-14 Consistory:
ELDERS: DEACONS:
Maureen Mooney Derick Latorre
Dawn Tuttle Jane Deane
Bob Wildermuth
The elementary-age Sunday School class is doing a “Learning to Use your Bible” course, and the KRC Sunday School is providing Bibles for the children to use in this study We are still looking for Bible sponsors willing to donate $15 per sponsorship to help with the cost of the Bibles. Sponsors may drop their donations in the offering plate clearly designated “Bible Sponsorship,” and each sponsor will receive a bookmark imprinted with the names of all students in the class as a reminder to pray for them as they learn to use God’s Word.
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
~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 November 25, 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 December 16.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. On each angel you will find very specific age, size, and gift-request information given for a particular child. Please take an angel to assist you as you gift-shop, note your selection and other necessary information on the sheet provided, and return your wrapped gift, with the angel attached, to KRC by Sunday, December 16. Angel Tree gifts will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Volunteers are needed to help deliver the gifts to local families. Please contact Sara Hartman (828-6368 or 917-538-6576) or Sally Heimroth (784-3164). For those who are planning on or considering delivering gifts, a brief meeting on Sunday, December 2, will be held in the adult Sunday school room immediately after Worship.
~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION~
Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, December 6, 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.
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGEE
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 14, featuring 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 hot dogs, 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 sign up on the sheets provided at the back table, and contact a member of the Missions/Evangelism Ministry if you can help with this community outreach.
LESSONS AND CAROLS
We are looking forward to a large and enthusiastic gathering for Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 3rd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, December 16. 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 instrumental 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 SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM ~
10 a.m. December 16
KRC’s Sunday School Christmas Program
will be presented during Sunday Worship.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
(Please note: Service begins at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as in previous years.)
As always, KRC’s Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.
THIS COMING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, AT 10:00 A.M., CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY IS HOSTING A LIA SOPHIA JEWELRY PARTY FEATURING NIKKI BARMEN. COME JOIN THE FUN AS NIKKI SHOWCASES THIS BEAUTIFUL LINE OF JEWELRY.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 9 AM – NOON, a free clinic will be held to identify children who can benefit from the expert care provided at Shriners Hospitals for Children. If you know of any children, newborn to age 18 (please bring birth certificate), who might have orthopedic problems such as cleft lip and palate, scoliosis, spina bifida, dislocated hips, club foot, or problems resulting from burns, bring them to this clinic at Hudson Valley Orthopedic Center, 23 Fish and Game Road (corner Route 66), Hudson. No appointment necessary – walk-ins welcome. ALL CARE PROVIDED AT SHRINERS HOSPITALS IS AT NO COST TO THE CHILD OR FAMILY. For more information about the clinic and the work that Shriners do, call 758-1778.
HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS!
Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Joy Bertram (14th), Claudia March (22nd), Jacob Mooney (25th), Joan Van Alstyne (26th)
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.
• the good news that Jane Deane’s daughter, Jenny, recovering from shingles, and granddaughter, Grace, recovering from pneumonia, are much improved.
• the very good news that Paul Rogati, Carly Skow's son-in-law, is now home after 3 weeks in rehab and able to walk on his own. Praises also that bones that were broken have healed without surgery, and Paul is making progress toward full recovery.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• His blessings, especially at this Thanksgiving season, of family, friends, and all the provisions for our basic life needs and much more.
• 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 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 forward this information, as well as praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. If you are not already on our email prayer list, and would like to receive prayer and praise requests through email, please contact Paul to have your address added. If you do not have email, contact Jane Smith at 758-6442, and she will be happy to include you in the phone prayer chain.
Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Sunday School; Youth Group; church restoration; tricentennial events.
• small group ministries, adult Bible studies, Community Prayer Group.
• 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 (visiting KRC December 9), 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 and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops and victims of warfare, terrorism, misunderstanding, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
• those, especially children, suffering the abuses of violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• victims of natural disaster, especially those who continue to suffer all manner of loss due to Hurricane Sandy.
• Wycliffe missionaries, Brian and Bea Post, as they continue consultations with doctors at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota who may be able to diagnose the unknown causes of Bea’s life-threatening physical suffering.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Jane Smith, her son, David, and other family members and friends grieving the death this past week of Ken Smith; those grieving the recent death of Arlene Wallace.
• Fred Steeves, undergoing a heart stent procedure. Pray that the new stent will improve Fred's energy level.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Dave Mooney; Dolly Petith; Baby Ian Henry; Rosemary Gotz; Frank Aiello; Julie; Susie Barger; Jim Baker’s mother; Raymond McKee; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Ken and Marion P; Pat Moore; Paul Rogati; Sara Schubert; Pete McCardle; Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Dave Ennis’s father; Florence Rivera; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Rosanne and Connie, friends of the Warrens; Betsey Klein; Don Berlin; Suzanne W; Jenny Kline; John Bosquet-Morra; Helen Drumm; Tammy DeVito; Dick; Sal Alessi; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Donna Scalera; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those traveling. especially those travelling over this holiday weekend
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: the Royce Family; Pastor Glenn Metzler battling a blood disorder and facing a bone marrow transplant; the Schuberts as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Libby Little facing a demanding schedule.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick and Heather LaTorre, recently married; new parents, Ben and Kathryn Hart (Baby Daniel Robert, born October 29); first-time parents, Tom and Jaime (Welcome) Eastman (Baby Evan Anthony Eastman, born Saturday, May 19); Terry Nawrot (twins, Baby Joshua and Baby Brian, born June 29; Brad & Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie); Jeannie and Scott (Baby Luther); the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew).
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
KRC’s share of support is $6,546 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 $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of this support. Contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” To date, nearly $3,000 has been received to help defray this expense and MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED.
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 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, please call 859-4158.
