Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
First Sunday in Advent - 10:00 a.m. November 28, 2010
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

The Rev. Dr. Harold M. Delhagen, Guest Preacher
Synod Executive, Regional Synod of Albany

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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.

Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Members of the Rothermel and Powell Families
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Suzy Nieman supervising.

Order of Worship

PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) - Based on Psalm 124:8
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
What did God do to help us?
God chose the people of Israel to make a new beginning.
They received God’s covenant and prepared the way
for Jesus to come as our Savior.
Let us worship the God of the covenant, the God of a new heaven and earth.

FIRST SUNDAY AROUND THE ADVENT WREATH - The Herrmann Family
(Responsively - Based on Mark 13:24-37)
Leader: On this first Sunday in Advent, we are reminded
that one day the world as we now know it will come to an end.
People: The Holy Scriptures assure us that the Day of the Lord
will come suddenly— like a thief in the night.
Leader: When that day comes, our Lord will gather
all his faithful ones from the four corners of the earth.
People: The present heavens and earth will cease to be,
but God will then provide a new and glorious place for his people:
a place where death will reign no more
and where all sufferings and injustices will cease forever.
Leader: We now light this candle—the Candle of Hope,
symbolizing our longing for the day of Christ’s return;
symbolizing our hope for the future. Come Lord Jesus.
(The candle is lit.)
Leader: Let us join in prayer.
All: Gracious God, in the living of our daily lives, keep us ever ready,
ever faithful, and ever hopeful for the day of Christ’s return.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
*HYMN of HOPE #271 Christ is Coming
CALL TO CONFESSION - Based on Psalm 53
Our God of abundant grace and mercy looks down from heaven to see if there are any who understand that they are sinful, to see if there are any who seek his face and forgiveness. Let us not turn away, but let us turn toward him, call upon his name, and confess our sins.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Based on Psalm 51
Merciful God, we have transgressed and sinned against you, and turned away from the abundance of your house. Teach us again your ways, and we will turn back to you. Hide your face from our sins, and lead us again into the righteousness and bounty of your holy presence. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and grant us willing spirits to sustain us.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Save us, and we will sing of your righteousness.
Open our mouths and we will rejoice; our lips will declare your praises. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Based on Psalm 85
You forgive the iniquity of your people, and cover all their sins. You have shown us your unfailing love, O Lord, and have granted us your salvation. You have revived us again that we may rejoice in you! Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS “To God Be the Glory”, How Priceless Your Unfailing Love
*CHILDREN’S MESSAGE and PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Heavenly Father, shower our children with blessings that exceed our dreams, and let your love flow abundantly into their lives. Fill them with an irresistible desire to share your love and the gifts of your blessings with those who are in spiritual and physical need. Amen.
Please Note: Sunday School is in recess this week.

God’s Opened Word
SCRIPTURES Psalm 126 (p. 441); Joel 2:21-27 (p. 645); Matthew 6:25-33 (p. 685)
MESSAGE “A Liturgy of Abundance”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children’s Response

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 and the whole truth of scripture, reconciliation with you, spiritual nourishment, hope, and joy within and far beyond our church family. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN of REJOICING #20 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee!
*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.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
POSTLUDE

~ TODAY AT 11:15 FOLLOWING WORSHIP ~
Adult Bible Study will meet in the main floor conference room.

KRC’s new Picture Directories are now available, one per family, on the back table. Donations to help cover printing costs would be greatly appreciated – a $5 donation is suggested, if you are able, but is not required.

2 CARE packages will be sent out this week to Jay Rippel and his fellow soldiers serving near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, and there are enough “goodies” for 2 more packages. Packaging is a challenge, and donations of recycled packing materials - packing peanuts, bubble wrap - would be much appreciated.

~CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DECEMBER 4~
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar next Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road in Schodack. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, books, Luncheon Café, and bake sale. For more information, call 732-7500.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGE~
6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 10
KRC will sponsor its annual Open House, featuring the beauty of our decorated sanctuary together with community fellowship, Christmas music, cookie decorating, a dessert buffet, and hot drinks in the Fellowship Room.

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.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING~

The Kinderhook Business and Professional Association has asked KRC, along with other area churches, to send carolers out on Candlelight Night, Friday, December 10. Each group is free to set their own caroling time between the hours of 6 and 8:30 pm; to make their own way through the village, stopping to sing in any businesses and shops with lights on and doors open; and to sing from the gazebo in the square if they would like. Please see Paul Clause if you are willing to coordinate this activity.

~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place gifts for homeless men: 2 pairs new warm socks; a hat; mittens or gloves, SM, MED, or LG; a personal care item (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clippers); and a treat that will not melt or crush. Giftwrap, mark SM, MED, or LG on outside of package, tape securely, and take to the Kinderhook FairPoint Communications Office or to KRC by Sunday, December 12.

~STAR AND ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAMS~
Gift needs for Capital City Rescue Mission’s New Life Center family, a mother and daughter currently receiving shelter and services from the Center, are now on star cut-outs, and needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the same tree in the main entrance of KRC. Gifts are due Sunday, December 12. Please take a moment to read the information below about the Angel Tree Project:

For the past several years, our church has helped Prison Fellowship with their Angel Tree Project. 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 to bring caring and joy to the children of prisoners at Christmas. Since the project began, over 4 million children have been reached through thousands of participating churches.

(Continued on next page.)

As noted earlier, angel cutouts are now available on the Christmas tree in the front entranceway. The angels contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information from a particular child. We hope and pray that these will all be picked up by our families, and the directions followed, so these gifts can bring some Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Please return your gifts by December 12 to the Fellowship Room.

If you are willing to help in the ministry
of distributing Angel Tree gifts to individual children,
please contact Sara Hartman at 828-6368.

~LESSONS AND CAROLS, 4:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18~
A gift from the KRC family to our surrounding communities – A program of organ and choral music and readings deriving from late 19th century England and emphasizing the rich sung & spoken traditions of the Christmas season

~KRC’s SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM AND SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE~
10 a.m. December 19
KRC’s Sunday School Christmas Program
will be presented during Sunday Worship.
5 p.m. December 19.
Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities. For people living through dark times, Kinderhook Reformed Church will be creating sacred space at a Service of Remembrance for reflection, meditation, and focus on Christ’s promises of healing and hope. Participants will be invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone or to mark a significant event in their life. The beautifully-decorated sanctuary will be filled with silent prayers, meditative music, and scripture reading. Please mark your calendar, and join us as we come together in God’s presence for this time of reassurance.

~CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
8 p.m. Worship Service
As always, a highlight of the season of giving, and a special time to remember again and to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father

KRC’s annual Fall Food Drive in support of the Valatie Food Pantry resulted in a total contribution of 325 food items and $25 in cash and checks. Many thanks and blessings to the KRC Family for their generosity.

During the month of October, the Valatie Food Pantry served 79 families - 145 adults & 115 children for a total of 294 people. Items needed this month are pancake mix and syrup, jelly, sugar, tuna, mac & cheese, cake mix, brownie mix, dinner helpers, and juice.

Tom Little has been named by President Obama as one of the fifteen 2010 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President will honor Tom and the other recipients at a White House ceremony early next year. A complete list of all those being honored is on the back table of the sanctuary.

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee requests, “Please include the search committee in your prayers every time you gather” - Wes Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the RCA, will retire in the fall of 2011
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; KRC’s Christmas gift programs; Lessons and Carols; Candlelight Night; other Ministry projects
• Leaders of KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group as they administer programs over the next several months; and for those attending these programs
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and personal safety needed to govern effectively
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Bill and Kathy Schneider, their family, and friends grieving the loss Wednesday of Bill’s mother, Helen Schneider, 94; the Jensen, Borrelli, and Deane families at the unexpected loss, also this past Wednesday, of John Dean’s sister, Carolyn Jensen, 66
• Blanche Rogers, Diane Morgan’s mom, recovering at home from very bruised ribs, arms, face, and hands suffered in a recent fall; she is in a lot of pain and needs 24/7 care
• Esther Baker, Jim Baker’s mom, awaiting results of lung biopsies done Tuesday
• Stacey Baker, facing surgery December 21 to remove some of the hardware in her mouth left from previous surgeries
• Carin, aerobics swim instructor in Albany, suffering form recurring cancer
• Vivian Williams, Vicki Dick’s mother, recovering from emergency gall-bladder surgery
• Reassurance and peace of mind for Gordie and Ann Van Buren, as Gordie’s surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm has been postponed until December 15
• Those dealing with cancer: Kara Ennis Mobley; Lillian Roginski; Dawn Meyers; Melanie; Ed B.; Rylyn Swierzewski
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Elize Visser’s mother’ Irene Smith; John Hodgson; Karina Speer; Jack Taylor; Marie; Dorothy Novak; Christophe; Kris Morgan; Blanche Rogers; Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Emese; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Beth Ryan; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga; Earl Ennis
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan, Bill and Kathy Schneider, and John and Sara Schubert
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; the Riveras; the Vargas; local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles, especially Lisa, in need of a home and a job; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; those struggling with family relationships; young people dealing with the challenges of the school year, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Nicole, expecting her first child; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; new parents Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling during the holiday season, especially Maureen Mooney, traveling to and from Florida this week
• Our military men and women – especially Will Ryan, recently deployed to Afghanistan, Matt Plescia, Carrington Hessell, Spencer Moore, and Jay Rippel - that they may know God’s presence and protection
(Continued on next page.)

• 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.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete Ministry projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy, and for steady healing and improvement in Pastor’s injured elbow
• The good report that Beth Ryan, friend of Nancy Baker, is doing well following a long recovery from multiple life-threatening health issues and surgeries – Beth thanks everyone for their prayers
• Signs that Jack Taylor is beginning to respond to treatment
• The blessing and inspiration of the recent leadership revitalization workshop, “Setting Sail Again”
• The compassionate care and great support of hospice nurses and volunteers
• 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

KRC 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 758-9703 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.

Coming Events
Today, November 28 – First Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship, Rev. Harold Delhagen preaching
Please note: Sunday School is in recess today.
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Tue., November 30
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., December 1 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Sat., December 4 10 am – 2 pm Annual Christmas Bazaar
Reformed Church at Muitzeskill
Sun., December 5 – Second Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
Confirmation of New Members during Worship
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon., December 6 7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets
Fri., December 10 6 - 8:30 pm KRC Candlelight Night Open House
Sun., December 12 – Third Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Congregational Meeting immediately following Worship to
elect members to Consistory
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
CCRM Men’s, Star, and Angel Tree gifts due
Mon., December 13 7:00 pm Consistory meets
Sat., December 18 4:30 pm “Lessons and Carols” - An afternoon program of organ and choral music and traditional readings of the Christmas season - KRC Sanctuary
Sun., December 19 – Fourth Sunday in Advent
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
5:00 pm Service of Remembrance
Fri., December 24 8 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

Servers Next Sunday, December 5, 2010
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth