KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES NOVEMBER 30, 2014

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  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

  Announcements and the Lord’s Greeting

  Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise                                                                                  

  Scripture                                                                                        Mark 13:26-37 (p. 719)

  Sermon                                                                                            “The Great Intrusion”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Offering  

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn                                                                                 

*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:  Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, Dick Silvano

Greeter(s):  Arnie and Claudia March                  Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

Flowers are given today by Dawn Van Buren

in celebration of the Christmas Season.

  Prelude  

  Announcements and God’s Greeting

  Drawing Near To God  

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Based on Isaiah 40:1-5

God invites us into his presence to take comfort,

       to hear his voice speak tenderly of reconciliation; 

God invites us into his presence to hear the voice of one calling:

       "In the desert, prepare the way for the LORD.  

Make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. 

       Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low.

The rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

       And the glory of the LORD will be revealed.

And all humankind together will see it.

       For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

  Around the Advent Wreath  (Responsive)

LEADER:  Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath.

(First purple candle is lit.)

This is the candle of HOPE. With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we receive God’s light as we repeat the words of the prophet Isaiah:

       ALL:  “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

       those who lived in a land of deep darkness - on them light has shined.”                    

LEADER:  O come, Thou Day-Spring, come

and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here.

       PEOPLE:  Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

       and death's dark shadows put to flight.

LEADER:  Rejoice! Rejoice!

       PEOPLE:    Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

LEADER:  Let us pray together.

ALL:  Lord as we look to the birth of Jesus, grant that the light of your love for us will help us to become lights in the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for the joy and gladness of your coming, for Jesus is our hope. Amen.

*Hymn of Praise and Expectation #196 (verses 1 and 5)                                 One Day

  Call to Confession  Based on words from the prophet Isaiah

Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: "I reared you as my children, but you have rebelled against me.  You have forsaken me, the Holy One, and turned your backs on me.  Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!”  The Redeemer will come to those who repent of their sins," declares the LORD.   

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison)  Based on Isaiah 59       

O God, we have turned our backs on you. Our sins are many in your sight and have separated us from you. They have hidden your face from us, and we no longer know the way of peace. Righteousness stands at a distance and our feet rush into sin. We look for light, but we walk in deep shadows, groping along, feeling our way like those without eyes. Our hands are stained with violence and our fingers with guilt; our thoughts are evil thoughts, our lips have spoken lies conceived in our hearts, and our tongues mutter wicked things.  Our offenses are ever with us, and testify against us.         We acknowledge and repent of our rebellion, O Lord, knowing that your ear is not too dull to hear nor your arm too short to save.

[Moment of Silent Prayer]

  Assurance of Pardon  (Isaiah 1:18, 20)

 “ ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. ’ . . . For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Gracious God, transform these children into the likeness of your living Son, Jesus. Guard them from the evils of this world; renew them day by day; fill them with hope; and keep them pure, blameless, and watchful until Christ comes in his Father's glory with all his holy angels. Amen. 

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                        Mark 13:26-37 (p. 719)

  Sermon                                                                                            “The Great Intrusion”

  Prayer of Thanks

    Giving Ourselves for God’s Glory

  Offering/Offertory

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Lord God, we present ourselves and these gifts for your service.   Use us, and these offerings, to spread the gospel of hope that is in Jesus Christ, and thereby increase your kingdom.  Amen.   

  Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn #135                                                                  Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

*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

Donations for poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area

are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated.   Contributions may be placed in the offering plate

clearly marked for this purpose.

~FAMILY CONTRIBUTION REPORTS READY FOR PICK-UP~

2014 Family Contribution Reports, January 1 through November 16,

are now available on the back table in alphabetical order.

Please pick yours up today.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION NEXT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2~

Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done from 9 am - 12 noon THIS COMING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 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 END NEXT SUNDAY ~

       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.  KRC is again 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 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; and (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 NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7.

       Outreach Ministry is also collecting ladies TOILETRIES and COSMETICS for the CCRM women. Toiletries requested include  hand lotion, Chapstick, shower gel, shampoo, shower mist, perfumes, colognes, and fancy soaps;  Cosmetics - all in neutral colors - include  lipstick, lip gloss, eye liner, blush, mascara, or anything that would make a lady feel a little special.  Baskets will be placed in convenient locations in the church for collecting individual items.  AFTER SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, the toiletries and cosmetics will be delivered to the mission, where Christmas gift bags will be made up for the ladies.

ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~

      Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel contains very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop.  Please 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 participate in the delivery of the gifts to local Angel Tree families. Please see Sara Hartman, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, if you are willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.

~VOLUNTEERING THAT CHANGES LIVES~

       While KRC volunteers go directly to the homes of Angel Tree children to deliver gifts and to interact with the children and their families, some churches invite their Angel Tree children to parties where presents are given out. Please read this insightful testimony from an Angel Tree party volunteer:  

       “I brought my kids to the Angel Tree party, and I put them to work setting up chairs and putting candy on the tables.  When the Angel Tree kids arrived, mine just blended right in - carefree kids, playing games, doing crafts, taking pictures, and even helping to hand out presents.

       At one point, my youngest son, who we adopted from Ethiopia, caught my eye.  Next to his new friend, he looked no different - just two little boys at a Christmas party, their whole lives ahead of them.

       And then it hit me - my boy has everything he needs for success. And he has a daddy in his life every day to teach him and be a role model. But Julian’s dad is in prison and has been there his whole life. In fact, Julian’s chances of going to prison himself are 7 in 10 - purely because his dad is there. 

       That’s why Angel Tree is so critical for these kids. It’s not just about a present for Christmas. It’s about connecting them to a community of Christians who can offer support for their mom or grandma and introduce the whole family to the love of Jesus Christ.”

~CHRISTMAS TEA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6E

Bunny Otterbeck has extended an invitation to the women of KRC to attend Christian Community Church's Christmas Tea Saturday, December 6, from 2 - 4 p.m.  Libby Little will be speaking, so mark your calendar and plan to attend.  You will not want to miss the spiritual blessing and inspiration of God that Christians the world over have experienced through Libby's ministry.  We have been asked to give a count of how many will be coming from our church, as a number of other churches have also been invited. If you would like to attend the tea, a sign-up sheet will be available on the back table of the sanctuary, or you may speak directly to Patti Varga who has agreed to be KRC's contact person for this event.

~MUITZESKILL REFORMED CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DECMBER 6~

The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The Church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & 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.  For more information, call the Church office at 732-7500.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12E

       KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, 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 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 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.

       The hay wagon ride will be making a second stop at the Fairpoint parking lot this year to enable people to visit KRC and the art gallery next door more easily. In order to do this, at least two volunteers are needed at all times to assist people on and off the wagon over the 2-hour period it will operate, and this will help reduce the cost of providing the 2^nd stop.  Jim Dunham has volunteered to take one half-hour shift of duty, and has told KBPA that KRC will try to line up 3 other volunteers, each to take a half-hour shift.  This will provide the same service over two hours as one person alone would provide, and KBPA will recruit the additional assistant(s) needed. If you are willing to work a half-hour (or more) at the wagon stop, please contact Jim. 

     ~SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14S

As part of our Worship Service Sunday, December 14, KRC’s Sunday School children will be celebrating the birth of Jesus with the presentation of their Annual Christmas Pageant.  (Snow Date is Sunday, December 21.)

~ CHRISTMAS CANTATA SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14S

At 4 p.m. Sunday, December 14, The Southern Columbia Community Choir will present a Christmas cantata, The Name . . . JESUS!, at the Reformed Church, 20 Church Avenue, Germantown, NY.  A free will offering will be taken to benefit a local charity, and refreshments will be offered afterward.  Everyone is invited.

~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21~

      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 21, 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 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.

~SALVATION ARMY LOOKING FOR BELL-RINGERS~

If you don’t mind the cold weather of winter, this might be the ministry for you this holiday season.  Also, the hours spent doing this count toward completing community service requirements for anyone who may need them.  If you would like to volunteer, call 567-6412.

HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY! 

Fred Hickman (3^rd), Ted Call (11^th), Joy Bertram (14^th), Claudia March (22^nd),

 Joan Van Alstyne (26^th)

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR HEARTS PRAYERS THE MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

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; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide, especially those in Syria, Iraq, other areas of the Middle East, and in our own country, that they may be blessed with God’s reassurance 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 poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• containment of the ebola virus, and for the thousands who are suffering from or have lost family members and friends to this disease.
• family and friends grieving the death of Brittny Shook after a long battle with cancer.  Remember especially Lisa and Brittny's 5-year-old daughter. 
• Danielle  Lyle, mom of KRC youth group members, Kim & Kayla Lyle, recovering from recent double bypass surgery.  
• Zoe Covey, following a risky chemo treatment for brain cancer.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Andy; Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen Simmons; Karen; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Charlie Ropollo; Donna Scalera.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Dick Van Alstyne; Linda Moran; Carl, Susan Lamont’s cousin; Randall; Karen Warren; Kara Ennis; Paul Varga; Jackie and her sister Barbara; Brother Arnold, Shaker friend of Suzy Nieman; Alan Dick; Maureen Mooney; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Baby Ellie LaTorre; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Florence Rivera.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Craig Johnson; Holly and Marc Morales; those facing the challenges of their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing; Susan Lamont and kids, settling in to their new home; Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.
• those who are traveling,  especially Thanksgiving travelers; and Elize, Annake, and Liezl Visser, visiting family and friends in South Africa.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• Residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, Joan Van Alstyne, and Doris Schmeider

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.
• 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, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.