Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. November 6, 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: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Ruth Edge and Mid Glass
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs, Joy Bertram supervising.
Our thanks to David Smith, Guest Organist.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE Grave; Adagio - from Sonata II in C Minor, Op. 65, No. 2 - Mendelssohn
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on Psalm 8
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children
and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind
that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet.
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
*HYMN OF PRAISE #29 O Worship the King
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION - 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Most holy God, we aren’t worthy of your love. Yet, still you love us. We aren’t worthy of your patience. Yet, still you wait for us. We aren’t worthy of your healing. Even still, you mend our wounded souls. We confess our weakness, our lack of trust, and our lack of perspective on what you’re doing in and through our lives. We fail to see that you are living and active and deeply concerned about each fiber of our being. Restore our faith in you. Let us not forget the ways you have loved and waited, healed and worked. Thank you for your continual mercy and forgiveness. We are most grateful. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends, the word of the Lord is trustworthy and sure: When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us. We are made new creatures in Christ. Hallelujah, Amen.
BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison) Based on Luke 12:32-40
Lord Jesus, bless our children with the certain knowledge that you are their greatest treasure, and that you are coming again. Help us as we teach them to be your faithful, watchful servants, ready to be received into your eternal glory.
We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 25:1-13 (p. 705)
MESSAGE “When My Flame Is Flickering . . . !”
Sermon Notes
“When My Flame Is Flickering . . . !”
Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon Notes
1. The symbolic meaning of lamps.
The lamp, according to Proverbs 20:27, can be considered the light of the Lord in the human spirit. It is this light which might fade or burn out in a person.
2. The symbolic meaning of oil.
The oil is widely regarded in Scripture as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The implication is that without the Holy Spirit, our light fades and grows dim.
3. The problem of “burnout”.
Turning to an extra resource outside of ourselves!
4. Shopping for “candlepower”.
The opportunities to meet Jesus will come to an end! Is this a scary thought? Why?
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION (Insert)
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
"When in the hour of utmost need" BWV 641 - J. S. Bach
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Father, you have blessed us beyond measure, and you have called us to worship. May our gifts today flow from hearts of worship to the One who provides all we need. May we never forget that all we have is yours! Take it and use it according to your will. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #275 What If It Were Today?
*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
Fuga: Allegro Moderato - from Sonata II in C Minor, Op. 65, No. 2 - Mendelssohn
~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!
~CONSISTORY ELECTIONS and COVER-LETTER CORRECTION~
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR ACTIVE CONFESSING KRC MEMBERS TO TURN IN THE BALLOTS MAILED TO THEM FOR NOMINATING KRC MEMBERS TO SERVE ON CONSISTORY. BALLOTS MAY BE FOLDED AND DROPPED INTO THE OFFERING PLATE, GIVEN TO PAUL CLAUSE, OR TAKEN TO THE CHURCH OFFICE. IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE A BALLOT IN THE MAIL, OR LEFT YOURS AT HOME, PLEASE SEE PAUL FOR A REPLACEMENT, COMPLETE IT, AND RETURN IT TODAY BE FORE LEAVING THE CHURCH.
PLEASE NOTE: The cover letter mailed out along with ballot contains an error for which we sincerely apologize. The paragraph beginning with "Elder Patti Varga is eligible to serve a second two-year term" is incorrect. It should read, "Elder Dawn Van Buren is eligible to serve a second two-year term." Patti Varga is already seated on Consistory, and her current term does not expire until the end of next year. Dawn Van Buren's current term, however, expires at the end of this year, and Dawn is now eligible for re-election to a second 2-year term. PLEASE NOTE ALSO THAT THE NOMINATIONS BALLOT IS CORRECT: Dawn Van Buren is listed on the ballot as an eligible nominee, but Patti Varga is not on the ballot.
Today is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.
~MESSAGES FROM CHURCH FAMILY AND MISSIONS MINISTRIES~
THANKSGIVING DONATIONS TO FOOD PANTRY
The Missions Ministry has started the distribution of bags to be used to gather food for the Valatie Food Pantry before Thanksgiving. A list of suggestions about their needs is stapled to each bag, but nearly anything in the nonperishable line will be welcomed. Each Sunday through November 20th, the Sunday School children will collect any bags people have brought and gather them together at the front of the church as we reach out in Thanksgiving to assist in a need that becomes greater each day.
DROP IN THE BUCKET
The Missions Ministry has begun a new “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.
CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY IS CANCELLING CHILI NITE, SCHEDULED FOR THIS COMING SATURDAY, DUE TO CONFLICTS WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER AREA EVENTS. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR SOMETIME IN FEBRUARY.
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. A VIDEO WILL BE PRESENTED NEXT SUNDAY TO GIVE US A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE ANGEL TREE MINISTRY.
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.
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Ted Call, Fred Hickman, Claudia March, Joan Van Alstyne
COMMUNITY HOSPICE OF COLUMBIA/GREENE is beginning its semi-annual training for new patient/family volunteers THIS MONTH. If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please pick up a flyer on the back table for more information.
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.
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’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 A TOTAL OF $3,503 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.
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 celebration
• 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
• 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, especially the Wasson and Judson Families, grieving the passing of Bobby Wasson
• Shelly LoPiccolo, suffering stage 4 lung cancer, & expected to live only a couple of months
• 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 - pray that God will give her physical and emotional strength, peace of mind, and reassurance; and that she and her babies will have a safe and healthy delivery when the time comes
• Richard Williams, Dawn Van Buren's step-father, recovering from recent surgery - pray also for Dawn's mother as she assists in Richards recovery
• Gordie Van Buren, now home from Barnwell! Gordie has helpers both day and night, so pray for good health, safety, and high spirits for him during this time of transition - baked goods and visits would be welcome
• Others dealing with cancer: Marcia Smith; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Morgan Hickman; Stacey Baker; 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), Nicole (Baby Alisandra), 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.
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
• Last Sunday’s MOMENT FOR MISSIONS with Alex Knauss, missionary with Trans World Radio
• The good report that Susan Dick, Alan’s niece, has recovered well from her recent surgery
• Good news! Nothing broken with Faity Tuttle, Ted Tuttle's mom, following a recent fall; Faity, who is 100, was just bruised - the only thing found wrong was a low magnesium count, for which she will take a supplement! Thanks to God and for all the prayers
• 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
•
• 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
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.
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 6
Deadline for returning Consistory Nomination Ballots
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
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 8
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., November 10
9:00 am Small Group meets, Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
1:00 pm Cemetery Committee meets
7:00 pm Small Group meets, Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Sat., November 12
PLEASE NOTE: Church Family Chili Nite, scheduled for November 12,
has been canceled and is being rescheduled for sometime in February.
Mon., November 14
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
Servers Next Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Arnie and Claudia March
Nursery Supervisor: Dawn Tuttle
