KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, OCTOBER 11, 2015

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

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 Reading                                                                                  James 3:1-12 (p. 855)

  Message                                                   “Generation of Vipers or Disciples of Healing?”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  All are invited to refreshments and fellowship downstairs today following worship.

Ushers today are Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, & Jonathan Pratt.

  Prelude                   

  Announcements,

  Welcome, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near To God

    Call to Worship  (Responsive)    Based on Ephesians 5:8-14

You are called to be the children of light.
       We come to worship to be renewed in our faith

       that our light might ever shine.
The light of Christ is found in all that is good and right and true.
       We gather for worship that we might gather ourselves

       to do what is good and right and true to Christ, and to be filled by him.
Let us lift our voices in praise!

       We come to worship to celebrate and give thanks to God.

       Yes, let us lift our voices in praise!

*Hymn  #689                                                                               The Church's One Foundation

*For those who are able, please stand.

  Call to Confession

Let us come before God with contrite and open hearts, striving to be honest in admitting our shortcomings and open to receiving forgiveness so that we might let go and move on.

    Prayer of Confession  (Unison)

God of us all, we come before you with hearts that are heavy-laden. We regret that we often give lip service to what we believe, most often speaking of our beliefs only when it is convenient and non-threatening. We admit that though we profess tolerance, we struggle to enhance the lives of those whom others simply do not tolerate. We profess to being open-minded and fair, yet how quickly we interrupt and take sides before we have even heard both sides of an argument or issue. Teach us oh Lord, to listen before we judge and gossip and speak! We confess that we are easily angered and even more easily offended. Oh Lord, let the self in me die, for your name’s sake! Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  (Responsive)

Hear this good news: Christ came that we might have new life in him. When we honestly confess our sins, they are a burden to us no longer. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. 

       Thanks be to God! Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing

Holy Spirit, enter into these children, each one a temple of God, so they may bear all the good fruit of your presence and control in their lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Reveal to them their spiritual gifts, and how to use them in ministry to others. Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture Reading                                                                                  James 3:1-12 (p. 855)

  Message                                                   “Generation of Vipers or Disciples of Healing?”

  Prayer of Blessing

Celebrating God

  Offertory and Offering

  Doxology and Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Merciful God, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us: our very selves. So let us give not only our money to help others, but our hearts, our hands, and our time to make a tangible difference in the lives of those not as fortunate as we are. Keep us mindful of all you have given to us, so we might give to others. We give with gratitude through Christ our Lord, who gave us his all. Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer  Hymn  #95                                               All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn                                                                                           My Friends May You Grow in Grace

  Postlude

ABOUT TODAY’S CLOSING HYMN . . .

       In the November 1799 issue of the Gospel Magazine, edited by Augustus Toplady, there appeared an anonymous hymn entitled,  On the Resurrection, the Lord Is King: 

“All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.”

The author, it was later revealed, was Rev. Edward Perronet.  Edward’s Protestant grandparents had fled religious persecution in France, going first to Switzerland, then to England. Edward’s father had become a vicar in the Anglican Church, and Edward followed in his footsteps. For several years Edward was closely allied with the Wesleys, traveling with them and sometimes caught up in their adventures.  In John Wesley’s journal, we find this entry: “Edward Perronet was thrown down and rolled in mud and mire.  Stones were hurled and windows broken.” 

       In time, Edward went off to pastor a small independent church in Canterbury, where he died on January 22, 1972.  His last words were, “Glory to God in the height of his divinity! Glory to God in the depth of his humanity! Glory to God in his all-sufficiency! Into his hands I commend my spirit.”

       Edward Perronet’s hymn, All Hail the Power, has earned him an indelible place in the history of church music.  It also has a place in missionary history, being greatly used in   evangelistic endeavors.  Rev. E. P. Scott, for example, missionary to India, wrote of trying to reach a savage tribe in the Indian subcontinent.  Ignoring the pleadings of his friends, he set off into the dangerous territory.  Several days later, he met a large party of warriors who surrounded him, their spears pointed at this heart. Expecting to die at any moment, Scott took out his violin, breathed a prayer, closed his eyes, and began singing, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name!” When he reached the words, “Let every kindred, every tribe,” he opened his eyes.  There stood the warriors, some in tears, every spear lowered.  Scott spent the next two years evangelizing the tribe.      R.J Morgan

                                                         ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS TO BEGIN NEW STUDY TODAY

CITY RESCUE MISSION CORDIALLY INVITES YOU

to attend its 66^th Annual Banquet & Silent Auction, either Tuesday or Wednesday, October 20 or 21.  CCRM IS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THIS EVENT IN A NEW LOCATION, THE ITALIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 257 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY.  Silent Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. each evening.  KRC has traditionally been well-represented at this inspiring event, where you will hear how your volunteer efforts, prayers, and generous support make a difference in the lives of people who are hungry, street-weary, and hopeless.

       “It’s hard to believe we’re thinking about the Fall Benefit Banquet again! The needs of struggling women and children are growing, so this year we will be raising funds so the Mission can begin renovating to accommodate more women and children in a larger space. Our first goal is to replace 125 large, broken factory windows. It takes $1,000 to remove, purchase, and install each custom, energy- efficient window. So we need your help, and we hope you can join us this year as we offer shelter and hope to women!”

       Choose the evening you would like to attend, and see or call Paul Clause, 859-4158. Your reservation and ticket payment will be made for you, and you can reimburse KRC $24 per ticket reserved by dropping your designated check made out to KRC into the offering plate at anytime. RESERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN TODAY, and TICKETS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU BY NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18.  CCRM banquet organizers will arrange for those attending from KRC to be seated together at 1 or 2 tables, depending on the number of reservations we make.  Reservations may also be made at capitalcityrescuemission.com or by calling Susan Jones, 462-0421.  Let Sue know if you wish to sit with the KRC group.

REFORMED CHURCH OF SCHODACK TO HOLD ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER

       The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual turkey dinner Saturday, October 24th.  The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road in Schodack Landing.  Dinner is served family style, and the menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, squash, cranberry sauce, rolls, and dressing, with pie for dessert.  Seatings are at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30. Take-out is also available at 4 pm & 5 pm (no early arrivals, please).  Adults: $12.00, children 6 - 12: $6.00, under 6: free.  For reservations (required) call 732-7345. If no answer, leave a message with your name and phone number, and say that you are calling regarding the church dinner. Your call will be returned the same day to confirm your reservation.  If your call is not returned, please call again.

~NEW BIBLE STUDY GROUPS TO BEGIN~

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. 

~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~

Last week's offering:  $3,376

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR ENABLING US ONCE AGAIN

TO MEET OUR $3,000 WEEKLY NEED!!

Income received to date:  $141,000

Expenses to date: $138,000

Inspired by 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 of at least $3,000

 in order to meet expenses and avoid further deficits.

    Just a friendly reminder that Kinderhook Reformed Church now has the ability to accept your regular contributions and designated gifts electronically on our website,

kinderhookreformedchurch.com

     On the homepage, click the link “Donate” under “Contact Us” at the upper right side of the page, and follow the prompts.  Electronic checks and all major credit cards are accepted, and you will find options for

• making one-time contributions
• setting up recurring payments for your regular contributions
• designating contributions and gifts for special purposes or to specific funds such as 4^th Century, Missions, Deacons Fund, Classis Assessment

     The online process is an easy one, and many of you may find it a convenient way to manage contribution goals and commitments you have set for yourself or your family. For each electronic transaction, the church is charged a small processing fee which decreases as the number of transactions increases.  If you need assistance or more information, please contact Derick LaTorre.

~“FIRST FRIDAY” PLANNING COMMITTEE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS~

The First Friday Planning Committee is looking for volunteers to assist in arranging KRC’s free community dinners held on the first Friday of each month.  Please consider joining in this outreach ministry and helping to make it an on-going success. Just contact one of the current committee members, Amy Deweerd, Maureen Mooney, Tana Thompson, or Patti Varga if you are willing to serve.

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 good report of a very successful chicken Bar-B-Que recently, which raised  $2792 to benefit the KRC Cemetery Association;  Praise God also for the 20 or so volunteers who did an outstanding job of serving up the meals, and for the good fellowship they had in carrying out this ministry.
• 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.

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, beginning his military career with some anxiety, that he will be blessed with God's protection, strength, and reassurance; Tom Eastman, fulfilling a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.
• those throughout the world suffering from 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. Pray especially for the thousands of refugees flooding into European countries from the war-torn Middle East, and for wisdom and compassionate spirits for the leaders and institutions of these countries as they attempt to cope with the overwhelming magnitude of this situation.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially: family and friends grieving the recent death of Zoe Covey; Cricket Warren’s Aunt Doris and her children grieving the recent death of husband and father, Dick; Deborah Spaulding, family, and friends grieving the death of Deborah’s mother, Harriet Simpkins, and those grieving the loss of young Ahmir Spaan.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. 
• TWR missionary, Alex Knauss, recovering from an auditory nerve inflammation.
• Rev. Ed Van Kampen, now recovering at home following recent cardiac surgery.  Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to Ed at 33 Apple Tree Ct., Valatie.
• those in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: Bill Metzger; Donna Scalera; TJ Vooris; Zoe Covey; Chris Howard and his ten-year-old son, Jonah; Elizabeth Clinton; Susan Lamont's sister; a friend of Erika Johnson; Cheryl Johnson; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Marlene; Daniel; Andy; Lucy; Rodrigo; Jean.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Cindy; Ted Tuttle; Harriet Stockhoff; Cidney Rippel; Paul Zietsman’s father; Blanche Rogers; Noreen, mother of Maureen Mooney; Stacey Baker; Ann, sister of Nancy Baker; Tristen Collins; Linda, awaiting open heart surgery October 13; Chris Treadway; Suzanne; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Florence Rivera; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: the alarming wave of new, young addicts seen on the streets of Albany and at the Capital City Rescue Mission; the people of Madagascar, suffering from a very low standard of living; Russ and his family, experiencing a personal family crisis; 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; Stuart, that God will give guidance in providing home care; Greg L; 16-year-old teenager, 3-months pregnant, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; Dana, mother and caretaker of her 2-year-old daughter; Kevin and family, in crisis; Caleb; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
• those who are traveling.
• 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.
• Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.

~CITV PERFORMS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT KRC~

Sunday, November 8^th at Kinderhook Reformed Church (3:00 p.m.)

Alexander’s Feast, or The Power of Musick  (c. 1751) 

Vocal and instrumental splendor combine

in one of Handel’s most colorful oratorios.

HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY!

Bobby Bailey (4^th), Bonnie Dunham (6^th),

Susan Patterson (14^th), Jean Wildermuth (15^th), Aiden Visagie (18^th),

Will Patterson (21^st), Amy Clinton (22^nd), Rudy Visser (27^th), Austin Bailey (28^th), Barbara Vosburgh (28^th),

Derick Latorre (29^th)

                                               KRC 2015 CONSISTORY

                                    Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                             Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16,  Clerk of Consistory / Outreach /CITV Committee    758-6034

Noreen Dick – ’15,  Church Family   758-6640

Derick LaTorre – ’16,  KRC Treasurer / Stewardship / Cemetery    376-1882

Barbara Vosburgh – ’15,   Property   758-6512

                                                                                                             Elders

            Merrill Johnson – ‘16,  Worship  828-6726

            Patrice Lyons – ‘16,  Outreach    758-8400

Dawn Van Buren – ‘15,  Personnel / Pastoral Care   758-7564

Patti Varga – ’15  Consistory Vice President /Christian Education / Classis Delegate   392-4771

                                                           KRC STAFF

                    KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant     

                 Paul Clause – 859-4158            Liz Carroll – 758-6034

                            KRC Sexton                             Cemetery Supervisor                           

                                 Mike Deegan – 209-2168            Greg Clause – 369-8472

                                                COMING EVENTS

Today, October 11

         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 begins a new study:  1 & 2 Peter and Jude.

Mon.,  October 12  

         6:30 pm  Consistory  meets

Tues.,  October 13

         7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., October 15

         9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

Tues, Wed., October 20, 21

         5:30 pm  CCRM Silent Auction

         6:30 pm  CCRM Banquet

     Please Note:  KRC Youth Group will not meet October 20.

Sat.,   October 24  Reformed Church @Muitzeskill Annual Turkey Dinner

Mon., October 26  

         6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues.,  October 27

     Please Note:  KRC Youth Group will not meet October 27.

Fri.,  November 6 

         6:00 pm  First Friday Free Community Dinner @KRC

Sat.,  November 7

       10:00 am - 2 pm  Olde Dutch ’n Such Annual Bazaar @ KRC   

Sun., November 8

         3:00 pm  CITV concert, Handel, The Power of Musick, @KRC

                          Servers Next Sunday, October 18, 2015

       Ushers:  Jim Dunham, Keith Garwood, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett        

       Greeter(s):  Jim and Bonnie Dunham