Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
October 24, 2010, 10:00 A.M.
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.
A Prayer Partner can be available to pray with you if you so desire.
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Ruth Edge and Mid Glass
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Suzy Nieman, supervising.
Flowers are given today by Consistory in celebration of
George Clowe's musical talents and Pastor Rudy's Birthday.
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 84:1-4
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young — a place near your altar.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
*HYMN #3 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
CALL TO CONFESSION
The God introduced to us in the Word became the Word. He revealed himself as a welcoming and inclusive God who not only directed us to love but showed us how when he gave his Son to die for us. Come now, let us confess all that separates us from one another and from him.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
We have tasted your goodness, O God, in Christ our Savior. In that name, we come asking forgiveness. We confess that you are not our first priority. Foolishly we question the daily bread you give; so easily we claim our own kingdoms; proudly we argue in favor of our own will and readily ignore our neighbors.
[Moment of Silent Confession]
Teach us, Oh Lord, to forgive and to live reconciled lives with you and one another! Show us once more that Christ is our cup and our portion, so that we may find in him our heart's delight.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Know that whoever is in Christ is a new creation. "The old has passed away, behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ, reconciled us . . . and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
Thanks be to God! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S MESSAGE AND PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Gracious 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.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
SCRIPTURE LESSON Joel 2:23-32 (pp. 645-646)
MESSAGE “Chosen Hope”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
O Giver of good gifts and Giver of grace, we give back but a portion of all we have, that we might learn to hold on loosely. O Provider and Sustainer, see us through times of plenty and times of want, that we may know you alone are God. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #60 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
*BENEDICTION and BLESSING
*BENEDICTION 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
New Members’ Class and Adult Bible Study will not meet today. These programs will resume next Sunday.
THE RETIREMENT CELEBRATION BRUNCH FOR GEORGE CLOWE, KRC’S FAITHFUL ORGANIST FOR OVER 30 YEARS, WILL BE HELD TODAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP. ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THIS EVENT AND TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR GEORGE WITH PERSONAL WORDS OF THANKS AND APPRECIATION.
Envelopes in alphabetical order, containing ballots and letters of instruction for nominating members to serve on our 2011 Consistory, are on the back table for all active members of KRC. (Consistory members, please check mailboxes in the church office.) NOTE THAT THE DATE AT THE TOP OF THE VOTING BALLOT READS, INCORRECTLY, “. . . BALLOT FOR THE 2010 CONSISTORY”, AND SHOULD READ, “. . . 2011 CONSISTORY.” We apologize for this error, and ask that you please change the date by hand to 2011. The deadline for returning completed ballots is Sunday, November 7th. Ballots may be folded and dropped into the offering plate, brought to the church office, or mailed to Box 638, Kinderhook. Consistory urges every active, confessing member to consider and fulfill this responsibility prayerfully. In addition to the enclosed letter, Article 4 of KRC’s Bylaws (also available on the back table) may be helpful as you consider nominating individuals to serve as Deacons or Elders.
We are putting together CARE packages for Jay Rippel and his fellow soldiers serving near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, and the following is a list of needs for their kitchen: Hellmann's Mayo (plastic jar, please), honey, oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar, grated parmesan cheese, stick salami and pepperoni, Sweet Baby Ray's Barbeque Sauce, low fat / low sodium chicken broth, Uncle Ben’s Microwave Rice Packs, trail mix, nuts, and dried fruit. THIS SAME LIST APPEARS ON A SIGN-UP SHEET ON THE BACK TABLE. PLEASE SIGN UP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE SOME OF THESE CARE PACKAGE ITEMS, bring your donation to the church, and put it in the special container marked for this purpose. Maureen Mooney has volunteered to box up the donations and mail the packages off to Jay.
~Q. from You (Y:) and A. from Libby Little (L:)~
Dear Friends and Family,
Y: Where are you and why aren’t you answering your phone?
L: I lost my phone in the Albany airport while boarding a plane to South Africa.
Y: South Africa? What are you doing there?
L: I was asked to speak at the Lausanne Missions Congress in Cape Town.
Y: When are you getting back to NY?
L: I get back on the 27th, October.
Y: You aren’t answering your emails, either. Are you ok?
L: I’m ok, it’s just the internet connections here in Cape Town, South Africa, are not very good and they are quite expensive. I am very busy within the conference, too. I have been getting on line just to check-in with my daughters and see Vivian’s latest photo!
Y: Will you be returning to Afghanistan?
L: No, I don’t believe God is calling me back there. I have been so focused on supporting Tom and his work within NOOR, that it will take time to see God’s plan for my life now without him. I miss my dear friends there, and I am maintaining contact with some of them, but I feel I am entering a new chapter in my life after these 33 years.
Y: What will you do in the meantime?
L: Actually, I have quite a busy schedule lined up for November and December, visiting supporting churches in the Northeast, USA.
Y: Is there anything you need?
L: I need your prayers. This is a huge life transition for me. Thank you for your support as I seek God and make decisions about what to do next, within Interserve. They will be talking and praying through this with me in the coming weeks.
Y: How can I contact you?
L: Depending on whether or not I recover my lost phone when I return to the US next week, the best way would be through emails. I don’t have a house phone. You have been amazing in your letters of support and prayer. I am very grateful. The Lord has used your kindness and thoughtfulness to cushion the blow. Thank you.
Held together by God’s Grace, Libby
Dear Friends,
As Libby notes, her focus for the last two months has been on the difficult tasks of responding to Tom’s death, dealing with her grief, and helping their daughters. There is still work to do in that regard, but also a desire to continue serving.
All transitions back to the US by Interserve Partners who have served on the field require time for connecting with supporters, debriefing, and making good plans for the future. In Libby’s case, sudden and devastating loss make a good transition extremely important. Interserve is committed to helping Libby do this well, and I am asking for your help. Please continue your prayer and financial support for her. We will keep you informed about her needs and on-going ministry as we walk together through the process of discerning the Lord’s will.
We are grateful for God’s promises and Libby’s commitment to continue using her considerable gifts in mission service. We look forward with hope to the next phase of our work together – yours, Libby’s, and Interserve. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about this.
Gratefully yours, Doug Van Bronkhorst, Executive Director, Interserve
EVENTS TO REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER
Kinderhook Reformed Church is pleased to announce it will be hosting Dave Ramsey's live simulcast seminar, "EntreLeadership", on Friday, November 5th, 2010, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Learn how Dave Ramsey trains his team for success to implement in your life, business, leadership role, or ministry. The event cost is $40.00 per person, which includes a workbook. Lunch will be provided for an additional $5.00 per person. Registration deadline is Friday, October 1, 2010. For registration, please contact KRC at (518)758-6401.
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Please mark Saturday, November 6, on your calendar and plan to attend the organ & choral program, “Concerts in the Village”, to be presented here in our sanctuary at 4:30 p.m. The program will feature the musical talents of organist, David Smith, soprano, Amanda Boyd, and a choral ensemble - $10 minimum donation, with proceeds going to the preservation of our historic building. A reception in the Fellowship Room will follow the concert.
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REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR LATE SATURDAY NIGHT, NOV. 6, FOR CHANGE BACK TO EST 2 A.M. SUNDAY, NOV. 7.
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“Setting Sail Again”, a program designed to bolster new life and motivation in the leadership of today’s church congregations, will be presented here at KRC Saturday, November 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With the help of the video and web materials of Alice Mann and Reggie McNeil, participants will be invited to rethink KRC‘s current ministry model and approach. Everyone is welcome, especially Consistory members, Ministry chairs, Ministry members, and anyone who may be thinking of serving on one of KRC’s Ministries. For more information, visit KRC’s website at kinderhookreformedchurch.com
ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE.
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, NOV. 11.
DISTRIBUTION IS AT KRC SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: upcoming EntreLeadership simulcast; Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; KRC organ/choral concert; other KRC 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
• Those dealing with cancer: Marlys Haughie; 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: Maureen Mooney’s Uncle Joe and his family; Jack Taylor; Kay Haber's brother; Russell, nephew of Ruth Edge; Christophe; Patrice Lyons; Kris Morgan; Blanche Rogers; Ron Stockhoff; Al Van Alstyne, Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Emese; Libby Little; 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: challenges facing local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; the Riveras, the Vargas; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; those struggling with family relationships; young people returning to school, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those who are traveling
• 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), Nate & Kristin Meldrim (Baby Lily), Terry (Baby David Matthew), Tim Schneider & Morgan (baby boy, born in January), Tiffany
• 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
• Families and friends of our military troops - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance, especially Will’s family; Matt’s wife, Angie, and daughter, Haleigh; Carrington’s mother, Gloria, and family; the Moores; Jay’s wife, Beth Anne, & their two daughters; and victims of warfare & violence worldwide
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare
~A STANDING INVITATION FROM COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP~
KRC’s Community Prayer Group invites you to join us at 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings in the conference room kitty-corner from the church office. If you prefer not to pray aloud, we are delighted to have you join in prayer with us silently. We have a scripture, and pray for the pastor, consistory, our ministries, Sunday School, our youth, and illness and troubles in our families, church, and the world. We use unspoken requests to unload the cries of our hearts on the One who can do all things and do them well.
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 blessing of the recent Worship service memorializing Tom Little, and the inspiring example of Christian love, service, and personal sacrifice seen in his life
• Jean Skipper’s very successful and happy transition to her new home and life near her daughter in New York City
• Helen Schneider, Bill Schneider’s Mom, who turned 94 recently; pray also that Helen will be blessed with quality of life
• The wonderful care and great support of hospice nurses and volunteers
• The Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s ongoing service to our community; during the month of August, the Pantry served 81 families, including 179 adults and 116 children
• 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 call the church office.
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.
KRC 2010-2011 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Jane Deane, Missions, Assistant Treasurer – ’10 758-7051
Patrice Lyons, Stewardship, Pastoral Relations – ’10 758-8400
Loren Speer, Property – ’11 784-2901
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory – ’11 758-6031
Elders
Arnie March, Personnel, Pastoral Relations – ’10 758-6066
Ann VanBuren, Vice President of Consistory, Cemetery, Worship,
Classis Delegate – ’11 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Evangelism – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘10 758-1266
KRC STAFF
KRC Treasurer KRC Secretary
Barbara Vosburgh – 758-6512 Paul Clause – 859-4158
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
Coming Events
Today,October 24 - 10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
George Clowe Retirement Celebration Brunch
Following Worship, KRC Fellowship Room
(Please Note: Adult Bible Study and New Members’ Class will not meet.)
Mon., October 25 6:30 pm Consistory meets
Tue., October 26
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
12 Noon - 2 pm Christian Ed Ministry meets
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., October 28
6:30 pm Evangelism Ministry meets
Stewardship Ministry meets
ZUMBA fitness group each Thursday, KRC Fellowship Room
Sun., October 31
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
New Members’ Class, Pastor’s Study
Mon., November 1 7 pm Missions Ministry meets
Fri., November 5 9 am to 3:30 pm Dave Ramsey’s live simulcast
seminar, “EntreLeadership”, KRC Sanctuary
9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets
Sat., November 6 4:30 pm Organ/choral concert, KRC Sanctuary
Clocks set BACK ONE HOUR for change to EST 2 am Sunday, Nov. 7
Sun., November 7 Deadline for 2011 Consistory Nomination Ballots
10:00 am Communion Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
New Members’ Class, Pastor’s Study
Sat., November 13 9 am to 3 pm “Setting Sail Again”
Leadership revitalization program, KRC Sanctuary
Sun., November 14 2 to 6 pm Natural Church Development Retreat
Sun., November 21 11:15 am Last New Members’ Class
Sun., December 5 Confirmation of New Members during Worship
Servers Next Sunday, October 31, 2010
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett, Bruce and Matt Moore
Greeter(s): Loren and Lori Speer
Nursery: Susan Patterson
