Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Services October 26, 2014

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher

Tom McCrossan is an ordained RCA minister.  He currently serves at City Mission of Schenectady as the Director of the Men's Shelter and Guest Services, and Assistant Chaplain.  He was a full time pastor for nearly 30 years and is a member of Schenectady Classis.  He is married with three children and three grandchildren (and three cats and two dogs).

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 #130                                                O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing 

  Scripture                                      Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 20:29-34 (pp. 526-7; 697)
  Prayer Hymn for Illumination  (Insert)                                             More About Jesus      

  Message                                                                                “Remade in Christ's Image”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Offering

  Intercessory Prayer

*Hymn of Invitation #429                                                        Let Your Heart Be Broken

*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:  Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Bob Wildermuth, Paul Zietsman

Greeter(s): Virginia Rothermel                         Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude 

  Announcements and the Lord's Greeting

Drawing Near To God  

  Call to Worship (Unison)

O God, you spoke your word and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.  Fill all creation with that word again, so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples, we may become one living body, your incarnate presence on the earth.  Amen.

*Hymn of Praise #130                                                O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing 

Turning Our Hearts to God  

  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  (Unison)

Loving Lord God, we lift our hearts in faith to you who hears all prayers
and holds close all those in need. We confess that we are sinners, saved by grace; we miss the mark of your glory; we are self-centered when we are called to be Christ-centered. Forgive us and renew us in the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bring healing to all wounds, make whole all that is broken, speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in every darkness, that all creation will see your glory and know the Living Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  1 John 1:8-9

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Loving Father, transform our children into the likeness of your living Son, Jesus Christ. Guard them from the evils of this world, and renew them day by day.  Bring them ever closer to Christ’s perfection, and clothe them in his righteousness.   Amen.

  Prayer Hymn for Illumination  (Insert)                                             More About Jesus

  Scripture                                      Isaiah 58:1-12; Matthew 20:29-34 (pp. 526-7; 697)
  Message                                                                                “Remade in Christ's Image”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Presentation of Our Tithes and Offerings/Offertory            

*Doxology and Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

Gracious God, you have given your only Son for us, and you have clothed us with his garments of salvation and holiness. Inspire us with your generosity. Teach us to give freely so that others may know of your abundance. Teach us to give gratefully so that others may know of your liberality. Teach us to give humbly so that others may know of your love and compassion.  Amen.

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Invitation #429                                                        Let Your Heart Be Broken

*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

~VALATIE FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING BASKETS~

Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,

       Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be given to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one.  As we ready the sheets for people to sign up, we have 242 families who are eligible, with a total of 883 individuals. We are writing to ask for any help your congregation is able to give.

       The baskets include food for Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and brownies. If your congregation would like to help financially (we buy all food items in bulk), checks may be made payable to “Kinderhook Reformed Church” with “Thanksgiving Baskets” on the memo line and dropped into the offering plate.

       Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give.  Any monies or food items left over after the baskets are distributed will be put into the pantry account or onto the pantry shelves.

                                  Sincerely,

                                  Jean S. Norton, for the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc.

The Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry is a not-for-profit charitable organization with 501 (c) (3) status. The pantry does provide any goods or services, in whole or partial consideration, for contributions given.

~OUTREACH MINISTRY’S THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES~

Along with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s financial appeal in support of its Thanksgiving Food Basket program, KRC’s Outreach Ministry is once again collecting Thanksgiving food items for the pantry. THE DRIVE WILL END on Sunday, November 16, so please place your bagged donations in the foyer on or before that date.                               (Continued on next page.)

Suggested food items most needed are, CANNED SWEET POTATOES and YAMS; PUMPKIN; CANNED VEGETABLES; CRANBERRY SAUCE; STUFFING MIX; WHITE, BLACK, and RED KIDNEY BEANS; EVAPORATED MILK; FLOUR; SUGAR; BROWNIE MIX; PUMPKIN PIE MIX; GROUND COFFEE; CEREAL; and DISH SOAPS.  Otherwise, bring in whatever your heart moves you to provide - any nonperishable food items will be welcomed! AS A RESULT OF LAST YEAR’S FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE, MANY NEEDY FAMILIES IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES ENJOYED GREAT THANKSGIVING DINNERS, AND KRC CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO THIS MINISTRY. LET’S MAKE THIS YEAR EVEN BETTER!

KRC’S OLDE DUTCH ‘n  SUCH ANNUAL BAZAAR

NOTES OF THANKS FROM MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES

KRC HELPS TO SUPPORT

To all Parishioners of the Kinderhook Reformed Church.

       Thank you for your generous donation of $500 towards the work of the Alight Pregnancy Center. Our addition is moving along, and we hope to be in the new area by this fall.  Your prayers and support are much needed and appreciated. 

                                                                        Sincerely, 

                                                                        Debbie Daus

Dear Friends at Kinderhook Reformed Church,

       Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak to your congregation on Sunday, September 14.  I was glad to reconnect with a number of people and meet many who were new to me.  Thank you to the ladies who provided a delicious and abundant brunch.  I appreciated the warm hospitality of Mrs. Barbara Vosburgh, and all the arrangements made by Mrs. Maureen Mooney and others.

       Rejoice with me at the provision of God!  For the first time since leaving India, I am now fully supported.  Over the past two years some new financial partners have joined in while others have increased their support.

       Please remember the efforts of our workers in the Middle East as they seek to help Syrian and Iraqi refugees.  My recent prayer letter is enclosed.

                                                                        In Christ,

                                                                        Betty Ann Stedwell

(Copies of Betty Ann’s prayer letter are available on the back table.)

Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,

       Thank you for your gift of S4,000.00 received on September 30, 2014. With your help, we have been able to ship more than 150 million meals since 2005, and schools, orphanages, and other community-development programs around the world have been able to feed children in record numbers. For example, our partners, LeaSea Global Feed the Hungry, have made it possible to distribute Stop Hunger Now meals to 7,500 children daily in Ugandan refugee camps.

       Your support has enabled Stop Hunger Now to supply millions of dollars’ worth of essential aid to needy people around the world. We received a donation of 3.6 million prenatal vitamin tablets from our friends at Vitamin Angels, and our partner, CitiHope International in the Dominican Republic, will use the supplements to help over 10,000 women receive the micronutrients they need to shape healthy futures for their children. Again, we thank you because we simply could not do it without YOU!

       We invite you to view our Annual Report at www.stophungemow.org. A new report for 2013 will be published very soon. You can also keep up with local events on our website or by contacting your local Program Staff. Please accept our sincere appreciation for sharing in our vision of a world without hunger.

                                                                       Warmest regards,   

                                                                       Rod Brooks, President and CEO

P.S. Thanks so much for your generous donation to help end hunger in our lifetime.

                                                                       Anita

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.
• family and friends grieving the death of loved ones.
• containment of the ebola virus, and for the thousands who are suffering from or have lost family members and friends to this disease.
• Karen Warren, sister-in-law of Cricket Warren, in intensive care in California recovering from brain injuries suffered in a severe fall.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Zoe Covey; Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen; 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: Bill, family friend of Patti Varga; Jennifer and her unborn baby; Morgan Hickman; Paul Varga; Jackie and her sister Barbara; Brother Arnold, Shaker friend of Suzy Nieman; Alan Dick;  Doris Schmeider; Maureen Mooney; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Baby Ellie LaTorre; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Florence Rivera.
• Mid Glass, transitioning from her home in the North Country to her home in Kinderhook. 
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Bill,  Abby, and Christopher, dealing with unspoken personal issues; the Heimroth Family;  Holly and Marc Morales; Amber and others as they face 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, still looking for a suitable place to live, and  in need of strength and peace in hard times. Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.
• those who are traveling.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, and Joan Van Alstyne.

Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type.  Please forward this information, as well as new praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. 

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.
• Phil Morse, 83, brother of Kay Haber, who has returned to good health and normal activities following an extended recovery period from heart valve surgery and related complications. 
• the good report that Vicki Metzger, mother of Nancy Baker, is now out of rehab and doing exceptionally well at home.
• Diane Morgan’s presence with us in worship following a month-long battle with a stubborn and debilitating virus.
• 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.
• all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

On Wednesday, October 29^th, work will begin to repair the corridors in the lower floor of the church building. Some preparatory work will be done on Tuesday afternoon, the 28th. On Wednesday a product called ARDEX will be poured on the floor to seal in the old tiles and level the floor. Therefore, from noon on Tuesday until Thursday morning, the 30th, the lower floor will be OFF LIMITS to everyone but the people involved in the work. On Thursday we can begin to walk on it again but are warned not to DRAG anything along it such as a table or carton. They must be carried to avoid damaging the new surface. As soon as possible either tiles or linoleum will be laid to finish the job. Thank you for your cooperation.

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) 

COMING EVENTS

Today, October 26 – Ecumenical Food Pantry Thanksgiving Drive Continues     

          8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Tues., October 28

                 7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets        

Thur., October 30

   9:00 am  Small Group meets @ KRC

                     Please join us as we continue our new Stonecroft Bible Study,

                               Living in God’s Will – A Guide to Decision-Making

       10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

       11:00 am  Christian Ed Ministry meets

Fri,     October 31 – Bazaar Set-up

Sat.,  November 1 – Compassion International Awareness Weekend

       10 am – 2 pm  Annual KRC Bazaar

Sun.,  November 2 – Compassion International Awareness Weekend

         8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

       10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Mon., November 3

         6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Fri.,    November 7 

         5:30 pm  “First Friday” pot-luck dinner, KRC Fellowship Hall

Sun.,  November 9          

         8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

         3:00 pm  Concerts in the Village, The Glory of Handel III, KRC sanctuary

Mon., November 10

          6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Sun., November 16 – Ecumenical Food Pantry Thanksgiving Drive Ends     

          8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

       11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room

Servers Next Sunday, November 2, 2014

       Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome