Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
REFORMATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2010, 10:00 A.M.
In 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses (propositions) on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church as an invitation to debate the sale of indulgences for forgiveness of sins. That event sparked a reform movement that eventually led to a Lutheran church and separate denominations. While there is much sorrow in the disunity which the Reformation caused, Luther did establish the idea that the Church is always in need of reform in the light of the Gospel. Luther's primary principle, that Christians are justified by God's grace through faith in Christ, has also found universal acceptance among the denominations. Today we pray for Church unity, for the purity of God's word, and for a Church that is always open to reform and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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): Loren and Lori Speer
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Sue Patterson supervising.
Flowers are given today by Beth and Dave Ennis in loving memory of
Robert J. Taylor, Jr.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever.
There is one Body and one Spirit;
there is one hope in God's call to us;
one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
one God and Father of all.
Blessed be God who sustains and protects his Holy Church.
And blessed be God who guides and confirms us in our Faith.
Amen. Alleluia!
*HYMN #335 (Verses 1 through 4) Great Is the Lord Our God
CALL TO and PRAYER OF CONFESSION Based on Hebrews 4:14, 16
Seeing that we have a great High Priest who has entered the inmost heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us approach his throne of grace with fullest confidence, seeking justification by faith alone in him, mercy for our failures, and grace to help in the hour of need. In the strength of this assurance, let us confess our sins to God.
[Moment of Silent Confession]
We have all sinned and fallen short of your glory, O God.
Forgive us, and help us to live in your light and walk in your ways,
for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior, in whose name and sacrifice we believe, and whom we gladly receive. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Romans 5:8; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 5:1
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Lord, lead our children to trust not in their own good works, but only in Jesus’ righteousness and sacrifice for their salvation; assure them that, through faith in Jesus, their souls are secure in your hands for all eternity. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
SCRIPTURE LESSON Romans 3:19-28 (p. 797)
MESSAGE “To Be Set Free by the Gospel”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Great God, author and provider of our salvation through Jesus Christ, we present ourselves, our talents, our time and energy, and our gifts and offerings to you. Sanctify them for use in guarding the purity of your word and in furthering your Gospel and its grace. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #723 Revive Us Again
*BENEDICTION and 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
~ TODAY AT 11:15 FOLLOWING WORSHIP ~
New Members’ Class will meet in Pastor’s Study.
Adult Bible Study will meet in the main floor conference room.
THE DEADLINE FOR RETURNING BALLOTS FOR NOMINATING 2011 CONSISTORY OFFICERS IS NEXT 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 fulfill this responsibility prayerfully. Article 4 of KRC’s Bylaws (available on the back table) may be helpful as you consider nominating individuals to serve as Deacons or Elders. NOTE THAT THE DATE ON 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 correct the date by hand.
Members of KRC’s Missions Ministry has placed grocery bags and food lists on the back table for KRC’s annual Fall Food Drive, October 24 through November 14, in support of the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry. If you have not yet received a grocery bag, please take one today, bring your generous donations of non-perishable food items back to the church next week, and help feed many needy families in our community. TO DATE, 20 FOOD ITEMS AND $20 IN CASH HAVE BEEN DONATED TO THE PANTRY.
REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR LATE SATURDAYy NIGHT, NOV. 6, FOR CHANGE BACK TO EST 2 A.M. SUNDAY, NOV. 7.
Next Sunday 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.
Church Family Ministry’s November Soup Sale will feature VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP. Prices are $4.00 a pint and $8.00 a quart. Soup must be pre-ordered, and orders must be placed by SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14. Please find the manila envelope in the foyer with an ordering sheet attached. Enter your ordering information on the sheet, and place your check (made out to “KRC” with “Church Family Soup” on the memo line), in the envelope. Your soup order will be delivered to you in the Fellowship Room on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21.
ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE.
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS 2 p.m. THURSDAY, NOV. 11.
DISTRIBUTION IS AT KRC SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
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.
(Continued on next page.)
“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
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Stewardship Ministry will present a financial report Sunday, November 14, during Worship. Fellowship Hour will be canceled to accommodate a question-and-answer period following the service, and Stewardship will answer questions you may have.
~An Update and Q. from You (Y:) and A. from Libby Little (L:)~
Dear KRC Congregation,
Thank you your prayers while I was in South Africa, [speaking at the Lausanne Missions Congress in Cape Town]. The talk went well, and God blessed it, but I felt totally empty afterwards. The leadership there knew how fragile I felt and rearranged my tickets so I could fly home earlier than planned. They were just concerned that I would be traveling alone for the 26 hours.
But God had that all within His loving care. On all four segments of the trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg to Atlanta to Albany, there was a Christian sitting next to me. And not just an ordinary Christian, but a bold one at that. Although I was already putting up some protective walls, they each made inquiries about name/place/job until I finally responded. Then each one wanted to pray for me before that segment of the journey. The Christian on the last leg of the flight asked me where I was going. When I said Delmar, she proceeded to tell me she had just attended a memorial for Tom Little at her church in Loudonville, and did I happen to know him? Amazing, really.
I am home now for a few days and will be writing to those who so kindly gave of themselves for the very special memorial at KRC two weeks ago.
Until then, Libby
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: 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
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
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the recent loss of Maureen Mooney’s Uncle Joe Henry
• Kara Ennis Mobley, recovering from surgery this past Tuesday in Boston
• Marie, recovering from major jaw surgery recently
• Jack Taylor, still hospitalized and in very serious condition, fighting pneumonia and complications with infection – pray also for comfort and assurance for Jack’s family
• Those dealing with cancer: 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: 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: Marilyn Leiser and her family; the Riveras; the Vargas; local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles, especially Lisa, in need of a home and a job; 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
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 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
• Successful surgery and negative test results for Patrice Lyons
• His hand of protection on Gary March, who suffered no injuries in a very serious accident recently that totaled his car
• The good time of fellowship and celebration had by all who attended last Sunday’s retirement brunch for George Clowe, KRC’s organist for the past 33 years – and many thanks to Consistory members and all others who contributed to make this a very special occasion
• Safe and wonderful travels for Judy and a safe flight home for Libby Little
• 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
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
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.
Coming Events
Today, October 31 Reformation Sunday
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
New Members’ Class, Pastor’s Study
Fall Food Pantry Drive continues through Sunday, November 14
Mon., November 1 7:00 pm Missions Ministry meets
Tue., November 2
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., November 3
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group each Thursday, KRC Fellowship Room
Fri., November 5 9 am to 3:30 pm Dave Ramsey’s live simulcast
seminar, “EntreLeadership”, KRC Sanctuary
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 EST Communion Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am EST Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
New Members’ Class, Pastor’s Study
Fall Food Pantry Drive continues through next Sunday
Mon., November 8 6:30 pm Consistory meets
Thur.,November 11 2 pm - Deadline for November Angel Food Orders
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
Deadline for Church Family Vegetable Beef Soup orders
Fall Food Drive for Food Pantry Ends
Fri., November 19 9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets to make soup
Sat., November 20 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Angel Food Distribution
KRC Fellowship Room
Sun., November 21 11:15 am Last New Members’ Class
Soup Orders Delivered – KRC Fellowship Room following Worship
Sun., December 5 Confirmation of New Members during Worship
Servers Next Sunday, November 7, 2010
Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer
Greeter(s):
Nursery Nikki Barmen
