Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, October 8, 2017

“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                                                                                             Genesis 32:22-31

Message                                                                                        “Are We a Limping Church?”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

    PLEASE NOTE:  BASKETS ON THE BACK TABLE FOR COLLECTION OF DISASTER RELIEF DONATIONS.

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

  10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Following worship today, all are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments

downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Phil Hurst, Glenn Warren, Andrew Welcome.

Thanks to today’s greeters, Dave & Beth Ennis.      

 Nursery facility available downstairs.

  Prelude                                      Here, O My Lord, I See You

“Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face.  Here, faith can touch, and handle things unseen.

 Here, I will grasp with firmer hand your grace, and all my weariness upon you lean.”

  Welcome, Announcements, and God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Based on Genesis 32:22-31

We gather here in anticipation,

       seeking an encounter with our Holy God,

who comes among us when we least expect it,

       who invites us to wrestle with our questions and doubts,

who richly blesses us,

       and calls each of us by name.  Let’s worship God together!

*Hymn of Praise #95                                                     All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Merciful Lord, we struggle with the burden of the abundance of sin in our lives. We confess that we are spiritually poor, cold in love, and weak in faith. We are unclean vessels that need to be emptied, purified, and refilled. We long for a life-changing encounter with you through Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness; who strengthens our faith and trust in you; who fills us with your spiritual riches; who warms our hearts with your fervent love. Through Christ, renew us and inspire us with an irresistible vision of discipleship to you and service to one another and to our neighbors. Amen.

  Assurance of Pardon  (Responsive)  Based on Titus 2:13-14; 2 Cor. 9:15

Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 

       Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! Amen.

  Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing

Draw our children face-to-face with you, O Lord.  May they know and celebrate the glory of your presence, goodness, and love in their lives; may they experience your power to renew and strengthen them in times of need; and may they long for more of you each day.  Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Reading                                                                                             Genesis 32:22-31

Message                                                                                        “Are We a Limping Church?”

Prayer of Blessing

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

Celebrating God

  Offering/Offertory                    Great Is Thy Faithfulness

“. . .Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.”

    PLEASE NOTE:  BASKETS ON THE BACK TABLE FOR COLLECTION OF DISASTER RELIEF DONATIONS.

*Doxology #809                                                   Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Generous God, as we present our offerings we often experience an inner struggle between the realities of our personal needs and your call to generosity; a pull between our uncertainty about the future and our belief in your providence.  We give our offering this morning, Lord, stepping out in faith down the road of grace.  We do this together, as your people, called and sent to be a blessing for all the world. Amen.

  Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Blessing #622                                                      What a Friend We Have in Jesus

*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                                           Faith Is the Victory

Our recent Sunday offerings have trended below the $3,000 needed weekly to meet daily operating expenses. Last Sunday, our offering of $2,541 came in well under this need.  From past experience, we know that continued shortfalls result in budget deficits that become difficult, if not impossible, to make up without dipping into general reserves. Regular contributors are asked to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday, and Stewardship Ministry urges that everyone give prayerful consideration to how they might adjust their giving to help keep income at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.

~ENJOY A PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF~

Emanuel Stuyvesant Falls & St. Luke’s Lutheran Church

              as members of the Tri-County Lutheran Parish

are hosting a Pancake Breakfast

THIS COMNG SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 8 - 11 A.M.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie, NY.

FREE-WILL DONATIONS ACCEPTED FOR HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF.

THE SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING AND SERVING

A Ministry of the Mid-Hudson and Orange Classes

FALL 2017 COURSE OFFERING

(Please find information/registration packets on the back table of the sanctuary.)

THE ART OF CARING VISITS

(Elders & Deacons, General Interest)

Instructor:  The Rev. Dr. Don Heringa

Date: Saturday, October 21, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., New Paltz, NY, 12561

Tuition: $15, plus books and materials

       Have you ever wondered what to say to someone who is sick, struggling with relationship difficulties or in grief? The Art of Caring Visits is an introduction to the pastoral and practical dimensions of visiting hurting people. This class is aimed at helping us respond following the way our God has responded to people throughout the scriptures, by following the principles of IDENTIFICATION, EMPATHY AND LOVING ACCEPTANCE.  This course includes theory and practice of active listening, psychology of illness, and biblical principles to help motivate caring visits. 

Course registration deadlines are one week prior to the course unless otherwise stated. Please register in time to insure the class will run. Scholarships are available from the School. Please contact the Registrar for financial assistance, (518) 537-4221 or albizu@gtel.net. 

COME CELEBRATE THE 500^TH ANNIVESARY OF THE REFORMATION!

After returning from a trip to Wittenberg Church and Eastern Europe,

The Rev. Dr. Eric Titus will speak to us of this momentous anniversary.

When: Monday October 30 at 7 p.m.

Where: Wallkill Reformed Church, 45 Bridge Street, Wallkill, NY 12589

Cost: FREE, with complimentary refreshments. 

Please RSVP with number attending from your church.

Call (518) 537-4221, text (518) 965-7538, or email <albizu@gtel.net>.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family. 
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, Derek DeJager and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy.
• for the happy news that Amy Deweerd has published a children's book entitled Scooter and Sophie, a story about Kinderhook Farm. The book was offered on Amazon and also at a signing yesterday at the Cross Eyed Owl gift shop on. 50% of the profits from the signing was donated to Rise Against Hunger.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
• His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. 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.
• Pastor Rudy and Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as they fulfill their ministerial duties.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday; and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the new government officials now in office, 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 Lansing serving in S. Korea.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
• those suffering loss of loved ones, livelihoods, and property, as well as life-threatening hardships due to recent earthquakes and hurricanes, especially those in Mexico, Puerto Rico and adjacent islands, Texas, and Florida.
• those grieving the death of loved ones.
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life
• Families and friends grieving those who died in the recent Las Vegas mass shooting, as well as for those recovering from injury.  Pray also that God will provide wisdom for our government leaders facing the responsibility of reducing the number and severity of such attacks.
• Emese, Patti Varga's sister-in-law, recently hospitalized and in isolation with a staph B infection.  Pray that Emese will have a positive and speedy response to her treatment and a complete recovery.
• Lesley Haywood, facing hernia surgery for the third time, and for Michael, brother of Lesley’s wife, Mary Jane, who is battling lung cancer.  Pray for successful surgery for Lesley, a positive response to treatment and healing for Michael, and pray also for God's peace, reassurance, and strength for Mary Jane at this very difficult and stressful time.
• Michelle Martino, facing dialysis and in need of a kidney transplant.  Pray for God's healing and return to health for Michele.
• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Linda Moran; Nancy Baker; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Barbara Vosburgh; Virginia Rothermel; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga
• Donna Scalera, that she will maintain strength as she undergoes continued treatments for cancer, and pray as well for positive outcomes.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Connie Witkowski; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler

• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: our students, from grade school to college, as they prepare to meet challenges of higher levels of education in this new school year, career choices, and job searches; Suzy and Bill Nieman as they settle into their new home in New Hampshire; Greg Clause Jr.; Stacey Baker; Libby Little-Saxton, working with Afghan refugees – Libby’s latest newsletter is available for pick-up on the back table of the sanctuary; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY!

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), Barbara Vosburgh (28^th), Derick LaTorre (29^th)

KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick – ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Patrice Lyons – ’17  Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . .    758-8400  patricelyons50@gmail.com

Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Elders

Merrill Johnson – ’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga – ’17  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel, Clerk. . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

KRC TREASURER

Derick LaTorre – 376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com

                                                                    KRC STAFF

                KRC Office Manager              KRC Office Assistant          

            Paul Clause – 859-4158      Courtney Wood – 852-7172

                       KRC  Sexton                  KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

           Steven Green – 505-4918        Greg Clause – 369-8472 

COMING EVENTS

Today, October 8

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room

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

Mon, October   9

     6:30 pm   Consistory meets

Tues, October 10  Capital City Rescue Mission Silent Auction and Banquet

                      Albany Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY.

       5:30 pm  Silent Auction

       6:30 pm  Dinner

       7:00 pm  Youth Group meets @KRC

Thur, October 12

       9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible study @KRC.

              Group continues 1 & 2 Thessalonians

      10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

       7:00 pm  Bible study, 1 and 2 Peter, KRC main floor Conference Room

Sat,   October  14

        8 – 11 am  Hurricane Disaster Relief Pancake Breakfast

                   St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie, NY.

        4:00 pm  Communities in Crisis - Exhibits & Panel on Addictions and Recovery

                McNary Center, St. Paul’s Church, 6 Sylvester Street, Kinderhook

Tues,  October 17

      Please Note:  Youth Group will not meet October 17.

Sat,   October  21 

     12 Noon – 2 pm  Ladies’ Complimentary Interfaith Luncheon and Fellowship

        1^st Reformed Church, 52 Green Street, Hudson, Rev. Paige Convis, guest speaker

Mon, October  23

     6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sat,   October  28  Reformed Church @Muitzeskill Annual Turkey Dinner

Servers Next Sunday, October 15

Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel

Greeter(s):