Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. October 9, 2011
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher
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 we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Lére Visage
Greeter(s): Bob and Jean Wildermuth
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs for parent use.
Flowers are given today by Susan Patterson
in loving memory of her father, Edward Schurick.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE Selected Hymns and Songs
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Boldly Approaching Our God
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us,
that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.
God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
*HYMN #743 Christ for the World! We Sing
CALL TO CONFESSION Based on Isaiah 45:21-22
“There is no God apart from me,” says the Lord. “I am a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Seek after me, for I am God, and there is no other. Turn to me and be saved, all of you.”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Based on Psalm 86
Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are sinful, poor, and needy. Deliver us from the depths of the grave, for great is your love toward us. You are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear our prayer, O Lord; listen to our cry for mercy.
[Silent prayer of confession]
Teach us your ways, O Lord our God, and we will walk in your truth.
Give us undivided hearts that we may fear and glorify your name forever.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Based on Lamentations 3:52-58
We called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit, and you heard our plea not to close your ears to our cries for relief. You came near and said, “Do not fear.” O Lord, you took up our case and redeemed our lives.
Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONG (Insert) You Are My King (Amazing Love)
*BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison)
Lord Jesus, may our children always acknowledge you as the Son of the Most High God, and may they experience the power and direction of your Spirit within them. May they be your light in this world, testifying without shame to your truth, and attracting many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life. Amen.
We Come before God’s Open Word
PRAYER for ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the hymn, Speak, Lord, in the Stillness
Speak, Lord, in the stillness. Speak your word to us, and help us to listen with expectancy. In this quiet hour, let us know your presence, see your face, and feel your touch of power. Gracious Master, we await your word . . . speak and fill us with the knowledge of your glorious will. Amen.
[Moment of Waiting before the Lord]
RESPONSIVE READING Isaiah 56:1-7
This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil." Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people."
And let not any eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree." For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant -
to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.
And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant -
these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
SCRIPTURE LESSON Romans 10:1-17 (p. 802); Matthew 15:21-28 (p. 693)
MESSAGE “Yes, God Really Means It”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Celebrating God
PRESENT OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, who has blessed us abundantly with many good gifts, after your example we lay these offerings before you. May they be used to promote the Good News of Christ, the whole truth of scripture, and spiritual renewal and growth both within and far beyond our church family. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #728 Jesus Saves!
*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. (2x)
POSTLUDE
CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY OCTOBER SOUP SALE
Church Family Ministry will be offering Manhattan clam chowder soup in October. Prices are $5.00 for a pint and $10.00 for a quart, and THE DEADLINE FOR PLACING ORDERS IS TODAY. Your soup will be delivered on Sunday, October 16, in the Fellowship Room following Worship. Please place your orders on the sign-up sheet available today at the back table
Please plan to attend the brunch and congregational meeting planned for NEXT SUNDAY, October 16, following Worship.
Your presence and input are needed and much appreciated.
Capital City Rescue Mission cordially invites you to attend its Annual Benefit Banquet and Silent Auction – “FURNISHING HOPE!” - either Wednesday or Thursday, October 19 or 20, at Michael’s Banquet House, 1019 Route 9 North, Latham. Silent Auction begins at 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. each evening. KRC has traditionally been well-represented at this inspiring event, the proceeds from which will benefit homeless and needy individuals assisted by CCRM’s many programs. 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 $18 per ticket reserved by dropping your check into the offering plate anytime from now to the end of the month. RESERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN TODAY, and TICKETS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16.
~NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE~
The Cemetery Committee wishes to thank and praise God for the very successful chicken Bar-B-Q this past Wednesday. We had a beautiful day and a surprisingly large crowd early, and sold 400 dinners and 130 desserts. Thanks to everyone for their generous support: Committee members who worked diligently to organize and promote the event; all who bought or sold tickets or gave monetary donations; those who contributed baked goods; and those who assisted Wednesday with sales and serving. The more than $1500 profit earned gives a great boost to the cemetery operational budget.
We would like to apologize to any who purchased a ticket and did not get a meal. Please contact Jim Dunham or Gary Leggett for a refund. We promise to have many more meals ordered for next year!
~KRC SMALL GROUPS ~
We are all, as Erwin Raphael McManus states, broken pieces of the image of God. And as Christians, too often we talk about God's ability to change lives without fully understanding how to access that power. Through this six-week small group study, we will learn about ourselves and the transformational power of God.
Each week we are offering small group opportunities on Thursday at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Sally Heimroth is coordinator of the Thursday morning group, and Pastor Rudy the Thursday evening group. The theme for this Thursday’s sessions is “A Generous Heart”. Scriptures to be explored are John 6:5-13; Colossians 3:13-14; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 18:21-35; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Luke 17:11-19; Ephesians 4:28; 1John 4:16-18; James 1:4; and Ephesians 4:13. Upcoming Themes are, “Perseverance”, and “Path of Servanthood”. Please feel free to join one of these groups – Walk- ins welcome!
~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT(S) NEEDED~
Christian Ed is still in need of an assistant Youth Group leader, or multiple rotating assistants, for KRC’s youth meetings. The group meets every Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30, and you are encouraged to pray about being a part of this truly rewarding outreach ministry! If you feel led to assist, please speak to Patti Varga.
The temporary clothing thrift store for the flood victims in Schoharie was moved recently, and Maureen Mooney will be bringing the clothes left over from our recycling sale to the new location. There is a need for men's clothing, and also a need for help to staff the thrift shop. Maureen is planning to volunteer at the shop this coming Friday, 10/14, from 12-7 pm. She will be reporting first to the Reformed Church in Schoharie, then on to the Presbyterian Church. If anyone would like to volunteer with Maureen for this day and time, please let her know, and carpooling could be arranged for the one-hour drive. This is a short-term opportunity but a much-needed one. The shop is also open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm, and you may call Sarah Goodrich, 518-470-0014, to schedule volunteer time. Below is a link to the Synod website listing opportunities to serve in the aftermath of the flood. Scroll toward the bottom of the home page to find information on the needs in Schoharie: http://www.albanysynod.org/events.htm
TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:
Bonnie Dunham, Dustin Olsen, Susan Patterson, Will Patterson, Aiden Visagie, Rudy Visser
MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. The Pantry served 95 families in August, including 158 adults & 142 children. Non-perishable foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. (PLEASE NOTE: the Pantry is currently overstocked on spaghetti and pasta.) Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.
NOTE OF THANKS FROM LIBBY LITTLE~
Dear Friends at KRC,
I’m wondering if I ever thanked you for the donation in January toward the Tom Little Memorial fund. The check was sent this week, now that we could see, first hand, that the work is moving ahead – blessing, serving, training, and sharing. Thank you for being a part of this and for remembering Tom.
Love, Libby
krc’s 300th anniversary celebration
A committee for celebrating KRC’s 300th anniversary in 2012 has been formed, and you are invited to join us as a committee member. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our tricentennial year with great ideas for numerous celebratory events, and that these events will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Everyone’s help is very much needed, and we ask that you prayerfully consider how you might participate in this unique opportunity for ministry to our congregation and community.
COMMUNITY HOSPICE OF COLUMBIA/GREENE is beginning its semi-annual training for new patient/family volunteers in November. If you are interested in serving in this ministry, please pick up a flyer on the back table for more information.
Remember to Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday celebration
• Leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• A speedy end to the violence and unrest in the Middle East
• Our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell
• Our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, victimized by famine and other natural disasters, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Families that have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and employment as a result of recent natural disasters
• Those grieving the loss of loved one
• Sue Jones, wife of Perry Jones, recovering at home after breaking her ankle in three places - pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Sue
• Susan Dick, scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday
• Ruth Edge, recuperating from health issues and steadily improving
• A friend of Erika Johnson recovering from injuries sustained in a dirt bike accident
• Those dealing with cancer: Marcia Smith; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Ginger; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh;
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Gordie Van Buren; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Morgan Hickman; Mark and Gordie VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; Bobby and others struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), Nicole (Baby Alisandra), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke)
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection
• Families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance;
• 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 projects and responsibilities
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision
• The good news that all of Susan Dick's tests have come back negative for ovarian cancer.
• The community outreach, delicious food, and financial success the Brooks’ Bar-B-Q fundraiser this past Wednesday for the benefit of the Kinderhook Cemetery
• Gordie VanBuren’s speedy healing from an injury received in a recent fall at Barnwell
• The good attendance, fellowship & food enjoyed by all at our recent Church Picnic at the Tuttles’
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
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• 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
KRC’s share of support is $6,711 this year for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S Classis assessment HAS BEEN SET AT $80.85, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR. Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED A TOTAL OF $3,378 TO DATE TO HELP DEFRAY THIS EXPENSE.
CLOTHING BARN
The North Chatham United Methodist Church’s Clothing Barn, offering good, used clothing at reasonable prices, will close with the Lord’s Acre Auction THIS COMING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15.
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 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 2011-2012 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Laura Rafferty, Property – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory, Cemetery – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Missions, Church Treasurer – ’11 758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis ’11 784-9656
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12 210-6079
Dawn VanBuren, Consistory Vice-President, Worship,
Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’11 -7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 392-4771
KRC STAFF
KRC Secretary Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Paul Clause – 859-4158 Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-
COMING EVENTS
Today., October 9
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Deadline for placing Church Family Ministry soup orders
Tues., October 11
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets meets
Consistory meets
Thurs., October 13
9:00 am Small Group Session4, “A Generous Heart”
Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
7:00 pm Small Group Session 4, “A Generous Heart”
Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Fri., October 14
9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets, Dawn Tuttle’s home
Sun., October 16 – Pick-up date for October soup orders,
Fellowship Room following Worship
Congregational Meeting and Brunch following Worship
Mon., October 17
7:00 pm Stewardship Ministry meets
Mon., October 24
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Fri., November 11
9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets, Dawn Tuttle’s home
Sat., November 12
6:00 pm Family Chili Nite, KRC Fellowship Room
Servers Next Sunday, October 16, 2011
Ushers: Alan Dick, Merrill Johnson, Lére Visage
Greeter(s): Donna and Jerry Flansburg
Nursery:
