Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, September 10, 2017
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Derek DeJager, Visiting 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.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Bob Dreier, Jerry Flansburg.
Thanks to today’s greeter, Susan Patterson.
Nursery facility available downstairs.
Flowers are given today by Deborah Spaulding in loving memory of Harriet Simpkins.
Guest Organist, David Smith
Prelude Grave and Adagio from Sonata no. 2 in c minor, op. 65 F. Mendelssohn
Welcome, Announcements, and God's Greeting
Drawing Near to God
Call To Worship (Responsive)
LEADER: God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some with laughter and songs of joy. God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some from a sense of obligation or habit. God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some with hearts heavy with grief. God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some with distraction or exhaustion. God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some with eagerness and enthusiasm. God calls us to worship,
PEOPLE: and we come,
LEADER: some with stress, loneliness, or desperation.
PEOPLE: As God’s dearly loved children, we bring all our joy and pain, hurt and
hope into this place of Spirit-given grace, love, and hope.
(Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, CRC Publications.)
*Hymn #45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Merciful God, in your gracious presence, we confess our sin and the sin of the world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and jealousies that we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation. We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason, and turn them into bonds of oppression.
Lord, have mercy upon us; heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love in Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, CRC Publications.)
Words of Assurance 2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:18
For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
Hymn #290 Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
Coming before God’s Open Word
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
Message “Practicing Peace”
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, His Abundance, and His Care
Offering/Offertory “O Father who art in heaven”, BWV 737 J. S. Bach
*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Gracious God, we give our best, lest in gaining the world we lose life itself. As a covenant people, we seek to witness to your will and way. Help us to know more clearly what you would have us do with the wealth entrusted to our care.
As we contribute to the needs of your people, we present ourselves as living sacrifices. This we pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
(Reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, CRC Publications.)
*Hymn (Screen) Gather Us In
Sacrament of Communion
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
Special Offering, Reformed Church in America Hurricane Relief
*Closing Hymn #532 Be Thou My Vision
*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 Allegro moderato (fugue) from Sonata no. 2 in c minor, op. 65 F. Mendelssohn
TODAY 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 and community members.
~ IMPORTANT NOTE OF INFORMATION FROM CONSISTORY ~
Those of you whose work requires interacting day in and day out with people who exhibit a variety of attitudes, needs, and joys, can attest to the fact that, whether on the job or off, one’s mind is never completely free of the responsibilities, concerns, and inevitable stress, and time away becomes a necessity, not a luxury.
The minimum allowances to be made available to RCA pastors for vacation and professional development are shown below – currently 5 weeks vacation time* and 2 weeks professional development leave for Pastor Rudy. These mandates are not of our own choosing or subject to change; they must be followed for all pastors, and have been established to protect them and insure that they are provided with healthy, productive arrangements with their individual churches:
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA - CLASSIS OF COLUMBIA-GREENE
Ministerial Minimum Compensation Guidelines, Effective January 1, 2017
A professional-development allowance:
1/26th of the annual salary (2 weeks) plus two weeks per year study leave
which may be accumulated for two years.
A vacation schedule based on the pastor's year of service in the ministry
starting from date of ordination:
1 ‑ 10 years in ministry: 4 weeks vacation
*11 ‑ 20 years in ministry: 5 weeks vacation
20-plus years in ministry: 6 weeks vacation
I received the following from a colleague, Sherry Meyer-Veen, who survived and was involved in rebuilding after hurricane Sandy in the northeast and few years ago. I strongly encourage each member and friend of the Kinderhook Reformed Church family to give this information prayerful and thoughtful consideration regarding our responsibilities, as a compassionate and caring body of Christ, to assist in meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of the Texas flood disaster victims. Pastor Rudy
The magnitude of what is happening in Texas is overwhelming. The news and internet are once again “flooded” with stories, pictures, and suggestions to give to the Red Cross, as they are after every disaster. Here are some things we need to know: The Red Cross is a first-responder and they only offer immediate relief services; these are valuable services, however, the MAJORITY of the cost in the rebuilding of homes and lives is in the long term recovery. This is going to take many years . . . Remember, it is already clear that many thousands of people will have lost all of their possessions, as well as their homes, and will be starting from a huge mess. It is much more costly than simply building a new home… they will have to clean up the mess that was once their treasured possessions and memories before they can even begin to rebuild. And they will most likely have NO assistance from insurance as insurance DOES NOT cover flooding unless a person has a special flood insurance policy, which very few people do outside of flood prone areas. FEMA assistance is limited as well. It helps, but will be a fraction of the overall need for most of those with water on their first floor.
In an ideal world, everyone would find it in their hearts to give generously and would take the total amount intended to give and divide it this way: 1/10th to first responders (think Red Cross, Fire Rescue Squads that will travel from far and near to help with pumping out basements, etc.); 4/10th to national VOAD organizations assisting in long term recovery (“VOAD” stands for “Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster”. A VOAD is a community organization made up of public, private, voluntary and nonprofit agencies and organizations who may be active in all phases of disaster: preparation, response, recovery and mitigation. Examples of VOAD organizations are Church World Service, World Renew, UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief, LDR – Lutheran Disaster Response, BDM – Brethren Disaster Ministries, to name a few that I’ve worked with and know to be highly capable, competent, and helpful); and the other HALF to a local long term recovery organization. It takes the local long-term recovery organizations to be in place, to have the funding for the materials, and to be working in their own neighborhoods in order for the VOAD organizations to be able to assist.
Unfortunately, giving has become based on emotion. We see the pictures and give as quickly and easily as possible and then often feel good about ourselves for having given. We often then forget about the magnitude and scale of the need, having offered our tiny “sacrifice” initially. It might take months for the long term recovery organizations to emerge, and by then, people will often have forgotten about the needs, or already given. Give and give again, and make your giving count!
Rev. Sherry Meyer-Veen
The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE again this year from 3:00 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, on the front and side lawns of the church. PRICES ARE $12 FOR THE FULL DINNER AND $8 FOR CHICKEN ONLY. Full dinner includes a baked potato, coleslaw, and roll. A variety of beverages will be available to those who are eating in the fellowship room, and for carry-outs, bottled water will be available for those who want it. For a donation, homemade desserts will be offered to enhance the meal. If you are able to donate baked goods to help supply the dessert menu, please indicate your contribution on the sign-up sheet at the back table.
All proceeds will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, which has, over the years, become an increasingly costly community ministry. Starting next Sunday, September 17, reservations can be left on the church phone, 518-758-6401, or at 518-758-9492. PAYMENT BY CHECK OR BY CASH FOR PHONE RESERVATIONS, WILL BE COLLECTED WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE BAR-B-CUE. If you prefer, you may purchase prepaid tickets from Jim Dunham, Dawn Van Buren, Steve Shpur, Jane Deane, or Gary Leggett.
The Cemetery Committee remembers gratefully your support of last year’s BAR-B-CUE, and is counting on your help in making this important fundraising event a success again this year.
SEXTON, KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH
20 Hours Per Week
Cleaning, Set up Tables and Chairs, Trash Removal, etc.
Please call the church office, 518-758-6401,
and leave name, address, and email to receive full job escription.
ANYONE INTERESTED IS WELCOME TO APPLY.
HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Jane Deane (1st), Donna Flansburg (5th), Kaitlyn Morris, (6th),
Tana Thompson (6th), Abigail Wood (6th), Dawn Van Buren (20th),
Phil Sherman (23rd), Bob Wildermuth (23rd), Nancy Baker (26th),
Wayne Van Allen (28th), Chuck Rothermel (30th)
COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS
Exhibits and Panel on Addictions and Recovery
Saturday, October 14, 4:00 p.m.
McNary Center, St. Paul’s Church, 6 Sylvester Street, Kinderhook
Free of Charge Open to the Public
Addiction hurts individuals, families, and communities physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, economically, and spiritually. Working together, public, private, and religious institutions improve quality of life for everyone. The Kinderhook Public Library will showcase recovery literature, and community resources will be available to share information and answer questions.
For information, call Father Tom, 518-758-6271, or SPECK1851.weebly.com/Contact Us
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
· Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messagesGod 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.
- Rachael Beaudoin, granddaughter of Paul and Joan Clause, now recovering at home.
- 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: famine, earthquakes, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
- those grieving the death of loved ones, especially the husband and twin teenage sons of Megan Segura, 39, who died unexpectedly last Sunday – Megan was a vibrant and beloved member of the Community Life Church, Catskill, home church of Aaron and Susan Clause.
· 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.
· others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill:mother of Maureen Mooney; Rachael Beaudoin; Paul Clause; Jay Petith; Mell; Liezl Visser; Ruth Edge; Sara Schubert; Merrill Johnson; Rob Aciero; Barbara Vosburgh; Steve Canfield; Jack Lyons; the brother of Coleen, Mark Johnson's partner; Amy Deweerd; Virginia Rothermel; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga
· those 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; Paul Osborn; 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 refugees; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
· residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
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/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;
Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson
Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany
Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:
Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary
Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas
Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM
FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.
All of us from time to time, as members and friends of the KRC family, have had concerns and issues about church policies; Consistory decisions; order and times of our worship services; the preaching ministry; and sometimes even issues and concerns related to our interpersonal relationships within the church family. We would like you to know that the Elders are available to speak with you about any concerns you may have and invite you to contact them at any time.
PULPIT FLOWERS
Many KRC family and friends have, in the past, provided cut flowers for the pulpit in celebration of an anniversary or birthday, in honor of a special day or event, and in loving memory of family and friends who have passed away. During the summer months, those of you who are gardeners are invited to arrange and display your own garden flowers on a Sunday of your choice. If you are interested in providing flowers for a particular Sunday, contact Dawn, 758-7564.
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 518-758-6401 Church Fax 518-758-6402
THE SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING AND SERVING
A Ministry of the Mid-Hudson and Orange Classes
FALL 2017 COURSE OFFERINGS
(Please find information/registration packets on the back table of the sanctuary.)
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
(Preaching Elder & Commissioned Pastor candidates, General Interest)
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Eric Titus
Dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1; 7-10 p.m.
Location: The Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., New Paltz, Ny 12561
Tuition: $100, plus books and materials
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of primary Christian doctrines from a Reformed perspective. In addition, methodologies and resources for constructing theological positions will be covered. The text will be Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology by Daniel L. Migliore.
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 500TH 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! Just let us know how many people will be attending from your church. Call (518) 537-4221 and leave a message, text (518) 965-7538, or email <albizu@gtel.net>.
CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION CORDIALLY INVITES YOU
to attend its Annual Banquet & Silent Auction, ONE NIGHT ONLY THIS YEAR, on Tuesday, October 10. CCRM IS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE THIS EVENT IN A NEW LOCATION, THE ALBANY MARRIOTT, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY. Silent Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.. KRC has traditionally been well-represented at this inspiring event, where you will hear how your volunteer efforts, prayers, and generous support make a difference in the lives of people who are hungry, street-weary, and hopeless.
“George Chochos will share his dramatic story, “From Jail to Yale,” at the banquet. His first job out of Sing Sing prison was at the Capital City Rescue Mission. You will be amazed by his transformed life. We are looking forward to celebrating with you the hope God provides in Christ . . . especially as we report on progress for our new home for women and children. Come invite your church family, and learn more. God bless you, Perry Jones, Executive Director.
If you would like to attend, see or call Paul Clause, 859-4158. Your reservation and ticket payment will be made for you, and you can reimburse KRC $35 per ticket reserved by dropping your designated check made out to KRC into the offering plate at anytime. RESERVATIONS SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, and TICKETS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8. CCRM banquet organizers will arrange for those attending from KRC to be seated together at 1 or 2 tables, depending on the number of reservations we make. Reservations may also be made at capitalcityrescuemission.com or by calling Susan Jones, 462-0421. Let Sue know if you wish to sit with the KRC group.
COMING EVENTS
Today, September 10
9:00 am Combined Communion Worship Celebration
Mon, September 11
Please Note: Consistory will not meet in the month of September.
Tues, September 12
7:00 pm Youth Group meets @KRC.
Wednesdays, September 13 – September 20
6:30 -7:15 pm “New Direction” Wellness Class @KRC
Thur, September 14
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
Sun, September 17 2-Service Schedule and Children's Sunday School Begin
8:30 am Early Worship Service
9:45 am Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room
10:00 am Worship Service
Wed, September 27 Brooks BBQ dinner @KRC
Servers Next Sunday, September 17
Ushers: Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur
Greeter(s):
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 Interim Sexton KRC Cemetery Supervisor
Elize Visser – 758-9311 Greg Clause – 369-8472
