Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service

Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY

10:00 a.m. September 18, 2011

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

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 fellowship and enjoy refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.

Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren

Greeter(s): Barbara Vosburgh

Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Sara Schubert supervising.

Flowers are given today in celebration of Dawn Van Buren’s birthday.

Order of Worship

  PRELUDE          

  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

  VOTUM AND GOD’S GREETING

God’s Children’s Approach

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive)  

Now is the time
     To wake from our sleeping,
Throw off our fears,
     Discard our excuses.
Now is the time
     To walk toward freedom,
To believe in new life,
     To turn away from dead ends,
To live new possibilities,
     To sing new songs.
Now is the time
     To open our hearts to our awesome God. Amen.

*HYMN OF PRAISE #57                                                All Things Bright and Beautiful

  CALL TO CONFESSION

God does not hide from us, and always hears our cry for help. Confident of God’s presence, let us confess our sins individually and together.

  PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (Unison)

We want to believe, O God, that we bring our whole selves, our whole hearts, to you - but we don’t. You ask us to deny ourselves and follow you - but we don’t. You ask us to share the good news of the gospel - but we don’t. You ask us to put your concerns above our worldly concerns - but we don’t. Forgive us for all those times when we fall short, when we doubt, when we are tempted by Satan. Help us to stand before you with our whole selves, trusting that it is you who makes us whole.  Amen

  ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Beloved, our Lord was rejected, taunted, beaten and crucified - and raised from the dead on the third day. Though we fall short, we believe and share the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.  Amen.

  PRAISE SONGS

God’s Opened Word

  SCRIPTURE LESSON     Philippians  1:21-30 (p. 831)

  MESSAGE     “Choosing Life”

  PRAYER OF BLESSING

God’s Children Blessed by Him

  VIDEO INVITATION

  PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER  (Unison)

Nurturing God, we present these gifts with love. Thank you for teaching us how to share and love and comfort.  May we act consistently out of love because of your son, Jesus.  In His name we pray.  Amen

  PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER       

*HYMN #663                                                               Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

*HYMN OF 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 

                                                                                       ABOUT OUR OPENING HYMN
Cecil Frances Alexander was working one day with one of her Sunday school pupils, a little boy who was struggling to understand The Apostles’ Creed, when the idea came to her of using simple songs to explain the phrases and truths of the Christian faith to little ones. The Apostles’ Creed begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”  For the phrase “Maker of heaven and earth” she wrote the lovely little song, All Things Bright and Beautiful, basing it on Genesis 1:31, “Then God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good.”  The song was published in 1848 in a collection of her works, “Hymns for Little Children,” together with Once in Royal David’s City, and There is a Green Hill Far Away, three of the most popular hymns in the English language. In addition to her church ministry as a Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Alexander, native of Ireland, was an active philanthropist and protector of animals. 

~NEW MEMBERS’ CLASS~
We have three people enrolled in our new members’ class which will begin at 11:15 TODAY following worship. The class will run until the beginning of December, after which prospective members will have an informed conversation with the elders of our church with regards to making profession of faith and formally becoming  members of Kinderhook Reformed Church.

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.  The deadline for placing orders is Sunday, October 9, and 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 of the sanctuary.

~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 will offer a small group on Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m.  Sally Heimroth will be the coordinator of the Tuesday morning group, and Pastor Rudy will take the Thursday evening group. In order to accommodate as many members of our church family as possible, two other groups are being worked on by Merrill Johnson and John Schubert.
     The second session, “Transformation”, will be offered at 10 a.m. this coming Tuesday, September 20, and at 7 p.m. this coming Thursday, September 22.  Themes that will follow are, “Humble Courage”, “A Generous Heart”, “Perseverance”, and “Path of Servanthood”.  If you are interested, please register on the appropriate sheet at the back table.

BROOKS BAR-B-CUE AND DESSERT TABLE
     The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, on the front and side lawns of the church. All proceeds will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, which has become an increasingly costly ministry to our community over the years.  AS PART OF THE FUNDRAISER, WE WILL ALSO BE SELLING DESSERTS, AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE, TO ENHANCE THE MEAL.  IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DONATE BAKED GOODS TO HELP SUPPLY THE DESSERT TABLE, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION ON THE SIGN-UP SHEET AT THE BACK TABLE, OR CONTACT DAWN VAN BUREN. 
     The Cemetery Committee is counting on your help in making this important fundraising effort a success.  Tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased from Jim Dunham or Gary Leggett today in the Fellowship Room following Worship.  If you are willing to sell tickets, please let Jim or Gary know.  

~ BIRD’S-EYE FINANCIAL REPORT, AUGUST 2011 ~

~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT 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. 

TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nancy Baker, Sophie Barmen, John Bosquet-Morra, Jane Deane, Donna Flansburg, Joe Herrmann, Morgan Hickman, Chuck Rothermel, Phil Sherman, Dawn Van Buren, and Gordie Van Buren. Gordie is celebrating his 85th birthday today!  Call him at Barnwell, 758-4731, and wish him the best.
Belated wishes to Melissa Welcome, who celebrated her birthday   August 28.

During the month of September only, Northeast Health/ Eddy Lifeline is offering free installation (normally $50) of a Lifeline 2-way emergency response system.  If you know someone who lives alone, or has a tendency to fall, or who is recovering from recent surgery and might benefit from this protection, the Eddy contact number is 833-1040.  The monthly cost of the system after the free installation is $38.
 

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 fellowship & food enjoyed by all at our recent Church Picnic at the Tuttles’
• Libby Little’s recent presence in Worship and her update on recent experiences and activities – Libby emails, “I want to say thank you to the congregation for the warm welcome. It was wonderful to be with all of you again. Please send this on to the women who had a part in providing such a delicious brunch after the service so that all of us could chat a while longer. That was very thoughtful! Love, Libby”
• The encouraging news that Marcia’s cancer has not spread to her lymph system - Marcia is Jane Smith’s niece
• The very successful outreach of KRC’s VBS, which had a total enrollment of 66; many thanks to all who participated – parents, children attending, and to Patti Varga  and all staff members and helpers
• Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, who recently celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary
• The blessing of Doris Schmieder, Claudia March’s mother; Donna Scalera; and Angie Maycole in Worship with us this past Sunday
• A safe return from travels abroad for John and Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, and for Nancy Baker and daughter, Stacey
• 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

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 Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith, especially Gloria
• 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 and those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, Adult Bible Study, Community Prayer Group,
• 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
• Rain to relieve the devastating drought conditions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, West Texas, South Texas, and other ever-increasing areas in the south and southwest
• 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 storms and fires, especially our neighbors in Greene, Schoharie, and adjoining counties, and in the State of Vermont, as well as those in Texas
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Jim and Barbara Hatch, their families, and friends, grieving the death of their only child, Katy, following a recent auto accident – cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to 3132 Cottonwood Bend, #301, Ft. Myers, FL 33905
• Those dealing with cancer: Marcia Smith; Susan Dick; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Ginger; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt;
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care:  Twin babies of Ashley and Mike; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Tom Saulpaugh; Morgan Hickman; Mark and Gordie VanBuren; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Charles March, Sr., father of Arnie March, now in the Barnwell
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little, facing the challenges of a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; A young man named Bobby has withdrawn money from his bank account and run away from home - please pray that God will keep him safe and return him to his mother so he can get the help he needs; 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

The toys in the KRC Nursery are in need of approximately 30 AA, 6 AAA, and 8 D new replacement batteries to get them in working order again.  Donations of new batteries to help with this need would be greatly appreciated.  Please indicate on the sign-up sheet at the back table which type of item and how many you are able to provide. 

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 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    758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12    392-4771
KRC STAFF
                    KRC Secretary                   Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton               
            Paul Clause – 859-4158           Greg Clause  –  369-8472, 758-1338 

COMING EVENTS
Today.,  September 18 
    10:00 am  Worship, Opening of Sunday School Classes
    11:00 am  Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
    11:15 am  New Members’ Class meets with Pastor Rudy
                      Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Tues.,   September 20 
   10:00 am  Small Group Session 2, “Transformation”
                      Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
Thurs., September 15
    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
      7:00 pm  Small Group Session 2, “Transformation”
                      Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Saturdays through October 8
    10 am – Noon, Historic Tours of KRC
Mon.,    September 26
      7:00 pm  Consistory meets
Wed.,  October  5 - Brooks Barbecue and KRC Dessert Table,
          Kinderhook Cemetery Fundraiser, KRC Lawns
Sun.,   October  9 -  Deadline for placing October soup orders
                       with Church Family Ministry
Tues., October 11 
       7:00 pm  Consistory meets
Sun.,   October 16 - Pick up date for October soup orders,
                  Fellowship Room following Worship
Mon., October 24 
       7:00 pm  Consistory meets

Servers Next Sunday, September 25, 2011
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth 
Greeter(s): Patrice Lyons
Nursery: