Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
September 19, 2010, 9:30 A.M.
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“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 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: Alan Dick, Eric Herrmann, Merrill Johnson, Lere Visagie
Greeter(s): Barbara Vosburgh
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Nikki Barmen supervising.
Fresh flowers are given today by Leo Dolan in celebration of Dawn’s birthday.
Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING
God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on Psalm 113
Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Let us worship and praise the Lord our God!
*HYMN OF WORHSIP AND COMMITMENT #86 We Come, O Christ, to You
CALL TO CONFESSION
All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Yet we believe and proclaim that our God yearns to be reconciled with us and to shower mercy on us. Let us confess our sins together, so that we may know the forgiveness of God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Eternal God, how often we have tried to undo what we have done. In our persistence, we have tried to right the wrongs too serious to correct; to erase mistakes too deeply engraved in the lives of others; to clean up messes too deeply affecting our world. Caught in our own efforts to make everything right, we end up tangled in our own webs.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive our sins, which we cannot make right on our own. Give us the wisdom of repentance, that we might change our ways. Make your home within us, that we might experience the power of your transformation.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear the good news! God is merciful to all who trust in him. Believe in Christ, and let not your hearts be troubled.
In Jesus’ name, we are forgiven. Hallelujah, Amen!
*PRAISE SONGS
*PRAYER OF BLESSING UPON OUR CHILDREN (Unison)
Holy Spirit of God, inspire our children with the eternal rewards you promise, and motivate them to seek first your kingdom and righteousness, and to lay up treasure in heaven. May they, like Christ, live with integrity, and invest generously and unselfishly in the lives and spiritual welfare of others. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
LITANY and PRAYER ILLUMINATING OUR SCRIPTURE
LEADER: Once there was a man about to lose his job. In desperation, so his family wouldn’t starve, he made deals with many people who owed large amounts of money to the company.
PEOPLE: Very shrewd! Buying friends!
LEADER: I wonder if that could work with God? If I give a big enough donation to the church, could I buy God’s friendship?
PEOPLE: God doesn’t work that way. God’s friendship isn’t for sale.
LEADER: If God doesn’t want money, then what?
PEOPLE: God desires things of eternal value: humility, honesty,
kindness, faithfulness and worship.
LEADER: Let us pray together and then pay due attention and respect to the Word of Almighty God!
SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 16:1-13
MESSAGE “Initiative, Put to Right Purposes, Is a Godly Characteristic”
PRAYER OF THANKS
God’s Children Blessed by Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, the generosity of your Spirit is evident all around us in the diversity and pageantry of your creation. May our giving to your mission and ministry be cheerful, open-handed, and gracious, as we give thanks for our blessings and recognize the needs of our neighbors, both near and around the world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN OF PRAYER #632 The Lord’s Prayer
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE My Friends, May Your 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
There will be a fellowship hour with coffee, juice, and a light snack following church each Sunday. If you would like to help with this one Sunday, please sign up on the sheet on the back table in the sanctuary. If you are not able to serve on a Sunday, but would still like to help out, you may bring apple juice or packaged cookies.
Youth Group starts up this coming Tuesday, September 21st, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Youth Grade 6 and up are welcome to attend, and friends are welcome as well. The first night will be a comedy night with a DVD with David Dean and Friends. If you would like to assist with the youth group, please sign the sheet on the back table.
Join this women’s global conversation focused on
how to reach those in the 21st Century who need Jesus Christ!
The Countdown Begins - Impact '10 ~ Stir opens October 2nd!
God is stirring His people. Acts 17:28 tells us that "in Him we live and move and have our being." The questions are, “How are we responding? How are you responding? What about your local church? The Body of Christ?”
On October 2, 2010, Stonecroft Ministries will address these questions and more during Impact '10 ~ Stir, an extraordinary FREE online women’s gathering of global proportions. Regardless of your time zone, this 4-hour web streaming evangelism event - broadcast LIVE from Kansas City, Missouri – will be available just about anywhere on the planet—from Nigeria to Niagara Falls.
Plan to join us in the sanctuary of Kinderhook Reformed Church, one of hundreds of global host sites. Together we will discover how God is moving, stirring, and how you can become involved in making Christ known in our communities.
Tom Little joined Kinderhook Reformed Church in 1963 at age 14, and remained a member until 1985. On Sunday, October 10, our church family will be memorializing Tom’s 33-year labor of love for his Lord and for the people of Afghanistan. A plaque in honor of his unswerving devotion will be installed near the plaque and display case memorializing Cornelius Van Alen Van Dyck, whose life and work as a physician/Bible translator/missionary from Kinderhook Reformed Church to the Middle East greatly inspired Tom as a young man. Donations will be gratefully accepted to help cover the expense (around $500) of honoring Tom in this way. Check memo lines or envelopes containing cash should be clearly designated “Tom Little Plaque”.
~TOM LITTLE MEMORIAL FUND~
Interserve has established the Tom Little Memorial Fund to assist those specifically called to serve in Afghanistan - 8 adults are ready to go and are looking for prayer and financial support. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church clearly marked “Tom Little Fund”. Your gift will be included in your personal KRC contribution record, and will be forwarded to Interserve. Interserve is also accepting donations on behalf of Libby Little to assist her in meeting the unexpected personal expenses incurred in the aftermath of Tom’s sudden death. Gifts to Libby may be made by check payable to Kinderhook Reformed Church clearly marked “Libby Little,” and will be forwarded to Interserve. Personal gifts to Libby will appear in your KRC contribution record, but are NOT tax-deductible.
The ICC Board of Education had a moment of silence
at their recent board meeting in memory of Tom Little.
Kinderhook Reformed Church is pleased to announce it will be hosting Dave Ramsey's live simulcast "EntreLeadership" seminar 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. For more information, please contact Lori Kolb-Speer.
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 STIR and EntreLeadership webcasts; Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; KRC organ/choral concert
• KRC’s Sunday School staff, and youth leaders as they plan & administer programs this summer and for the fall season
• 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
• Allen Van Alstyne’s speedy and complete recovery from recent surgery, and for wife, Joan, as she assists in meeting Al’s needs at this time
• Those dealing with cancer: Joe, now in hospice care; Marlys Haughie; 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: Elfie; Vicki Dick; Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Russell, nephew of Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Tom Saulpaugh; Bella Tarbox; the Afghans recently treated by Tom Little and his medical team; Holly; Emese; Libby Little; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Beth Ryan; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: challenges facing Earl Ennis now in nursing-home care, Diane Morgan, Jean Skipper, the Riveras, the Vargas; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles, especially Cliff; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; young people returning to school, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those who are traveling, especially the Schuberts, on a road trip to and from Oregon
• 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 Carrington Hessell, Spencer Moore, and Jay Rippel - that they may know God’s presence and protection; for those who would like to write or send a care package to Jay, his address is: 1SG Jay Rippel, Salerno Hospital, FOB Salerno, APO AE 09314. Care package info is available on the back table.
• Families and friends of our military troops - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance, especially Carrington’s mother, Gloria, and family; the Moores; and Jay’s wife, Beth Anne, & their two daughters; 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
• 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.
~A STANDING INVITATION FROM COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP~
KRC’s Community Prayer Group invites you to join us at 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings in the conference room kitty-corner from the church office. If you prefer not to pray aloud, we are delighted to have you join in prayer with us silently. We have a scripture, and pray for the pastor, consistory, our ministries, Sunday School, our youth, and illness and troubles in our families, church, and the world. We use unspoken requests to unload the cries of our hearts on the One who can do all things and do them well.
Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete Ministry projects & 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 broken elbow
• Succesful surgery for Allen VanAlstyne
• Ann Van Buren’s return home from the hospital and having broken no bones in her fall this past week
• The outreach opportunities provided by yesterday’s tag, bake, and hot dog sales, and for all who provided time, energy, and donations for the success of these events
• The family fun and refreshments enjoyed by all who came to KRC’s recent Church Family Night and for Sug Hawver, Janet and Steve Shpur, Erika Johnson, and all others who provided games, refreshments, and help in making this a special occasion
• Successful rehab placement for Diane Morgan’s mom, and for the progress her mom has made in being able to walk again
• the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s ongoing service to our community, and for both Dolly Petith and Maureen Mooney, who represent KRC so faithfully in this ministry. During the month of July, the Pantry served 69 families, including 147 adults and 97 children. again
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
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.
Please mark Saturday, November 6, on your calendar and plan to attend the organ & choral concert to be presented here in our sanctuary at 4:30 p.m. Watch for more information to come in future bulletins!
A SINCERE THANK-YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY OFFERED THEIR INDIVIDUAL SHARE OF THIS SUPPORT. If you have not yet supported this effort, and are able to do so over and above your regular giving, you may place your share ($75 per active member) in the offering plate, clearly designated for this purpose, or you may give it in as many increments as you wish over the remaining weeks or months of this year.
KRC has a lot of good cooks, and the Stewardship Ministry is working toward producing a cookbook to share all those good recipes. A cookbook was done years ago, and it is comforting to read the names of those folks who contributed and to remember them once again. Now is your chance to live on in memory for many years to come and to share that good cooking. (Do be careful to be accurate.) Bonnie Dunham will begin collecting and organizing our recipes. Hand them to her personally, e-mail them to kndrhook@aol.com (Please note correction to Bonnie’s e-mail address – there is no “e” or “i” in it.), or send recipes to 13 Eichybush Road, Kinderhook, N.Y. 12106. My, what good eating we will have!!!
~ REMINDER FROM WORSHIP & NEW VISITORS MINISTRIES ~
Writing materials are available on the back table for use by children during the Worship service. Please see that your children use these rather than the pew cards for their writing needs. Many of the printed visitors’ cards, which are expensive to replace, are being written on, bent, or torn, and your help in preventing this misuse is appreciated.
A hearty “thank-you” to those who have already contributed to help defray the $25,000 expense of completing the much-needed new roof on the Christian Education Wing of our building. As a token of your generosity, please help yourself to a shingle from the “Shingle Tree” on display on the back table of the Sanctuary. KRC’s Property Ministry is still seeking support for this project, and contributions may be dropped in the offering plate clearly designated 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
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 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 Mondays, 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.
KRC 2010-2011 CONSISTORY
Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Jane Deane, Missions, Assistant Treasurer – ’10 758-7051
Patrice Lyons, Stewardship, Pastoral Relations – ’10 758-8400
Loren Speer, Property – ’11 784-2901
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory – ’11 758-6031
Elders
Arnie March, Personnel, Pastoral Relations – ’10 758-6066
Ann VanBuren, Vice President of Consistory, Cemetery, Worship,
Classis Delegate – ’11 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Evangelism – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘10 758-1266
KRC STAFF
KRC Treasurer KRC Secretary
Barbara Vosburgh – 758-6512 Paul Clause – 859-4158
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338
Coming Events
Today,September 19
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, KRC Fellowship Room
Tue., September 21
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Fri., September 24 – 9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets
Sat., September 25
10:00 am KRC guided tours
Sat., October 2
10:00 am KRC guided tours
12:30 – 5:00 pm STIR - Stonecroft Ministries’ global webstream
evangelism event for women, KRC Sanctuary
Sat., October 9
10:00 am Last day for KRC guided tours
1:00 pm Tom Little memorial service,
Loudonville Community Church
Fri., November 5 - 9 am – 3:30 pm Dave Ramsey’s
live simulcast “EntreLeadership” seminar, KRC Sanctuary
Sat., November 6 - 4:30 pm Organ/choral concert, KRC Sanctuary
Watch for details in upcoming bulletins.
Servers Next Sunday, September 26, 2010
Ushers: C. Rothermel, B. Schneider, G. VanBuren, P. Zietsman
Greeter(s): Sug Hawver
Nursery:
