KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015
“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 Psalm 1 (p. 383-4)
Message “All Who Are Thirsty”
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to refreshments and fellowship downstairs today following worship.
Ushers today are Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson, Dick Van Alstyne.
Greeter today is Joy Bertram. KRC family and friends are encouraged to volunteer as front-door greeters for our worship services. A signup sheet for this purpose is available on the back table.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Guest Organist David Smith
Prelude
Announcements,
Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Adapted from Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
We gather to exalt you, for you have set your glory above the heavens.
O Lord, our Creator, the heavens are the work of your fingers.
We gather to praise you, for you have set the moon and stars in place.
O Lord, our Father, you are mindful of us and care for us,
and you have made us a little lower than the heavenly beings.
We gather to worship you, for you have crowned us with glory and honor.
O Lord, our Sovereign, have made us rulers over the works of you hands,
and put everything under our feet.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
*Hymn #62 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession Based on Isaiah 55:6, 7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let us forsake our evil ways and thoughts; let us turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on us, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Prayer Hymn of Confession #552 (Verses 1 & 2) My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) Based on Colossians 2:13-14
When we were dead in our sin and the rebellion of our flesh, God made us alive together with Christ when he forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the record that stood against us and set it aside, nailing it to the cross.
Praise be to our God of grace and mercy!
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Father God, preserve these children from falling into sin and its destructive evils. Establish them firmly in your word. Bless them with the righteous living and freedom that come from faith in your Son, Jesus Christ, and from obedience and discipleship to your truth. Amen.
Scripture Psalm 1 (p. 383-4)
Message “All Who Are Thirsty”
Prayer of Thanks
Celebrating God
Offering and Offertory
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed us with these gifts. With them, we offer ourselves to your service and dedicate our lives to the care and redemption of all that you have made, for the sake of him who gave himself for us—Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord's Prayer
*Hymn #342 How Blest Are They Who, Fearing God
*Benediction and Blessing
*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
The funeral service for Harriet Simpkins, mother of Deborah Spaulding, will be held at 1 p.m. next Friday, September 25, at Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham. A memorial reception for family and friends will be given at Kinderhook Reformed Church Fellowship Hall following the service in Chatham. Please continue to uphold Harriet's family in prayer, especially Deborah, as she works through the many arrangements, decisions, and issues that need to be attended to following Harriet’s sudden loss.
~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT NEXT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26~
Stop Hunger Now packages and ships food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and works to end global hunger in our lifetime. Established in 1998, over 180 million meals have been provided in 65 countries. This year, 45 million meals will be packaged, and over $9 million in donated health supplies will be shipped. A STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS A REWARDING EXPERIENCE OF EASY, HANDS-ON WORK, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP THAT YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS! A GROUP OF 40 TO 50 VOLUNTEERS (ANY AGE) CAN PACKAGE 10,000 MEALS IN JUST TWO HOURS. OUR LOCAL PACKAGING EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE BEGINNING AT 1 P.M. THIS COMING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, AT THE KINDERHOOK TOWN HALL (FORMERLY MARTIN H. GLYNN SCHOOL) ON CHURCH STREET IN VALATIE. PLAN TO LEND A HELPING HAND TO THIS EXTRAORDINARY MINISTRY.
~NOTE OF THANKS~
Dear Congregation of the Kinderhook Reformed Church,
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. Your cards and good wishes were appreciated. I am coming along slowly but surely. Hope to see the congregation soon. Ruth Edge
HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Jane Deane (1st), Donna Flansburg (5th), Morgan Hickman (5th),
Tana Thompson (6th), Abigail Wood (6th), John Bosquet-Morra (13th),
Dawn Van Buren (20th), Sophie Barmen (22nd), Phil Sherman (23rd),
Bob Wildermuth (23rd), Nancy Baker (26th), Chuck Rothermel (30th)
The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE again this year on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the church. Advance tickets are available from members of the Cemetery Committee, and reservations can be made by calling the church office, 758-6401. Full BBQ chicken dinner is $11; ½ chicken only is $6. All proceeds from the BBQ will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, an increasingly costly ministry to our community.
~ MESSAGE FROM STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY ~
MAKING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO KRC ELECTRONICALLY
Just a friendly reminder that Kinderhook Reformed Church now has the ability to accept your regular contributions and designated gifts electronically on our website,
kinderhookreformedchurch.com
On the homepage, click the link “Donate” under “Contact Us” at the upper right side of the page, and follow the prompts. Electronic checks and all major credit cards are accepted, and you will find options for
making one-time contributions
setting up recurring payments for your regular contributions
designating contributions and gifts for special purposes or to specific funds such as 4th Century, Missions, Deacons Fund, Classis Assessment
The online process is an easy one, and many of you may find it a convenient way to manage contribution goals and commitments you have set for yourself or your family. For each electronic transaction, the church is charged a small processing fee which decreases as the number of transactions increases. If you have questions or need assistance or more information, please contact KRC Treasurer, Derick LaTorre.
WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
Last week's offering: $2,705
Income received to date: $119,000
Expenses to date: $128,000
Current shortfall: $9,000
Estimated weekly offering to maintain expenses is $3,000.
Estimated weekly offering to overcome currently shortfall is $4,500
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. 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
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday and other outreach programs.
KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
our state, national, and world leaders, 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, beginning his military career with some anxiety, that he will be blessed with God's protection, strength, and reassurance; Tom Eastman, fulfilling a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.
those throughout the world suffering from natural and other hardships and tragedies: earthquakes, famine, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression and unrest; warfare and terrorism. Pray especially for the thousands of refugees flooding into European countries from the war-torn Middle East, and for wisdom and compassionate spirits for the leaders and institutions of these countries as they attempt to cope with the overwhelming magnitude of this situation.
those grieving the death of loved ones, especially Deborah Spaulding, family, and friends grieving the sudden death of Deborah’s mother, Harriet Simpkins, in an auto accident last Sunday afternoon.
the children injured in the 2-car auto accident that took the Harriet Simpkins’s life: 5-year-old Ahmir Spaan, who suffered a severe head injury; nine-year-old Trevon Collins, who suffered severe external injuries; and 14-year-old Tristen Collins, who suffered minor injuries.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
those in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: TJ Vooris; Zoe Covey Chris Howard and his ten-year-old son, Jonah; Elizabeth Clinton; Donna Scalera; Susan Lamont's sister; a friend of Erika Johnson; Bill Metzger, brother of Nancy Baker; Cheryl Johnson; Diane, friend of Cricket Warren; Jack; Bob Mellott; Marlene; Daniel; Andy; Lucy; Rodrigo; Jean.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Cindy; Linda, awaiting open heart surgery October 13; Chris Treadway; Paul Zietsman’s father; Suzanne; Ruth Edge; Ed Van Kampen; Cidney Rippel; Ted Tuttle; Noreen Kennedy; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Florence Rivera; Steve Shpur; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie Maul.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: the alarming wave of new, young addicts seen on the streets and at the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany by Perry Jones and his colleagues; the people of Madagascar, suffering from a very low standard of living; Russ and his family, experiencing a personal family crisis; Keith Hinton, husband of Leigh Ann (Haber) Hinton, following his recent pastoral ordination; Judy Simmons; those facing the challenges of graduation, beginning a higher level of education, or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Stuart, that God will give guidance in providing home care; Greg L; 16-year-old teenager, 3-months pregnant, whose unborn baby has an irregular heartbeat and may not survive; Dana, mother and caretaker of her 2-year-old daughter; Kevin and family, in crisis; Caleb; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little – Copies of Libby’s August schedule are now available on the back table.
those who are traveling..
reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
Residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Doris Schmieder, Joan Van Alstyne.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
the good report that Ruth Edge is now home from the hospital, very happy to be there, and doing well. Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to Ruth at 53 Chatham Street, Kinderhook, NY 12106.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.
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.
Not since World War II has there been a refugee crisis that matched the seriousness of the current situation in Europe and the Middle East. Nearly 4 million people have fled Syria —everyday people leaving their homes in hopes of finding a safe place for their children to live and grow up. To most of us in the United States and Canada, the thought of leaving our homes behind because we no longer feel safe is unimaginable. But it is the choice that millions in Syria have been forced to make and that thousands more are making each day.
RCA Global Mission is committed to assist through mission partnerships in Turkey, Iraq, Italy, Hungary, and Austria. We are partnering with organizations providing food, water, blankets, and other daily needs for refugees in these areas; with churches that have been turned into shelters; and with social workers who are helping families make sense of this devastating situation.
Would you and your congregation stand beside us in this effort? If you would like to help, please send gifts to the Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Please note “refugees” on the payment. For more information, or to give online, visit www.rca.org/refugee.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
AROUND THE WORLD THAT KRC HELPS TO SUPPORT:
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
Clarion Concerts Presents
Newell Jenkins Memorial Baroque Concert
BAROQUE AND BEYOND
Music of Telemann, J. S. Bach, Quantz, BoismorÆŸer, Janitsch, Vivaldi
HERE AT KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH, 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10.
For ticket information and additional concerts offered in this series,
please pick up a flyer from the back table.
The Leaf Peeper Concert Series, beginning its 34th season under the direction of acclaimed flutist Eugenia Zukerman, is presented each fall by Clarion Concerts in Columbia County, founded by the late musicologist and conductor, Newell Jenkins and his partner, Jack Hurley. It is the oldest classical music organization in the county, which is noted for its spectacular fall foliage. From its inception, the Leaf Peeper Series has added a colorful musical dimension to this autumn bounty by presenting world class chamber music concerts in various locations throughout the region.
~CITV – LOOKING AHEAD – 2015-2016 SEASON~
Sunday, November 8th at Kinderhook Reformed Church (3:00 p.m.)
Alexander’s Feast, or The Power of Musick (c. 1751)
Vocal and instrumental splendor combine in one of Handel’s most colorful oratorios.
Midwinter (TBD), 2016 at Jack Shainman Gallery: The School
King David (1921)
Arthur Honegger’s very dramatic, but neglected masterpiece,
performed in a space ideally suited to its sonic wonders. Sung in English.
Sunday, April 10th, 2016 at Kinderhook Reformed Church (3:00 p.m.)
Wagner Siegfried Idyll (1869), Brahms Schicksalslied (1871) and Mendelssohn Psalms 95 (1838) & 42 (1842)
19th c. choral-orchestral richness.
In addition there are expected to be two smaller-scaled (chamber) concerts.
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, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
On Mondays, and for immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
COMING EVENTS
Today, September 20 – Back-to-Church Sunday
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Opening of Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Mon., September 21
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Tues., September 22
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., September 24
8:00 am Elders’ meet, Pastor’s study
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri, September 25
1:00 pm Harriet Simpkins funeral, Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham
Memorial reception to follow, KRC Fellowship Hall
Sat., September 26
10:00 am – Noon Last Guided Historic Tour of the season, KRC Sanctuary
1:00 pm Stop Hunger Now food-packaging event. Kinderhook Town Hall,
Church Street, Valatie (Formerly Martin H. Glynn School)
Sun., September 27
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Mon., September 28
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Wed., September 30
3:30 – 6:30 pm Brooks BBQ Cemetery Fundraiser, KRC front lawn
Sat., October 10
7:30 pm Leaf Peeper Concert @ KRC
Sun., October 11 – Missions Sunday with Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans World Radio
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Servers Next Sunday, September 27, 2015
Ushers: Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson, Dick Van Alstyne
Greeter(s): Merrill and Erika Johnson
