Kinderhook Reformed Church Celebration of Worship, September 24, 2017
“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 Reading Philippians 1:21-30
Message “First World Problems”
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10:00 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Following worship today, all are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments
downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur.
Thanks to today’s greeters, Jeannie and Stacey Hurst.
Nursery facility available downstairs.
Prelude Arabesque from 24 Pièces en style libre, Op. 31, Livre II (1913) Louis Vierne
Welcome, Announcements, and God's Greeting
Drawing Near to God
Call To Worship (Responsive)
God summons us to his house in unity and in peace to worship with one another.
God calls us to rejoice in one another and to love one another.
God invites us to laugh with one another and to grieve with one another.
God requires us to pray for one another and to serve one another in love.
*Hymn of Praise #10 Glorify Your Name
Allowing God to Shape Us
Call to Confession
The gospel calls us to turn away from sin and self, to be faithful to Christ and a blessing to others. As we offer ourselves to him in repentance and faith, we renew our confidence and trust in his mercy.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Lord God, you have shown us such love, and stretched out your arms to draw us into your embrace. Yet we so often fail to show that love effectively in our everyday lives. Forgive us for the times we have been less than generous to friend or stranger – for the times we have failed to offer a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, or a word of encouragement. Forgive us for failing to extend a helping hand and resenting having to go that extra mile. Empower us, we pray, to reflect to others - for their progress and joy in believing the gospel - the compassion and grace you have shown to us. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)
Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, gave himself for us to redeem us from all sin and selfish pursuits, and to purify a people who are his very own, eager to do what is good and right in service to him and to others.
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! Amen.
Coming before God’s Open Word
Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Lord Jesus, draw each of these children into the glory of your divine presence and goodness. May each of them experience your infinite love, love you wholeheartedly in return, and be ready to show your love to others. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading Philippians 1:21-30
Message “First World Problems”
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."
*Hymn of Response #384 This is My Father’s World
Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care
Offering/Offertory Siciliana William Walond
*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Receive and bless these gifts and our lives, O God, which we offer in response to your steadfast love. As your son, Jesus, transformed people' s lives, so may these gifts be used to transform the lives of others through our love and through our witness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer
Special Offering, Reformed Church in America Hurricane Relief
*Hymn of Devotion #520 ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus
*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 Fugue in C major (“Jig”) Dietrich Buxtehude
The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKS BAR-B-CUE again this year from 3:00 - 6:30 p.m., THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, on the front lawn 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 a donation, homemade desserts will be offered to enhance the meal.
If you are able to donate baked goods for the Brooks Bar-B-Cue
dessert menu this coming Wednesday, please indicate your contribution
on the sign-up sheet at the back table.
All BAR-B-CUE proceeds will go toward operation and maintenance of the cemetery grounds, which has, over the years, become an increasingly costly community ministry. 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.
RISE AGAINST HUNGER MEAL-PACKING EVENT UPDATE
Around noon Saturday, September 9, over 100 people – including those from 8 churches, 1 Brownie troop, 1 birthday party, and the Ichabod Crane football team - entered the Kinderhook Town Hall, and for three or so hours they worked together to pack 13,176 nutritious meals under the sponsorship of Kinderhook Reformed Church and Rise Against Hunger. Praise God for and many thanks to all of those who provided hands-on participation in this effort to help relieve hunger world-wide, and to all of you who gave your financial support to ensure its success.
Stewardship Ministry will be meeting soon to review and prepare for the 2018 Budget. Anyone interested in assisting with this essential work please contact Derick LaTorre (derick.latorre@gmail.com or 518-376-1882). We typically meet once or twice in October.
~NOTES OF THANKS~
8/24/2017
To: Pastor Rudy, Members of the Consistory, and Members of the Congregation of the Kinderhook Reformed Church
I would like to thank the members of the KRC who sent me such thoughtful birthday cards for my 90th Birthday.
I would appreciate it if you would put in the KRC newsletter that Ed and I celebrated our 66th wedding anniversary on August 6. No cards, though - your thoughts and prayers would suffice.
Best regards, Pat (Marion) Arnold
9/20/2017
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church,
Thank you for the unexpected blessing to our family while we welcomed our new angel, Lily Anna, into the world. The clothing and burp cloths were a true blessing to us!
God Bless, Lily and Mandy
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 out 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 NEXT 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.
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
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 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: economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
- those suffering loss of loved ones, livelihoods, and property, as well as life-threatening hardships due to recent earthquakes and hurricanes, especially those in Mexico, Puerto Rico and adjacent islands, Texas, and Florida.
- those grieving the death of loved ones, especially the husband and twin teenage sons of Megan Segura, 39, who died unexpectedly recently – Megan was a vibrant and beloved member of the Community Life Church, Catskill.
- 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
- Nancy Baker, experiencing on-going joint pain.
- Linda Moran, recovering from major surgery this past Tuesday. Linda is a friend and former teaching colleague of a number of members of the KRC family. Please pray for God's presence, reassurance, healing, and a speedy recovery and return to good health for Linda.
- others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Sara Schubert; Steve Canfield; Jack Lyons; the brother of Coleen, Mark Johnson's partner; Amy Deweerd; mother of Maureen Mooney; Jay Petith; Mell; Rob Aciero; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Barbara Vosburgh; Virginia Rothermel; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga
- Donna Scalera, that she will maintain strength as she undergoes continued treatments for cancer, and pray as well for positive outcomes.
- others 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 Afghan refugees – Libby’s latest newsletter is available for pick-up on the back table of the sanctuary; the epidemic of addiction to life-threatening drugs.
- residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
- Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God 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.
- the good news that, although she is exhausted from the rounds of surgeries and chemo treatments she has undergone over the last several months, Jen is now cancer free!
- the encouraging report that Linda Moran's recent operation was successful, and that although she suffered a small stroke following the surgery, she is recovering nicely in rehab at Whittier.
- the IC football team, which provided such good and timely help at the recent Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event and is now learning to "pray before play" at their games. (Continued on next page.)
- for the happy news that Amy Deweerd has published a children's book entitled Scooter and Sophie, a story about Kinderhook Farm. The book is being offered on Amazon and also at a signing October 7 at the Cross Eyed Owl gift shop on US Route 9. 50% of the profits from the signing will be donated to Rise Against Hunger.
- Rachael Beaudoin, granddaughter of Paul and Joan Clause, now home, doing well.
- 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.
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.
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. (Continued on next page.)
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>.
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)
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. If you wish to provide flowers for a particular Sunday, contact Dawn, 758-7564.
~ 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
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
COMING EVENTS
Today, Sun, September 24
8:30 am Early Worship Service
9:45 am Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room
10:00 am Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School
Mon, September 25
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Tues, September 26
7:00 pm Youth Group meets @KRC.
Wed, September 27
3:00 – 6:00 pm Brooks BBQ dinner, KRC’s front lawn & Fellowship Hall
Thur, September 28
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, October 1
8:30 am Early Communion Worship Service
9:45 am Bible study, Book of Genesis, resumes, main floor Conference Room
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School
Tues, October 3
Please Note: Youth Group will not meet October 3 or October 17.
Fri, October 6
6:00 pm First Friday Free Community Dinner and fellowship.
Doors open at 5:30 pm.
Mon, October 9
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Tues, October 10 Capital City Rescue Mission Silent Auction and Banquet
Albany Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Road, Albany, NY.
5:30 pm Silent Auction
6:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Sat, October 14
4:00 pm Communities in Crisis - Exhibits &Panel on Addictions and Recovery
McNary Center, St. Paul’s Church, 6 Sylvester Street, Kinderhook
Mon, October 23
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Servers Next Sunday, October 1
Ushers: Phil Hurst, Glenn Warren, Andrew Welcome
Greeter(s): Maureen Mooney
