Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Services

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Reformation Sunday - September 28, 2014

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A warm welcome to visitors.  We would like to get to know you better

and 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 and the Lord’s Greeting

*Prayer Hymn of Worship                          I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

  Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise                                                                   A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

  Scripture                                                                                          Mark 8:34-38 (p. 714)

  Message                                                                                       “Celebrating the Cross”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Restoration Committee Presentation

  Offering

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn                                                          When I Survey the Wondrous Cross                                                               

*Benediction

10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Ushers:  Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren, Chip Wood

Greeter(s): Sue Patterson   

 Preschool Nursery available downstairs.

Flowers are given in celebration of today’s cross unveiling.

  Prelude

  Announcements and the Lord's Greeting

Drawing Near To God

*Call to Worship – Prayer Hymn (Insert)  I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

  Morning Prayer

*Hymn of Praise #43                                                           A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Turning Our Hearts to God  

  Call to Confession (Responsive)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[Silence for reflection and self-examination]

  Prayer of Confession  (Unison) 

Almighty and most merciful God, we confess that we are unworthy servants. We have not always acted as children of God. We confess that we have left undone things we should have done, and we have done and said things that we should not have done and said. For those times when we have sinned against you even unintentionally, we ask your forgiveness. We truly deserve only condemnation. But we pray that you, for the sake of Jesus Christ your obedient and faithful Son, will forgive us and increase our faith, that we may rise to live before you in righteousness and true holiness. 

  Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)            

The mercy of the Lord is everlasting. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we know that God's face shines on us and we are indeed forgiven. 

      Thanks be to God! Amen!

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Children's Message and Children’s Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Lord Jesus, may the hearts of our children be filled with your eternal presence, making your goodness their goodness in the eyes of God.  May they be your light in this world, testifying without shame to your truth.  May they attract many to the good news of your gifts of salvation and eternal life made possible through your sacrifice on the cross.  Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                          Mark 8:34-38 (p. 714)

  Message                                                                                       “Celebrating the Cross”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Restoration Committee Presentation

  Offering and Offertory Solo     Deborah Spaulding, Soprano      Peace in the Valley

*Offertory Prayer

*Hymn of Dedication #213                                    When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

*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

~ HISTORY IN THE MAKING AS THREE CONGREGATIONS TAKE HANDS ~

After extensive prayer and discussion, the Consistories of the Kinderhook, Muitzeskill, and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches are meeting to pursue calling a pastor for rural ministry to serve the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant churches.  Please pray for these congregations as they move forward, discerning God's will.  If you are interested in serving on a search committee, please contact a member of Consistory.

 PRAISE GOD FOR ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED TOGETHER AT KRC YESTERDAY TO END WORLD HUNGER.                      15,000 MEALS  WERE PACKAGED IN ABOUT 2 HOURS!

Dear members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church,

       I am working with the KRC Cemetery Committee for my Eagle Project.  My project consists of designing and constructing the new Columbarium within the cemetery.  I will be installing the fence, which will define the perimeter of the Columbarium.  If you feel a calling to my project and would like to contribute to its completion, it would be greatly appreciated.  Donations may be made to the KRC Cemetery with "fence" in the memo.       

                                       Thanking you in the name of Jesus Christ,      Will Carroll

~OUTREACH MINISTRY PLANS COMPASSION WEEKEND~

A Compassion International awareness program will be presented by Outreach the weekend of November 1 & 2. Compassion information will be displayed at the KRC Annual Bazaar November 1, and a presentation given during worship services on November 2, including testimonies of congregants who sponsor Compassion children.

HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY!

Jane Deane (1^st), Donna Flansburg (5^th), Morgan Hickman (5^th),

Tana Thompson (6^th), Abigail Wood (6^th), Gordie Van Buren (11^th -

Gordie is celebrating his 88^th birthday!),  John Bosquet-Morra (13^th),

Dawn Van Buren (20^th), Sophie Barmen (22^nd), Phil Sherman (23^rd),

 Bob Wildermuth (23^rd), Nancy Baker (26^th), Barry Knights, (28^th),

Chuck Rothermel (30^th)

~ON THE BACK TABLE~

● NEW KRC DIRECTORY – Some directories are still on the back table. They are labeled in alphabetical order by family name, and if you have not yet picked yours up, please remember to do so today.

● KRC CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES – KRC’s administrative ministries are looking for additional members to assist them in fulfilling their designated functions, and you are urged to prayerfully consider participating in one of these ministries.  Sign-up sheets are available on the back table.

● “LET’S PRAY – Talking to God with the Words of the Bible” BOOKLETS – Pick up your free copy today from the back table.

● COLUMBIA COUNTY ACTIVITY/DINING GUIDE BOOKLETS – Pick up your free copy today from the back table.

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 blessing of a safe and decent car for Susan Lamont and her children.
• the good news that, on his 88th birthday, Gordie Van Buren is doing very well.  Pray that Gordie will continue to remain strong and healthy enough to remain in his home and do the things he loves to do.
• the good report that Doris Schmeider, mother of Claudia March, has recovered sufficiently from injuries received in a recent fall to be discharged from the hospital to Whittier Rehab.  Please continue your prayers for a complete recovery for Doris.
• Mary, friend of Erika Johnson, who recovered from a recent near-death experience; please continue to pray for Mary's return to complete spiritual and physical health.
• Dr. Rick, colleague of Merrill Johnson, who has recovered completely from a recent near-death experience and has returned to a full work schedule.
• 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.
• all His provisions for 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 and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. 

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith, especially: Brian, who is also experiencing disabling health issues; and Craig.
• KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. 
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
• survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide, especially those in Syria, Iraq, other areas of the Middle East, and in our own country, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassurance that he is in control.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• those, especially children, suffering poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
• family and friends grieving the death of loved ones: the Tuttle and Carroll families grieving the sudden death of Chris Tuttle, 43, of Saranac Lake – remember especially his wife, Heather and their four children, and his father and mother, Frank and Nora Tuttle.
• Jackie, hospitalized and awaiting test results, diagnosis, and treatment for an undetermined health issue.
• Brother Arnold, Shaker friend of Suzy Nieman, who suffered two broken ankles and numerous broken bones in both feet in a recent fall from a hay wagon.   These injuries have come at a critical moment in his leadership role among the three remaining Shaker communities. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Brother Arnold, and that he will be blessed with God's wisdom.
• Susan Lamont and kids, that they will find a suitable home, strength, and peace in hard times. 
• Zoe, friend of Sue Patterson; continue to pray that Zoe will respond well to radiation and chemo therapies she is undergoing to reduce the size of inoperable brain tumors.
• others battling or recovering from cancer: Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen; Karen; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Charlie Ropollo; Donna Scalera.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness;  chronically ill; or in hospice care: Alan Dick; Doris Schmeider; Morgan Hickman; Maureen Mooney; Andrew McDermott; Jennifer and her unborn baby; Joan Clause; Vicky Metzger; Jane Smith; Susan Lamont’s Aunt Sylvia; Phil Morse, brother of Kay Haber; Blanch Rogers, mother of Diane Morgan; Kate, sister of Maureen Mooney; Dawn Tuttle; Baby Ellie LaTorre; Isabelle Bosquet-Morra; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Paul Varga; Florence Rivera.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Bill,  Abby, and Christopher, dealing with unspoken personal issues; the Heimroth Family;  Holly and Marc Morales, daughter and son-in-law of Paul and Joan Clause, as Marc is experiencing serious issues with his employment - pray for God's wisdom for Marc as he faces challenging decisions, and for peace and reassurance for Holly during this stressful time; Amber and others as they face the challenges of beginning their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing; Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Greg and Lisa, fighting addictions; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.
• those who are traveling.
• reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, and Joan Van Alstyne.

Rev. Rudy is available at his church office