Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service

Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY

10:00 a.m. September 4, 2011

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest 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 sponsored by the Missions Ministry downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.

Ushers: Jim Baker, Bob Dreier, John Schubert, Loren Speer

Greeter(s): Dave and Beth Ennis

Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Tana Strome supervising.

Flowers today are given in  memory of Katy Hatch.

Order of Worship

  PRELUDE

  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Boldly Approaching Our God

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive)  

Open the gates of the Lord – enter and give thanks.

     Enter and give thanks, and let sounds of joy resound!

Jesus Christ sits enthroned at the right hand of God the Father

     Jesus Christ has become our salvation.

He is our strength and our song in tribulation and in victory.

     He is our only God and Redeemer.

To him be glory, majesty, power, and authority,

     before all ages, now and forevermore!

*SONG OF PRAISE             Come into His Presence with Thanksgiving in Your Heart

  CALL TO CONFESSION - Based on Psalm 32, Romans 3

All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.  If we keep silent in our sin, we waste away. Day and night, the hand of the Lord is heavy upon us, and our strength is sapped. Let us call upon our loving and merciful God in confession, and seek renewal through the grace of Jesus and in his righteousness.

  PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (Responsive)  Based on Psalm 106

O Lord, we have put you to the test; we have not believed your promises or remembered your many miracles and kindnesses.

Holy God, we have rebelled against you; instead of relying on and rejoicing in you in times of trouble, we have turned to other sources to sustain us.  Instead of putting our faith in you, we have made gods of our own inadequate abilities, possessions, and resources. Instead of seeking after your righteousness, we have followed the ways of this world and willfully pursued fulfillment of our own desires.  We have provoked you with our proud attitudes and self-centered deeds; and we have wasted away in our sin. 

 [Silent Prayer of Confession]

 Save us, O Lord our God.

Renew us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

 Restore our faith, the joy of our salvation, and our voice of praise.

 Sanctify us for your service through the power of the Holy Spirit.   Amen.

  ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Here are words you may trust: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  To all who confess their sins and resolve to lead a new life, he says, “Your sins are forgiven.  Follow me.  I am the way.” 

We Come before God’s Opened Word

  PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

  SCRIPTURE LESSON       1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (p. 837)

                                               Philippians 2:12-18; 4:4-7 (pp. 831, 832)

  MESSAGE                                                     “Giving Thanks in All Circumstances”

  PRAYER OF BLESSING

Celebrating God

  MOMENT FOR MISSIONS 

  PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY

*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER  (Unison)

Heavenly Father, your gifts to us are gracious and generous beyond our understanding, especially the gift of your Son, Jesus. After your example, we present ourselves and these offerings to you with thankful and grateful hearts. Though our gifts seem insignificant by comparison, sanctify them, we pray, for the supreme purpose of making Christ known to the world as the only way to you. Amen.

  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD

  PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER

*SONGS OF THANKSGIVING AND REJOICING   (Insert) 

*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE – By the Gift of God’s Grace

By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light,

and your heart with his love be aglow.

May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest,

and may Christ grant you peace as you go.  Amen.

  POSTLUDE 

Next Sunday is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund.  Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.     

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, Gordie Van Buren.
Belated wishes to Melissa Welcome, who celebrated her birthday  August 28.

OUR WORSHIP SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 11
As previously announced, we will have communion on September 11, the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 2001 tragedy. David Smith will be the organist for this service, and his wife, Vicky, the soloist. Towards the end of the service, Tristan Wilson will be playing Amazing Grace as we honor our Lord for the blessings we do have and pray for the families who have lost loved ones. Please do invite family and friends to this very special service.
 

ANNUAL KRC PICNIC

Plan to enjoy the good food and fellowship at KRC’s Church Family Picnic starting at noon NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, at the home of Dawn and Ted Tuttle. Beverages will be provided, but food items are needed to round out the menu. Please sign up at the back table. 
DIRECTIONS to the TUTTLES’: Take Route 9-H either south or north to Fischer Road, which meets with 9-H on the north side of the OLD Toyota dealership.  Turn onto Fisher Road (left if you are coming from the north, right if you are coming from the south). Drive ½ mile, then bear left to go onto Merwin Lake Road.  Drive 2 tenths of a mile to the Tuttles’ home on the left.
 
 BROOKS BAR-B-CUE AND DESSERT TABLE
The Kinderhook Reformed Church Cemetery is sponsoring a BROOKE’S BAR-B-CUE, 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 CONTACT DAWN VAN BUREN. 
     Brooks requires a minimum pre-sale of 250 tickets before they will commit to our scheduled date, and the Cemetery Committee is counting on your help in meeting this quota and insuring the success of this important fundraising effort. Tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased today from Jim Dunham or Gary Leggett in the Fellowship Room following Worship.  If you would be willing to sell tickets, please let Jim or Gary know.

~KRC SMALL GROUPS ARE BACK~
     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 first session will be offered at 10 a.m., September 13, and at 7 p.m. September 15, and the theme we will be exploring is “Life without Limit”. Themes that will follow are: “Transformation”, “Humble Courage”, “A Generous Heart”, “Perseverance”, and “Path of Servanthood”.  If you are interested, please fill out the sign-up sheet on the back table.

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.  Also needed are Clorox disinfectant wipes.  Please indicate on the sign-up sheet at the back table which type of item and how many you are able to provide. 

KINDERHOOK VILLAGE-WIDE YARD SALE
9 A.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
KRC will participate in the day’s event with the following:

Recycling Sale - “Rain or Shine” - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sponsored by the Evangelism and Missions Ministries
Donations of clothes/coats, books, toys, linens, small appliances, etc., would be greatly appreciated. Helpers are needed on Friday, September 16, to organize sale items.  Items may be dropped off at the church from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. starting Thursday morning, or by arrangement - contact Maureen Mooney, 210-6079, if you cannot drop off during those times or have questions. You or other interested community members may also set up your own sale table - You bring in, organize, and take out all of your own sale items!  We just ask that you donate 10% of your sales to KRC.
Bake Sale Table – also 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Donated bake goods are welcome, but we would like to limit contributions to tasty cookies and brownies. Thank you!

NEW MEMBERS’ CLASS
We have three people enrolled in our new members’ class which will begin at 11:15 Sunday, September 18, 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.

~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT NEEDED~

Youth Group will be starting up again soon, and Christian Ed is still in need of an assistant youth leader, or multiple rotating assistants, for KRC’s youth meetings.  The group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30, and Loren Speer, who has been assisting, will no longer be available  due to scheduling conflicts.  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. 

~Thank-You Note to Bev Van Alstyne~
Dear Bev,
On behalf of our family, we want to thank you and all of those at church who contributed to the reception following the graveside service for Mom.  Please pass our gratitude along to the church family.  Kinderhook, and the church in particular, holds many memories for our family, and Mom’s service will now be included.  We are so grateful for all your support.
                                                     The Johnson Family,
                                                      Earl, Mark, Kevin, and Sue

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.

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



 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.

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
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• VBS total enrollment 66
• A safe return from France 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
 

Remember to Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith
• 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 Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study; Community Prayer Group; small group ministry
• 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 and our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children in the Horn of Africa, 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 the recent hurricane, especially our neighbors in Greene, Schoharie, and adjoining counties, and in the State of Vermont
• 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 an auto accident last Tuesday night – cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to 3132 Cottonwood Bend, #301, Ft. Myers, FL 33905; the Hogan Family grieving the death of Ben Hogan
• Members of the family of Alan and Noreen Dick: Alan's niece, Susan Dick, diagnosed with ovarian cancer and preparing for surgery this coming week; Noreen's cousin, Gordon Parker, suffering an untreatable brain tumor and slowly losing ground
• Marcia Smith, niece of Jane Smith, who had breast cancer surgery this past week; a nodule was removed, and Marcia is facing radiation treatments, but thankfully, the disease has not spread to the lymph nodes
• Others dealing with cancer: Donna Scalera; Emese; Ginger; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care:  Ryan; Tammy; Florence Kern; Doris Schmieder; Clare; Al Austin; Angie Rivera Maycole; Paul Zietsman, Sr; Morgan Hickman; Mark and Gordie VanBuren; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Twin babies of Ashley and Mike; Dawn VanBuren; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga 
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: 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; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, recently married; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic, expecting a baby girl in early September, Nicole (Baby Alisandra), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke), and
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Those who are traveling, especially John and Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, traveling in Spain
• 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

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.
 

KRC 2011-2012 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Margaret Herrmann, Stewardship – ’12   758-6175
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 4 
    10:00 am  Worship, Rev. McCrossan preaching
    11:00 am  Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
    11:15 am  Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Thur., September 8
    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
Fri.,    September 9 
      9:30 am  Church Family Ministry meets
Saturdays through October 8
    10 am – Noon, Historic Tours of KRC
Sun.,   September 11 
    10:00 am  Communion Worship and Remembrance of 9/11/2001
    11:15 am  Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
    12 Noon – Annual Church Picnic at Dawn Tuttle’s home
Mon.,  September 12 
      7:00 pm  Consistory meets
Tues.,  September 13 
   10:00 am  Small Group Session 1, “Life Without Limit”
                      Sally Heimroth, Coordinator
Thurs., September 15
    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
      7:00 pm  Small Group Session 1, “Life Without Limit”
                      Pastor Rudy, Coordinator
Sat.,   September 17 - Kinderhook Village-Wide Yard Sale
      9:00 am – 2:00 pm  KRC Recycling/Bake Sale – Rain or shine
Sun.,  September 18 
    10:00 am  Worship, Opening of Sunday School
    11:00 am  Coffee Hour, Fellowship Room
    11:15 am  New Members’ Class meets with Pastor Rudy
                      Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon., September 26
      7:00 pm  Consistory meets
Wed., October  5 - Brooks Barbecue and KRC Dessert Table,
          Kinderhook Cemetery Fundraiser, KRC Lawns
Tues., October 11 
       7:00 pm  Consistory meets
Mon., October 24 
       7:00 pm  Consistory meets

Servers Next Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Jean Hacker
Nursery: