August 5, 2018

Kinderhook Reformed Church, Sunday, August 5, 2018

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudolph Visser, Pastor

Welcome visitors! Please fill out a visitor’s pew card and place it in the offering plate.

 

9:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Following worship, all are invited to the Congregational Meeting and Brunch.

 

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, and Glenn Warren.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Donna Flansburg.

Nursery facility available downstairs.

 

Prelude                                            Communion, op. 82/1                         Alexandre Guilmant

Welcome, Announcements

  Drawing Near to God

Call to Worship  (Responsive)

Praise the Lord!

       With all our hearts, we will praise God’s holy name!

Praise the Lord!

       Never forget the good things God has done for us.

Praise the Lord, all the earth - everyone, everywhere!

       We too will praise the Lord!

*Hymn of Praise #689 (vs. 1, 2 & 5)                                              The Church’s One Foundation

 

Allowing God to Shape Us

Call to Confession  Based on Romans 5:5, 8; Hebrews 4:16

God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us.

Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God in confidence.

Confident in God’s grace, let us confess our sin before God and one another. 

Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon (Screen)                             Lord, Forgive Us 

 

Coming Before God’s Open Word

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                                                        John 6:24-35

  Message                                                                                   “Bigger Innovation the Answer?”

  Prayer of Blessing

  Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Acknowledge 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."

 

  Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance

  Preparation For Communion, Nancy Baker, alto   

  “Come and share in the breaking of this bread”  Terryl G. Edwards 

  Institution of The Lord’s Supper

  The Lord’s Supper (Intinction)

  Hymn of Celebration  (Screen)                                           Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart 

  Offering/Offertory                 Improvisation on “Abide with me”

*Doxology #809                                                    Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Offertory Prayer  (Unison)    

Lord Jesus, we humbly admit that we search so often for bread that perishes rather than the bread of eternal life. We foolishly think that happiness and fulfillment can be attained from our own hands, rather than from your hands. We offer these gifts with the knowledge that you are the Bread of Life. Bless them for the purpose of serving those who hunger and thirst after you. Amen.

  Prayers and Praises

*Hymn #634 (vs. 1 & 2)                                                          Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah 

*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                               Prelude and Fugue in a minor, BWV 559                         J. S. Bach

 

A Congregational Meeting will be held today following worship.  The Church Family Ministry has organized a potluck brunch for the meeting, and all are cordially welcome to attend.

 

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

        Our offering last Sunday was $2,775.  For most of the past several Sundays  contributions have fallen several hundred dollars below the $3,200 needed  weekly to cover KRC’s daily operating expense.  

This has resulted in a current shortfall of over $3,000 in required resources:

 Income-to-date: $97,848 - Expenses-to-date: $101,137

Stewardship Ministry asks that everyone prayerfully consider how they might adjust their giving so we can avoid falling further behind and having to tap into our very limited reserves to meet budgetary obligations.

       Many thanks to those who have recently made substantial gifts toward bringing our income into line with expenses, and to our regular contributors who have “doubled up” on their giving to cover the Sundays they missed. 

Inspired by the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,

 let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need

 to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.

 

 

HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY!

Sara Schubert (3rd), Jim Dunham (7th), Carly Rippel (13th), 

 Dolly Petith (18th), Suzy Nieman (27th,), Jean Hurst (27th) 

Melissa Welcome (28th), Thomas Carroll (28th), Erika Johnson (31st)

 

Our new church family directories have arrived and are on the back table!  If you had pictures taken, please pick up your free directory and check your name off the list.  If you did not have pictures taken, you are welcome to take a copy without charge, but if you are able, free-will donations designated “Directory” would be much appreciated and may be dropped into the offering plate to help cover printing costs.  

 

 

LOOKING AHEAD

                                                                   ~ANNUAL RISE AGAINST HUNGER MEAL PACKAGING EVENT~   

Dear KRC Family and Friends:                                                                      

       I am writing to you today to invite you to be part of a life-giving event, our 4th annual Rise against Hunger meal packaging event Saturday, September 8, 2018, from NOON to 3 pm at the former Martin H Glynn School Building, Church Street, Valatie.  You may have participated in some fashion in the past, or maybe this is the first time you are hearing about it. 

       This multi-generational event has packaged more than 50,000 meals over the years, and we will package another 20,000 or more this year. We have set a goal of $5,800 to pay for all those meals.  That’s right, for about 29¢ we are able to feed a hungry person!  These simple rice, vitamin, soy, and dried vegetable meals are packaged and then sent off to feed a family of six somewhere in the world, including in our own country when disaster strikes.

       In addition, we have watched as members of our community come together to package these life-giving meals, and we have seen the friendships made, the laughter, and the energy that grows around the tables as everyone works with a common goal of helping those in need.  It is truly a life-giving and transforming ministry, and I invite you to be part of it.        

       There are three ways you can become involved, and each is vital to the success of this ministry:

·       Pray for those who are hungry around the world and for those who will come and pack meals on September 8. 

·       Make a donation.  $8.70 feeds someone for a month. $105.85 provides someone with food for a year!  All donations will make a difference.  We thank you in advance for any monetary donation you can provide. Checks can be mailed to Kinderhook Reformed Church with RAH in the memo line, or look for donation jars around town.  To allow us to plan properly, please mail in any donations by August 31.  

·       Join us on September 8th at the former Martin H Glynn School gymnasium to package the meals and experience this life-giving opportunity for yourself!  We will be there from noon until we finish around 3 pm.  You’re welcome to help with set-up at 11 am or to stay after 3 pm for cleanup as well. Wear a hat (unless you love hair nets!) and please RSVP to let us know you’re coming.

 

You can use this link to register and donate online:

https://shn.secure.force.com/events/homepage?id=701f1000002pCYGAA2

 

Make it a family outing, invite friends and neighbors, and encourage your church or organization to donate toward our goal and to put a packing team together.  Remember, many hands make light the work.  We need at least 100 volunteers to make this event happen! My prayer is that you will help us do that.  In advance, I thank you for your support in this ministry.

Peace,

Pastor Rudy Visser

 

The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will hold its annual Mini-Market this coming Saturday, August 11. The Mini-Market opens at 9:00 a.m., while the BBQ will be served between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. BBQ price: adults $12.00, children under 12 $6.00.  Reservations are not needed, but BBQ is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Take out is available.  Questions? Call 732-2471.   The church is located at the intersection of Muitzeskill Rd. and Schodack Landing Rd., in the town of Schodack Landing.

 

The church is in need of a full-size, 4-drawer, fire-proof filing cabinet for storing irreplaceable historic documents.  Please contact Bonnie Dunham or Dolly Petith if you know where such a cabinet might be available.  

                     

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 KRC worship from time to time.

• this happy update from Jane Deane: I would like to thank everyone for praying for our seven-year-old granddaughter, Gracie, who has been suffering from chronic stomach aches.  After a couple of months of many tests, it was found that she has an allergy to milk protein, which can be treated through dietary restrictions.  I truly appreciate all of the prayers for a positive outcome with Gracie's health issues!

                                                                   Praises to our Lord for his loving care! 

                                                                   Jane

• the good news that the serious issue facing Charles, member of Thursday Morning Bible Study, has been resolved positively in his favor! Charles is very grateful for your prayers.

• the successful mission and safety of the REACH team kids and chaperones as they provided practical service recently to needy families of New Berlin, New York.

• 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.

• 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.

 

Outreach Ministry is asking that those who submit a prayer request to KRC’s family and friends also inform us if they know of any additional material or physical needs, beyond the initial prayer request, that we might be able to meet. We would love the opportunity to engage with those in need of prayer in tangible ways as well, such as with meals, emergency monies, a ride, a listening ear, a visit, childcare - to name a few. Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists.  Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call (518) 859-4158.

 

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, as he fulfills his ministerial duties.

• KRC ministries, programs & projects, and those planning & administering them as they seek new directions and God’s wisdom and blessing in moving our church toward a greater and more effective impact on our surrounding communities: KRC’s Consistory, especially newly installed officers, Jane Deane, Jean Hacker; Susan Patterson, and Deborah Spaulding; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; VBS 2018; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday Free Community Dinner; and other outreach programs. 

• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the 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. 

• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies; those suffering economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, war, displacement, gun violence, and terrorism.

• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the death of 29-year-old Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller of the Fort Myers, Florida, Police Department.  Adam died recently from a gunshot wound sustained in the line of duty.  Pray for God's comfort and peace for his wife, many friends, and fellow officers during this time of loss and deep sadness; remember also those grieving the recent loss of Virginia Rothermel.

• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the loss of loved ones.

• reassurance, peace, and dignity for those nearing the close of this life.

• Alan Smith, brother of Jane Deane, who suffered a stroke last Sunday.  After a number of tests, his prognosis is fair.  Please pray for comfort, peace, and healing for Alan as he recuperates - hopefully at home!

• Christopher Dick, Noreen's son, recovering from extensive repair surgery on his right elbow this past Tuesday. Christopher had to be off his rheumatoid arthritis medication for two weeks before his operation, and will have to be off of it for another week following.  As a result, he will likely be in more pain than is to be expected during his recuperation.  Please pray that Christopher will experience God's presence and healing power, relief from pain, and a speedy and complete recovery.

• Jane Stutzman, 85, sister of Paul Clause, suffering internal bleeding complications at the surgical site following repair of a broken hip. Prayers for God's healing and for a complete and speedy recovery for Jane will be greatly appreciated.  

• Kara, daughter of Dave and Beth Ennis, awaiting biopsy results following discovery of growths that doctors feel are most likely benign.

• Dave Ennis, diagnosed through routine blood work with a chronic form of leukemia.  Dave is experiencing no symptoms, and with treatments currently available, the prognosis is that the disease can be successfully managed for up to twenty years. Please pray that Kara, Dave, and their families will experience God’s presence, reassurance, and peace during these unsettling times. 

• others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Sal; George Graham; Pete McCardle; Fred Borrelli, Merrill Johnson. 

• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: 12-year-old Issy Kwei; Bill Nieman; Ben Kissel; Jean Hacker; Carol, future daughter-in-law of Erika & Merrill Johnson; Freya, Patti Varga’s aunt; Friend of Erika Johnson; Judy Alvarez; Charles Roppolo; Terri; Michael, brother of Mary Jane Haywood; Michael; Don Morse; Jill; J.B.; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve.

• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy and Jim Baker caring for their aging parents.

• those who are traveling, especially Paul and Joan Clause and family.

• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Kim Panting, her daughter, and her foster daughter; Vickie Metzger, 98, Nancy Baker's mother; Brianna; our students as they deal with the challenges facing them at the close of this school year, including college and career choices, and job searches; Greg Clause Jr.; the epidemic of life-threatening addictions. Libby Little-Saxton, working with Afghan refugees.

 

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 Child, Evelin Chuquinia, 19

Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio    

Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission

The Silvas, 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.

 

                                                                           

2018 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT

Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $94.68 (Up $6.18 from last year).  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of this support.  The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient. If offered weekly, that’s about $4.50 per week for the remaining weeks (21) in this year. Please clearly designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.

 

 

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, visitations, and counseling.

For immediate assistance at any time, call 518-859-4158.

Church Phone   518-758-6401                Church Fax   1-518-758-6402

 

 

                                                KRC 2018 CONSISTORY

                          Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                               Deacons

  Noreen Dick – ’18   Church Family. . . . . . . .     518-758-6640  noreend122@twc.com 

  Susan Patterson – ’19  Property. . . . . . . . . .   518-755-4909  patterss@strose.edu

  Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship. . . . . . 518-392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

  Deborah Spaulding – ’19  Outreach. . . . . . .   518-758-7316  ber00519@fairpoint.net  

                                                                  Elders

  Jane Deane – ’19  Christian Ed., Cemetery. . 518-758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com 

  Jean Hacker – ’19  Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-758-9412  jch9412@aol.com 

  Merrill Johnson – ’18   Worship. . . . . . . . . . . 518-828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

  Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Consistory Vice-President, Cemetery, Pastoral Relations,        

                                             Personnel. . . . . . . . .  518-758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net 

Clerk of Consistory

Patti Varga – 518-755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

 

                                                   KRC TREASURER

               Derick LaTorre – 518-376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com

                                                         KRC STAFF

                 KRC Office Manager                          KRC Office Assistant

          Paul Clause – 518-859-4158         Courtney Wood – 518-852-7172

                   

                            KRC Sexton                            KRC Cemetery Supervisor         

             Steven Green – 518-505-4918         Greg Clause – 518-369-8472

 

COMING EVENTS

Today, August 5

           9:00 am Communion Worship Service

     Brunch and Congregational Meeting is planned following August 5 Worship.

Wed, August  8 

          7:00 pm Bible Study w/Jean Hacker

Thur, August 9 

           9:00 am  Small Group Bible study @KRC

Group continues its study, The Holy Spirit –  Please join us!

          10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC8

Sat,  August 11  Muitzeskill Reformed Church Annual Mini-Mart & BBQ 

Sun, August 12

           9:00 am Worship Service

Mon, August 13  

    6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Mon – Fri  August 20 – 24

           9:00 – Noon  Vacation Bible School - Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus

Mon, August 27  

    6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sat, September  8

          Noon – 3 pm  Rise Against Hunger meal-packaging event, 

                  Gymnasium, former M H Glynn School, Church Street, Valatie

 

Servers Next Sunday, August 12, 2018

Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, and Glenn Warren

Greeter(s):  Stacey & Jean Hurst

 

 

Sermon Notes

“Bigger Innovation the Answer?”

John 6:24-35