Kinderhook Reformed Church
First Sunday in Advent
Worship Service for December 1, 2013 - Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
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
Welcome and God's Greeting
Call to Worship
*Hymn #135 (All verses) Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Morning Prayer
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson Isaiah 40:1-5 and 9-11 (p. 511)
Message "The Fragrance of Christ"
Prayer of Blessing
Communion
Presentation of our Tithes and Offerings
Intercession and The Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn #132 (All verses) Comfort, Comfort Now My People
*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: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome
Greeter(s): Bill and Kathy Schneider Preshool Nursery available downstairs.
Prelude Welcome and Announcements
BOLDLY APPROACHING OUR GOD
Call to Worship (Responsive) Based on 1 John 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:1, John 8:12
Let us come together to worship God, who is light;
and to praise His Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World,
and our eternal hope.
Hymn of Hope #517 (Verses 1, 3, and 4) The Solid Rock
Around the Advent Wreath - Hope (Responsive)
LEADER: The psalmist declared, “I put my hope in You all day long.” Hope is more than wishful thinking. Hope is the Spirit of God dwelling within us, reminding us we are never alone.
PEOPLE: Hope is our active commitment to be God’s faithful people, whether we walk an easy path or face fiery trials.
LEADER: When we light the candle of hope, we embrace God’s presence among us, yesterday and today and always. (First candle is lit.)
PEOPLE: Whatever we face in life, we will put our hope in Christ Jesus.
Prayer Hymn Christ Is Our Hope
TURNING OUR HEARTS TO GOD
Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon (Unison) Based on Titus 2:12
Righteous God who will judge the living and the dead, we confess to our blind and ungodly pursuit of worldly pleasures and passions; and we acknowledge our need of Your salvation. Purify us from all wickedness. Strengthen our hearts with Your holiness. Empower us to be self-controlled and upright in this present age, eager to answer Your call to serve while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Praise be to God, who forgives us through faith in His Son, our Redeemer;
who keeps us pure and blameless - who sanctifies us body, soul, and spirit for His righteous purposes, until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Children’s Message and Blessing (Unison)
Dearest Jesus, bathe our children in Your restful, confident hope as they learn to place their trust You for their spiritual well-being, physical health, self-worth, relationships, educational progress, and life’s work. Amen.
WE COME BEFORE GOD'S OPEN WORD
Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Lesson Isaiah 40:1-5 and 9-11 (p. 511)
Message "The Fragrance of Christ"
Prayer of Blessing
CELEBRATING GOD
Communion (Insert)
Presentation of our Tithes and Offering/Offertory
*Doxology (#809) and Offertory Prayer
Lord God, we present ourselves and these gifts for your service. Use us, and these offerings, to spread the gospel of the hope that is in Christ Jesus, and thereby increase your kingdom. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn #482 (Verses 1, 2, and 4) My Hope Is in the Lord
*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)
Donations for poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
TODAY FOLLOWNG WORSHIP CONSISTORY IS PRESENTING THE FOLLOWING SLATE OF NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO POSITIONS ON THE 2014-15 CONSISTORY, and these nominees have agreed to serve if elected: As Deacons: Noreen Dick and Barbara Vosburgh. As Elders: Dawn Tuttle and Patti Varga. Please keep these individuals in your prayers as they anticipate serving the Lord in their respective ministries.
If you are not using the envelope system to present offerings to the church, but would like to do so in 2014, please pick up an envelope request form from the back table, fill it out, and drop it into the offering plate. The envelope system facilitates the efficient processing of contributions.
~ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS CONTINUES STUDY OF THE LORD’S PRAYER~
The adult Sunday School class led by John Schubert continues a study based on The Lord's Prayer. The study will include audio lessons from Adrian Rogers’ messages as well as a study guide. The prayer that Jesus taught His disciples and us is filled with the way we should seek to be in communication with God. From praise, to longing for His presence, to seeking His forgiveness, to asking for His favor and strength in our lives, we acknowledge who God is in His character, love, and power. It is hoped that this study will be of help to any who feel the need to draw closer to our God, and all are invited to attend.
~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION THIS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3~
Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done from 9 am - 12 noon this coming Tuesday, December 3, under the direction of Jim and Bonnie Dunham. All are invited to offer their services to the ministry of beautifying our sanctuary in celebration of the birth of our Lord.
~CCRM MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM ~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer” in these difficult times. KRC will be collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; and (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt. Wrap with festive paper (no bows), tape securely, mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, and return to the church collection boxes by Sunday, December 15.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now displayed on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel contains very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please stop by the Angel Tree, and consider taking an angel. Your gifts will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Deadline for returning gift donations to KRC is Sunday, December 15
Volunteers will also be needed to help deliver the gifts to local families. Please see Sara Hartman at church, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-657, if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.
CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13E
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 13, in conjunction with Kinderhook Village’s Candlelight Walk celebration. KRC’s Open House will feature tours of our beautiful sanctuary - decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity - together with Christmas music, cookie decorating, refreshments, and community fellowship in the Fellowship Room. Refreshment buffet will include cookies, cake, candy, hot drinks, and eggnog. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please watch for a sign sheet to be provided on the back table in the near future, but feel free to contact a member of the Outreach Ministry if you are able to help with this ministry.
~SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15S
As part of our Worship Service Sunday, December 15, KRC’s Sunday School children will be celebrating the birth of Jesus with the presentation of their Annual Christmas Pageant.
~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22~
directed by David Smith will be presented at 4 p.m., December 22. Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. The first Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King's College, Cambridge, England, and has been broadcast from there by the BBC to millions of listeners around the world each Christmas Eve since 1931. The order of worship was adapted from an order prepared 38 years earlier by Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro. Tradition says that the bishop organized a 10 pm service in Cornwall on Christmas Eve, 1880, in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral.
A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
As always, KRC’s Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDATY!
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Beth Ennis (8th), Merrill Johnson (15th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen (22nd),
Cricket Warren (26th)
~ LOOKING AHEAD ~
A NOTE ON NEXT YEAR’S (2014) CLASSIS ASSESSMENT
In response to some who have had questions regarding the distribution of our Classis Assessment contributions, they are divided three ways among the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). Next year, 2014, the assessment will be $86.79, and will be distributed as follows:
General Synod: $49.29 (up $1.67 from 2013)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (unchanged from 2013)
C. G. Classis: $ 8.50 (unchanged from 2013)
2014 TOTAL $86.79
Please see RCA’s Stewardship Report (when it becomes available) for information on General Synod’s use of its share of assessed funds. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats. x
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith. especially Aaron, for protection and reconnection with God.
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; VBS; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs. Pray especially for KRC's adult Sunday School class led by John Schubert as the group begins a new prayer study.
KRC’s 2013 Consistory members; KRC’s administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander; Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies..
our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
victims of warfare, terrorism, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge 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 violence; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones.
victims of natural disaster
Rachel’s son, born Oct. 7, recovering from major heart surgery this past Monday.
Jane Smith, suffering back pain and consulting with her doctor to see what can be done to relieve her discomfort.
Geoff, recovering from delicate dental surgery Tuesday.
Marcia, an Angel Tree family caretaker, experiencing extreme loneliness.
Marie, whose family members have all died, suffering alcohol addiction, bitterness, and loneliness.
Noreen Kennedy, Maureen Mooney's mother, hospitalized recently but now recovering at home.
Mary, Jessica Farley's mom, diagnosed with brain cancer following a stroke.
others battling or recovering from cancer: Dawn Tuttle's daughter-in-law; Leonard, Susan Lamont's cousin; Kim Lyle's grandma; Rose and Joanne, friends of the Simpkins and Spaulding families; Charlie Roppolo; Luci & sister, Marilyn; Jen Kline; Dan McNeil; Kathy White, friend of Dawn VanBuren; George, father of Nancy Baker’s friend; Gail, daughter of a friend of Barbara Vosburgh; Guinda (LaHaie) Derrico; Sal Alessi; Tom Saulpaugh; Donna Scalera.
those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Cliff; Chris Proper; Grace Rugen; Rose, friend of Kim Lyle; Heather LaTorre's mother; South African family who survived a brutal farm attack; Dawn Tuttle; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Liz Carroll; Paul Varga; Blanche Rogers; Florence Rivera; Faity Tuttle.
those facing challenges & difficult decisions: DIck Tasker and family; Bill, his wife, and children, neighbors of Merrill and Erika Johnson, going through a very difficult time; Middle East Christians; Libby Little.
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
residence-bound members, Gordie Van Buren; Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision.
Consistory and all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, and working together to complete their callings.
KRC's Consistory, whose dedication to their calling is an inspiration to all.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
the good news that Maureen Mooney’s Uncle Jerry is recovering well in cardiac rehab.
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.
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.
~A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT PEW CARDS~
Just a note to remind parents to keep their children from writing on or tearing the visitors’ cards and the prayer and announcement cards found in the slots on the back of each pew. The visitors’ cards are purchased from a professional printer, and are expensive to replace. Please have your children make use of the writing and coloring materials available especially for them in the back of the sanctuary. Your attention to this request will be greatly appreciated.
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.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, call 859-4158.
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 1 Election of Consistory Officers following 10 am Worship
CCRM/Angel Tree Christmas Gift Collection Continues
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes - Main floor conference and class rooms
The adult Sunday School class led by John Schubert continues their study,
The Lord’s Prayer. All are welcome to join this class following Worship.
Tues., December 3
9:00 am – 12 Noon Decoration of the KRC sanctuary for Christmas
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur, December 5
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC
Please join us as we continue our study of the book of Revelation.
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Fri., December 6
9:30 am Weight Watchers meet, KRC Fellowship Room
Sun., December 8
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School
Fri., December 13 6 - 8:30 pm Annual Candlelight Night Open House at KRC
Sun., December 15 – Deadline for CCRM/Angel Tree Christmas Gift Collection
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Sunday School
Sun., December 22
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School
4:00 pm KRC’s 4th Annual Lessons and Carols Christmas Worship Service
Tues., December 24
7:00 pm KRC’s Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Servers Next Sunday, December 8, 2013
Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome
Greeter(s):
