February 5, 2012

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. February 5, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, 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 enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.

Ushers, Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome

Greeter(s), Joy and Stan Bertram

Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.

Guest Organist, David Smith


Order of Worship

PRELUDE    Cantilène in G major, Op. 71/1                                        Arthur Foote
  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
  VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

Boldly Approaching Our God


  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive)
Let no person say in this place, “I do not belong.”
     Let no person reply in this house, “I do not deserve.”
For these are the words of the Lord:                                                                                                                        
     “Maintain justice, do what is right,
     for my righteousness will show a victory.”
Let none feel despair here for the prophet has written:                                                                                     
      “To all who love my name and become my servants,
      I shall give joy in my house of prayer.”
The favor of the Lord is upon righteousness and the love of righteousness.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #66                                                   The God of Abraham Praise
  CALL TO CONFESSION  Psalm 1:1-2
  PRAYER OF CONFESSION   (Unison)
Almighty God, you desire that your Son, our Savior, have first place in everything in our lives. Yet, we so easily relegate him to a lesser place, choosing to live for ourselves and apart from you. We have chosen to go our own way for too long, and we now recognize the foolishness of this. We confess our sin before you and pray for transformed lives because of the redemption that is to be found in your Son.

[Moment of Silence]

Realign our lives with your call, here today!
Forgive us and re-establish us for one goal only, and that is to honor and glorify you.  O God, hear our prayer in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
 

  ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Beloved, Isaiah says, "Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." The God who created you and knows you by name sent his only Son to redeem you, and not to condemn. In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Alleluia! Amen.
Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. Amen.
  RECOGNITION OF OUR SCOUTS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING  (Unison)
All-knowing and faithful God, lead our children along paths of righteousness into the places and purposes that you have planned for their lives. May they trust always in your promise and power to guide and direct them in serving you and in bringing blessing to others.  Amen.

We Come Before God’s Open Word
  PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION  (Unison) Based on Psalm 43
O God, our joy and our delight, our Savior in whom we put our hope, send forth your light and your truth.  Let them guide us; let them bring us to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.  Amen.
  SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                Isaiah 40:21-22, 28-31 (p. 512)
  MESSAGE                                                                  “God's Reputation Restored”
  PRAYER OF BLESSING


Celebrating God
  SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION  (Insert)
  WE GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
  OFFERTORY SOLO, Vicki Smith, soprano 
                                        “The Lord shall be our guide”, Op. 112/1, F. Mendelssohn
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER  (Unison)                               
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, gifts and offerings, savings and sacrifice, plenty and little - all are here awaiting your blessing. We believe your joyous word, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Amen.
  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
  PASTORAL PRAYER
*HYMN #335  (Verses 1 and 3)                                              Great is the Lord Our God
*BENEDICTION, BLESSING & RESPONSE - 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   “From heaven above to earth I come” BWV 700                           J. S. Bach

Today 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.     


Praise God for the spiritual blessings and good times had by the 6 young people and 4 leaders who attended the Excel conference recently.  Not all of the kids were able to meet the cost of the conference fee and lodging ($141), and sponsors to help make up the shortfall would be greatly appreciated.  Checks may be written to KRC with “Excel” on the memo line.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
This coming week, KRC’s small groups, offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., will complete their current study, “Fire on the Mountain - The Whisper of God,” and will begin a new study February 16.  All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are always welcome!

2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS, INCLUDING A LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND FINANCIAL UPDATE FROM BARBARA VOSBURGH, KRC TREASURER, ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE OF THE SANCTUARY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER.  PLEASE PICK YOURS UP TODAY.
The Ichabod Crane High School Art Club is hosting an “Empty Bowl Supper” this coming Tuesday, February 7, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., in the high school cafeteria (snow date Wednesday, February 8).  The public is invited to enjoy a delicious, simple meal at this community event, and to take home a ceramic bowl made by a member of the Art Club or a student in ceramics class at the high school.  The bowl serves as a visible reminder that people go to bed hungry every night.  Admission is by cash donation, and includes the homemade bowl, soup, bread, and beverage.  All proceeds will go to benefit the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry. 

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY.  The Pantry served 104 families last November and 83 families in December. The Pantry is heavily over-stocked on spaghetti at this time, but other non-perishable foods that are always popular are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

The Church Family Ministry is happily rescheduling a KRC FAMILY CHILI NITE to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 18. Donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated to round out the food menu and entertainment, and volunteers may sign up for these on the sheet at the back table of the sanctuary: two (2) mixed green salads and dressings; two (2) 9x13 pans of brownies; two (2) 1/2 gallons of vanilla ice cream; sodas and juices, chips; games of any kind. Chili, cornbread, hotdogs, and rolls will be provided, and brownie sundaes will be made with the donated brownies and ice cream.  In addition, you will not want to miss hearing William Carroll give a presentation on his travels in Australia.
 
The KRC Family will once again join forces to cook the free supper planned for Tuesday, February 28, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie.  Anyone willing to lend a hand to this ministry (cooking, serving, cleaning up), please contact Pastor Rudy.
            
Kinderhook Reformed Church has launched its Tricentennial Celebration! The 300th Anniversary Banner is now on display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner in the spring. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, AND EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY.  Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our year-long celebration, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with offers to assist in this ministry.

TO THOSE IN THE KRC FAMILY CELEBRATING FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS:
Isabelle Bosquet-Morra, Jayne Ferguson, Angie Hickman, Ashlee Olsen

BE SURE TO PICK UP FROM THE BACK TABLE A COPY OF LIBBY LITTLE’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE , JANUARY THROUGH JULY 10, 2012, AND USE IT AS A GUIDE FOR REMEMBERING LIBBY IN PRAYER AS SHE CARRIES OUT A VERY STRENUOUS AND DEMANDING ITINERARY.

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.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• Florence Rivera’s and Angie Maycole’s presence with us in worship this past Sunday.
• Stacey Baker’s excellent and complication-free recovery from recent jaw surgery.
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• 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.

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.

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 events.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• 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.
• those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility. 
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Nancy Call, family, and friends  grieving the death of Nancy’s father this past Monday; Loris Clark, family, and friends grieving the death of Loris’s daughter, LaRee Devine, 45, mother of 4; and those grieving the death of Al Van Alstyne. 
• Jan Herrmann, mother of Eric Herrmann, recovering at home from a back injury received in a recent auto accident. 
• those dealing with cancer: Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.  
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Myrtle; Richard Williams; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Florence Rivera, Mary Ann; Ryan; Joan Clause; Gordie Van Buren; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment or other economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Brad and Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew),
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• 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.

For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, some new envelopes for 2012 are still waiting for pick-up in the back of the sanctuary.  Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name.  IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS IN THE PICK-UP AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE.  YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.


With the exception of the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, KRC will no longer be handling the ordering, delivery, and placement of flowers for the pulpit area.  However, we invite anyone who wishes to do so to purchase fresh flowers on their own and place them on the platform pedestals.  Vases are available for this purpose if needed. A sheet may be found on the back table in the sanctuary for signing up to bring flowers and for noting memorials and celebrations for which they are being given. As before, donors’ names and memorial notes will still be published in the Sunday bulletins

KRC’s share of support will be $6,456 in 2012 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF CLASSIS ASSESSMENT FOR 2012 HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR!  THIS AVERAGES OUT TO JUST $1.57 PER WEEK PER MEMBER.  All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their 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 throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.”  MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED over $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.

OFFICE, EMAIL,W
EBSITE,  AND FAX INFORMATION 
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in 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 have been 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, please call 859-4158.

KRC 2012-2013 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Noreen Dick – ‘13  758-6640
Patrice Lyons –  '13     758-8400
Laura Rafferty – ’12     828-7189
Barbara Vosburgh – ’13   758-6512
Elders
Dave Ennis – ’13    784-9656
Maureen Mooney – ’12     210-6079
Dawn Van Buren – ’13   758-7564
Patti Varga – ‘12  392-4771

John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee

COMING EVENTS

Today, February  5      
    10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Sunday School
    11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room

Tues.,  February  7 
      4:30 – 6:30 pm  Empty Bowl Supper,
              Ichabod Crane High School cafeteria
      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., February  9
      9:00 am  Morning Small Group @KRC
    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets
      7:00 pm  Evening Small Group

Mon., February 13
      7:00 pm  Consistory meets

Wed., February 15
      9:30 am  Stewardship Ministry and Cemetery Committee meet
                        KRC Fellowship Room

Sat.,   February 18      
      6:00 pm  KRC Family Chili Nite sponsored by
                    Church Family Ministry

Mon., February 20 - Ecumenical Food Pantry Meeting

Tues., February 28 – KRC family cooks free supper at St. Luke’s

 

Servers Next Sunday, February 12, 2011
Ushers:  Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s):
Nursery Supervisor: