January 16, 2011

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. January 16, 2011
“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 invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us downstairs in the Fellowship Room immediately following Worship.


Ushers: Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Bob and Josh Horn
Greeter(s): Dolly Petith
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Claudia March supervising.


~ Many thanks to those who contributed to the Christmas poinsettias ~
Will and Jayne Ferguson – In loving memory of Will and Theresa Ferguson
Mid Glass – In loving memory of her parents, Marshal & Ruth Tebbutt
Virginia Rothermel – In loving memory of
Ed, Bill, & Paul Rothermel, and Justin Lynch
Nancy Swinyard – In loving memory of
Reginald & Edna Swinyard, and Linda Swinyard Morehouse
Maureen Mooney - Suzanne Nieman
Florence Rivera - Gordie & Ann Van Buren

Order of Worship

PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) - (Based in part on Psalm 40, The Message.)
LEADER: Blessed are those who give themselves over to GOD,
WOMEN: Who turn their backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
MEN: Who ignore what the world worships.
LEADER: LORD my GOD, nothing and no one comes close to YOU.
WOMEN: I start talking about YOU, and quickly run out of words.
MEN: Neither numbers nor words account for YOU.
LEADER: LORD GOD, YOU are great and awesome.
WOMEN: In the light of YOUR great gift Jesus Christ,
MEN: Let us join now together in joyous celebration.
ALL: Our GOD is a mighty and wondrous GOD,
and in this season of light and hope, we worship and give HIM our praise.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #26 Praise, my Soul, The King of Heaven (verses 1-3)
CALL TO CONFESSION
Psalm 34:18 reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let us admit our brokenness to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Gracious God, one by one the disciples left all they had to follow the long-awaited Messiah. You promised them hardship, rejection, a loss of comfort, hostility, suffering and, finally, a cross to carry. Piously we give lip service to following you, but complain when it is difficult; we worry when we cannot see where you are leading; we question “why” when suffering inevitably comes; and we choose to ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security. Forgive us, Lord.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]

Forgive our selfish desires:
to follow but at no cost; to claim you but not risk anything on your behalf; to embrace new life without experiencing the garden of Gethsemane. Remind us that we live not for ourselves but for the world, in your stead. We are entitled to share in your joy only as we share also in your suffering.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]
By the power of your Spirit, give us boldness and courage
to be your disciples in word, truth and deed. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Based on Luke 1:50, 54-55
Friends, know and believe, that as we wait for the birth of the baby Jesus - and the return of our Savior - we are already forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Alleluia! Amen.
We know love by this, that Jesus laid down his life for us. Friends, hear the good news and believe: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS
*CHILDREN’S PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
May these children hold firmly to the teachings of Christ and walk in discipleship with him always, no matter what the cost, that they may know his truth and enjoy the freedom that it brings. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

 


God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON John 1:29-42 (p. 750)
MESSAGE “Is There a Retirement Age for Disciples?”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
INSTALLATION and ORDINATION OF NEW OFFICE BEARERS
*HYMN #362 The Lord’s Prayer

 


God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, as we celebrate the power of the resurrection this day, we ask that you would receive these offerings and gifts that we give joyfully and generously. By the power of your Spirit, multiply them and use them to bring peace, justice, hope and the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #710 (verses 1&2) We Are Called to Be God’s People
*BENEDICTION and 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.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen.
POSTLUDE

 

 


ELECTED TO CONSISTORY
The following members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church have been elected to serve new terms on the 2011 Consistory, and are being ordained or installed today; please keep them in your prayers as they fulfill God’s calling to these ministries: Being ordained as Deacons, Margaret Herrmann Laura Rafferty; being installed, Barbara Vosburgh. Being ordained as Elder, Maureen Mooney; being installed, Patti Varga.

 

 

 


~YOU CAN HELP REDUCE KRC’s FUEL AND ELECTRIC BILLS ~
In an effort to exercise the best possible stewardship in the use of our heating fuel and electricity, we are requesting that individuals and ministries using the church building make a special effort before leaving the church to be sure that all inside lights are out and that the doors between the various heating zones are properly closed. All of these doors have signs posted on them as reminders, with the exception of the doors leading into the front and rear of the sanctuary, and the wooden folding door leading to the meeting rooms behind the pulpit and the third floor classrooms of the Christian education wing; these doors should be closed as well when the sanctuary and the meeting rooms are not in use. Thank you.


FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK - JANUARY 2011
Ahh, the New Year is here! The New Year is signaling for so many a time of new beginning, turning a new page, and an opportunity to make a change or two in their ways of living. In making those New Year’s resolutions, we resolve to behave differently and use the New Year as a fresh start. Of course, the resolutions come in many forms. Some include kicking bad habits, or being more intentional about following a certain course of action, or even working on or distancing ourselves from a destructive relationship or pattern of behavior. Most of the time, such resolutions are aimed at helping us live our lives better or at achieving a more sound state of physical, spiritual, or emotional health.
The fact that we use the New Year as a point of departure and commitment is interesting since, in many ways, January 1 is just another day in the year. We could resolve to change our lives on any day. January 1 has no particular power or place of distinction in life apart from its appointment as the first day of the year as we attempt to measure time via the calendar. In short, there’s nothing magical about it. Yet, it does have the power we assign to it in a symbolic way. As the first day of the New Year, it can mark a new beginning for us, an opportunity to do a new thing. From a theological standpoint, God certainly did a new thing on the day Christ was born in Bethlehem. For the first and, thus far, only time, God chose to become flesh and bone and blood as we are. God chose to follow a path of re-commitment to the covenant that had been established so many years before with Abraham. God chose to “re-create” the world in a new way and reshape the divine image of humanity by becoming one of us and taking on the lives that we live.
It might not be too much of a stretch to say that when God became incarnate, the Creator made a resolution that heaven and earth would no longer be estranged from one another. God became human so that we might become more like Him through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. On that first day of the new era of history, God decided that the realm of heaven and the population of the earth would no longer be strangers, and in Christ, the gulf has been bridged. Since Romans 8:17 teaches, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory,” we come to a fuller understanding that because we are heirs, a whole New Year of sharing in God’s, yes, sufferings, but also in His glory, lies ahead in 2011.
In our quest to be what God wants us to be, we will be addressing the following topics during January of 2011:
Today, Is There a Retirement Age for Disciples? - John 1:29-42
Ordination and installation of newly-elected Elders and Deacons
January 23, I Am a Miracle of Beauty, a Masterpiece of Design but . . .
Psalm 27:1-9
January 30, Camping with God - Psalm 15 Youth Sunday
May your New Year’s resolutions succeed and fulfill who God wants you to be in this New Year! Peace in Christ, Rudy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
For some time now we have been praying for the safety of a young serviceman deployed to Afghanistan - Carrington Hessell - and we would like to put a face to his name. On the back table, you can view a photo of Carrington with some of his fellow servicemen, and you are asked to continue to pray for protection for him and his companions.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Libby Little has sent  a January Update on her projected activities for the new year along with a photo of the “Little Women.” You are welcome to take a copy of Libby’s update.
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End-of-year family contribution reports and KRC financial statements are available for pick-up today. Envelopes are in alphabetical order.
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Volunteers are needed to help out with preparing and serving the outreach dinner at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Tuesday, February 1. Please sign up if you are willing to be a part of this ministry.

 


ANGEL FOOD MENUS & ORDERING INFORMATION FOR THE MONTH JANUARY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE
NOTE: ORDERING DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 18.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

 

 

There is Mail in the Church Family Mailbox for
Noreen Dick and Diane Morgan
(Upper left Mailbox in the Church Office)

 

 


There are still a few boxes of new envelopes for 2011 awaiting 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 TRAY WITH THE NEW ENVELOPE BOXES) AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

 

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete Ministry projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy, and for steady healing and improvement in Pastor’s injured elbow
• The beauty and joy of all of our recent Christmas celebrations, for the many members of our community and church family who attended, and for all who gave of their time, talents, energy, and financial support to these events
• The compassionate care and great support of hospice nurses and volunteers
• 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 whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee requests, “Please include the search committee in your prayers every time you gather” - Wes Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary of the RCA, will retire in the fall of 2011
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; Ministry projects
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• The families of those wounded and killed in the recent shootings in Tucson, Arizona, and for speedy recoveries for the injured
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster – especially the flood victims in Australia and Brazil
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones
• Bill, Demars, long-time friend of a number of KRC family members, now in hospice care with lung cancer
• Others dealing with cancer: Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley; Lillian Roginski; Dawn Meyers; Melanie; Ed B.; Rylyn Swierzewski
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Matt; Vivian Williams; Esther Baker; Elize Visser’s mother; Jack Taylor; Earl Ennis; Irene Smith; Dorothy Novak; Christophe; Blanche Rogers; John Hodgson; Emese; Marie; Karina Speer; Larry Cady; Loren Speer; Dawn Van Buren; Gordie Van Buren; Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Libby Little; the Riveras; the Vargas; local RCA and other churches consolidating or considering closing their doors permanently; caregivers of children with health or developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles, especially Rev. Michaelangelo, seeking a pastoral position; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., Martin, & Andy; those suffering low self-esteem, discouragement, depression, despair, other emotional/mental health issues; those struggling with family relationships; young people dealing with the challenges of the school year, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan and John and Sara Schubert
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Nicole, expecting her first child; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; new parents Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling
• Our military men and women – especially Will Ryan, recently deployed to Afghanistan, Matt Plescia, Carrington Hessell, Spencer Moore, and Jay Rippel - 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


~A STANDING INVITATION FROM COMMUNITY PRAYER GROUP~
KRC’s Community Prayer Group invites you to join us at 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings in the conference room kitty-corner from the church office. If you prefer not to pray aloud, we are delighted to have you join in prayer with us silently. We have a scripture, and pray for the pastor, consistory, our ministries, Sunday School, our youth, and illness and troubles in our families, church, and the world. We use unspoken requests to unload the cries of our hearts on the One who can do all things and do them well.

 

 

 

 

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 758-9703 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.


KRC 2011-2012 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory, Classis Delegate
Deacons
Margaret Herrmann, Missions, Assistant Treasurer – ’12 758-6175
Laura Rafferty, Stewardship, Pastoral Relations – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory – ’12 758-6512
Elders
Maureen Mooney, Personnel, Pastoral Relations – ’12 758-6516
Ann VanBuren, Vice President of Consistory, Cemetery, Worship, 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Evangelism – ’11 758-7564
Patti Varga, Christian Education – ‘12 758-1266

 

KRC STAFF
KRC Treasurer KRC Secretary
Barbara Vosburgh – 758-6512 Paul Clause – 859-4158
Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton
Greg Clause – 369-8472, 758-1338

Coming Events
Today, January 16
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
Ordination & installation of newly-elected Consistory officers
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room

Mon., January 17 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

Tue., January 18 - Deadline for January Angel Food Orders
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
10:30 am Christian Ed Ministry meets
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., January 20 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room

Sat., January 22 11:30 – 12:30 Angel Food Distribution, @KRC

Mon., January 24
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets

Tue., February 1 - St. Luke’s Outreach Dinner
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets