January 22, 2012

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. January 22, 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: Al Dick, Merrill Johnson, Leré Visagie, Paul Zietsman
Greeter(s): Bill and Kathy Schneider
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs.

 
Order of Worship

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


Boldly Approaching Our God

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive) 
Christ has put the door of eternity ajar;
     The Light of Life streams into every dismal corner.
Fear and shame flee like shadows before the dawn.
     Arise! Shine! Our Light has come!
Lift up your eyes and look around!
     The Lord is our everlasting light.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #29                                                                O Worship the King
  INVOCATION
  CALL TO CONFESSION – Matthew 22:23 - 40
The God who created us and knows our every weakness is also the God who redeems us. With confidence, let us confess the sins that separate us from God.
 

  PRAYER OF CONFESSION   (Unison) 

O God of our hope, our pardon and our peace:
We declare that our hope is in you, but we are quick to provide our own answers and solutions to this world. You know that we talk much about peace, but at the same time make much trouble for ourselves and for each other.  We quarrel - in church, at home, at work.  We let loyalties to things and ideas surpass our loyalty to Jesus Christ.  We think worldly wisdom sometimes looks better than the truth shown us by your Word.
We hide from the cross, thinking ourselves too good or grand for such humiliation. Forgive us in your mercy. Embrace us with your reconciliation and peace that we may do likewise with you and with our neighbor!  Fill us with a purposeful light that shines forth into all the world.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
  ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God is with us! God is our hope and pardon and peace. In and through Jesus our Savior, he brings us forgiveness and life - new and fresh every day! 
Alleluia. Amen.
  SOLO, Nancy Baker                                                         Open My Eyes that I May See
  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM - Taylor Marie Babic and Mackenzie Noreen Clinton
  CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING  (Unison)
Great God, make your living presence known to these children. Assure them that you hear their prayers, keep your promises, and always answer as a caring Father, even though the answer may not be what is expected. Through every difficulty of life, may they experience your faithfulness, your comfort, and your peace.  Amen.

We Come Before God’s Open Word
  PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION  (Unison) 
Faithful God, you have promised that in your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed; and in your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling..  Lead us, O Lord, in your righteousness, with knowledge and understanding. Make straight your way, and turn darkness into light before us.  Amen.
  SCRIPTURE LESSON                                                           Genesis 22:1 - 14 (p. 14)
  MESSAGE                                                  “Walking With and Not Against God”
  PRAYER OF BLESSING


Celebrating God
  WE GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
  OFFERTORY SOLO, Eldon Rosenstrater                                  Great God of Wonders
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER  (Unison)                               
Heavenly Father, you first loved us, that we might know how to love; you first blessed us, that we might know how to bless; you first gave to us, that we might know how to give.  In humble gratitude, we present these offerings to you.  Sanctify them, we pray, for the purpose of upholding and furthering the Gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ, your Son.  Amen.   
  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
  PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*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  


Praise God for the spiritual blessings and good times had by the 6 young people and 4 leaders who attended the Excel conference last weekend.  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.


2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS, 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 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.
                          
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. If you have questions regarding this change in policy, please see Dawn van Buren.

Rev. John Bowen, supply pastor and supervisor for KRC for many months during the pastoral search for Rev. Nate Meldrim, retired from the ministry as of December 31.  A retirement card is on the back table of the sanctuary for the church family to sign and offer their well-wishes to John.  For those of you who would like to send your own personal note or card, his address is 10 Willis Avenue, Catskill, NY 12414.

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.

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.


Orders for 2012 calendars, featuring photographs of Kinderhook by Jim Dunham, are being accepted for a donation of $15 to benefit the Kinderhook Cemetery.  To order one of these beautiful calendars, contact Jim, 758-6171.

MUCH APPRECIATION TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY, Non-perishable foods that are always popular at the pantry 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.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE:  KRC’s small groups offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. are in recess until further notice.  Please watch next week’s bulletin for details about when they will resume.

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.

- PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE OF THE SANCTUARY -
• Upcoming Camp Fowler retreats, “getaways”, summer camp, & other events
• Synod-sponsored local workshops, learning opportunities, retreats
• Spiritual conference opportunities – information and registration forms
• Words of Hope, & other devotional booklets – Please take for use at home.
• Young Life, Compassion, TWR, Words of Hope - latest world     
   missions’ magazine issues / updates
• Missions updates from RCA and KRC-supported missionaries
• Recent RCA Today  copies  
• Focus on the Family leaflets  
• Volunteer opportunities both through RCA and local agencies and organizations
• Regional Synod of Albany’s latest newsletter, Close to Home
• Personal greetings cards, “thank-you” notes, and letters
• Flower Donation, and other volunteer sign-up sheets
• KRC Library Master List
• Shepherd’s Guide, Christian Yellow Pages & Capital Region church directory
• Public service information and opportunities

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.
• Sabrina’s reunion with her biological mother after 32 years!
• 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.
• those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially family and friends grieving the recent death of Al Van Alstyne. 
• Stephanie, dear friend of Lori Kolb-Speer, recovering from surgery for spinal cancer.  Please pray for a speedy recovery, and for a complete remission of Stephanie's cancer.
• others dealing with cancer: Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Gordon Parker; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.  
• Myrtle, 98, in hospice, and for her daughter and grandchildren assisting in her care. 
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care:  Florence Rivera, Mary Ann; Ryan; Stacey Baker, Laree Devine; Joan Clause; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Gordie Van Buren; Richard Williams; 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 Ennis 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.

COMING EVENTS

Sun.,   January 22      
    10:00 am  Worship Service and Sunday School
Baptisms: Taylor Marie Babic and Mackenzie Noreen Clinton
    11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room

Mon.,  January 23
      7:00 pm  Stewardship Ministry meets at Florence Rivera’s home

Tues.,  January 24 
      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur., January 26
    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC
Please Note:  KRC’s small groups meeting on Thursdays are in recess.  Watch next week’s bulletin for details about when they will resume

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

Servers Next Sunday, January 29, 2011
Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Will Ferguson, Chuck Rothermel, Andrew Welcome
Greeter(s): Will and Jayne Ferguson
Nursery Supervisor: 

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

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.

 

 

 

COMING EVENTS

 

Sun.,   January 22       

    10:00 am  Worship Service and Sunday School

 Baptisms: Taylor Marie Babic and Mackenzie Noreen Clinton

    11:15 am  Adult Sunday School meets, main floor conference room

 

Mon.,  January 23

      7:00 pm  Stewardship Ministry meets at Florence Rivera’s home

 

Tues.,  January 24  

      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

 

Thur., January 26

    10:00 am  Community Prayer Group meets @ KRC

Please Note:  KRC’s small groups meeting on Thursdays are in recess.  Watch next week’s bulletin for details about when they will resume

 

Sat.,   February 18       

      6:00 pm  KRC Family Chili Nite sponsored by

                    Church Family Ministry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Servers Next Sunday, January 29, 2011

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

Greeter(s): Will and Jayne Ferguson

Nursery Supervisor: