March 13, 2011

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY - 10:00 a.m. March 13, 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: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Arnie and Claudia March
Preschool Nursery is available for parental use downstairs.

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 on Psalm 113
Enter the house of the Lord with Praise.
Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the lord.
Let the name of the Lord be praised,
both now and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the Lord our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high?
He stoops down to raise the poor and the fallen from the dust.
He lifts the needy from the ash heap and seats them with princes.
*HYMN OF PRAISE AND PRAYER #634 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
CALL TO CONFESSION Based on the words of the prophet, Zephaniah
Let us acknowledge our willful disobedience to God and his commands, and let us seek righteousness, humility, and forgiveness from him, for he is mighty to save.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Based on the words of the prophet, Malachi
Almighty Lord, we have not set our hearts to honor you, but have shown contempt for you by not offering ourselves to you as living sacrifices acceptable in your sight. We have not revered your name, and have not remembered your laws or followed your ways. We have not kept faith with you or with one another. We have minimized and made excuses for the evils of our sin, and in some cases, have deceived ourselves into believing that our bad behavior was actually the right thing to do. We acknowledge that we have fallen from grace and are under the curse of our sin, and we seek your mercy upon us.
[Silent Prayer of Confession]
Forgive us, O Lord, we pray; purify us, and refine us.
Let the righteousness of Jesus Christ rise within us like the sun
with healing in its wings.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON Based on the words of the prophet, Zechariah
Rejoice greatly, for the Lord comes to you - gentle, righteous, and having salvation. He does not reject you, but strengthens and restores you. He answers you with compassion, and saves you. Alleluia! Amen.
PRAISE SONGS
 

CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison - Congregation may remain seated.)
Merciful God, preserve these children from falling into sin and the spiritual and physical dangers that attend it. Empower us, through your Holy Spirit, to raise them up to lead holy and virtuous lives of faithfulness, love, and humble service to you and to others. Amen.
Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.

God’s Opened Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE TEXT Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
MESSAGE “Free to Fall”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

God’s Children Celebrating Him
PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
God of grace and renewal, sanctify these gifts for the purpose of breaking the bondage of spiritual ignorance and sin through the redeeming work of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Use them to relieve guilt, fear, stress, physical and emotional disease and pain, poverty, hunger, and whatever other disabling burdens we and those around us may be bearing. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN OF AFFIRMATION AND PRAISE #514 Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine
*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

 

Kinderhook Reformed Church will join with Ghent Reformed Church in a 6-week cooperative Lenten study, “40 Days of Purpose,” based on Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Sessions will begin this coming Wednesday evening, March 16, and continue each Wednesday through April 20, with Ghent and Kinderhook hosting alternately. The first study will be held at Ghent. Sessions will begin with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, with study time following from 7 to 8 p.m. Topics to be addressed through short videos, discussions, and workbook activities are: 1. What on Earth Am I Here For? 2. Worship – You Were Planned for God’s Pleasure 2. Fellowship – You Were Formed for God’s Family 3. Discipleship – You Were Created to Become Like Christ 4. Ministry – You Were Shaped for Serving God 5. Evangelism – You Were Made for Mission.

 


BUFFET BRUNCH AND CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME AND ENJOY THE GOOD FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP OF A POTLUCK BRUNCH BUFFET SUNDAY, MARCH 27, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WORSHIP. A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WILL FOLLOW BRUNCH TO BRING OUR CHURCH FAMILY UP TO SPEED ON THE CURRENT OPERATIONS AND PROJECTED PLANS OF SOME OF OUR CHURCH MINISTRIES, AND TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS THAT THE CONGREGATION MAY HAVE. IT HAS BEEN SOME TME SINCE WE HAVE GATHERED FOR CHURCH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP AND A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, AND ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. QUARTERLY MEETINGS ARE BEING PLANNED THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. A SIGN-UP SHEET IS AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO SUPPLY BUFFET ITEMS.

 

Remember to Pray for
• Those whose families and friends are praying for their salvation or other spiritual needs
• The RCA General Secretary Search Committee
• 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
• A speedy end to the violence in the Middle East
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those struggling with substance abuse, especially Rachael, Greg L., and Martin
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility, natural disaster
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Mark and Fran, whose son was killed while serving his country in war; The Krizar family grieving the passing of their mother; those grieving the unexpected loss of Stephen Dey, close friend of Merrill Johnson; family and friends grieving the death of Marilyn Leiser
• The 13-year-old niece of Ruth Edge, undergoing brain surgery tomorrow
• Aaron, now at home recovering from multiple injuries suffered in a recent auto accident
• Donna Scalera, awaiting test results
• Doris Schmieder, suffering sciatica pain and awaiting results of tests done last week
• Chuck Shattenkirk, brother of Maureen Mooney, now at home recovering from a severe infection
• John, for a quick and speedy recovery from back surgery
• Joe, diagnosed with leukemia
• Walt, recently diagnosed with cancer of the lung and back
• Tom Saulpaugh, father of a friend of the Clauses, recovering from recent cancer surgery
• Others dealing with cancer: Jennifer Kline; Julie’s aunt; Dave’s wife; Matt; Connie; Carin; Kara Ennis Mobley
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Deb Rothermel; Jeffery Smith; Larry Cady; Dawn VanBuren; Christophe; Bob Ringen; John Steneck; Florence Rivera; Ken Smith; Gordie and Ann Van Buren; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Elizabeth; Libby Little; the Vargas; churches consolidating or considering closing their doors; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those facing employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, 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: Derrick Latorre and Heather Donahue, and Mary Schubert and T.J. Lynch, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, and Andrew & Melissa (Call) Welcome, recently married; Nicole, expecting her first child; new parents Luke and Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn); Kate (Little) and Chris Stevens (Baby Vivian Elise)
• Those who are traveling, especially the Herrmanns and the Tuttles
• 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

 

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
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• Remarkable improvement in the spirits and physical condition of Aaron, who suffered multiple injuries in a recent auto accident; Aaron is now recovering at home, his neck brace is off, he is talking away, and he is able to do some walking - many thanks for all the prayers that went up – keep them coming!
• The good report that Dawn Van Buren continues to improve - "Each day," she says, "I see some progress and, with physical therapy, see a light at the end of the tunnel."
• Florence Rivera’s sufficient recovery from knee surgery to be present with us in Worship
• 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.

 

~From the Pastor’s Desk – March 2011~
Happiness can be an elusive thing, but the author of Psalm 112 declares, “Happy are all those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.” And he goes on without qualifying his remarks to enumerate several blessings for such people.
It’s actually good to hear the psalmist link happiness to the fear of the Lord and the keeping of his commandments. For sometimes Christianity, with its “thou shalt nots,” is assumed to be too restrictive to be a source of happiness. The psalmist, however, connected happiness with holiness. Want to be happy? You start by doing the right thing.
Frankly, he was on to something. John Wesley knew that. Sarah Heaner Lancaster, a professor of systematic theology at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, examined a number of Wesley’s sermons and found that he “explicitly spoke of happiness as the goal of Christian life.” She found that more than 70 of his sermons include some reference to happiness, and some of them are devoted solely to that subject.
Like the psalmist, we can and should link happiness to holiness. Professor Lancaster found that one of Wesley’s recurring themes is what constitutes “true religion.” As we might put it, religion isn’t real when it is just an outward show, such as wearing an unearned military decoration. While relational, gratitude and benevolence are shorthand for the two great commandments - love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself - which lead to real or true religion. The cherry on the top, of course, is that righteousness, peace, and joy are present in the lives of those who live true religion.
Lancaster summarized by saying: “If we are unable to live the holy lives for which we were made, we will also not be able to enjoy the happiness of relationship with God for which we were made.” In other words, happiness is a byproduct of a life of right living, and faking holiness won’t bring real happiness any more than faking military decorations brings real honor.
In the weeks ahead may we steer clear of fake spiritual milestones and work hard at our relationship with God and our neighbor as we dwell in the Old Testament. Let’s see what blessings God has for us!!

MARCH SERMONS:
March 13 - Free to Fall - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
March 20 - Recalling the Call - Genesis 12:1-4a
March 27 - From the Wilderness of Sin We Come - Exodus 17:1-7
April 3 – Can God Transform Us Too? - Ezekiel 37:1-14
 

CONSISTORY NEEDS TO SHARE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOU:
• For those of the congregation who are able, you are encouraged to prayerfully consider making up your offering/pledge/tithe for Sundays you are not in church.
• Our Lenten services will be in the form of Bible studies with potluck dinners alternating between Ghent Reformed and Kinderhook Reformed. Please see announcement in this bulletin for more information.
• Consistory is working on setting up a time for a “2011 Consistory Brush-up”. Dates that were identified were 4/9 and 4/30. Please pray for us as we grow with God and grow into our ordained positions as Consistory members.
• Our Church’s big 300-year birthday in 2012 is getting closer. You are invited again to share with Consistory your ideas on “How to celebrate 300 years of church history”.
• And now, as we strive to live holy lives, may the Lord bless and keep you, and be gracious unto you and invade you with the peace He so freely brings.
Pastor Rudy

 

 

Church Family Ministry is planning a Chili Nite on Friday, April 8, beginning at 6 p.m. Chili, toppings, and corn bread – and hot dogs for the children and anyone else who doesn’t care for chili – will be provided. We are asking for your help in rounding out the menu with tossed salads and dressings, veggie platters with dip, sodas, juices, and desserts. We are also looking for volunteers to set up AND TO CLEAN UP! Please sign up on the sheet provided at the back table.

 

 

 

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. 93 families were served in the month of January, including 153 adults and 142 children. Foods that are always popular and needed are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; pasta; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the front and side entryways of the church.

 

 

 

 

 


Columbia-Greene Classis has notified KRC that its share of support is $6,711 for services and resources to be provided for us this year by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S SUPPORT HAS BEEN SET AT $80.85, UP $5.85 FROM LAST YEAR. Still, this averages out to only $1.55 per week. 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.”

 

~ PLEASE NOTE ON THE BACK TABLE ~
- Sign-up sheets for several important events: GRC/KRC Lenten Studies, 6 weeks beginning March 16; Congregational Meeting and potluck brunch March 27 following Worship; Church Family Chili Nite April 8, Flower Donations for Worship; Fellowship Hour refreshments.
- Course offerings from the School for Christian Living & Serving, a ministry of Orange & Mid-Hudson Classes. Pick up an information sheet to see which of these might be of interest to you.
- Information sheets, Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene Volunteer Training Program beginning June 6.

 

 

 

 

 


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, Stewardship – ’12 758-6175
Laura Rafferty, Property – ’12 828-7189
Dawn Tuttle, Church Family, Clerk of Consistory, Cemetery – ’11 758-6031
Barbara Vosburgh, Missions, Church Treasurer – ’11 758-6512
Elders
Maureen Mooney, Evangelism – ’12 210-6079
Ann VanBuren, Consistory Vice President, Worship – ’11 758-9703
Dawn VanBuren, Pastoral Relations, Personnel – ’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, March 13
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Fellowship and Refreshments, Fellowship Room
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Mon. March 14
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tue., March 15
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
5:30 pm Outreach Dinner, St. Luke’s Church
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., March 16 – Lenten Studies begin at Ghent Reformed Church
6:00 pm Potluck supper
7:00 pm Bible study
Thur., March 17
6:00 pm Stewardship Ministry meets
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Wed., March 23 – Lenten Study at Kinderhook Reformed Church
6:00 pm Potluck supper
7:00 pm Bible study
Sun., March 27
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:00 am Brunch and Congregational Meeting, Fellowship Room
Mon. March 28
6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
7:00 pm Consistory meets
Tue., March 29 – Outreach Dinner, St. Luke’s Church
Fri., April 1 - 9:30 am Church Family Ministry meets
Fri., April 1 – Sat., April 2 Youth Girls Revolve Tour,
Hartford, Connecticut
Fri., April 8 6:00 pm Church Family Chili Nite

 


Servers Next Sunday, March 20, 2011
Ushers: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Bill and Kathy Schneider
Nursery: