Kinderhook Reformed Church

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
November 21, 2010, 10:00 A.M.
Route 9 and Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
“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: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Bob and Jean Wildermuth
Preschool Nursery is available downstairs, Jayne Ferguson supervising.
Flowers are given today by the Baker Family
with thanks to God for all our blessings.

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

God’s Children’s Approach
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
The Lord is great! Let the people rejoice!
Our joy is found in you, O God!
The Lord brings hope! Let the people rejoice!
Our hope is found in you, O God!
The Lord has saved us! Let the people rejoice!
Our salvation comes from you, O God!
The Lord is great! Let the people rejoice!
We rejoice in you, O God!
*HYMN #29 O Worship the King
CALL TO CONFESSION
All who have sinned fall short of the glory of God. Trusting that we are justified freely by God’s grace, let us confess our sins together.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Father, we’re entering a season that celebrates the greatest gift we’ve ever received, your Son. But we confess that the gifts we think about most are wrapped in paper under our Christmas trees. We’re consumed with wish lists and lights, decorations and songs, but we leave you out of it, missing true joy. Help us see you this season and celebrate the light you gave to the world. And may the greatest gift we give this year be in sharing your gift with others. Amen.
[Moment of Silent Confession]

Hold us in your grace, tender God.
Help us to move beyond ourselves so that we may live and serve
as did Jesus. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Brothers and sisters in Christ, God loves us not because of what belongs to us, but because we belong to God. In this truth, Jesus offers us new life and new ways that invite us to new living! Know that we are forgiven by God’s love, and called to new living in God’s grace. Alleluia! Amen.
*PRAISE SONGS

*CHILDREN’S MESSAGE and PRAYER OF BLESSING (Unison)
Lord Jesus, who created and holds the world together, who is the image of the invisible God, transform our children into your perfect likeness. Clothe them in your righteousness, and produce a rich harvest of holiness and good works in their lives. Amen.

Sunday School students are now invited to join their teachers.
God’s Opened Word
SCRIPTURE LESSON Colossians 1:10-20 (p. 833)
MESSAGE “Introducing Christ as Gift”
PRAYER OF THANKS

God’s Children’s Response

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY SOLO, Deborah Spaulding These Things I’m Thankful For
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
May our gifts this day be a sign, as were the gifts to Jesus by the ancient travelers, of the offering of ourselves and our substance to the Christ. Use them to cause righteousness to flourish and peace to abound, for we pray in the name of the One who is the perfect light. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #45 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
*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

~ TODAY AT 11:15 FOLLOWING WORSHIP ~
Adult Bible Study will meet in the main floor conference room.

PLEASE PICK UP YOUR SOUP ORDER TODAY
in the Fellowship Room following Worship.

KRC’s new Picture Directories are now available, one per family, at the back table. Donations to help cover printing costs would be greatly appreciated – a $5 donation is suggested, if you are able, but is not required.

Pastor Rudy will be in NYC for a 3-day seminar tomorrow through Wednesday, and will then be on vacation for the remainder of the week. Rev. Harold M. Delhagen, Albany Synod Executive, will be preaching next Sunday.

~CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DECEMBER 5~
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road in Schodack. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, books, Luncheon Café, and bake bale. For more information, call 732-7500.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT IN KINDERHOOK VILLAGE~
6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 10
KRC will sponsor its annual Open House, featuring the beauty of our decorated sanctuary together with community fellowship, Christmas music, cookie decorating, a dessert buffet, and hot drinks in the Fellowship Room.

Volunteers to assist in this ministry, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be very much appreciated. Please sign up on the sheets provided at the back table.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING~

The Kinderhook Business and Professional Association has asked KRC, along with other area churches, to send carolers out on Candlelight Night, Friday, December 10. Each group is free to set their own caroling time between the hours of 6 and 8:30 pm; to make their own way through the village, stopping to sing in any businesses and shops with lights on and doors open; and to sing from the gazebo in the square if they would like. Please see Paul Clause if you are willing to coordinate this activity.

~CAPITAL CITY RESCUE MISSION MEN’S GIFT PROGRAM~
In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place gifts for homeless men: 2 pairs new warm socks; a hat; mittens or gloves, SM, MED, or LG; a personal care item (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clippers); and a treat that will not melt or crush. Giftwrap, mark SM, MED, or LG on outside of package, tape securely, and take to the Kinderhook FairPoint Communications Office or to KRC by Sunday, December 12.

~STAR AND ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAMS~
Gift needs for Capital City Rescue Mission’s New Life Center family, a mother and daughter currently receiving shelter and services from the Center, are now on star cut-outs, and needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners are now on angel cut-outs on the same tree in the main entrance of KRC. Gifts are due Sunday, December 12. Please take a moment to read the information below about the Angel Tree Project:

For the past several years, our church has helped Prison Fellowship with their Angel Tree Project. Prison Fellowship was started in the 70’s by Charles Colson after his own incarceration. His experience awakened him to the extraordinary need of inmates in our jails for caring and witnessing. Hundreds of thousands have been led to a freedom in Christ while still imprisoned. From contacts with prisoners, it became apparent that their imprisonment severely impacted their families – especially their children. Out of this awareness grew Angel Tree Project, one small way to bring caring and joy to the children of prisoners at Christmas. Since the project began, over 4 million children have been reached through thousands of participating churches.

As noted above, angel cutouts are now available on the Christmas tree in the front entranceway. The angels contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information from a particular child. We hope and pray that these will all be picked up by our families, and the directions followed, so these gifts can bring some Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Please return your gifts by December 12 to the Fellowship Room.

If you are willing to help in the ministry
of distributing Angel Tree gifts to individual children,
please contact Sara Hartman at 828-6368.

~LESSONS AND CAROLS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 18~
A gift of special organ music and scripture readings
from the KRC family to our surrounding communities.
Watch for more details to come.

~KRC’s SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM AND SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE~
10 a.m. December 19
KRC’s Sunday School Christmas Program
will be presented during Sunday Worship.
5 p.m. December 19.
Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities. For people living through dark times, Kinderhook Reformed Church will be creating sacred space at a Service of Remembrance for reflection, meditation, and focus on Christ’s promises of healing and hope. Participants will be invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone or to mark a significant event in their life. The beautifully-decorated sanctuary will be filled with silent prayers, meditative music, and scripture reading. Please mark your calendar, and join us as we come together in God’s presence for this time of reassurance.

~CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
8 p.m. Worship Service
As always, a highlight of the season of giving, and a special time to remember again and to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus from God the Father, whose grace has brought us here.

Tom Little has been named by President Obama as one of the fifteen 2010 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The President will honor Tom and the other recipients at a White House ceremony early next year. A complete list of all those being honored is on the back table of the sanctuary.

During the month of October, the Valatie Food Pantry served 79 families - 145 adults & 115 children for a total of 294 people. Items needed this month are pancake mix and syrup, jelly, sugar, tuna, mac & cheese, cake mix, brownie mix, dinner helpers, and juice.

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
• Signs that Jack Taylor is beginning to respond to treatment
• Successful surgery and negative test results for Patrice Lyons
• The blessing and inspiration of yesterday’s leadership revitalization workshop, “Setting Sail Again”
• The blessing of KRC’s recent outreach events – the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership simulcast and the organ/choral concert; many thanks to all who so generously contributed their time, energy, and resources to make these events successful
• 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

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. The task will be great and the challenges many, but with the whole church lifting us up in prayer, we are confident that the Spirit will guide us in wisdom.” Wes Granberg-Michaelson, retiring General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America, will serve until the fall of 2011, following the approval of a new general secretary at RCA’s next General Synod
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• New KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; Angel Food; church restoration; Candlelight Night; other KRC Ministry projects
• Leaders of KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study, and Prayer Group as they administer programs over the next several months; and for those attending these programs
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and personal safety needed to govern effectively
• Our missionaries; children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Those, especially children, suffering abuses of war, exploitation, neglect, family violence, natural disaster
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones
• Karina Speer, recovering from emergency surgery to repair a badly broken wrist following a fall this past week – Karina faces additional surgery in a few weeks to remove the pins now holding her wrist bones in place
• John Hodgson, dear friend of Leo Dolan and Dawn Van Buren, recovering in St. Peter’s from bladder cancer surgery this past Thursday
• Elize Visser’s mother in South Africa, recovering from foot surgery this past week to repair dislocated bones – surgery was very successful, but recovery will require keeping weight off the foot for the next 6 weeks - pray also for those assisting as she recovers
• Irene Smith, sister-in-law of Jane Smith, now at home recovering from breathing difficulties related to COPD – pray that prescribed treatments will continue to relieve Irene’s symptoms and result in improvement in her condition
• Reassurance and peace of mind for Gordie and Ann Van Buren, as Gordie’s surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm has been postponed until December 15
• Jack Taylor, recovering from pneumonia and related complications, now in rehab in Springfield, MA, – pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Jack
• Those dealing with cancer: Kara Ennis Mobley; Lillian Roginski; Dawn Meyers; Melanie; Ed B.; Rylyn Swierzewski
• Others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Marie; Dorothy Novak; Kara Ennis Mobley; Christophe; Kris Morgan; Blanche Rogers; Ann Van Buren; Pastor Rudy; Tom Saulpaugh; Emese; Libby Little; Merrill & Erika Johnson; Priscilla Frisbee; George Clowe; Beth Ryan; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga; Earl Ennis
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan, Bill and Kathy Schneider, and John and Sara Schubert
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: 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 Lisa, in need of a home and a job; 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
• 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), Nate & Kristin Meldrim (Baby Lily), Terry (Baby David Matthew), Tim Schneider & Morgan (baby boy, born in January), Tiffany

• 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 - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance, especially Will’s family; Matt’s wife, Angie, and daughter, Haleigh; Carrington’s mother, Gloria, and family; the Moores; Jay’s wife, Beth Anne, & their two daughters; and victims of warfare & violence worldwide
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare

In order to be better informed about how KRC’s management of its missions giving impacts our missionaries, financial representatives from several missions organizations which we support, including our own RCA, were contacted and interviewed. The information received is being passed on in an effort to address and ease some of the heartfelt concerns within our church family regarding this issue:
The missions organizations contacted reported that they are very understanding of the current economic situation and how it is becoming increasingly difficult for churches and individuals to support their missionaries. All the organizations and their missionaries are attempting to “tighten their belts” and cut expenses as one way of offsetting a shortfall in donor contributions.
Unless the donors have asked to remain anonymous, some organizations, such as Wycliffe Bible Translators, provide regular statements to their missionaries showing which donors have given support and when and how much was given. RCA missionaries do not receive specific donor information; their donors, and when and how much they give, remain anonymous.
The missions organizations view donor support as completely voluntary, and leave dates, amounts, and frequency of payments entirely at the discretion of the donor. Some donors choose to send their entire missions contribution toward year’s end. (With the possible exception of the Alexanders in Taiwan, KRC has no formal commitment of support, verbally or in writing, to any of our missionaries/teams or to their organizations. This means that virtually all of KRC's missions giving is done on a voluntary basis, which begins with Missions Ministry proposing a missions budget, usually based on past precedent, to Consistory for their consideration. Consistory approved this year’s proposal to keep KRC’s level of missions giving at $1000 per missionary/team – the same as last year.)
Missionaries are assured of a regular income throughout the year even though the level of support they receive may fluctuate from month to month, which is normal and to be expected. The representatives interviewed explained that since their organizations are dependent on voluntary donations, contribution amounts and the dates they are received are always variable and not entirely predictable. Systems are therefore in place for dealing with this ebb and flow. For example, when support to RCA missionaries exceeds their needs, the excess is placed in a fund and then redistributed to other missionaries whose support does not reach the level needed. Some organizations reported that their missionaries send out appeals when their ministry budgets are in serious need. (KRC has not received any appeals of this kind.)
It is not uncommon for missions organizations to hear from donors that they must reduce or are no longer able to send support to their missionaries. Each representative contacted made it very clear that when this happens the news is always accepted in a Christ-like spirit of understanding and grace. Their experience has been that when one donor drops away another is raised up to take their place. However, we were advised that if it should become necessary to stop financial support to a missionary, the most important thing to do is to reassure them that it is through no fault of their own that funding has been withdrawn, and that they will still have our prayer support, which is valued much more highly than financial assistance.

Coming Events

Today, November 21
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Soup orders delivered following Worship – KRC Fellowship Room
Tue., November 23
9:00 am Community Prayer Group meets @KRC
7:00 - 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Wed., November 24 6:30 pm ZUMBA fitness group, Fellowship Room
Please note change of day from Thursday to Wednesday, this week only.
Sun., November 28
10:00 am Worship & Sunday School, Rev. Harold Delhagen preaching
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
Sat., December 4 10 am – 2 pm Annual Christmas Bazaar
Reformed Church at Muitzeskill
Sun., December 5 10 am Communion Worship
and Confirmation of New Members
Fri., December 10 6 - 8:30 pm KRC Candlelight Night Open House
Sun., December 12 CCRM Men’s, Star, and Angel Tree gifts due
Sat., December 18 “Lessons and Carols” - An afternoon program
of special organ music and scripture readings, KRC Sanctuary
Sun., December 19
10:00 am Worship and Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Bible Study, main floor conference room
5:00 pm Service of Remembrance
Fri., December 24 8 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

Servers Next Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Arnie March, Glenn Warren
Greeter(s): Bob Dreier
Nursery: Suzy Nieman