April 1, 2012

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. April 1, 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: Jeff Barmen, Derick Latorre, Steve Shpur, Bob Wildermuth
Greeter(s): Jane Deane
Preschool Nursery facility is available downstairs, Suzy Nieman supervising.
Flowers are given today by Gordie Van Buren and Dawn Van Buren
in loving memory of Ann Van Buren.
Guest Organist: David Smith

Donations for Easter lilies to decorate our pulpit area are now being  accepted, and are greatly appreciated.  Contributions may be placed directly in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.

Order of Worship

  PRELUDE                                                  Choral, Op. 37, No. 4      Joseph Jongen
  WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, & PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
  VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

Boldly Approaching Our God

  CALL TO WORSHIP  (Responsive) 
We gather with followers from throughout the centuries,
come to welcome Jesus.
     We join crowds from many different places,
     shouting with joy for the king who enters Jerusalem.
If we were silent, the stones would shout out.
     Let us raise our voices with all who joyfully praise God
     for the powerful deeds we have seen.
*HYMN #204                        All Glory Laud and Honor         
  INVOCATION                               
  CALL TO CONFESSION
If the Lord should mark our iniquities, then who could stand before the Lord? Instead, the Lord offers forgiveness to us so that God may be revered. Trusting in that forgiveness, let us confess our sins.
  PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison) 
Gracious God, forgive us. We place our trust in things that are fleeting, rather than in you and the sure promises you offer. We focus on the things that are before us, getting bogged down in the mundane and the trials of the moment. We fail to remember to set our sights on you. Center us on you, O Lord!
[Moment of silence]
Forgive our doubt, our lack of hope, our fear.
Restore our hope in those things unseen by our eyes. Revitalize our faith. Renew our hearts that we might worship you fully. Redeem us so we can be a sign of your love to others who doubt. Renew our lives as we journey through these Lenten days. Amen.
 

  GOD’S ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God visits us, not to condemn, but to forgive. God frees us, not to condemn others, but to forgive them, according to the grace we have received. Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace. Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Alleluia! Amen.
  CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING  (Unison)
Lord, lead our children to trust not in their own good works, but only in Jesus’ righteousness and sacrifice for their salvation; assure them that, through faith in Jesus, their souls are secure in your hands for all eternity.
 

We Come Before God’s Open Word

  PRAYER for ILLUMINATION   
  SCRIPTURE LESSON          Luke 19:28-40 (pp.743-744)
  MESSAGE                  "Blessed Is the King Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!"
  PRAYER OF BLESSING


Celebrating God
 

SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION  (Insert)
  WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS / OFFERTORY 
                                         “Herzlich tut mich verlangen” BWV 727    J. S. Bach                                      
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER
We thank you, loving God, for the abundance of your gifts poured out upon us, and we ask that you use these gifts and offerings to spread healing and hope throughout the world, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
  ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
  PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #251                                                   Thine Is The Glory
*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                                     Fuga VI in c minor HWV 610     G. F. Handel
                  

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.     

MAUNDY THURSDAY SUPPER AND COMMUNION WORSHIP
A bread-soup-salad supper will be served Maundy Thursday, April 5, at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Room followed by Communion Worship at 7 p.m. Soup will be provided, but donations of bread, butter, tossed salad, and beverages would be much appreciated.  Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.

FRIDAYS AT 9:30 AM IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL, please join Dawn Tuttle, Jane Deane, and Joy Bertram for crafts we will be making for the KRC fair/bazaar which will take place November 3.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
KRC’s small groups, offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., will be continuing The Path to the Cross, led by Pastor Rudy. All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are always welcome!  Jean Hacker will be leading a Stonecroft study, Why Believe?, Sundays following Worship.


  ~ECUMENICAL EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE~
At 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 8, the Stuyvesant Reformed Church will host a Sunrise Service to be held at the Allen homestead on Sharptown Road.  Following the service, participants are invited to return to Stuyvesant Church for a continental breakfast.  Directions and maps are available on the back table of the church.

During the month of April, Northeast Health/ Eddy Lifeline is offering free installation (normally $50) of a Lifeline 2-way emergency response system.  If you know someone who lives alone, or has a tendency to fall, or who is recovering from recent surgery and might benefit from this protection, the Eddy contact number is 833-1040.  The monthly cost of the system after the free installation is $38.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to supervise the Nursery during Sunday Worship Service, and volunteers are also needed to provide for Coffee Hour following worship.  We ask that you would prayerfully consider offering your services to one or both of these ministries.  Sign-up sheets are available on the back table.        
                     
HAPPY APRIL BIRTHDAY:

Deborah Spaulding (1st), Annake Visser (6th), Beth Anne Rippel (11th), Anne-Marie Zietsman (11th), Diane Morgan (14th), Bill Nieman (16th), Arnie March (17th), Cydney Rippel (22nd), Paul Zietsman (29th).

NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is sponsoring a program, the "Family-to-Family Education Program," as part of a nationwide commitment to provide a free series of classes to help families of adults with serious mental illness understand and cope with the challenges of this difficult life experience.  If you are interested in this opportunity, or know of others who might be, additional materials are available on the back table for your reference.

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY.  The Pantry served 90 families in February, including 161 adults and 102 children.  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 church entryways.

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.  A special request has been made that each of us in the KRC family consider praying this prayer:  "Lord, heal my soul, touch my heart, touch my tongue, break down my walls."
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Vacation Bible School beginning June 25; Natural Church Development; Concerts in the Village & church restoration; tricentennial 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 Helen Kulisek and family grieving the death of Ellen’s mother, Christine Kulisek;  the Lundquest Family mourning the passing of Bill Lundquest.
• Pete McCardle, good friend of the Clauses, hospitalized with an infection that is spreading and threatening to involve the partial knee replacement he had done several months ago.
• Harriet Stockhoff, wife of Rev. Ron Stockhoff, recovering from a very serious and extensive cut on the leg sustained in a recent fall.
• those dealing with cancer: Melissa M., diagnosed with stage 4 cancer; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; 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:  Jim Baker's mother; Dave Mooney; Jean Keegan; Ruth F. and Ruth C; Irene Smith; Baby Brooklyn Faith Meyer; Joan Clause; Florence Rivera; Gordie Van Buren; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those who are traveling, especially the Zietsmans visiting family in South Africa.  The Zietsmans  will be returning home shortly after Easter.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Kara (Ennis) Mobley; the Schuberts, as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Clayton, as he selects a college; Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding schedule; 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, especially George in South Africa; 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: Terry (Gaylord) Nawrot, expecting twins in July; Brad & 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, and Matt Plescia - 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.

Anyone not already on our email prayer chain who is interested in receiving our regular prayer and praise requests through email,
please contact Paul or the church office.

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.
• 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.
• successful surgery for Lonnie Hoyt to remove a brain cyst.  Surgery was more extensive than planned, but it went beautifully and Lonnie is already recovering at home.
• successful cardiac surgery for Sean, nephew of Maureen Mooney.  Sean is also recovering at home, and is doing well.
• Patricia Taliaferro, who is recovering well following a recent cardiac procedure
• Jim Baker’s mom, home and coming along well following a pacemaker implant.

2012 EVENTS TO CELEBRATE OUR 300TH YEAR
April 8, 10 am  Easter service
April 22, 3 pm  “Glory of Handel” with organist David Smith, members from the Albany Symphony Orchestra, and choral singers
May 20, 4 pm  Keynote Worship Service, Kinderhook Reformed Church Tricentennial Celebration - a portion of the service will be presented in Dutch, and a reception will follow the service
May 26, Abe Williamson Memorial at Kinderhook Cemetery -  dedication of a memorial monument placed by family members in remembrance of family members and others buried in the cemetery without markers
June 25-29, 9-12 Noon daily “National Parks Vacation Bible School” for ages 3 through Grade 6
July 20, 7 pm  An evening of acoustic worship with Derek Levendusky -
Derek is the lead singer of the band, “Isaiah 6”
Fall Concert (details TBA)
November 3, Church Bazaar
December 16, Third annual Lessons & Carols with organist David Smith and choir

OFFICE, EMAIL,
WEBSITE,  AND FAX INFORMATION 
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
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,  Church Family     758-6640
Patrice Lyons – ’13,  Missions    758-8400
Laura Rafferty – ’12,  Property   828-7189
Barbara Vosburgh –’13,  Stewardship / Treasurer  758-6512

Elders
Dave Ennis – ’13,  Worship   784-9656
Maureen Mooney – ’12,  Evangelism / Clerk   210-6079
Dawn Van Buren – ’13,  Cemetery / Pastoral Relations /
                                           Personnel / VP of Consistory   758-7564
Patti Varga–’12,  Christian Education    392-4771

       John Schubert, Chairman, Classis Financial Committee

KRC STAFF

                    KRC Secretary                   Cemetery Supervisor/KRC Sexton               
            Paul Clause – 859-4158           Greg Clause  –  369-8472, 758-1338