Kinderhook Reformed Church

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship April 23, 2017

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

 A warm welcome to visitors.  We invite you to sign our Guest Book

 in the entranceway and fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate.

8:30 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  Announcements, The Lord’s Greeting, and Morning Prayer

*Morning Praise

  Scripture Reading                                                                                   Acts 2:22-32 (p. 771)

  Message                                                                                                     “This, We Believe!”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Thanks to today’s ushers, Glenn Warren, Andrew Welcome.

Thanks to today’s greeters, Bonnie and Jim Dunham.      

 Nursery facility available downstairs.

Flowers are given today by Art and Barbara Gross

in memory of loved ones.

Following worship, all are invited downstairs for fellowship and refreshments.

  Prelude                                   How Can I Help but Love Him?                         Elton M. Roth

“Down from His splendor in glory He came, into a world of woe;

Took on Himself all my guilt and my shame – Why should He love me so?”

  Welcome and Announcements

  The Lord’s Blessing

Drawing Near to God

  Call To Worship  (Responsive)  Based on Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song,
       Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, praise his name!
       For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.
Let the heavens be glad,
       Let the earth be glad – For the tomb is empty!
He is risen!
       All:   Christ is risen, indeed!

*Hymn #251                                                                                                     Thine Is the Glory

  Invocation  (Unison)

Almighty God, we gather together this morning to say, “We believe.”  We cast our doubts at the foot of the cross and at the mouth of the empty tomb. We’re here to have our faith strengthened and our hope renewed. Meet us as we come together to worship the One who died, but who now lives.  Amen.

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Come, therefore, let us confess the ways we have acted without integrity. Let us confess and be true to ourselves in God, so that we may know ourselves forgiven.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

O God of transformation, where we have been fearful and doubting, bring new life. Where we have been hardhearted and unforgiving, bring new life. Where we have sown discord and wounded others, bring new life. Where we have been selfish and greedy, bring new life. Where we have been tired and confused, bring new life.

[Moment of Silent Personal Prayer]

  Hymn #538 (Vs. 2 & 4 - Please remain seated.)                            I Need Thee Every Hour
  Assurance of Pardon

Christ forgives the most impossible sins, overcomes the greatest fears, comforts the loudest cries, and breaks down the strongest barriers to his love and peace. Through the resurrection, Christ’s power in the Holy Spirit lives and works here and now. Brothers and sisters, know that we are forgiven and be at peace.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Lord Jesus, grant our children an unshakable faith in the good news that you offered yourself up to suffering and death in love for them, and that God raised you from the dead.  Assure them that you are now alive within them, and that because of you, they are good in God’s sight, and will live forever, never to be separated from his love.  Amen.  

  Prayer Hymn of Blessing #295 (Vs. 1 & 2 - Remain seated.)   Breath On Me, Breath of God

  Scripture Reading                                                                                   Acts 2:22-32 (p. 771)

  Message                                                                                                     “This, We Believe!”

  Prayer Hymn of Affirmation #295 (Vs. 3 & 4 - Remain seated.) Breath On Me Breath of God

*Apostle's Creed  (Responsive - Please stand.) 

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended to heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care

  Offering/Offertory                               He Lives  (#248)                               Alfred H, Ackley

“I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living, whatever others say.”

*Doxology #809                                                   Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below.

Praise him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

  Offertory Prayer  (Unison)

God of miracles, in the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, you overturned natural laws. Thank you for confirming this truth to Thomas, who was afraid that it was too good to be true. Thank you for transforming lives by your Spirit, and working wonders through disciples like us. Direct these offerings to strengthen the ministries of this church, especially among people who struggle with doubt or feel distant from you. We pray through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.   

  Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer

*Prayer Hymn of Commitment #534                                                           Draw Me Nearer

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn           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

~STOP HUNGER NOW FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER~ 

Stop Hunger Now, which has recently rebranded itself “Rise Against Hunger,” packages and ships food and 
life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people and works to end global hunger in our lifetime.  
Since meal-packaging events began in 2005, over 500,000 volunteers have been engaged in this work, and over 
225 million meals have been provided in 74 countries.  This year, nearly 60 million meals will be packaged by 
more than 350,000 volunteers, and will be distributed in needy locations around the world to nourish more than 
a half-million lives.  In addition, $15 million in donated medicines, medical supplies, clothes, soap, and solar 
lights will be shipped to at least 37 countries.  A RISE AGAINST HUNGER FOOD-PACKAGING EVENT IS AN 
IMMENSELY-REWARDING EXPERIENCE OF EASY, HANDS-ON WORK, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP THAT YOU WILL NOT 
WANT TO MISS!  A group of 40 to 50 volunteers (any age) can package over 10,000 meals in just two hours.  Our 
local packaging event will take place Saturday, September 9, at the Kinderhook Town Hall (formerly Martin H. Glynn school) 
on Church Street in Valatie, during which we hope to pack 20 – 30 thousand meals.  Plan to save this date on 
your calendar and to lend a helping hand to this extraordinary ministry. Donation baggies and canisters are now 
available on the back table of the sanctuary to take home for saving up your contributions, and you are encouraged
to take canisters to work or to businesses willing to display them. A donation of 29¢ buys one meal, $29 one 
hundred meals, $290 one thousand meals.  

REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR

• those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith journey. Pray also that God will provide opportunities for us to witness for Jesus, and give us the courage and winsome words needed to make the most of these opportunities.
• Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s associate pastor, as she fulfills her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches.
• KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory; KRC’s administrative ministries; Adult and Children’s Sunday School; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs.
• our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the new government officials now in office, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason Lansing serving in South Korea.
• victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies: famine, earthquakes, and other climate-related disasters; economic instability; poverty, hunger, and poor health; political oppression, unrest, terrorism, war, displacement.
• those grieving the death of loved ones, especially: Heather LaTorre, family, and friends grieving the loss of Heather’s grandmother; those grieving the recent loss of Jay Marston, colleague of Deborah Spaulding; the Bertram Family, especially Joy and her mother, Lois, grieving the recent death of father and husband, Stan Bertram; Noreen Dick, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Alan Dick. 
• those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
• reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.
• Gail Schubert, sister-in-law of Sara Schubert, recovering from a broken hip.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Annis and her young daughter; Derick LaTorre; Valarie Molnar; Keith Niver; Betty Osborn; Darla and Jill; Lennox; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Paul Varga.
• those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: J.B; Jen; Bill, Janet Smith's brother; Ronny; Ron Dick; Donna Scalera; Kim Helm; Carol Nel; Paul Osborn; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• those who are traveling.
• others facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Peggy and Fostera, mother and daughter of Keanya Meyer, experiencing special challenges.  Brianna; Libby Little-Saxton – Libby’s April Update is now available on the back table for pick-up; Cydney Rippel, Carly Rippel, Greg Clause Jr., and others as they face the challenges of a higher level of education or seek a career; Vince Beaudoin; the epidemic of addiction to heroin and other substances.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR

• Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-centered messages God gives to Pastor each and every Sunday for the spiritual nourishment and growth of our church family.  Praise God also for the Visser Family’s safe return from month-long travels in South Africa visiting family and friends, and for the good times they experienced.
• the inspirational ministries of our guest preachers, Perry Jones, Tom McCrossan, John Bowen, and others who lead worship at KRC from time to time.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, and those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.
• the good news that Valerie Molnar, is doing much better. Valerie is the mother of one of Nancy Baker's co-workers.
• the great news that tests made following Jeff First’s surgery show that his cancer has not spread.
• new KRC members recently received into fellowship. Please lift them up in your prayers as they join with us in ministry and fellowship.
• all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so generously and so willingly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly and selflessly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.
• His provision for all of our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.

Deborah Spaulding (1^st), Annake Visser (6^th), Beth Anne Rippel (11^th),

Anne-Marie Zietsman (11^th), Angela Rivera (12^th), Bill Nieman (16^th),

Arnie March (17^th), Leo Dolan (18^th), Cydney Rippel (22^nd), Paul Zietsman (29^th)

KRC 2017 CONSISTORY

Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons

Jane Deane – ’17  Outreach, Cemetery. . . . . .  758-7051  jdeane1943@gmail.com

Noreen Dick – ’18  Church Family . . . . . . . . . . 758-6640  noreend122@twc.com

Beth Anne Rippel – ’18  Stewardship  . . . . . . . 392-5044  barippel@yahoo.com

Tana Thompson – ’17  Property  . . . . . . . . . . . 392-3312  tanastrome@gmail.com

Elders

Merrill Johnson – ’18  Worship      . . . . . . . . . . . 828-6726  docjohnson36@gmail.com

Dawn Van Buren – ’18  Pastoral Relations . . 758-7564  dawnandleo@fairpoint.net

Patti Varga – ’17  Christian Education, Outreach,

                                Consistory Vice President . .755-3054  patvarga66@gmail.com

Barbara Vosburgh – ’17 Personnel, Clerk. . . . 758-6512  vosburgh1@nycap.rr.com

KRC TREASURER

Derick LaTorre – 376-1882  derick.latorre@gmail.com                                     

Each member’s share of this year’s classis assessment has been set at $88.50 (down 43¢ from last year).  All
who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above 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.
If offered weekly, that’s just $2.53 per week for the remaining 35 weeks in this year. Please clearly designate
all contributions, “Classis Assessment.” 

                                           KRC STAFF

                KRC Office Manager              KRC Office Assistant          

            Paul Clause – 859-4158      Courtney Wood – 784-2134

                   KRC Sexton                 KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

           Greg Clause Jr – 653-2786       Greg Clause – 369-8472 

COMING EVENTS

Today,   April 23

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

    10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

Mon,  April 24 

      6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Tues,  April 25

       7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Wed,  April 26

      6:30 pm  Community Conversations @KRC, “Reducing Inflammation”

Thur, April 27

       9:00 am  Small Group continuing Bible-based study @KRC:

              Group continues a new Bible study, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

      7:00 pm  Bible study group meets, KRC main floor Conference Room

Sat,   April  29

      9:30 am – 4 pm  Parsonage Work Party sponsored by Property Ministry

Sun,  April  30

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

      9:45 am  Bible study, Book of Genesis, continues.

    10:00 am  Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School

Mon,  May  1

      6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Tues,  May  2

      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Mon,  May  8

      6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Wed,  May 10

      6:30 pm  Community Conversations @KRC, Follow-up Workshops

Mon,  May 22

      6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Servers Next Sunday, April 30
 

Ushers:  Dave Ennis, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel

Greeter(s):  Derick, Heather, Ellie, and Harper LaTorre