KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE, DECEMBER 13, 2015
Third Sunday in Advent
“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 Luke 2:2-19
Message "Where then, is Glory To Be Found?"
Prayer of Thanks
Offering and Prayer of Blessing
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn and Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy a celebration of Jesus’s birth
hosted by our Sunday School families in the Fellowship Room today following worship.
Thanks to today’s ushers, Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson.
Thanks to today’s greeter, Joy Bertram.
Preschool Nursery facilities available downstairs.
Prelude Oh, Come, Little Children
Announcements, Welcome, and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive)
We come to celebrate the good news of a great joy!
Glory to God in the highest!
Unto us is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest!
A multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God:
Glory to God in the highest! Let us worship God!
Around the Advent Wreath Jason and Marissa Brevoort
PASTOR: On this, the third Sunday in Advent, we re-light two purple candles - the Candle of Hope, and the Candle of Love - and we light the pink Candle of Joy. As we anticipate Jesus' birth, we experience happiness. But joy is not the same as happiness. Joy is a deeper feeling that comes from knowing God has promised to care for us always, and that His gift of Jesus, the Savior, is the fulfillment of that promise. (The three candles are lit.)
READER: From the Gospel of Luke we read Mary's song after being visited by the angel, Gabriel. At first, Mary was deeply troubled and uncertain about the angel’s message that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High. But as she submitted to God’s plan for her life, her spirit began to overflow with joy and praise. Let us read responsively Luke 1:46-55:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
PEOPLE: From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name.
READER: His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
PEOPLE: He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
READER: He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
PEOPLE: He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
READER: How privileged we are to have this beautiful song of Mary. It is a testimony to her faith in God’s promise and to her joy at being chosen as his servant. Let us pray: Dear God, Thank you for Mary’s example to us to live in submission to you. Help us, as she did, to take joy in the promise of salvation through your Son, Jesus, even in times of fear and uncertainty.
ALL: AMEN.
*Hymn #173 O Come, All Ye Faithful
*For those who are able, please stand.
Celebrating God
Prayer of Blessing
Christmas Pageant Luke 2:2-19 Sermon
Prayer of Thanks
Offertory Medley: Away in a Manger
*Doxology and Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer
*Closing Hymn #155 O Little town of Bethlehem
*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace
Postlude Joy to the World!
Donations for the poinsettias decorating our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed
in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.
KRC family and friends are asked to volunteer as front-door greeters for our
upcoming Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service.
Greeters are also needed for our 10 am worship services.
Please sign up on the sheet available at the back table.
ENVELOPE SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR PRESENTING WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS
If you are not currently using the weekly envelope system to present your contributions to the church, but would like to do so in 2016, please pick up one of the small green request forms in the last window well to your left at the back of the sanctuary. Completed forms may be dropped into the offering plate. The envelope system not only offers a regular giving reminder, but facilitates the efficient processing of weekly contributions. Those not using the system are encouraged to give it a try. There is a $3 suggested donation to help offset printing costs, but this is not a requirement for using the system.
~6th ANNUAL LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. next Sunday, December 20, at KRC. A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus are told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with choir music and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. The first Lessons and Carols was held on Christmas Eve, 1918, at King's College, Cambridge, England, and has been broadcast from there by the BBC to millions of listeners around the world each Christmas Eve since 1931. The order of worship was adapted from an order prepared 38 years earlier by Edward White Benson, Bishop of Truro. Tradition says that the bishop organized a 10 pm service in Cornwall on Christmas Eve, 1880, in a temporary wooden shed serving as his cathedral.
~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~
As always, KRC’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.
HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Elizabeth Carroll (4th), Dave Ennis (8th),
Merrill Johnson (15th), Marion Arnold (22nd), Nikki Barmen(22nd),
Mackensie Clinton (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th,), Patrick Carroll (27th)
~WEEKLY STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~
Praise the Lord for last Sunday’s offering of $4,045, well over the weekly minimum of $3,000 necessary to cover daily operating expenses. However, as we near the end of this year, we find ourselves still operating in a deficit budget. Stewardship Ministry asks that each of us give prayerful consideration to how we might adjust our giving to reduce the shortfall, and reminds us to “double up” on our giving if we miss a Sunday,
In light of the abundance with which the Lord has blessed us,
let us continue, as his faithful stewards, to be ever mindful of the need
to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.
Classis Assessment contributions are divided three ways, with portions going to the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). The 2016 assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:
General Synod: $53.71 (Up $1.98 from 2015)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (Unchanged from 2015)
C. G. Classis: $ 6.22 (Down $1.07 from 2015)
2016 TOTAL $88.93 (Up $0.91 from 2014)
General Synod will use its share of assessed funds to pay for a Special Council on issues related to sexual orientation, support for denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other Synod-approved initiatives. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including grants, leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.
REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR
Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision. 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 encouraging report that Christopher’s burns seem not to be as serious as was thought at first, and that quick thinking by Dawn and Liz Jennings reduced their severity.
the happy news that Vicki Metzger, 96, mother of Nancy Baker, is doing extremely well following recovery from recent health issues.
all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and special events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who always offer whatever support they can to those in need.
Regular updates are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists, especially those whose names are in bold type. Please forward this information, as well as new praise/prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
<those who do not know Christ or who are struggling in their faith. 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.
KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Sunday School and youth group; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; First Friday, and other outreach programs.
KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries. our state, national, and world leaders, 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, just beginning his military career.
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: the families of those killed in the recent San Bernardino shootings; Claudia and Arnie March, family, and friends grieving the recent death of Claudia’s mother, Doris Schmieder; the family of Paul and AnnaMarie Zietzman grieving the recent death of Paul’s father in South Africa.
those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world.
Angel Tree children and their families, that their hearts may be open to the truth and hope of the Gospel of Christmas through this ministry of giving.
Christopher, son of Susan Lamont, recovering from burns to his face and arms when a wood-burning stove he was loading exploded.Holly Clause, recovering from outpatient surgery this past Thursday. Pray for comfort and a speedy healing without complications for Holly.
grandparents of Marissa Brevoort, fighting illness due to mold in their home.others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Elize Visser’s father; Vicki; Barbara Feliciano; Jane Smith; Bob; friend of Patti Varga and family; Gary Silvano; Charles Spaulding; Angie Rivera; Florence Rivera; Harriet Stockhoff; Rev. Ed Van Kampen; Stacey Baker; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; Steve Shpur; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Art Gross; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
Donna Scalera, as she resumes chemotherapy treatments.
Bill Metzger, brother of Nancy Baker, now in hospice care. Pray that Bill and his family may know God's comfort, peace, and reassurance as his life draws to a close.
others in hospice care or battling or recovering from cancer: TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Donna Scalera; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene; Chris Howard and his young son, Jonah.
Harry Sturgill, incarcerated during this holiday season. Please pray that his case will find justice and he will be reunited with his family.
those who are traveling.
reassurance, peace, and dignity for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life;
those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Tom Eastman; Cliff Laraway; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of beginning a higher level of education or seeking a career - pray that God will provide them with wisdom in making the many choices and decisions before them; Greg L; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.residence-bound members Murray Leonardson, Joan Van Alstyne.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
Dave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;
Alight Pregnancy Center, Hudson
Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany
Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Children:
Evelin Chuquinia, 15, Bolivia Giulbert Muguna, 18, Kenya
Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio
Maureen Menard, Youth with a Mission
Dick and Carolyn Otterness, RCA missionaries, Hungary
Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators
Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas
Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission
EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is available at his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside
for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
COMING EVENTS
Today, December 13 Gift Donations for All Gift Programs Due at KRC
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service – Sunday School Christmas Program
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
Mon, December 14
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Tues., December 15
6:30 pm Youth Group meets @KRC
Thur, December 17
9:00 am Small Group Bible Study meets
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun, December 20
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
The class continues its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.
4:00 pm KRC Annual Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Thur, December 24
7:00 pm KRC Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Mon, December 28
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Servers Next Sunday, December 20, 2015
Ushers: Pat Calhoun, Max DiOrio, Merrill Johnson
Greeter(s): Mike Deegan Donna Rhodes
