Kinderhook Reformed Church

Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship May 14, 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                                                                             John 14:1-16 (p. 763 - 4)

  Message                                                                                                 “Christ is Life Eternal”

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10:00 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Thanks to today’s ushers, Dave Ennis, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Joy Bertram.      

 Nursery facility available downstairs.

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

  Prelude

  Welcome, Announcements

  God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

       We know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his;
       we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.

       For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
       and his faithfulness to all generations.

*Hymn of Praise #26                                                      Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Holy Living  Based on 1 Peter 1:1, 2

Get rid of all selfish desires and evil behavior.  Be done with pride, deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and unkind speech.  Like newborn babies, cry out for spiritual nourishment, so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.

  Prayer Hymn of Submission  (Vs. 1, 2, & 4)                            Have Thine Own Way, Lord

  Assurance of New Life in Christ  Based on 1 Peter 2:23,24

You have been born again to a new life that will last forever, because it comes from the eternal Living Word, Christ himself, the very likeness of God the Father.  Amen. 

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Father of grace and glory, transform the lives of these children through your Son, Jesus, who is the exact image of your divine and holy presence.   May their lips boldly speak your praises, their voices resound with songs of worship, and their hearts remain faithful to you forever.  Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination and Scripture Reading                          John 14:1-16 (p. 763 - 4)

  Message                                                                                                 “Christ is Life Eternal”

  Prayer of Thanksgiving and Moment of Silent Reflection

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Accept Christ as Their Savior:

"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and I admit that I am not right with you. I repent and ask your forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my offences.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash me clean, Jesus, from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

Celebrating God, His Abundance, and His Care

  Offering/Offertory

*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)

Holy God, we offer these gifts to be used to preach the truth of salvation and righteousness through Christ Jesus your Son; to proclaim his promise of renewal of mind, body, and spirit; and to make known the blessings that await those who believe in his message of love and life eternal.  Amen.   

  Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn of Blessing #519                                                                        It Is Well with My Soul

*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn (Insert)                               God Be with You

  Postlude

~COMBINED SERVICE OF DEDICATION AND CELEBRATION NEXT SUNDAY~

In a combined 10 a.m. service this coming Sunday, KRC family and friends will praise God for, dedicate to him, and celebrate the restoration work completed to date on our building. Everyone is urged to join in this special time of worship and thanksgiving.  Please note that our Sunday School children will be included in the dedication service, and will not meet separately.

~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: the South African family grieving the death of their young son following a lion attack; the extended family of Ellen Lawrence, cousin of Deborah Spaulding, grieving Ellen’s recent death, as well as the death of Ellen’s brother, Ken, this past February; Michele Fuchs, co-worker of Nancy Baker, and family grieving the recent passing of Michele's mom, Valerie Molnar; family and friends grieving the recent death of Jim Bult, friend of the Bakers; the Bertram Family, especially Joy and her mother, Lois, grieving the recent death of father and husband, Stan Bertram.
• 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.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Ahtua Teo; Gail Schubert; Chris, Elize Visser’s dad; Annis and her young daughter; Keith Niver; Betty Osborn; Darla and Jill; Lennox; Lynn; Rob; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; 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.
• others facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Stacey Baker; Libby Little-Saxton, now back to work with refugees after assisting her husband, John, in his recovery from knee-replacement surgery. 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.
• residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.

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 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.
• new KRC members recently received into fellowship. Please lift them up in your prayers as they join with us in ministry and fellowship.
• the good news that John Saxton, Libby Little-Saxton’s husband, has a new knee, is home from hospital, and recovering well - even climbing stairs!  Libby and John are very thankful for everyone’s prayers.
• 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.

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 over $2.75 per week for the remaining 32 weeks in this year. Please clearly 
designate all contributions, “Classis Assessment.”  

Elize Visser (4^th), Joan Clause (5^th), Sara Hartman (9^th),

 Brenda Longe (9^th), Tom Call (23^rd), Andrew Welcome (23^rd),

Phil Hurst (26^th), Liezl Visser (28^th), Anina Visagie (29^th),

 Jerry Flansburg (30^th)

~STEWARDSHIP UPDATE~

Our recent Sunday offerings have been trending below the $3,000 needed weekly to meet daily operating expenses. Again this past Sunday, our offering of $2,286 came in well under this need.  From past experience, we know that continued shortfalls result in budget deficits that become difficult, if not impossible, to make up without dipping into general reserves. Regular contributors are asked to “double up” on their giving if they miss a Sunday, and Stewardship Ministry urges that everyone give prayerful consideration to how they might adjust their giving to help keep income at a level that will meet daily operating expenses.  

Inspired by 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.

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

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                                         

                                           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,   May 14

      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

Tues,  May 16

      7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets

Thur, May 18

       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

Sun,   May 21  Combined Service for Dedication of Restoration Work to Date

    10:00 am  Dedication Worship Service

Please Note: Sunday School will not meet Sunday, May 21.

Mon,  May 22

      6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sun,   May 28  Children’s Sunday – Last Day of Sunday School

      8:30 am  Early Worship Service

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

    10:00 am  Worship Service, Sunday School students participating

Fri,   June 2

Please Note:  In lieu of KRC’s Annual Free Pancake Breakfast Saturday, June 3, there will be no First Friday Community Dinner in June.

Sat,   June 3 

      8:00 - 11:00 am  Annual KRC Pancake Breakfast

      8:00 - Noon  Annual KRC Plant Swap/Sale