May 1, 2016

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, MAY 1, 2016  

 KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH - REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR

 “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

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                                                                                          Revelation 22:1-5 (p. 879)

  Message                                                                               “God’s Promise of Restoration”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Sacrament of Communion

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

 

10 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

  All are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments downstairs following worship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, and Glenn Warren

 Thanks to today’s greeter(s), Ryan Morris

Thanks to our guest organist, David Smith

Preschool nursery available downstairs.

 

  Prelude                   Prélude from 24 Pièces en style libre, Op.31                   Louis Vierne           

  Welcome, Announcements, and God’s Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Psalm 67:1-4a

May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us
so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy.

*Hymn of Worship #356                                                  All Creatures of Our God and King

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession   Based on 1 John 1:5-7

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  We claim to have fellowship with him, yet we often wander away from his light and into the darkness. Believing that the blood of his Son, Jesus, purifies us from all sin, let us confess our waywardness and be restored to fellowship with the Father.

  Prayer of Confession (Unison)

Holy and merciful God, in your presence we confess our shortcomings and our unfaithfulness to you. You alone know how often we have forgotten your love, wandered from your ways, and drifted into the shadowy pitfalls of sin.  Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed and sorry for all the times we have strayed from your truth and from the life it promises. Forgive us for all we have done to disgrace ourselves and to grieve you.  Gather us again unto yourself, and keep us walking and living in your light, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

  Assurance of Forgiveness  (Responsive) Based on Isaiah 44:21-22

The Lord says, “Remember these things, my children: I created you, and you are my servants; you will not be forgotten by me or lost from me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

       Thanks be to God!

 

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)

Lord Jesus, draw each of these children face-to-face with you.  May they know your goodness, your love, and the glorious light of your presence in their lives; may they experience your power to renew and strengthen them; and may they long for more of you each day.  Amen.

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                          Revelation 22:1-5 (p. 879)

  Message                                                                               “God’s Promise of Restoration”

  Prayer of Thanks

 

Celebrating God

  Sacrament of Communion

                                        THE MEANING OF THE SACRAMENT

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we come to the table of our Lord in Remembrance, Communion, and Hope. 

We come to Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ was sent into the world so we might be saved through him.

We come to be in Communion with this same Christ who has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world.

We come in Hope, believing that this bread and cup are a pledge and foretaste of the feast of love in the kingdom to come.

Since by his death, resurrection, and ascension Christ has obtained for us the life-giving Spirit who unites us all in one body,

so we receive this Supper in true love, mindful of the communion of saints.

THE INVITATION

This is the feast of the Lord’s Table, in which all who profess the Lordship of Christ in their lives are invited to share.  Come, for all things are now ready.

COMMUNION HYMN #121 (Verses 1, 2, 3)   Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

                                                 THE COMMUNION PRAYER

Let us lift up our hearts and give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is holy and right to lift up our hearts and give God thanks and praise.

It is with joy that we give thanks to you in all times and places, Almighty and Everlasting God. You have shown the fullness of your love by sending to us Jesus Christ our Lord, made flesh for us, for our salvation, and for reconciliation with you.  For this precious gift of your Son, we worship and sing praise to you, O God:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Most righteous God, we remember in this Supper the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ for the sin of the whole world.  In the joy of his resurrection and expectation of his coming again, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices, and proclaim this mystery of the faith:

Christ has died! Christ is risen! Christ will come again!

As this grain and these grapes are gathered from many fields and hills into one loaf and one cup, to be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ, grant also that your whole Church may be joined together in him, attain unity in the faith, and soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

                                                                 THE COMMUNION

The Lord Jesus, the same night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

(Distribution of the bread)

The bread which we break is the communion of the body of Christ.

 

After the same manner also, he took the cup when they had supped, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

(Distribution of the cup)

The cup of blessing which we bless is the communion of the blood of Christ.

 

PRAYER HYMN #632 -  The Lord’s Prayer

  Offering/Offertory           Couplet, Domine Duus, Agnus Dei              Nicholas de Grigny

*Doxology (#809)

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)

Generous God, with this offering we also present to you ourselves: all that we are because of your love, all that we shall become because of your grace, and our resolve to walk in your way.  Accept us and our offering, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.  

  Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn of Commitment #539                                    I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

*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    Basse et Dessus de Trompette,  Louis-Nicholas Clérambault, Suite du Premier Ton (1710)

            

 

~“WEE CARE” BABY SHOWER TODAY FOLLOWING WORSHIP~

Wee Care, a ministry of Kinderhook Reformed Church which provides baby items to mothers in need for their newborn, is sponsoring a baby shower TODAY following the 10 a.m. worship service.  We will enjoy a light luncheon and a game with prizes, and please bring a wrapped gift – onesies and sleepers, sizes 0 – 3 and 3 -6, are needed.

 

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE REGIONAL SYNOD OF ALBANY

The Regional Synod of Albany will hold its annual meeting at Camp Fowler beginning this afternoon through tomorrow evening.  Please uphold the delegates in prayer  –  one of whom is Pastor Rudy and some who attend from as far away as Ohio – as they work through the various issues for consideration on their agenda.

 

 

 

~NEW BIBLE STUDIES CONTINUE – INVITATION FROM CHRISTIAN ED MINISTRY~

A 4-week Bible study based on themes in the movie, God's not Dead 2, continues Thursday evenings at 7 pm and Sunday mornings at 10 am (for those who attend the 8:30 service).  The cost of the student book for this study is $10.  Just like War Room, you do not have to see the movie in order to do this study.  All are welcome!

  • Lesson/Week 2 (Today, May 1): Understanding the Evidence - The Evidence for the Historical Jesus
  • Lesson/Week 3 (Thur, May 5; Sun, May 8): Passing the Test - As Believers, Our Faith Is Tested.
  • Lesson/Week 4 (Thur, May 12; Sun, May 15): Spreading the News – Communi- cating the Gospel to Others

 

 

~NEW SEWING GROUP BEING CONSIDERED AT KRC~

A signup sheet is available on the back table for those who would like to take part in starting a sewing group at KRC. Although some ideas have already been put forward about sewing for different charities, the direction the group takes and what it decides to sew all depends on who joins.  If you enjoy sewing, please consider taking advantage of this outreach opportunity. 

 

 

 

~HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY!~

Elize Visser (4th), Joan Clause (5th), Sara Hartman (9th), Tom Call (23rd),

Andrew Welcome (23rd), Sarah Bailey (24th), Liezl Visser (28th),

 Anina Visagie (29th), Jerry Flansburg (30th)

 

PULPIT FLOWERS

Many KRC family and friends have, in the past, provided cut flowers for the pulpit in celebration of an anniversary or birthday, in honor of a special day or event, and in loving memory of family and friends who have passed away. This time of year, arrangements must be purchased; however, during the summer months, those of you who are gardeners are invited to arrange and display your own garden flowers on a Sunday of your choice.  If you are interested in purchasing or providing flowers for a particular Sunday, please contact Dawn, 758-7564.

 

 

 

 

~2016 CLASSIS ASSESSMENT~

 

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 PER MEMBER:        $88.93

                          (Up $0.91 from 2014)

 

 

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

 

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.
  • Rev. Paige Convis, KRC’s new associate pastor, as she is called to take up her ministerial duties as full-time pastor to the Muitzeskill and Stuyvesant Reformed Churches beginning May 1.
  • KRC ministries, programs & projects and those planning & administering them: KRC’s Consistory, especially new members, Tana Thompson and Chip Wood; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; KRC’s small group ministries; Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday, and other outreach programs. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • those who, even after many years, still hurt from the void left by loved ones who have passed on from this world. 
  • all who have suffered and struggled with significant recent loss of any kind.
  • reassurance, peace, and dignity for loved ones nearing the close of this life.     
  • those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Nancy Stewart as she manages the needs of her aging parents in Ogdensburg, NY.
  • God's blessing on the Bible studies continuing this week: 7 pm Thursday and 10 am next Sunday; and remember also the Adult Sunday School Class as they restart their study of 1 Peter.
  • Charles (Chucky) Spaulding, Michael Spaulding’s uncle, admitted to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and awaiting biopsy results and possible immediate surgery.  Charles, in his 90s, also has prostate cancer, but has been healthy and active to date. Pray for encouraging test results for Charles, as well as for reassurance and peace for him and his family
  • Kathleen Campbell, mother-in-law of Jane Deane's daughter, Jen, recovering from surgery following a recent heart attack. Please pray for a speedy healing for Kathleen.  
  • Greg Clause Jr.'s mother, hospitalized recently, and pray also for Greg as he assists with meeting his mother's needs.
  • Ron Dick, Alan’s brother; Ron has NOT suffered a relapse of his cancer as we recently reported. However, the incision from his cancer surgery was not closing as expected, and some very painful procedures had to be performed to promote better healing. Please pray for a  speedy recovery without further complications for Ron.
  • Angie Rivera, suffering from cellulitis and finding the difficulty of fighting this condition very discouraging.  Pray for speedy healing for Angie, and for God’s peace, reassurance, and encouragement during this stressful time.
  • others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Linda, friend of Erika Johnson; Maggie Brower; Cathryn Rhodes, mother of Donna Rhodes; Sissy Mahoney; Vicky, cousin of Susan Lamont; Donald Smith, father of Janet Smith Van Allen; Tom Carroll, son-in-law of Barbara Gross; Steve Shpur; Sug Hawver; Elizabeth Clinton; Gary Silvano; Stacey Baker; Art Gross; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Merrill Johnson; Jean Skipper; John Bowen; Floyd Haber; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll; Laurie Maul.
  • Those battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Donna Scalera; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler; 6-month-old Baby Szafran; TJ Vooris; Judy Alvarez; Leonard Blish; Carol, Elize Visser’s sister-in-law; Marlene.
  • those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Donna and Jason; Amber, granddaughter of Erika and Merrill Johnson; Don and Phyllis Tymeson; Harry Sturgill; the alarming wave of new, young heroin addicts; those facing the challenges of a higher level of education or seeking a career; Cliff Laraway; Greg L and friend, Joshua; Vince Beaudoin; Libby Little.
  • God's protection for those traveling, especially Hannah Deweerd and her uncle. 
  • residence-bound members, Murray Leonardson and Joan Van Alstyne.

 

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.
  • 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 Steve Shpur is now recovering at home following recent hospitalization.  Steve says he still has a way to go in his full recovery, but he is very happy to be doing this at home!  Please pray for a speedy return to full health for Steve, and for his wife, Janet, as she assists him in the healing process.
  • this encouraging update from Sug Hawver: “I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and concern for me during my surgery and now my recovery, and also for the cards and phone calls - all is greatly appreciated. Hope it won't be too long and I will be back to Sunday worship. Peace to all, Sug Hawver.”
  • the happy news that Sara Schubert has a granddaughter due to arrive May 29 to son, Josh Schubert, and his wife, Helen.
  • the happy news from Arnie and Claudia March that they have a grandson who is due to arrive in May. 
  • The good news that Greg Clause Jr. continues to make gains in his addiction recovery at the home of his grandparents, Paul and Joan.  Please remember to pray for Greg as he attends out-patient treatment and counseling, and pray that his family will be able to maintain a strong and successful support system for him.
  • 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 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.  Please forward this information, as well as new requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call 859-4158. 

 

 

 

 

 

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, visitations, and counseling.

For immediate assistance at any time, call 859-4158.

Church Phone   758-6401                Church Fax   758-6402

 

 

 

 

 

                                      KRC 2016 CONSISTORY

                                    Pastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

                                                                        Deacons

Liz Carroll – ’16  Outreach, CITV Committee, Clerk  

Derick LaTorre  ’16  Cemetery, Stewardship, Treasurer  

Tana Thompson  ’17  Church Family

Chip Wood  ’17  Property   

                                                                          Elders

                         Merrill Johnson – ’16
                         Patrice Lyons – ’16  Outreach, Clerk

Patti Varga  ’17  Christian Education, Vice President of Consistory

Barbara Vosburgh  ’17 Personnel and Pastoral Relations

 

                                                           KRC STAFF

                       KRC Office Manager                     KRC Office Assistant     

                     Paul Clause – 859-4158                 Liz Carroll – 758-6034

                                    Cemetery Supervisor         KRC Sexton

                                          Greg Clause                 Mike Deegan

                       

                  COMING EVENTS

Today, May 1     

       8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

     10:00 am  Communion Worship Service and Sunday School

                      God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 2

     11:15 am  Wee Care baby shower/luncheon, KRC Fellowship Room

                Please Note:  Adult Sunday School Class will not meet today.

Tues,  May 3

       7:00 pm  Youth Group meets

Thur, May 5

      9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

       7:00 pm God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 3

Fri,   May  6

       6:00 pm  First Friday community outreach dinner

Sun,   May 8    

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

     10:00 am  Worship Service and Sunday School

                      God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study begins, Lesson 1

     11:15 am  Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room           

               The class resumes its study of 1 & 2 Peter and Jude.

                      God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 3

Mon, May 9

       6:30 pm  Consistory meets

Tues, May 10

       7:00 pm  Youth Group meets

Thur, May 12

     9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @ KRC

       7:00 pm God Is Not Dead 2 Bible study meets, Lesson 4

Mon,  May 23

       6:30 pm  Outreach Ministry meets

Sun,   May 29 

     10:00 am  Combined Worship Service

             Dave Alexander, KRC missionary to Taiwan, speaks at KRC.

               A light brunch will be served following the worship service.

 

 

Servers Next Sunday, May 8, 2016

       Ushers: Ted Call, Jerry Flansburg, Glenn Warren

       Greeter(s): Marissa Brevoort