KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES NOVEMBER 16, 2014
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”
Rev. Tom McCrossan, Guest Preacher
Tom McCrossan is an ordained RCA minister. He currently serves at City Mission of Schenectady as the Director of the Men's Shelter and Guest Services, and Assistant Chaplain. He was a full time pastor for nearly 30 years and is a member of Schenectady Classis. He is married with three children and three grandchildren (and three cats and two dogs).
A warm welcome to visitors. We would like to get to know you better
and 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 and the Lord’s Greeting
Morning Prayer
*Hymn #532 Be Thou My Vision
Scripture Ephesians 3:14-21 (p. 828)
Sermon "Knowing God’s Unfathomable Love"
Prayer of Blessing
Offering
Intercessory Prayer
*Closing Hymn #295 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
*Benediction
10 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
Greeter(s): Sally Heimroth Preschool Nursery available downstairs.
Guest Organist, David Smith
Prelude Prelude in the form of a Pastorale, op. 88/5 C. V. Stanford
Announcements and God’s Greeting
Drawing Near To God
Call to Worship (Responsive) Psalm 34:1-10 (Good News Translation)
LEADER: I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him.
PEOPLE: I will praise him for what he has done; may all who are oppressed listen and be glad! Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness; let us praise his name together!
LEADER: I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me; he freed me from all my fears. The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed.
PEOPLE: The helpless call to him, and he answers; he saves them from all their troubles. His angel guards those who honor the Lord and rescues them from danger.
LEADER: Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Happy are those who find safety with him.
PEOPLE: Honor the Lord, all his people; those who obey him have all they need. Even lions go hungry for lack of food, but those who obey the Lord lack nothing good.
*Hymn #802 Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
Prayer of Confession (Responsive)
LEADER: Blow upon us, O Lord, the fresh wind of your Spirit.
PEOPLE: Refresh our souls that have been weary from the world and its daily quota of crime and deceit and lack of love.
LEADER: Help us to forget here a little while the difficulties of daily existence, and breathe from your presence new hope and new purpose and new direction for our lives.
PEOPLE: Embolden us to pray and seek your face, so that everything else may find its proper place in the order of living.
LEADER: All hearts are open to you, O God, and all desires known.
PEOPLE: Cleanse our innermost thoughts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may glorify your holy name, and serve you acceptably with our whole heart and soul and body.
[Moment of Silent Prayer]
Words of Assurance and Direction (Responsive)
LEADER: God knows us better than we know ourselves, and loves us better than we love ourselves.
PEOPLE: God forgives us more than we forgive ourselves. As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us. All for Christ's sake.
LEADER: Believe the Good News, and live according to God's Word which says, "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." (1 John 3:1-3)
Allowing God to Shape Us
Children’s Message and Prayer of Blessing (Unison)
Gracious Father, may these children experience all the spiritual blessings you have provided for them through Christ Jesus. Enable them to act, speak, and think in ways befitting children adopted in your measureless love.
Prayer Hymn for Illumination #532 Be Thou My Vision
Scripture Ephesians 3:14-21 (p. 828)
Sermon "Knowing God’s Unfathomable Love"
Prayer of Thanks
Giving Ourselves for God’s Glory
Offering and Offertory Andante tranquillo, op. 101/4 C. V. Stanford
*Doxology and 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.
Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer
*Hymn #295 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
*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 Postlude (in A major) Horatio Parker
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
~VALATIE FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING BASKETS~
Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,
Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be given to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. As we ready the sheets for people to sign up, we have 242 families who are eligible, with a total of 883 individuals. We are writing to ask for any help your congregation is able to give.
The baskets include food for Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and brownies. If your congregation would like to help financially (we buy all food items in bulk), checks may be made payable to “Kinderhook Reformed Church” with “Thanksgiving Baskets” on the memo line and dropped into the offering plate.
Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give. Any monies or food items left over after the baskets are distributed will be put into the pantry account or onto the pantry shelves.
Sincerely,
Jean S. Norton, for the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry
~OUTREACH MINISTRY’S THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE ENDS TODAY!~
Along with the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry’s financial appeal in support of its Thanksgiving Food Basket program, KRC’s Outreach Ministry is once again collecting Thanksgiving food items for the pantry. THE DRIVE ENDS TODAY, so please place your bagged donations in the foyer if you have not already done so.
As a result of last year’s financial contributions and food collection drive, many needy families in our local communities enjoyed great Thanksgiving dinners, and KRC contributed substantially to this ministry. Many heartfelt thanks to all of you whose efforts have helped to make this year even better!
~ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE NOVEMBER 26~
The United Methodist Church of Niverville will host the Ichabod Crane Council’s Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 26. All are invited to share in the blessing of this Thanksgiving Worship.
~CCRM MEN’S and WOMEN’S GIFT PROGRAMS ~
LET’S SHARE OUR BLESSINGS and bring some warmth and caring to many who might not otherwise have much “Holiday Cheer” in these difficult times. KRC is again be collecting gifts for homeless men, and Capital City Rescue Mission will distribute these gifts at the Mission’s community Christmas dinners. In a gallon-size zip lock bag, place the following 5 items: (1) two new pairs men’s warm socks; (2) one knitted hat; (3) one pair of LG or XLG mittens or gloves – no MEDIUM please; (4) a personal care item or pair of items such as toothbrush/paste, deodorant, shaving gel/razor, nail clipper; and (5) a non-perishable snack or treat that will not crush or melt - no peanuts or chocolate, please. Wrap with festive paper (no bows), tape securely, mark LG or XLG on the outside of package, and return to the church collection boxes by SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7.
Outreach Ministry is also collecting ladies TOILETRIES and COSMETICS for the CCRM women. Toiletries requested include hand lotion, Chapstick, shower gel, shampoo, shower mist, perfumes, colognes, and fancy soaps; Cosmetics - all in neutral colors - include lipstick, lip gloss, eye liner, blush, mascara, or anything that would make a lady feel a little special. Baskets will be placed in convenient locations in the church for collecting individual items. AFTER SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, the toiletries and cosmetics will be delivered to the mission, where Christmas gift bags will be made up for the ladies.
ANGEL TREE GIFT PROGRAM~
Gift needs for Angel Tree’s children of prisoners will soon be displayed on angel cut-outs on a Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel will contain very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please take a moment to read the insert on the history of the Angel Tree ministry, watch for KRC’s Angel Tree soon to appear in the church’s front entranceway, and consider taking an angel. Your gifts will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Volunteers will also be needed to participate in the delivery of the gifts to local Angel Tree families. Please see Sara Hartman, or call 828-6368 or 917-538-6576, if you are willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.
~ FOND MEMORIES OF DELIVERING ANGEL TREE GIFTS ~
Back in the early days of Angel Tree, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, and his wife often personally delivered Christmas presents. One night, they discovered their directions led them to a housing project in a run-down and poorly-lit neighborhood. The Colsons knocked on the door and found a little boy all alone. His father was in prison and his mother was at work. “The boy’s eyes brightened as he saw the presents in our arms,” Chuck recalled. “The little guy pulled us into his living room. There was nothing but a chair, an old sofa with stuffing exposed, and a tree leaning haphazardly against the wall.”
“What’s your name?” Chuck asked.
“Emmanuel,” he replied.
Chuck opened his Bible to the Gospel of Matthew and said to Emmanuel, “Do you know what your name means? It means ‘God with us’!” When his mother arrived soon after, Emmanuel ran to her and hugged her around the legs. “Mommy, mommy!” he cried, “God is with us!”
As Chuck later recalled, “Even in that seemingly-hopeless, drug-infested housing project, this apartment had become an island of joy and hope. Once again, Jesus had become real.”
~CHRISTMAS TEA SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6~
Bunny Otterbeck has extended an invitation to the women of KRC to attend Christian Community Church's Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 6, from 2 - 4 p.m. Libby Little will be speaking, so mark your calendar and plan to attend. You will not want to miss the spiritual blessing and inspiration of God that Christians the world over have experienced through Libby's ministry. We have been asked to give a count of how many will be coming from our church, as a number of other churches have also been invited. If you would like to attend the tea, a sign-up sheet will be available on the back table of the sanctuary, or you may speak directly to Patti Varga who has agreed to be KRC's contact person for this event.
~MUITZESKILL REFORMED CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR DECMBER 6~
The Reformed Dutch Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Church is located at the intersection of Schodack Landing Road & Muitzeskill Road, in Schodack Landing. The Christmas Bazaar will include new and gently used Christmas decorations, cards, gifts, and books, as well as a Luncheon Cafe and a Bake Sale. For more information, call the Church office at 732-7500.
~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12~
KRC will sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 6 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, in conjunction with Kinderhook Village’s Candlelight Walk celebration. KRC’s Open House will feature tours of our beautiful sanctuary - decorated with lighted garlands, candles, poinsettias, the lovely Chrismon tree, and the nearly-life-size Fontanini Nativity - together with Christmas music, cookie decorating, refreshments, and community fellowship in the Fellowship Room. Refreshment buffet will include hot dogs, cookies, cake, candy, hot drinks, and eggnog. Volunteers to assist, as well as donations of buffet items and Christmas paper products, will be much appreciated. Please watch for a sign sheet on the back table in the near future, but feel free to contact a member of the Outreach Ministry if you are able to help with this ministry.
~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21~
Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus and will be presented at 4 p.m., December 21, at KRC. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music. (Continued on next page.)
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.
A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all.
~SALVATION ARMY LOOKING FOR BELL-RINGERS~
If you don’t mind the cold weather of winter, this might be the ministry for you this holiday season. Also, the hours spent doing this count toward completing community service requirements for anyone who may need them. If you would like to volunteer, call 567-6412.
REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR
- those who do not know Christ, or who are struggling in their faith.
- KRC programs & projects and those planning & administering them: adult and children’s Sunday School; KRC’s youth; small group ministries; adult Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; outreach programs.
- KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries, chairpersons, and supporting members.
- our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.
- survivors of warfare, terrorism, violence, and natural and other disasters worldwide, especially those in Syria, Iraq, other areas of the Middle East, and in our own country, that they may be blessed with God’s reassurance that he is in control.
- our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
- those, especially children, suffering poverty and hunger; abuse; exploitation; neglect; family hostility.
- family and friends grieving the death of loved ones.
- containment of the ebola virus, and for the thousands who are suffering from or have lost family members and friends to this disease.
- Andy, awaiting test results to determine prognosis and treatment for an aggressive cancer. Pray also for Andy’s mom, Dina, who has already lost a daughter to this same cancer.
- Dick Van Alstyne, undergoing knee-replacement surgery tomorrow, November 17.
- Susan Clause's father, recovering from surgery this past Thursday for hernia repair and drainage of a large cyst.
- those battling or recovering from cancer: Lucy B. and Rodrigo; Zoe Covey; Jean; Edward Giordano; Glen Simmons; Karen; 2-year-old Logan; Sandy; Bridget; Charlie Ropollo; Donna Scalera.
- those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Carl, Susan Lamont’s cousin; Randall; Karen Warren; Kara Ennis; Paul Varga; Jackie and her sister Barbara; Brother Arnold, Shaker friend of Suzy Nieman; Alan Dick; Doris Schmeider; Maureen Mooney; Jane Smith; Blanche Rogers; Baby Ellie LaTorre; Liz Carroll; Ruth Edge; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Florence Rivera.
- those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: Craig Johnson, struggling through a difficult and stressful family crisis; the Heimroth Family; Holly and Marc Morales; Amber and others as they face the challenges of their college education - pray that God will bless them with wisdom in all of the many choices, and decisions that they are facing; Susan Lamont and kids, settling in to their new home; Cliff, desperately in need of prayers; Christians everywhere who are suffering persecution; Libby Little.
- those who are traveling.
- reassurance and peace for our loved ones who are nearing the close of this life; those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
- Residence-bound members Gordie Van Buren, Murray Leonardson, and Joan Van Alstyne.
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR HEART AND PRAYERS THE MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES
AROUND THE WORLD THAT KRC HELPS TO SUPPORT:
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 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 good news that the Lamont Family has found a place to live.
- the many dedicated and hard-working friends and members of the Kinderhook Reformed Church Family who serve on Consistory, church ministries, and committees; teach Sunday School; lead Youth Group, Bible studies, and prayer group; organize and carry out special church events; prepare food, serve, and clean up for coffee hours, receptions, and dinners; and who are always ready to offer whatever help and support they can to those in need.
- all His provisions for our basic life needs, and the wonderful ways God shows His love to us, especially during difficult times.
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 and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158.
HAPPY NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY!
Fred Hickman (3rd), Ted Call (11th), Joy Bertram (14th), Claudia March (22nd),
Joan Van Alstyne (26th)
~ LOOKING AHEAD ~
~ A NOTE ON NEXT YEAR’S (2015) CLASSIS ASSESSMENT~
In response to some who have had questions regarding the distribution of our Classis Assessment contributions, they are divided three ways among the General Synod (national), Albany Synod (regional), and Columbia-Greene Classis (local). Next year, 2015, the assessment will be $88.02, and will be distributed as follows:
General Synod: $51.73 (Up $2.44 from 2014)
Albany Synod: $29.00 (Unchanged from 2014)
C. G. Classis: $ 7.29 (Down $1.21 from 2014)
2015 TOTAL $88.02 (Up $1.23 from 2014)
Please see RCA’s Stewardship Report (when it becomes available) for information on General Synod’s use of its share of assessed funds. Albany Synod’s portion is used to cover administrative and Camp Fowler expenses, as well as services to our congregation, including leadership development, library/video resources, and crisis management. Classis’s share is used to cover administrative costs and retreats.
COMING EVENTS
Today, November 16 – Ecumenical Food Pantry Thanksgiving Drive Ends
CCRM and Angel Tree Gift Programs Begin
8:30 am Early Worship Service
10:00 am Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Tues., November 18
7:00 pm KRC Youth Group meets
Thur., November 20
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC
Please join us as we continue our Stonecroft Bible Study,
Living in God’s Will – A Guide to Decision-Making
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Wed., November 26
7:00 pm Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service
United Methodist Church, Niverville
Mon., December 1
6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets
Fri., December 5 First Friday Potluck Supper, KRC Fellowship Hall
Sat., December 6
10 am – 2 pm Muitzeskill Reformed Church Christmas Bazaar
2 pm – 4 pm Christian Community Church Christmas Tea
Libby Little, Guest Speaker
Sun., December 7 Deadline for CCRM Gift Donations
8:30 am Early Communion Worship Service
10:00 am Communion Worship Service and Children’s Sunday School
11:15 am Adult Sunday School - main floor Conference Room
Mon., December 8
6:30 pm Consistory meets
Fri., December 12
5:30 – 8:30 pm KRC Annual Candlelight Night Open House
Sun., December 14 Sunday School Christmas Program
Sun., December 21
4:00 pm KRC Annual Lessons and Carols Worship Service
Wed., December 24
7:00 pm KRC Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Servers Next Sunday, November 23, 2014
Ushers: Jim Dunham, Fred Hickman, Barry Knights, Gary Leggett
