Kinderhook Reformed Church

KINDERHOOK REFORMED CHURCH SUNDAY WORSHIP

 NOVEMBER 6, 2016 -  REV. RUDY VISSER, PASTOR

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Welcome visitors!  Please 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                                                                                                   1 Peter 2:4-10 (p. 857)

  Message                                                                                               “An Historical Election”

  Prayer of Thanks

  Sacrament of Communion

  Offering and Prayer of Blessing

  Intercessory Prayer

*Closing Hymn and Benediction

10 A.M.  CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP

Following worship today, all are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments

downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

 Thanks to today’s ushers, Jason Brevoort, Derick LaTorre, Chris Laurie, Steve Shpur.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Maureen Mooney.

          Thanks to all who have recently signed up as front-door greeters for our 10 am worship services.  Only two volunteers are needed to complete the schedule for the remainder of this year!  Please sign up today on the sheet provided at the back table.

Flowers are given today by Dave and Beth Ennis in memory of their parents.

 Guest Organist, David Smith                                    Preschool nursery available downstairs.

  Prelude     Intermezzo, Andantino from Sonata No. 4 in a minor, op. 98    Rheinberger                                       

  Welcome, Announcements, and God's Greeting

Drawing Near to God

  Call to Worship  (Responsive)  Based on Ephesians 5:8-14
We are called to be the children of light.
       We come to worship to be renewed in our faith

               that our light might ever shine.
The light of Christ is found in all that is good and right and true.
       We gather for worship that we might gather ourselves

               to do what is good and right and true to Christ.
All: We come to worship to celebrate and give thanks to God.

               Let us lift our voices in praise!

*Hymn of Celebration and Thanks  (Insert)                            Come Sing, O Church, in Joy

  Invocation 

Allowing God to Shape Us

  Call to Confession

In spoken word and silent thought, unfold your prayer to our God who is our shelter and strength.

  Prayer of Confession  (Responsive) 

Holy God, we bear your holiness. You sowed your love in the depths of our being. You promised to be with us always and sent us out with Good News. How hesitant we have been with love and how timid our voice. How doubting has been our heart. We have allowed your holiness and promises of provision to give way to fear and anxiety and entitlement. Repeatedly, we hold possessions in higher regard than our neighbor, and the influential higher than the needy. O, Lord forgive us . . .

[Moment of Silent Confession]

Faithful God, forgive our wavering trust, our timid hope, our shaky creeds.

Restore our place in your family - loved, blessed, and sent forth. In the name of Christ, our hope and joy. Amen.

  Assurance of Forgiveness  (Responsive)  Hosea 11:8-9

Hear these words of Scripture: God says, "My heart is changed within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger ... for I am God and not a man, the Holy One among you, and I will not come in wrath." Indeed, God comes to us in Christ Jesus, offering us forgiveness and new life. Hear the Good News: In the name of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven.

       Thanks be to God Amen.

Coming before God’s Open Word

  Children’s Sermon and Prayer of Blessing  (Unison)

Father, bless these children with the knowledge that you have adopted them in love. Enable them to experience all the spiritual blessings they have in Christ Jesus, and to think and act always in ways befitting a child of God.  

  Prayer for Illumination

  Scripture                                                                                                   1 Peter 2:4-10 (p. 857)

  Message                                                                                               “An Historical Election”

  Prayer of Thanks

Celebrating God

  Solo, Deborah Spaulding,  “I waited for the Lord” from The Hymn of Praise   Mendelssohn 

  Sacrament of Communion

  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 in Remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 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 #448 (Verses 1 & 2)  Jesus I Come

                                                                                                                       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! And now, as Christ taught us, we pray together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen.

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 after COMMUNION  (Unison)

Dear Lord Jesus, in the destructive chaos and upheaval of this world, we look for the solid foundation of your presence and truth.  Turn us away from those things that weaken our relationship with you. Keep us alive to your eternal power within us; shape us into effective disciples; and build us up to be strong and dedicated witnesses to your gospel until the day of your coming.   Amen.

   Offering/Offertory                       Monologue No. 3, op. 162                         Rheinberger

Today is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund.  Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family and community members.     

  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)

Jesus, today we offer ourselves to you, the cornerstone of our lives, knowing that anything we build without you will not stand. In recognition of the truth that you are the uniquely perfect foundation of every undertaking and ministry of this church, we humbly present these gifts to you and to your service. Amen.  

  Pastoral Prayer

*Hymn of Hope #733                                                     We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations

*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                                    Monologue No. 1, op. 162                                Rheinberger         

~VALATIE FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING BASKETS~

Dear Kinderhook Reformed Church Family and Friends,

       Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be given again to families who use the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and request one. The baskets will contain everything needed for Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, potatoes, corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and brownies. The Pantry buys all food items in bulk, and if you would like to help financially, 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 CONTINUES~

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, WHICH BEGAN LAST SUNDAY, WILL CONTINUE THROUGH NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13. Please place your bagged donations in the foyer on or before that date. In the event you are not able to leave donated items by the 13^th, you may do so on the 20^th, which is the day baskets will be packed at St. John's Church. Suggested food items most needed are CANNED SWEET POTATOES and YAMS; INSTANT MASHED POTATOES; CANNED VEGETABLES; CRANBERRY SAUCE; TURKEY STUFFING; TURKEY GRAVY IN CANS OR JARS; BROWNIE MIX; PUMPKIN PIE MIX.  As a result of generous financial contributions and food donations to this ministry last year, more than 100 needy families in our local communities enjoyed great thanksgiving dinners, and KRC contributed substantially to this effort. Let’s make this year even better!  Bags for transporting your gifts from market to church, including shopping lists, may be found on the back table.

~ CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE 2016-2017 SEASON ~

       CITV’s enlarged 2016-2017 season continues with Royal Handel at 3 p.m. NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, at Kinderhook Reformed Church. Included will be Handel’s most celebratory works for chorus, orchestra, and soloists.

       On February 12^th CITV returns to The School/Jack Shainman Gallery with 20^th Century Music for Strings and Women’s Voices, including works by Vaughan Williams, Britten, Saint-Saëns, Poulenc and Foote. The women of the Broad Street Chorale will perform, along with soprano Amanda Boyd, soloist in Britten’s Les Illuminations. On April 2^nd at Kinderhook Reformed Church Masterpieces from the Classical Age will feature Mozart’s magnificent Mass in c minor, as well as Haydn’s virtuosic Sinfonia Concertante for which the soloists will be principals of the Broad Street Orchestra: violinist Elizabeth Silver, cellist Erica Pickhardt, oboist Karen Hosmer, and bassoonist Cornelia McGiver.

       Suggested donation for all performances - $20.  For further information and assured seating go to www.concertsinthevillage.org or call 758-6869.

TOWER RESTORATION WORK JOURNAL

For the past week:

The cross was placed on the front of the church roof and the finials were placed on the turrets.

One of the 120' lifts was moved out and a 150' lift was brought onto the site.

The weathervane was removed using the 150’ lift.  After an up-close look, the contractor  is confident  the weathervane can be restored. Therefore, we should not have to replace it with a new weathervane, which we had been prepared to do if necessar

The first coat of paint was placed on the floor at the bell level.

The replacement wood trim has arrived, and the contractor has begun replacing the missing and rotted trim sections.

~STEWARDSHIP REPORT~

     Our weekly offering this past Sunday of $3,412 was again well over our weekly need of $3,000 - Praise God!

     Many thanks to those who have recently made substantial gifts toward bringing our income more into line with expenses, and to our regular contributors who “doubled up” on their giving to cover the Sundays they missed. Stewardship Ministry continues to urge everyone to 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.

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. Pray especially for the Stop Hunger Now campaign and upcoming October meal-packing event.
• 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. Pray especially that God’s hand will direct our nation’s upcoming Presidential and other government elections.
• our military men & women, their families, and friends, that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace, especially Jason Lansing, being deployed to service 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 Tabitha, family, and friends grieving the death of husband and father, Jeff; and Craig Wood, family, and friends grieving the sudden loss of Craig’s wife.
• 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.     
• Susan Lamont, recovering from surgery to remove her left ovary, Fallopian tube, and a large cyst. The cyst was sent for biopsy, but results have not yet returned. Please pray for speedy and complete healing, peace, and reassurance for Susan during this trying time.
• Chris Nel, Elize Visser's father, came through recent retinal surgery very well but will be facing an extended period of healing. Please pray also for peace and reassurance for Elize, who is so far away from her dad, and for his caregivers in South Africa.
• Dina, mother of Anna-Marie Zietsman, doing reasonably well following recent surgery. Pray for a complete and speedy recovery without complications for Dina, and keep Anna-Marie, who is also so far away from her mother, in your prayers, along with Dina’s caregivers in South Africa. 
• Paul Osborne as he deals with continued radiation therapy following lung cancer surgery.
• Merrill Johnson, that appropriate means will be found to deal effectively with the pain that he is suffering.
• Jeff Peter, recovering in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center following a recent double-lung transplant.  Jeff appears to be doing well, but please pray for a full recovery without complications for him, and for peace, reassurance, and strength for his family as they assist Jeff in his recovery.

• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Mike Smith; Loren Speer; Vickie Metzger; Chrissy Blackwood; Alexandria Noxon; Eddie; Patti Varga’s Uncle Martin; Jay Rippel; Fred Borelli; Mark; Virginia Rothermel; Maggie; Art Gross; Angie Rivera; Susan Clause; Stacey Baker; Harriet Stockhoff; Ruth Edge; Jean Skipper; Floyd Haber; Alan Dick; Paul Varga; Liz Carroll.
• Donna Scalera, hospitalized again at St. Peter’s and not doing well in her battle with cancer.
• others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Mark; Jay, co-worker of Deborah Spaulding; Angie, friend of Sara Hartman; 6-month-old grandson of Rick; Ann; Jill; Steve; Dorothy Wheeler.
• those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: 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 alarming epidemic of  heroin addicts.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill: Nancy Stewart; Rick Scalera.
• those traveling.
• residence-bound KRC family, Murray Leonardson; Joan Van Alstyne; George Clowe.

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 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.
• 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 report that Virginia Rothermel continues to do well. Ginny thanks the congregation for the cards and messages of encouragement she received, and she hopes to be back in church as the cooler fall weather sets in.
• His provision for all of 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.

PULPIT FLOWERS

                              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  Worship

                   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     Courtney Wood – 784-2134                                

                          KRC Sexton                 KRC Cemetery Supervisor        

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

COMING EVENTS

Today, November 6 – Consistory Nomination Ballots Due Today.

       8:30 am  Early Communion Worship Service

       9:45 am  New Bible-based study continues

           “I Am a Church Member – Discovering the Attitudes that Make the Difference”

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

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

          New Study Begins: "Ephesians - Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ"      

       4:00 pm  Service of Lament @KRC

    All who have lost someone to suicide or accidental overdose are invited.

Tues,  November 8

       7:00 pm  KRC Youth Group meets @KRC

       7:00 pm  “Inclusion Bible Study Conversation,” @Claverack Reformed Church

       7:00 pm  New members’ class meets @the parsonage.

Thur, November 10

     9:00 am  Small Group Bible Study meets @KRC

           We invite you to join us as we continue a new Bible-based study,

    “I Am a Church Member – Discovering the Attitudes that Make the Difference”

     10:00 am  Community Prayer Group @KRC

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

                                  “A Study Book for Serious Students of Scripture.”

Sun,   November 13  Food Pantry Donations Due Today

       8:30 am  Early Worship Service

       9:45 am  New Bible-based study continues

           “I Am a Church Member – Discovering the Attitudes that Make the Difference”

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

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

     New Study Continues: "Ephesians - Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ"      

       3:00 pm  Concerts in the Village continues its season with Royal Handel           

                                      @Kinderhook Reformed Church.

Thur, November 17

       6:30 pm  Mental health panel discussion,

                 "Identification and Support – You’re Not Alone"

Servers Next Sunday, November 13, 2016

       Ushers:  Jim Baker, Merrill Johnson, Max DiOrio

       Greeter(s):  Sally Heimroth