Kinderhook Reformed Church, January 6, 2019

“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”Rev. Rudolph Visser, Pastor

Welcome visitors! Please fill out a visitor’s pew card and place it in the offering plate.

9:30 A.M. CELEBRATION OF WORSHIPFollowing worship, all are invited downstairs for refreshments and fellowship.

Thanks to today’s ushers, Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett.Thanks to today’s greeters. Nursery facility available downstairs.

Prelude Prelude and Fugue in d minor, op. 16/3 Clara Schumann Welcome, and Announcements

Drawing Near to God Call to Worship (Responsive)

We have come here to testify to your love; Come to us, living God, and shine your light in our darkness.We have seen your glory, full of grace and truth; Come to us, living God, and shine your light in our darkness.From your fullness we have received every grace; Come to us, living God, and shine your light in our darkness.

*Hymn of Praise #92 Crown Him with Many Crowns Allowing God to Shape Us

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

Prayer of Confession (Responsive) Based on Psalm 51[Moment of Silent Confession]

Have mercy on me according to your steadfast love, O God; According to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight; You are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Assurance of Pardon (Responsive) Based on Psalms 123, 51, and 103The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children,

so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.Friends, hear the good news and believe: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Coming Before God’s Open Word Children’s Blessing and Invitation to Youth Sunday School (Unison)

Lord God, lead our children to trust, not in their own good works, but only in the grace of Jesus for their salvation; assure them that through faith in Jesus they are made good in your sight, and that their souls are secure in your hands for all eternity.

Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading Ephesians 2:4-10 Message “On Becoming a ‘Good Work’ vs. Doing Good Works” Prayer of Blessing

Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance Sacrament of Baptism Being baptized today is Joselyn Steward.*Hymn of Celebration #98 Majesty Holy Communion (By Intinction) Unison Reading Psalm 103:1 – 5, 20 – 22

1 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.22 Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, my soul.

Offering/Offertory Tranquillo, op. 154/1 Siegfrid Karg-Elert*Doxology #809 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Holy God, we offer these gifts today in gratitude for the righteousness you have freely bestowed upon us through faith in your son, Jesus Christ. May they reflect our desire to strengthen our relationship with you, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer, and to bring others to a knowledge of your transforming grace. Amen.

Prayer & Praise Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer

*Prayer Hymn #101 My Jesus, I Love Thee *Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace Postlude Andante in D major (1823) Felix Mendelssohn

Taking down and storing the sanctuary Christmas decorations will take place this coming Tuesday, January 8, at 9 am. This is a strenuous job if left to only 2 or 3 in-dividuals, so everyone who is able to lend a hand with this effort will be most wel-come.

Paul Clause (2nd), Libby Little (2nd), Robert Carroll (12th), Jennifer Jennings (19th), Stacey Baker (20th), Noreen Dick (22nd), Sug Hawver (27th), Jean Skipper (29th),

William Carroll (31st), Ainsley Clinton (31st)

~PARENTS’ NIGHTS OUT SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 5:30 – 8:30 pm~

STEWARDSHIP WEEKLY UPDATEOur offering last Sunday was $1,883, more than $1,300 short of thethe $3,200 needed weekly to cover KRC’s daily operating expenses.

Our thanks to those who contributed to the poinsettias decorating our pulpit area: Will and Jayne Ferguson, in loving memory of loved ones

Sug Hawver Maureen MooneySuzy & Bill Nieman, in memory of the Duck Family

Nancy Swinyard, in loving memory ofReginald and Edna Swinyard and Linda Swinyard MorehouseGlenn and Cricket Warren, in memory of Ann Van Benschoten

Income to date: $166,506 Expenses to date: $168,939 Shortfall: $2,433

~LESSONS AND CAROLS WORSHIP SERVICE NOTED IN REGISTER STAR ARTICLE: “Rais-ing Their Voices in Song to Celebrate the Season”~

“There is no question but that the annual [KRC] Celebration of Lessons and Carols has become an established regional tradition. The sense of community is remarkable. Many tell me that this joyous occasion marks for them the true beginning of the holidays.” David Smith

Daniel Zuckerman Columbia-Greene MediaDecember 24, 2018 12:15 amKINDERHOOK — The Kinderhook Reformed Church rang in Christmas on Sunday with its ninth annual Celebration of Lessons & Carols, a worship service celebrating the birth of Je-sus Christ. Nine religious leaders and members of the community read passages of the Bible in be-tween renditions of hymns and carols such as “What Child is This?” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by a choir of 40 singers, conducted by David Smith, the founder and artistic di-rector of Kinderhook’s Concerts in the Village series. Some of the music heard in the service has at various times been included in other services of lessons and carols elsewhere. At King’s College in Cambridge, England, the service traditionally opens with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City” and is often performed at other churches, too, according to a pro-gram detailing the Kinderhook service. The service was presided over by the Rev. Rudolph Visser, a pastor for the church, who was delighted to hear the many voices in song. “It’s wonderful to see such a crowd of peo-ple,” Visser said. “Just to listen to all the voices, all the music sitting in front, really makes my heart warm.” The church was planning to take up an offering during the service which makes it possible, Visser said, adding the community also help to make the annual service a reality. “Thank you to the people of Kinderhook and beyond that makes this possible,” he said. “This is for the community.” Next year will mark the church’s 10th anniversary of holding the service, and Smith is al -ready making plans for the big milestone. “He’s working on all kinds of secret things,” Visser said of Smith. Visitors to the event, some of whom were first-timers, were looking forward to the ser -vice and the songs performed. Sue Senecah, of Chatham, has seen this type of service broadcast from King’s College, but decided to come and see a local take on it, she said, adding she was impressed with the experienced singers in the choir. “It’s amazing, this level of professionalism,” Senecah said of the singers. “It’s a sense of pride.” Lere Visagie, of Hudson, has been coming to the service for nine years and this year his son was participating, he said. Aiden Visagie read the sixth lesson about the birth of Christ from Luke 2:8-15. “It’s just a really nice Christmas service,” Lere Visagie said. Sharon Flanders, of Valatie, came out for the service for the first time because she loves hearing Christmas carols, she said, adding after a long weekend of baking sweets it was good to come to the church. “It’s a nice end to my baking,” Flanders said with a laugh.

REMEMBER TO THANK & PRAISE GOD FOR Pastor Rudy Visser, our Spirit-filled minister and leader of vision, and for the Christ-cen-

tered 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, Derek DeJager, and others who lead KRC worship from time to time.

safe travels for all family and friends returning home after celebrating the holidays to-gether, especially the Anderson family, safely returning from California, as well as mem-bers of the Dick family.

the happy news that Cullen Boehme, 2½ months old, has recovered sufficiently from his breathing difficulties to attend church with his family this past Sunday.

the inspiring trumpet performance given by 11-year old Aiden Boehme as part of Pastor Rudy's sermon recently.

the members of the Joyful Noise Choir, who brought the special blessing of Christmas carols to several homes this Christmas season, and who have decided to make their carol-ing rounds an annual event!

Vickie Metzger, 98, mother of Nancy Baker, in good health and able to celebrate Christ-mas at KRC's Candlelight Worship Service this past Christmas Eve. Vickie was presented with a gift as the oldest member present in the congregation!

the blessing of families being together during the holiday season. those men and women who have served or are now serving in our country’s military,

and those who have sacrificed their wellbeing and lives for the peace & liberty we enjoy. all those of KRC's family and friends who volunteer their time, talent, and energy so

generously and so selflessly to the various ministries and programs of our church, and who often do this quietly behind-the-scenes with little notice or recognition.

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 win-some words needed to make the most of these opportunities.

Pastor Rudy, as he fulfills his ministerial duties. KRC ministries, programs & projects, and those planning & administering them as they

seek new directions and God’s wisdom and blessing in moving our church toward a greater and more effective impact on our surrounding communities: KRC’s 2019-2020 Consistory as both continuing and incoming members take up their ordained duties and new group dy-namics develop; KRC’s administrative ministries; KRC’s Youth Group; Sunday School; KRC’s small group ministries and Bible studies; Community Prayer Group; 1st Friday Free Community Dinner; Community Conversations; Parents’ Night Out; and other outreach programs.

our state, national, and world leaders, especially President Donald Trump and all of the government officials now in office, that God will grant them the leadership skills and wisdom needed to govern effectively.

our military men & women, their families, and friends - especially Jason Lansing, being deployed for military service in Poland - that they may know God’s presence, protection, and peace.

victims world-wide suffering natural and other hardships and tragedies; those suffering economic instability; poverty, hunger, & poor health; political oppression, unrest, war, dis-placement, gun violence, and terrorism.

families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially Patsy Grieco, family, and friends grieving the loss of Patsy's wife, 48, who took her own life; those grieving the re-cent death of John Cooper; Carina, Rev. Rudy's sister, grieving the death in South Africa of her best friend, Deanne, from brain cancer.

those who, even after many years, still hurt from the loss of loved ones. reassurance, peace, and dignity for those nearing the close of this life, especially Noreen

Kennedy, mother of Maureen Mooney, who is now receiving hospice care at home. Pray for comfort and peace for Noreen on her journey home, and for her family as they tend to her needs.

four-year-old Ziva, traveling with family to Israel to be with her dying grandmother. Marilyn Proniske, suffering from a spinal infection at a surgical site. Gayle Shaffer, mother of Courtney Wood, at St. Peter's hospital recovering from a severe

case of the flu. Gayle is already weakened by lung and heart issues, will need to spend time in rehabilitation before returning home, and will need assistance in daily activities.

Stepfather of Kim Kyle's mother, struggling with heart failure Claudia March, dealing with sciatica pain. Jenny, friend of Noreen Dick in Ireland, struggling with COPD and not responding well to

treatment. Pray for God's healing and reassurance for Jenny and for a marked improvement in her condition.

Jill, godmother to Phil Hurst, being evaluated for possible return of cancer. Charlie of the Ghent Fire Department, continuing a 10-year battle with cancer. Bob, resident of Valatie, recovering from surgery to remove a sarcoma cancer; and Barb,

resident of Syracuse, recovering from brain cancer. Pray for God's presence and reassur-ance for both Bob and Barb as they face long and difficult recuperations.

others battling or recovering from cancer or in hospice care: Dave Ennis; 12-year-old Issy Kwei; Ben Kissel; Judy Alvarez; Charles Roppolo; Terri; Don Morse; Jill; J.B.; Ronny; Carol Nel; Jeff Peter; Mark; Ann; Steve.

family members and friends awaiting test results and diagnoses, especially Arnie March battling a persistent cough. Pray for effective treatments and favorable outcomes

others awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Ed Arnold; Bill Vick; Merrill Johnson; Kevin Nooney; Carly Rippel; Jean Skipper; John Bowen; Stacey Baker; Elize Visser’s parents; Alan Smith; Jane Stutzman; George Graham; Fred Borrelli.

those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: several mem-bers of the CITV Broad Street Chorale dealing with serious emotional issues; our college students, as they begin the second term of this academic year; Bill Lansing, father of Carol Zincio, now in nursing home care; a young person with close ties to our church family who is experiencing serious depression and having difficulty finding purposeful, rewarding di-rection for moving ahead in life. .

traveling mercies for those traveling. residence-bound KRC family, Art Gross, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly,

displaced, disabled, or ill, especially: the Bakers, caring for Nancy’s mother, Vickie Met-zger, 98; Nancy Stewart, caring for her ailing father, now in his 90’s.

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 or call 859-4158.

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS OUR MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIESDave and Char Alexander, RCA missionaries, Taiwan;

Alight Pregnancy Center, HudsonPerry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany

Compassion International, KRC-Sponsored Child, Evelin Chuquinia, 19Alex and Fran Knauss, Trans-World Radio Maureen Menard, Youth with a MissionThe Silvas, RCA missionaries, Hungary

Brian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible TranslatorsSeth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. Thomas

Betty Ann Stedwell, Christar International MissionPLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.

EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net

Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.comRev. 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 518-859-4158.

Church Phone 518-758-6401 Church Fax 1-518-758-6402

KRC 2019 CONSISTORYPastor Rev. Rudy Visser, President of Consistory

Deacons Susan Patterson – ’19 . . . . . . . . . . 518-755-4909 susanpatterson1014@gmail.com Beth Anne Rippel – ’20 . . . . . . . . . 518-392-5044 barippel@yahoo.com Deborah Spaulding – ’19. . . . . . . . 518-758-7316 ber00519@fairpoint.net Wayne Van Allen – ’20. . . . . . . . . . 518-339-8972 wayne@ctmdky Elders Jane Deane – ’19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-758-7051 jdeane1943@gmail.com Jean Hacker – ’19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-758-9412 jch9412@aol.com Dawn Van Buren – ’20 . . . . . . . . . .518-758-7564 dawnandleo@fairpoint.net Patti Varga – ’20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518-755-3054 patvarga@aol.com

KRC TREASURERDerick LaTorre – 518-376-1882 derick.latorre@gmail.com

KRC STAFF KRC Office Manager KRC Office Assistant

Paul Clause – 518-859-4158 Courtney Wood – 518-852-7172 KRC Sexton KRC Cemetery Supervisor Steven Green – 518-505-4918 Greg Clause – 518-369-8472

COMING EVENTS

Today, January 6, 2019 9:30 am Communion Worship Service and Youth Sunday School 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference RoomMon, January 7 6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets Tues, January 8 9:00 am Sanctuary Christmas decorations taken down and stored.Wed , January 9 7:00 pm Bible Study w/Jean Hacker, Book of Romans Please Note: Call Jean at 518-603-2450 for meeting location.Thur, January 10 9:00 am Small Group Bible study - Group continues its study, The Holy Spirit 10:00 am KRC Prayer Group meets 6:30 pm KRC Youth Group meetsSat, January 12 5:30 – 8:30 Parents’ Night OutSun, January 13 9:30 am Worship Service and Youth Sunday School New Consistory members installed and ordained 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference RoomMon, January 14 6:30 pm Consistory meets Mon, January 28 6:30 pm Outreach Ministry meets

Servers Next Sunday, January 13, 2018Ushers: Greg Clause Jr, Jim Dunham, Gary Leggett

Greeter(s):

Sermon Notes“On Becoming a ‘Good Work’ vs. Doing Good Works”

Ephesians 2:4-10