Kinderhook Reformed Church, December 9, 2018

Second Sunday in Advent “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudolph Visser, PastorWelcome 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, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel.Thanks to today’s greeter, Joy Bertram. Nursery facility available downstairs.

Prelude He Is Our Peace Welcome, and Announcements

Drawing Near to God Call to Worship (Responsive) Inspired by Zephaniah 3: 14-20, Isaiah 12: 2-6, Philippians 4: 4-7

God comes! So don't let go of all the reasons to rejoice. We will sing a song of Advent to the One who fills our lives with joy.God comes! So don't stop lifting your prayers with thanksgiving. We will sing a song of Advent, to the One who hears our words and silence.God comes! So don't stop giving your hearts to God. We will sing a song of Advent to the One who graces us with a peace we cannot begin to understand.

Around the Advent Wreath (Responsive) Jesse and Kate Boehme & FamilyLEADER: Today we relight the candle of HOPE. (1st purple candle is lit.)Now we light the candle for the 2nd Sunday in Advent. (2nd purple candle is lit.)This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From the prophet Isaiah, let us read together: PEOPLE: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6-7

LEADER: From the Gospel of John we read together: PEOPLE: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

LEADER: Let us now join together in a responsive prayer: Gracious God, grant that we may find peace as we prepare for our Lord’s birth. PEOPLE: May divisions in ourselves and in our families be peacefully resolved.LEADER: May there be peace in our cities and in the countries of our world. PEOPLE: Help us to see the paths of peace in our lives. LEADER: Give to us courage to follow your leading.

ALL: Lord, let us remember that you only are the giver of lasting peace and that you are always with us. Amen.

*Hymn #146 Joy to The WorldAllowing God to Shape Us

Call to ConfessionBecause it is so hard to wait, it is not easy to live through Advent's days. But watch what God does during this time. God waits for us to turn from our old ways to find the right paths; God waits for us to admit what we have done, and failed to do, so we might be forgiven and graced with new life. Let us approach the One who waits – for us!

Prayer of Confession (Unison)It is never easy for us to confess our sins, Waiting God. There are the hurts we have caused to our families and friends which we would like to forget. There are those we believe are impossible to love, and so we don't try. There are people who live on the edge of our society, and we ignore their cries for help. Forgive us, God who comes near to us. When we have lost our way, show us yours.

[Moment of Silent prayer]Lead us in humility down the streets of your kingdom, O Lord.

Teach us your truth, so we might be able to keep your Word, revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen

Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)God does not remember our sins, but does remember the promises which have been made to us. God does not shame us, but lifts us to new life.

Lead us in your hope, O God, and teach us your love. You are the God of our days, we wait for you to come to us. Amen.

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

Jesus, through the work of your Spirit, make your presence known to these children. Live within them and be with them always. Through every difficulty of life, may they wait upon you, experience your comfort, and know your peace. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination Scripture Lamentations 1:2, 9, 16 & 21a and Isaiah 40:1-6, 9-11 Message “You see Wounded, I see Mended” Prayer of Thanks*Prayer Hymn of Response #133 (Vs. 1,3 & 5) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance Offering/Offertory Wonderful Peace W. D. Cornell, W. G. Cooper

“Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”

*Doxology #809 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Gracious and giving God, through the voices of prophets and preachers you have been heard in the driest deserts and the steepest valleys. In response, we prepare the way for the coming of your Son within our hearts and in the world around us. We open ourselves anew to your transforming power during this season of waiting,

and with unending alleluias, we dedicate these offerings to the Kingdom work of revealing your glory in all the earth. Amen.

Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer*Hymn of Praise and Invitation #152 Angels We Have Heard on High*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace Postlude I’ve Got the Peace that Passes Understanding Down In My Heart

We were blessed to have received many nominations for Office Bearers for the 2019 - 2020 Consistory. There will be a vote TODAY directly following the service for the following slate of nominees:

Nominees for DeaconNancy Baker, Greg Clause, Jr., Noreen Dick, Phil Hurst,

Derick La Torre, Patrice Lyons, Beth Anne Rippel, Wayne Van AllenNominees for Elder

Dawn Van Buren, Patti VargaWe invite all active confessing Church Members to please stay for an additional few minutes in order to make this important choice.

Celebrate the

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~KRC TO SPONSOR AN ANGEL TREE PROGRAM AGAIN THIS YEAR~ Gift needs for KRC’s Angel Tree children are now displayed on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel contains very specific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please stop by, sign up on the sheet near the tree, and take an Angel Tag with you! You can return the wrapped gift to church, with the tag attached, as early this coming Fri-day, December 14. Our doors will be open that evening for Kinderhook Candlelight Night, and gifts may be left in the room across from the office. Otherwise, they can be returned NEXT SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16, at our 9:30 am Worship Service. Your generosity will bring Christmas joy to those Christ blessed and of whom he said, “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” The children receiving gifts live in our community and are so grateful to not only re-ceive a gift, but to know that their parent is sending Christmas joy, even when they can't be together. Last year, one of the children was so excited to be a part of this program that she asked to participate in our worship services, and even did a reading during "Lessons and Carols". The children have also been invited to our Candlelight Night open house.

Donations for poinsettias to decorate our pulpit area are now being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be placed in the offering plate clearly marked for this purpose.

If you are interested in going a step further and helping to deliver these gifts during the week before Christmas, please contact Maureen Mooney at 518-210-6079. Thank you, as always, for your generosity!

~OUTREACH MINISTRY COLLECTING GIFTS FOR CCRM~Christmas gift collections for the Capital City Rescue Mission this year will include girls’ hats, gloves and scarves in sizes medium and large for ages seven to twelve. Your dona-tions are appreciated and will make a truly warm "Merry Christmas" for young ladies in need! The deadline for bringing your gifts to the church is NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, and a collection container is now available at the back of the sanctuary.

~CANDLELIGHT NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14~ KRC will, once again, sponsor its annual Candlelight Night Open House 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 14, 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. In the true spirit of candlelight, this year we are hoping to include a Yule log, as well as a menorah, in our Fellowship Room. If you have a Yule log, or know of one that may be borrowed for this occasion, please contact Joy Bertram or Deborah Spaulding. A sign-up sheet for volunteer helpers, baked goods, and finger foods is now available on the back table. Thank you!

~PARENTS’ NIGHTS OUT SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 15 and 22, 5:30 – 8:30 pm~

~LESSONS AND CAROLS 4 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23~Directed by David Smith, Lessons and Carols is a worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus, and will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, December 23, at KRC. A Christmas gift to our community from the KRC family, Lessons and Carols is open to all. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus are told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, along with choir mu-sic and the singing of Christmas carols and hymns. 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 Ed-ward 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.

~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~As always, KRC’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.

Please take a moment during this Christmas season to enjoy the beauty and meaning of the white and gold ornaments on our Chrismon Tree on the sanctuary platform. The term "Chrismon" is a combination of the words "Christ" and "monogram," and means "symbols of Christ." The ornaments, all emblems of our Christian faith and heritage, were hand-made by KRC family and friends several years ago for annual display on the tree. You are invited to pick up one of the informative handouts from the back table about the Chrismon tree history and tradition.

ENVELOPE SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR PRESENTING 2019 WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS For those currently participating in the envelope system to present offerings to the church, new envelope sets are now available soon for pick-up in the back of the sanctuary and ready for use beginning Sunday, January 6. If you are not currently using the weekly envelope system to present contribu-tions to the church, but would like to do so in 2019, please complete one of the small green request forms near the new envelopes and drop it into the offering plate.

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY !Birgitta Sherman (2nd), Elizabeth Carroll (4th), Dave Ennis (8th),

Merrill Johnson (15th), Ed Arnold (22nd), Mackensie Clinton (22nd), Cricket Warren (26th,), Patrick Carroll (27th)

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.

Arron Clause's good response to intravenous medications administered during his recent 7-day hospital stay to fight a serious MRSA infection.  Arron is now home and back to work, and he and his family thank all for your prayers and concerns. 

the good report that Carol, future daughter-in-law of Erika & Merrill Johnson, has recov-ered full health following her recent battle with cancer.

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

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.

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 to-ward a greater and more effective impact on our surrounding communities: KRC’s 2019-2020 Consistory as both continuing and incoming members take up their or-dained duties and new group dynamics 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, that they may know God’s pres-ence, 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 Kim Lyle and family grieving the death of Kim's great grandmother; Jack and Maura McKeon, grieving the death of Jackie, Maura's mother; and 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. Merrill Johnson, recovering at home following recent hospitalization for an intestinal

blockage.  Merrill has been able to take food again, but is still being monitored for the pos-sible need for surgery.

Sara Schubert, recovering at home from successful surgery this past Wednesday at St. Pe-ter's Hospital.  Pray for a speedy recovery for Sara, and remember as well her daughter, Sara Lynn, who has arrived from Philadelphia to assist her mother.

Dave Ennis, as he continues 30 days of chemo/radiation therapy.  Dave sends his loving greetings to the KRC family.  He misses everyone, and thanks all who have remembered him in prayer and the many who have sent him notes and cards of encouragement.  Dave is looking forward to being in worship soon with his church family.

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: 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.

Jean Skipper, homebound in her NYC apartment, receiving daily nursing care and strug-gling with breathing issues.

Art Gross and wife, Barbara, as Art settles into his new nursing home surroundings.  Pray that Art will transition easily, and for God's comfort and peace for both him and Barbara.

those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or chronically ill: Kevin Nooney; Angie Hickman; Jenna Rossman, granddaughter of Kay and Floyd Haber; Carly Rippel; Ed Arnold; Jean Skipper; John Bowen; Stacey Baker; Elize Visser’s mother; Alan Smith; Jane Stutzman; George Graham; Fred Borrelli, Merrill John-son.

residence-bound KRC family, George Clowe, and those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially: the Bakers, caring for Nancy’s mother, Vickie Metzger, 98; Nancy Stewart, caring for her ailing father, now in his 90’s.

those facing challenges, stressful circumstances, and difficult decisions: a young person with close ties to our church family who is experiencing serious depression and having dif-ficulty finding purposeful, rewarding direction for moving ahead in life.

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 Mission

The Silvas, RCA missionaries, HungaryBrian and Bea Post, Wycliffe Bible Translators

Seth and Melissa Rogati, missionaries, Young Life Ministry, St. ThomasBetty Ann Stedwell, Christar International Mission

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO READ THE THANK-YOU NOTES ON THE MISSIONS BULLETIN BOARD IN THE FELLOWSHIP ROOM FROM SOME OF OUR MISSIONARIES.

STEWARDSHIP WEEKLY UPDATEPraise God, our offering last Sunday was $6,569, more than doublethe $3,200 needed weekly to cover KRC’s daily operating expenses!

Income to date: $148,217 Expenses to date: $154,522 Shortfall: $6,304

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please know that your giving to the work of the church is not a matter to be decided between you and the church’s financial lead-ership, but between each of us individually and our Lord, to whom all that we pos-sess belongs, and who will inspire and lead us according to the abundance with which he has blessed us. Please also understand that Stewardship Ministry is provid-ing weekly updates on the church’s financial status because they would be remiss in their duties if they did not keep us fully-informed on a regular basis, especially during times of financial strain. With this in mind, let each of us, as God’s faithful stewards, be ever-mindful of how we can help to maintain a weekly offering sufficient to cover our commitments.

Pastor Rudy

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

COMING EVENTS

Today, December 9 Second Sunday in Advent 9:30 am 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 RoomWed , December 12 7:00 pm Bible Study w/Jean Hacker, Book of Romans Please Note: Call Jean at 518-603-2450 for meeting location.Thur, December 13 9:00 am Small Group Bible study - Group continues its study, The Holy Spirit 10:00 am Community Prayer Group meets 6:30 pm KRC Youth Group meetsFri, December 14 5:30 – 8:30 pm Candlelight Night Open HouseSat, December 15 5:30 - 8:30 pm Parents’ Nights Out Sun, December 16 3rd Sunday in Advent

Deadline for Angel Tree and CCRM Gifts to be returned to the church 9:30 am Worship Service and Youth Sunday School Christmas Program 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference RoomSat, December 22 5:30 - 8:30 pm Parents’ Nights Out Sun, December 23 4th Sunday in Advent 9:30 am Worship Service 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference Room 4:00 pm 9th annual celebration of Lessons and Carols at KRCMon, December 24 Christmas Eve 7:00 pm KRC’s Annual Candlelight Worship Service

Servers Next Sunday, December 16, 2018Ushers: Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel

Greeter(s): Stacey & Jean Hurst

Sermon Notes“You see Wounded, I see Mended”

Lamentations 1:2, 9, 16 & 21a and Isaiah 40:1-6, 9-11