Kinderhook Reformed Church, December 2, 2018First 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, Phil Hurst, Colby and Jamie Lane, and Andrew Welcome.

Thanks to today’s greeter, Maureen Mooney. Nursery facility available downstairs.

Prelude Now comes the saviour of the world, BWV 659 J. S. Bach Welcome, and Announcements

Drawing Near to God Call to Worship (Responsive) 

In this season of Advent, O Lord, gather us in, and make us one holy people; for we have come through many times of testing, trouble, and division.Gather us in, O Lord, and purify our hearts, that we may present ourselves as those who have been through the refiner’s fire.Gather us in, O Lord, and teach us your will and your ways, that we may walk with you as your faithful disciples. Gather us in, O Lord, and make us living examples of your righteousness, that, we may offer ourselves, tried and tested, as living witnesses to your love.

Around the Advent Wreath (Responsive) Patrice Lyons and Beth Anne RippelLEADER: Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath.

(First purple candle is lit.)This is the candle of HOPE. With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we receive God’s light as we repeat the words of the prophet Isaiah: PEOPLE: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2 LEADER: O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here. PEOPLE: Disperse the gloomy clouds of night; death's dark shadows put to flight!LEADER: Rejoice! Rejoice! PEOPLE: Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!LEADER: Let us pray together. ALL: Lord as we look to the birth of Jesus, grant that the light of your love for us will help us to become lights in the lives of those around us. Prepare our hearts for the joy and gladness of your coming, for Jesus is our hope. Amen.

*Hymn of Hope #135                                       Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Allowing God to Shape Us Call to Confession

With hope for God’s mercy, and trust in God’s love, let us together in prayer admit to the sins and the shortcomings of our lives.

Prayer of Confession (Responsive)Holy and loving God, as we begin to prepare our hearts to receive the One you are sending, forgive us for the times we have missed seeing you in our midst, for the times we have doubted your presence, and for the times we have failed to help oth -ers find their way. Forgive us for preferring our darkness over your light. Open a path in the wilderness of our lives that we might find our way to you again. Refine us and prepare us once again for ministry in your kingdom. Rather than looking backward to what seem to be the “glory days,” may we open our eyes to our mission at hand. Open our ears to your message to us today, that we might share in bringing your sal -vation to the world. We pray in the name of Jesus, the One who is coming to smooth down the mountains of our pride, and lift up the valleys of our doubts. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon (Responsive)Brothers and sisters, know that abundant forgiveness is ours from the God who turns sorrow and sighing into hope and gladness. Our hope is in the Lord. Hallelujah!

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

Father God, bathe our children in confident hope and peace as they learn to trust and wait upon you for their spiritual and physical well-being, and for meeting all the material needs, responsibilities, and challenges of life. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination Scripture Malachi 3:1-4 Message “The Terror of Advent” Prayer of Thanks

Silent Prayer for Those Seeking to Acknowledge Christ as Their Savior:"Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, and not right with you. I repent and ask forgiveness.  I believe that you died on the cross to take my punishment and to pay the price for my sins.  I believe that you rose from death to give me new life. Wash  me clean from all sin, shame, and guilt, and come into my heart as my Lord and Savior.  In your name I pray.  Amen."

Celebrating God, His Care, and His Abundance Sacrament of Communion (Intinction) The Lord’s Prayer (Unison) The Living Bible

Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

Offering/Offertory Salvation now has come for all, op. 65/4 Sigfrid Karg-Elert

*Doxology #809 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Offertory Prayer (Unison) Heavenly Father, we live in hope because of your presence with us even now. We wait and we give in hope for your coming reign. Receive these offerings, we pray, and use them for your work of healing and hope in our world. Amen.

Prayer Requests, Pastoral Prayer*Song of Acknowledgement #140 (2x) Emmanuel, Emmanuel*Benediction, Blessing, and Response Hymn My Friends May You Grow in Grace  Postlude Fugue in C major (“Gigue”), BuxWV 174 Dietrich Buxtehude

~KRC SANCTUARY DECORATION THIS COMING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4~Decorating the church for the Christmas Season will be done beginning at 9:00 am THIS COMING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, under the direction of Jim and Bonnie Dunham. All are invited to offer their services to the ministry of beautifying our sanctuary in celebration of the birth of our Lord.

We were blessed to receive many nominations for Office Bearers for 2019. There will be a vote, next Sunday, December 9th, directly following the service. We invite all 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~HISTORY OF ANGEL TREE

Mary Kay Beard was a safecracker, a bank robber, and one of America's Most Wanted. Ar -rested in June of 1972, she quickly collected 11 federal indictments and 35 charges against her. She was told she would serve between 75 and 180 years. Instead, she served just 6, at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. While sitting in an Alabama jail cell, Mary Kay gave her life to Christ. During that time, Mary Kay noticed how her fellow prisoners would collect toothpaste and soap - gifts from local church groups - and wrap them up as presents for their children at Christ -mas. "Most children wouldn't think much of such small gifts, but in prison there was such joy on their faces!" says Mary Kay. "It didn't really matter to them what they got; it was from Mama." After Mary Kay was paroled, Chuck Colson invited her to become Prison Fellowship’s first Alabama state director in 1982. One of her first efforts was coming up with a Christmas project for prisoners. Mary Kay recalled the toiletries that the incarcerated women gave their children

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.

on Christmas. So she and a crew of volunteers began creating a program to provide real gifts for prisoners’ children. Their plan was to erect a Christmas tree at Birmingham's Brookwood Mall, en-couraging shoppers to buy presents for specific children. Then someone suggested writing the children's names on paper ornaments shaped like angels - creating an "Angel Tree"! Mary Kay helped cut out 100 paper-angel ornaments and then visited prisoners to invite them to sign up their children. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, all 100 angels were taken by shoppers. Mary Kay made more angels, and that year 556 Alabama children were served. The next year, Angel Tree expanded to 12 states and eventually became a nationwide program. In total, more than 10 million gifts have been given to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents.

ANGEL TREE THIS YEAR AT KRC Gift needs for KRC’s Angel Tree children will soon be displayed on angel cut-outs on the Christmas tree in the church’s main entrance. Each angel will contain very spe-cific age, size, and gift-request information for a particular child to assist donors as they gift-shop. Please consider taking an angel from the tree. Your generosity 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. Anyone volunteering to deliver gifts will be partnered with an-other volunteer, and will receive an orientation to the family before the delivery visit. Please Maureen Mooney (518-210-6079) if you would be willing to participate in the gift-delivery ministry.

~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 donations are appreciated and will make a truly warm "Merry Christmas" for young ladies in need!

~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

HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY !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 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 Consistory, especially as they prepare the slate of nominations for the 2019-2020 Con-sitory: Jane Deane, Noreen Dick, Jean Hacker, Merrill Johnson, Susan Patterson, Beth Anne Rippel, and Deborah Spaulding, Dawn Van Buren, and Pastor Rudy; KRC’s adminis-trative 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. 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, in St. Peter’s this week awaiting possible surgery for an obstructed small

intestine. Jean Skipper, homebound in her NYC apartment, receiving daily nursing care and strug-

gling with breathing issues.

Sara Schubert, that she will experience God's presence, reassurance, and peace as she pre-pares for surgery this coming Wednesday, December 5.

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.

Dave Ennis, as he begins 30 consecutive days of radiation therapy in the very near future.  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.

Kevin Nooney, husband of Connie Nooney, dealing with a number of health issues. those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; or

chronically ill: 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 Johnson.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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

for the happy news that Kim Lyle gave birth to a healthy baby, and that she and baby were able to be with us in worship recently.

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.

the encouraging report that Carly Rippel’s recent tests returned negative, that she has had no further seizures, and that she is actively pursuing her college and career goals.

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.

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 $3,039, just $161 under

the $3,200 needed weekly to cover KRC’s daily operating expenses.Income to date: $141,690 Expenses to date: $150,092 Shortfall: $8,402

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please know that our giving to the work of the church is not a matter to be decided between our church family and the church’s financial leadership, but between each of us individually and our Lord, to whom all that we possess belongs, and who will inspire and lead us according to the abundance with which he has blessed us. Please also understand that Stew-ardship Ministry is providing weekly updates on the church’s financial status be-cause 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 commit-ments.

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 will be 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 on the back table and drop it into the offering plate.

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 2 First Sunday in Advent 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 RoomTues, December 4 9:00 am Decoration of Sanctuary for the Christmas Season Wed , December 5 7:00 pm Bible Study w/Jean Hacker, Book of Romans Please Note: Call Jean at 518-603-2450 for meeting location.Thur, December 6 9:00 am Small Group Bible study @KRC. Group continues its study, The Holy Spirit 10:00 am Community Prayer Group @KRC 6:30 pm KRC Youth Group meetsFri, December 7 Please Note: there will be no First Friday free community dinner this month.Sun, December 9 Second Sunday in Advent 9:30 am Worship Service and Youth Sunday SchoolPlease Note: Election of new Consistory members immediately following worship 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference RoomSun, December 10 6:30 pm Consistory meetsFri, December 14 5:30 – 8:30 pm Candlelight Night Open HouseSat, December 15, 22 5:30 - 8:30 pm Parents’ Nights OutSun, December 16 Second Sunday in Advent 9:30 am Worship Service - Youth Sunday School Christmas Program 10:45 am Adult Sunday School w/Jean Hacker, Gospel of John study by Justin Buzzard, main floor Conference Room

Servers Next Sunday, December 9, 2018Ushers: Dave Ennis, Johnathan Pratt, Chuck Rothermel

Greeter(s):

Sermon Notes “The Terror of Advent”

Malachi 3:1-4