April Greetings,
Each week Ministry Matters is sent out (electronically and through the mail) because it remains our priority to CONNECT with and CARE FOR you who are part of the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church family. Here are some highlights from this week:
* On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., with bright blue skies and birds chirping merrily, our Easter cross stood once again in front of the church. We waved to those who walked by, jogged past or were out for a drive. Lots of people noticed us and honked or waved. I wore my white robe and pink butterfly stole, and there was chalk available for anyone who wanted to draw on our sidewalk. Next Sunday there will be a nice surprise for all dog walkers! So come if you can, it will happen rain or shine. And let me know if you want to be one of our (socially-distancing) Sunday greeters!
* We have almost 20 Caregivers reaching out weekly to a small circle of others. I am hearing so many good things about those conversations; people are really grateful for the chance to visit.
* Our online Prayer Chain is up and going, helping us know about special concerns and celebrations. Contact Sue Cramer or myself if you want to be sent an invitation to join this. As a reminder, this is for church members only.
* We are posting photos, encouraging quotes, ministry news, denominational info, my spiritual devotions and more on our church’s Facebook and our website. In recent weeks several people have told me they regret not having access to our Facebook. They believed they had to already have a Facebook account to see what is on ours. Not true! Just type in your browser Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Facebook, and you will find a link to click on. No password is needed, and you get immediate access to all sorts of great photos and content. Or you can find all the same content on the Recent Posts page of our website, ballstonspaumchurch.org.
* On Easter Sunday my morning message was shared from the sanctuary, but no one was in the pews. To be candid, I found that to be one of the most difficult experiences I have ever had in ministry. Instead of our communal gathering, there was a sad stillness in our beautiful sanctuary. I had to sit for a bit, let the grief wash over me and have a cry, then God gave me the strength I needed to stand up and preach to what felt like “no one”. Before recording this past Sunday’s message, I checked to see if anyone had watched my messages during Holy Week or Easter. I was shocked to discover that 251 people had viewed it! And here is the count from the other messages during Holy Week: Maundy Thursday 203, Good Friday 155 and Holy Saturday 155. Friends, this is a much wider reach that we typically have on a Sunday morning. I am reminded of the saying that “The Church has left the building”.
* In other news, the youth are each receiving their own weekly mailings of Christian activities pages from the church. Last week they had a nature theme and Scavenger Hunts were sent to families. The kids are encouraged to post their nature pictures of their outing on Facebook – hope we see some soon. One family is making a “rainbow” poster for us to put up by our church, so we can get a number and then be added to the Rainbow routes that many people enjoy traveling.
* I have been delivering Upper Room devotionals to those who enjoy them, and I have a few left if you still want one. I am glad to bring them to you; just call me at 309-3737. Speaking of visiting folks, I am waiting for some warmer weather so I can offer to come for a “Pastor on our Porch” or “Pastor at the Park” visits. I would wear my mask and gloves and keep at least 6 feet away. If you want to be put on my visitation list please reach out to me, I greatly look forward to making the rounds.
Serving Christ and all of you,
Pastor Kelly
Prayer Group
We have reinstituted the Prayer Group. This is an on-line way of praying for each other’s needs and praising God for what is happening in each other’s lives. This will be administered through the office so if you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
Melody and Richard Babcock are asking for prayers for their daughter Katie, who is a nurse from Utah but working in New York City hospitals for two weeks.
Virtual Prayer Shawls
Since we are practicing social distancing and non-travel, the Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to offer a "Virtual Prayer Shawl". Email Ilah at [email protected] and she will send you a photo of a prayer shawl with a written prayer. These can be sent via the internet or if you prefer a printed copy will be mailed to the recipient of the prayer shawl. This will connect us and share our prayers with others.
It's a new way of thinking in a time of unprecedented times.
On behalf of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, we are still caring for others.
Excerpt from a poem entitled “Lockdown” by Richard Hendrick
We pray and remember that
Yes, there is fear,
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation,
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is a panic buying,
But there does not need to be meanness.
Yes, there is sickness,
But there does not need to be the disease of the soul.
Yes, there is even death
But we are always encompassed by Love.
Today, breathe.
Listen, the birds are singing again.
The sky is clearing, spring is coming.
Wake up to the choices you make
As to how you live
NOW.
Help Fight Hunger During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Regional Food Bank needs volunteers to sort food and other donations to help as many people as possible during this time. We are hosting volunteers in smaller numbers to allow for social distancing and instituting other measures to keep staff and volunteers safe. Sort and box donated food to help feed your hungry neighbors. Volunteer shifts are available seven days a week in Latham, NY. Learn more and sign up at www.regionalfoodbank.net/volunteer. Please contact Pastor Kelly at 518-309-3737 if you are interested in going and serving.
News from the Food Pantry
Just a reminder that our Food Pantry is open. Thank you to the people who have made generous donations to the food pantry, including milk cards, Aldi gift cards, meats, and baked goods.
FYI…you can now make a monetary donation to our Food Pantry through our on-line giving on our website (www.ballstonspaumchurch.org) or you can send a check to the church with Food Pantry in the memo.
AND If you would like to help out… access SignUp.com:
Financial Support for your church
The Finance Team expresses their gratitude for your continued giving to the church’s ministry. Contributions to the church can be mailed to the church or made electronically at our website or by downloading the GivePlus app. Please know that while your financial gifts are needed, anyone unable to do so during these uncertain times should prioritize taking care of their own household’s needs. If you might need financial assistance, Pastor Kelly can guide you through an application to our local Ballston Spa Area Clergy Association funds.
April 26 is Native American Ministries Sunday
The 2020 Native American Ministries Sunday celebration is almost here. The year's celebration date is April 26, 2020. Please make plans to celebrate this important special day that highlights the gifts and contributions of Native Americans. This offering funds scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians, strengthens and develops Native American ministries and communities, both urban and rural, and supports Native American outreach at the annual conference level.
Many United Methodist churches are using online technology to increase their visibility and to provide a convenient way to minister to their congregation. Your giving to Native American Ministries Sunday online is secure and easy. You may give online at umcgiving.org/giveNAMS.
Loneliness vs. solitude
One of our church members shared this quote with Pastor Kelly: “Language has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone, and the word solitude to express the glory of being alone” (Paul Tillich). May God grant us the ability to experience “solitude” during these days.
The Community Hospice's Grief Services
The Community Hospice provides free support services for anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. These services are available to everyone, regardless of whether the loved one was a Hospice patient.
All of our bereavement services are free of charge, and may include:
Grief Counseling - individual or family grief counseling for all ages.
Grief Support Groups - for adults grieving a family member or friend.
Wave Riders - a weekly support group for families with grieving children.
Camp Erin - a free weekend overnight camp for grieving children aged 6-17 years old.
For more information, please call 518-724-0200 or click here to apply online.
The Community Hospice
179 Lawrence Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 581-0800
Access all the latest from the church online!
If you are on Facebook, be sure to “like” the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church page, where the latest news, photos, and video messages from Pastor Kelly are posted. If you’re not on Facebook, but have Internet access, you can find the same content on our website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts. Scroll down the page to see everything; be sure to leave a comment so we know you’re seeing us!
Have a blessed week.
Each week Ministry Matters is sent out (electronically and through the mail) because it remains our priority to CONNECT with and CARE FOR you who are part of the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church family. Here are some highlights from this week:
* On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., with bright blue skies and birds chirping merrily, our Easter cross stood once again in front of the church. We waved to those who walked by, jogged past or were out for a drive. Lots of people noticed us and honked or waved. I wore my white robe and pink butterfly stole, and there was chalk available for anyone who wanted to draw on our sidewalk. Next Sunday there will be a nice surprise for all dog walkers! So come if you can, it will happen rain or shine. And let me know if you want to be one of our (socially-distancing) Sunday greeters!
* We have almost 20 Caregivers reaching out weekly to a small circle of others. I am hearing so many good things about those conversations; people are really grateful for the chance to visit.
* Our online Prayer Chain is up and going, helping us know about special concerns and celebrations. Contact Sue Cramer or myself if you want to be sent an invitation to join this. As a reminder, this is for church members only.
* We are posting photos, encouraging quotes, ministry news, denominational info, my spiritual devotions and more on our church’s Facebook and our website. In recent weeks several people have told me they regret not having access to our Facebook. They believed they had to already have a Facebook account to see what is on ours. Not true! Just type in your browser Ballston Spa United Methodist Church Facebook, and you will find a link to click on. No password is needed, and you get immediate access to all sorts of great photos and content. Or you can find all the same content on the Recent Posts page of our website, ballstonspaumchurch.org.
* On Easter Sunday my morning message was shared from the sanctuary, but no one was in the pews. To be candid, I found that to be one of the most difficult experiences I have ever had in ministry. Instead of our communal gathering, there was a sad stillness in our beautiful sanctuary. I had to sit for a bit, let the grief wash over me and have a cry, then God gave me the strength I needed to stand up and preach to what felt like “no one”. Before recording this past Sunday’s message, I checked to see if anyone had watched my messages during Holy Week or Easter. I was shocked to discover that 251 people had viewed it! And here is the count from the other messages during Holy Week: Maundy Thursday 203, Good Friday 155 and Holy Saturday 155. Friends, this is a much wider reach that we typically have on a Sunday morning. I am reminded of the saying that “The Church has left the building”.
* In other news, the youth are each receiving their own weekly mailings of Christian activities pages from the church. Last week they had a nature theme and Scavenger Hunts were sent to families. The kids are encouraged to post their nature pictures of their outing on Facebook – hope we see some soon. One family is making a “rainbow” poster for us to put up by our church, so we can get a number and then be added to the Rainbow routes that many people enjoy traveling.
* I have been delivering Upper Room devotionals to those who enjoy them, and I have a few left if you still want one. I am glad to bring them to you; just call me at 309-3737. Speaking of visiting folks, I am waiting for some warmer weather so I can offer to come for a “Pastor on our Porch” or “Pastor at the Park” visits. I would wear my mask and gloves and keep at least 6 feet away. If you want to be put on my visitation list please reach out to me, I greatly look forward to making the rounds.
Serving Christ and all of you,
Pastor Kelly
Prayer Group
We have reinstituted the Prayer Group. This is an on-line way of praying for each other’s needs and praising God for what is happening in each other’s lives. This will be administered through the office so if you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
Melody and Richard Babcock are asking for prayers for their daughter Katie, who is a nurse from Utah but working in New York City hospitals for two weeks.
Virtual Prayer Shawls
Since we are practicing social distancing and non-travel, the Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to offer a "Virtual Prayer Shawl". Email Ilah at [email protected] and she will send you a photo of a prayer shawl with a written prayer. These can be sent via the internet or if you prefer a printed copy will be mailed to the recipient of the prayer shawl. This will connect us and share our prayers with others.
It's a new way of thinking in a time of unprecedented times.
On behalf of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, we are still caring for others.
Excerpt from a poem entitled “Lockdown” by Richard Hendrick
We pray and remember that
Yes, there is fear,
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes, there is isolation,
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes, there is a panic buying,
But there does not need to be meanness.
Yes, there is sickness,
But there does not need to be the disease of the soul.
Yes, there is even death
But we are always encompassed by Love.
Today, breathe.
Listen, the birds are singing again.
The sky is clearing, spring is coming.
Wake up to the choices you make
As to how you live
NOW.
Help Fight Hunger During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Regional Food Bank needs volunteers to sort food and other donations to help as many people as possible during this time. We are hosting volunteers in smaller numbers to allow for social distancing and instituting other measures to keep staff and volunteers safe. Sort and box donated food to help feed your hungry neighbors. Volunteer shifts are available seven days a week in Latham, NY. Learn more and sign up at www.regionalfoodbank.net/volunteer. Please contact Pastor Kelly at 518-309-3737 if you are interested in going and serving.
News from the Food Pantry
Just a reminder that our Food Pantry is open. Thank you to the people who have made generous donations to the food pantry, including milk cards, Aldi gift cards, meats, and baked goods.
FYI…you can now make a monetary donation to our Food Pantry through our on-line giving on our website (www.ballstonspaumchurch.org) or you can send a check to the church with Food Pantry in the memo.
AND If you would like to help out… access SignUp.com:
- Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/vbwjfXc
- Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
- Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com
Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Melissa Taylor to be signed up manually.
Financial Support for your church
The Finance Team expresses their gratitude for your continued giving to the church’s ministry. Contributions to the church can be mailed to the church or made electronically at our website or by downloading the GivePlus app. Please know that while your financial gifts are needed, anyone unable to do so during these uncertain times should prioritize taking care of their own household’s needs. If you might need financial assistance, Pastor Kelly can guide you through an application to our local Ballston Spa Area Clergy Association funds.
April 26 is Native American Ministries Sunday
The 2020 Native American Ministries Sunday celebration is almost here. The year's celebration date is April 26, 2020. Please make plans to celebrate this important special day that highlights the gifts and contributions of Native Americans. This offering funds scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians, strengthens and develops Native American ministries and communities, both urban and rural, and supports Native American outreach at the annual conference level.
Many United Methodist churches are using online technology to increase their visibility and to provide a convenient way to minister to their congregation. Your giving to Native American Ministries Sunday online is secure and easy. You may give online at umcgiving.org/giveNAMS.
Loneliness vs. solitude
One of our church members shared this quote with Pastor Kelly: “Language has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone, and the word solitude to express the glory of being alone” (Paul Tillich). May God grant us the ability to experience “solitude” during these days.
The Community Hospice's Grief Services
The Community Hospice provides free support services for anyone who has experienced the death of a family member or friend. These services are available to everyone, regardless of whether the loved one was a Hospice patient.
All of our bereavement services are free of charge, and may include:
Grief Counseling - individual or family grief counseling for all ages.
Grief Support Groups - for adults grieving a family member or friend.
Wave Riders - a weekly support group for families with grieving children.
Camp Erin - a free weekend overnight camp for grieving children aged 6-17 years old.
For more information, please call 518-724-0200 or click here to apply online.
The Community Hospice
179 Lawrence Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 581-0800
Access all the latest from the church online!
If you are on Facebook, be sure to “like” the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church page, where the latest news, photos, and video messages from Pastor Kelly are posted. If you’re not on Facebook, but have Internet access, you can find the same content on our website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts. Scroll down the page to see everything; be sure to leave a comment so we know you’re seeing us!
Have a blessed week.