Important Announcement
We welcome you to join us in church. We no longer require masks to be worn, although you may continue to wear them as you feel comfortable. You may sit wherever you feel comfortable. Coffee Hour has resumed, so join us in fellowship. Coloring sheets are available for children and are located on the tables as you enter the church. Offering envelopes are also available there. We do ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
"The Chosen" continues!
Join us in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7 pm to watch the television drama, “The Chosen”, which is based on the life of Jesus. This week we are watching episode 7, "Invitations": Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him; He talks to Nicodemus; and we also look back to an act of faith from Moses.
Here are some suggested Scriptures to read before watching Episode 7:
John 3:1-21
Matthew 9:9-13
Numbers 21:4-9
For more information about other ways to watch and participate in this study, click here.
Roast Pork Take-Out Dinner
We will be having a roast pork take-out dinner this Saturday, April 30, from 4 to 6:30 pm. For the low price of $13 you will get roast pork loin, stuffing, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, roll and pie. If you would like to pre-order, you may contact the office, leaving your name and the number of dinners you would like. However, pre-orders are not required.
Sunday School for Spring
The children will be meeting for Sunday School on May 1 and 15 and June 5. It promises to be a good time.
Native American Sunday next week
Native American Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to the church and society. Part of the funds collected allow us to collaborate with existing native ministries, create programs and support seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. Fifty percent of the offering remains in our annual conference to develop local ministries.
Pop Your Top for Ronald McDonald
The Church Council has approved a new mission project of collecting pull-tabs from cans for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. RMHC serves millions of children and their families each year. There are 375+ Ronald McDonald House programs for families who travel far from home for care. There are 265+ Family Room Projects providing comfort while in the hospital and 45+ Mobile Programs bringing medical, dental, and health care resources to underserved communities where they’re needed most. And they are in Ukraine as well as Albany Medical Hospital. It’s a no-cost mission. There will be a container in the café for the tabs.
Layettes for the Four Corners Native American Ministry
We are donating layettes to the Four Corners Native American Ministry in Shiprock, New Mexico. A layette includes a hat, sleeper, and blanket for an infant. We will make the hats and blankets and ship to them. The sleepers will be ordered on Amazon and delivered directly to them, therefore saving us the shipping costs. The people there will put the layettes together. If you would like to donate, there will be a basket in the hallway outside the north door of the sanctuary for hats or blankets. Financial donations may be made by placing your donation in an envelope marked “Layettes” and putting it in the collection plate or mailing it to the office.
Church Building Restoration Fund
Check out our giving thermometer in the sanctuary to see our progress toward paying for the upcoming church repairs. We still need $30,715. You can give online by clicking here (use the pull down menu to give to the Restoration Fund) OR give with cash or check through the weekly offering. Please clearly identify that the money is to be used for the Church Building Restoration Fund. Thank you for your support.
Regional Food Bank
On June 19th, Father’s Day, we will be going to the Northeast Regional Food Bank in Colonie following our church service. Volunteers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. We sort and re-box items to be distributed to various agencies, including our own Food Pantry. We have a lot of fun, and usually stop for ice cream on our way back. Please contact Linda Sheeran at lsheeran6@gmail.com, or 518-885-1729.
Fair Trade
Did you get your fill of chocolate yet? We still have some Panama Extra Dark, Orange and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt on hand. We also still have Breakfast Blend and Hazelnut Coffee, Decaf Coffee, tea and hot cocoa for sale. Just call or email Stan Lockwood (518.885.1552 0r stosh964@gmail.com) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
Did You Know?
Our services are posted to Facebook and on our website. If you Like it on Facebook and share it, it will reach many more people than if it is just on our Facebook page. You can also direct anyone to the Recent Posts page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts), which is where the service is posted weekly. This would be spreading the Word of God, as we are told to do in the Bible.
Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for the 9:00 am Sunday Coffee Fellowship on Zoom. Please meet by computer or phone by connecting with the following information:
In the Zoom app or by phone at 929-205-6099, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579. Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting.
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; the Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays, also from 9:30 till noon.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible. There are many clients and they appreciate your help.
Skye Farm Summer Camp
Yay! Camp is back and registration is open! Fun activities for kids ages 3 - 18 are awaiting! Traditional activities like water fun, arts & crafts, games, and hiking as well as ice cream for breakfast, star gazing, and slime! Check out all the possibilities at skyefarmcamp.org. There is a 40% sibling discount, plus BSUMC camperships are available for our members. You do not have to attend a Methodist church in order to go to camp, so tell your friends. Questions? Contact Linda Sheeran at 518-885-1729 or lsheeran6@gmail.com.
Prayer Group
Please consider joining our 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. If you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
This week's prayer concerns:
Please reach out to people who are alone during this time. A card or phone call will let them know they are not alone or forgotten.
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check with either Advance#982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line, or by visiting UMCOR's disaster response webpage.
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can be placed in an offering plate. The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
Purchase Hoffman Car Wash Tickets to Help Ukraine
The Helping Hands/Hoffman car wash site is active if you would like to purchase car wash tickets! BSUMC + Hoffman Car Wash + UMCOR Ukraine. Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!! 100% of the money BSUMC receives will go to UMCOR Ukraine. WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car and money to help the people of Ukraine. These car wash tickets never expire!! Purchase for teachers, babysitters, newspaper deliverers, gifts, etc.
Click here to purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately. Make sure the UPC code is showing BEFORE printing.
UMCOR Thanks You
The United Methodist Committee on Relief thanks you for your generous donation. Through your financial support, you are serving within a vital network of interactive relationships as UMCOR responds to increasingly-frequent and destructive storms – both natural and man-made. You are sharing 100% of donated funds with those in need. Thank you for demonstrating genuine love for our neighbors.
Upcoming Events
Wednesdays, April 27 & May 4 - “The Chosen” 7 pm
April 30 - Roast pork dinner (take-out only), 4-6:30 pm
May 1 - Holy Communion / Native American Sunday / Sunday School
May 8 - Mother’s Day
May 10 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
May 15 - Sunday School
May 18 - Trustee meeting, 7 pm
June 5 - Sunday School
June 19 - Regional Food Bank trip, after church
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
Here are the birthdays we're celebrating this week:
Next week in worship:
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Sarah Behnke
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers Melody Babcock & Conrad Dorau
Music Mark Warner
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community News
Financial Assistance Available
Rebuilding Together of Saratoga County has been enlisted by the state to let homeowners know about a grant that will provide them with financial assistance if they are behind in mortgage payments, property taxes, lot rent in mobile home parks, or utilities that put them in danger of foreclosure. If you need financial assistance, you may contact Melissa Murphy, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, at 518-587-3315 x102 or Melissa@RTSaratoga.org.
Have a blessed week
We welcome you to join us in church. We no longer require masks to be worn, although you may continue to wear them as you feel comfortable. You may sit wherever you feel comfortable. Coffee Hour has resumed, so join us in fellowship. Coloring sheets are available for children and are located on the tables as you enter the church. Offering envelopes are also available there. We do ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
"The Chosen" continues!
Join us in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7 pm to watch the television drama, “The Chosen”, which is based on the life of Jesus. This week we are watching episode 7, "Invitations": Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him; He talks to Nicodemus; and we also look back to an act of faith from Moses.
Here are some suggested Scriptures to read before watching Episode 7:
John 3:1-21
Matthew 9:9-13
Numbers 21:4-9
For more information about other ways to watch and participate in this study, click here.
Roast Pork Take-Out Dinner
We will be having a roast pork take-out dinner this Saturday, April 30, from 4 to 6:30 pm. For the low price of $13 you will get roast pork loin, stuffing, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, roll and pie. If you would like to pre-order, you may contact the office, leaving your name and the number of dinners you would like. However, pre-orders are not required.
Sunday School for Spring
The children will be meeting for Sunday School on May 1 and 15 and June 5. It promises to be a good time.
Native American Sunday next week
Native American Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to the church and society. Part of the funds collected allow us to collaborate with existing native ministries, create programs and support seminary scholarships for United Methodist Native Americans. Fifty percent of the offering remains in our annual conference to develop local ministries.
Pop Your Top for Ronald McDonald
The Church Council has approved a new mission project of collecting pull-tabs from cans for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. RMHC serves millions of children and their families each year. There are 375+ Ronald McDonald House programs for families who travel far from home for care. There are 265+ Family Room Projects providing comfort while in the hospital and 45+ Mobile Programs bringing medical, dental, and health care resources to underserved communities where they’re needed most. And they are in Ukraine as well as Albany Medical Hospital. It’s a no-cost mission. There will be a container in the café for the tabs.
Layettes for the Four Corners Native American Ministry
We are donating layettes to the Four Corners Native American Ministry in Shiprock, New Mexico. A layette includes a hat, sleeper, and blanket for an infant. We will make the hats and blankets and ship to them. The sleepers will be ordered on Amazon and delivered directly to them, therefore saving us the shipping costs. The people there will put the layettes together. If you would like to donate, there will be a basket in the hallway outside the north door of the sanctuary for hats or blankets. Financial donations may be made by placing your donation in an envelope marked “Layettes” and putting it in the collection plate or mailing it to the office.
Church Building Restoration Fund
Check out our giving thermometer in the sanctuary to see our progress toward paying for the upcoming church repairs. We still need $30,715. You can give online by clicking here (use the pull down menu to give to the Restoration Fund) OR give with cash or check through the weekly offering. Please clearly identify that the money is to be used for the Church Building Restoration Fund. Thank you for your support.
Regional Food Bank
On June 19th, Father’s Day, we will be going to the Northeast Regional Food Bank in Colonie following our church service. Volunteers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. We sort and re-box items to be distributed to various agencies, including our own Food Pantry. We have a lot of fun, and usually stop for ice cream on our way back. Please contact Linda Sheeran at lsheeran6@gmail.com, or 518-885-1729.
Fair Trade
Did you get your fill of chocolate yet? We still have some Panama Extra Dark, Orange and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt on hand. We also still have Breakfast Blend and Hazelnut Coffee, Decaf Coffee, tea and hot cocoa for sale. Just call or email Stan Lockwood (518.885.1552 0r stosh964@gmail.com) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
Did You Know?
Our services are posted to Facebook and on our website. If you Like it on Facebook and share it, it will reach many more people than if it is just on our Facebook page. You can also direct anyone to the Recent Posts page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts), which is where the service is posted weekly. This would be spreading the Word of God, as we are told to do in the Bible.
Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for the 9:00 am Sunday Coffee Fellowship on Zoom. Please meet by computer or phone by connecting with the following information:
In the Zoom app or by phone at 929-205-6099, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579. Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting.
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; the Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays, also from 9:30 till noon.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible. There are many clients and they appreciate your help.
Skye Farm Summer Camp
Yay! Camp is back and registration is open! Fun activities for kids ages 3 - 18 are awaiting! Traditional activities like water fun, arts & crafts, games, and hiking as well as ice cream for breakfast, star gazing, and slime! Check out all the possibilities at skyefarmcamp.org. There is a 40% sibling discount, plus BSUMC camperships are available for our members. You do not have to attend a Methodist church in order to go to camp, so tell your friends. Questions? Contact Linda Sheeran at 518-885-1729 or lsheeran6@gmail.com.
Prayer Group
Please consider joining our 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. If you would be interested in being involved, please either call or email the office and you can be set up.
This week's prayer concerns:
- Dorothy Clark is home and resting. Doctor appointments are being scheduled. Please keep Dorothy in your prayers.
- The Conley family ask for prayers for their daughter Tara Jones, who is 28 weeks pregnant. She has been released from Albany Medical hospital and must be on bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy.
- Please include in your prayers a local young man who was in a motorcycle accident and has lost his lower leg. His family would appreciate prayers for healing, comfort, and strength. Ilah Sisson Walser
- Cathy King asks: Please pray for Sloane and her family. She is a two-year-old with a potentially life threatening genetic disorder so rare it doesn’t have a name. They need answers and guidance, as they seek for Sloane to have a fulfilling life.
- Prayers of healing for Ann Marie Williams and her daughter during their illness.
- Ilah requests continued prayers for Linda who is undergoing involved treatment for her cancer. She has undergone the transplant therapy and is now in the 30 day period of hopeful progress to remission. She appreciates your prayers as she continues at Sloan Kettering.
- Please continue to keep Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, Pat Jones, Helen Senecal, and Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
Please reach out to people who are alone during this time. A card or phone call will let them know they are not alone or forgotten.
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check with either Advance#982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line, or by visiting UMCOR's disaster response webpage.
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can be placed in an offering plate. The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
- Hungary In Mission Together (Advance # 00175A)
- Poland In Mission Together (Advance # 00408A)
- Romania In Mission Together (Advance #00211A)
- Slovakia In Mission Together (Advance # 00236A)
Purchase Hoffman Car Wash Tickets to Help Ukraine
The Helping Hands/Hoffman car wash site is active if you would like to purchase car wash tickets! BSUMC + Hoffman Car Wash + UMCOR Ukraine. Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!! 100% of the money BSUMC receives will go to UMCOR Ukraine. WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car and money to help the people of Ukraine. These car wash tickets never expire!! Purchase for teachers, babysitters, newspaper deliverers, gifts, etc.
Click here to purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately. Make sure the UPC code is showing BEFORE printing.
- Exterior only: $13 - Your vehicle enters a modern car wash bay where it receives a soft-cloth wash followed by touch-free air drying.
- Full Service Car wash: $43 - Your vehicle first receives an Exterior Car Wash. Car care attendants then vacuum the carpets, seats and ashtrays and wipe the interior windows, dashboard and doorjambs. Finally, they add an air freshener of your choice, and the exterior of your vehicle is hand dried.
- 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park
- 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie
- 753 New Loudon Road, Latham
UMCOR Thanks You
The United Methodist Committee on Relief thanks you for your generous donation. Through your financial support, you are serving within a vital network of interactive relationships as UMCOR responds to increasingly-frequent and destructive storms – both natural and man-made. You are sharing 100% of donated funds with those in need. Thank you for demonstrating genuine love for our neighbors.
Upcoming Events
Wednesdays, April 27 & May 4 - “The Chosen” 7 pm
April 30 - Roast pork dinner (take-out only), 4-6:30 pm
May 1 - Holy Communion / Native American Sunday / Sunday School
May 8 - Mother’s Day
May 10 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
May 15 - Sunday School
May 18 - Trustee meeting, 7 pm
June 5 - Sunday School
June 19 - Regional Food Bank trip, after church
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
Here are the birthdays we're celebrating this week:
- Carey Shoen (April 25)
- Marcia Edwards (April 27)
- Lynne and Jeff Blake (April 29)
- Kristen and Lance Evans (April 30)
Next week in worship:
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Sarah Behnke
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers Melody Babcock & Conrad Dorau
Music Mark Warner
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community News
Financial Assistance Available
Rebuilding Together of Saratoga County has been enlisted by the state to let homeowners know about a grant that will provide them with financial assistance if they are behind in mortgage payments, property taxes, lot rent in mobile home parks, or utilities that put them in danger of foreclosure. If you need financial assistance, you may contact Melissa Murphy, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, at 518-587-3315 x102 or Melissa@RTSaratoga.org.
Have a blessed week
