Welcome Back!
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! Masks are required at all times while in the building; seating will be at least 6 feet apart. Please enter by the south (ramp) door. You will be guided to a seat, and at the end of the service you will be dismissed via the north door by an usher. We will continue not singing as a congregation.
For anyone wishing to remain at home we will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through May at 11:30 AM Eastern Time (note the new time as of March 14):
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
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:
Lenten Change Challenge
The Lenten Change Challenge turned out to be unexpected fun and an awakening to some of the abundance in our home. When we were a few days behind in counting, our Granddaughter, Anna, helped us catch up. It was like a treasure hunt game we all enjoyed. It also confirmed our growing awareness of the excess collection of items living in the same household for 50 years can produce. We now have a longer list of items to contribute to the next church rummage sale. A win-win experience for all.
- George & Dolores Wilson
Two-day Workshop: Developing and Maintaining an Outward Heartset & Mindset
Our Objective:
To help the people in our churches and communities to see themselves and every human being as a beloved child of God in order to be better prepared to be part of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We invite teams, individuals, lay & clergy leadership to participate in a workshop that brings us to a renewed awareness of ways to use deeper insight to strengthen relationships and ministry.
Many have commented that this workshop has reawakened their God-given longing to genuinely appreciate, support, and learn from all, so that we are better able to be in ministry together. Speak with Pastor Kelly if you are interested in attending.
For more information, contact Debbie Earthrowl @ (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org, or Bill Mudge at pastorbillmudge@gmail.com.
Bishops Call for Dismantling Systematic Racism
Editor’s Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on April 20, 2021 after a jury convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, nearly a year after a viral video of the Black man gasping for breath pinned beneath the White officer’s knee sent millions into the streets demanding justice and forcing a national reckoning on race and policing.
The Council of Bishops stands together with all justice-loving people around the world in prayerfully bearing witness to the jury’s decision that convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd.
The racial violence experienced by communities of color has pushed us to think more deeply about how white supremacy functions in our society. We must continue the work of dismantling systemic racism so that the lives of black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American sisters and brothers will no longer be needlessly taken. We are called as people of faith to work for a world in which love, peace and justice reign. It is our hope that United Methodists around the world will take up this work as a continuing commitment of our baptismal vows.
As we reflect on the importance of this verdict and on our work in the days ahead, we pray for peace in the midst of truth-telling, empathy in the midst of grief and action that leads to healing and greater justice for all of God’s children.
Exploring a New Fundraiser
Have you ever been to a food truck event before? These have been growing in popularity in recent years. There’s a popular one in Glens Falls held each week at the Shirt Factory. Large crowds come out to sample a wide variety of food and desserts; plus there’s live music and lots of vendors both inside and out. Some weeks there’s even a petting zoo or pony rides!
At our recent Church Council meeting we talked about inviting a small number of food trucks or food vendors to use our parking lot. Naturally, we’d advertise this as much as possible, and schedule it for when we hope there would be a busy downtown day. What we need is some people willing to volunteer to investigate the possibilities. We’d need to find willing food vendors, plan out how the foot traffic would flow, and make sure vendors get an insurance rider. Coordination would also be needed with the village and our Trustees.
If this seems like an interesting idea and you’d be willing to be part of it, please leave your name and contact info at (518) 885-6886 or email the office.
A Message from First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church is gearing up for what hopefully will be a back-to-normal Saturday Summer Program for the children of the backstretch workers at Pine Grove Camp. They would like to gauge the interest for this summer. Please respond to them and let them know if you would be able to contribute a Saturday to spend with these kids.
Here’s how you can help:
- Justina Danison, Church Administrator, First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa
Volunteer Caregivers Needed
Volunteer Caregivers are needed for Mary’s Haven, a community home for the dying. This is a program of Catholic Charities and is located in Saratoga Springs. This would be to provide care and comfort to the terminally ill. Initial and ongoing training is provided. For more information please contact: Robin or Nancy at 518-584-9397 or by email at maryshaven@swwcc.org.
Fair Trade
Sea Salt with Almonds ($3.50), and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt ($3.00) varieties of Fair Trade chocolate are available for purchase. Organic Regular Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and various organic teas are also available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Musical Offerings
Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you be willing to provide some music for our Sunday Services?
If so, please contact Cathy King at cathys.notes@gmail.com or 518-538-4523. She will be happy to work with you and schedule a date for your musical offering to be included in a worship service.
Celebrations!
We have 4 birthdays to celebrate this week:
If there is a birthday or anniversary that you would like shared, please send it to the church office by email. Happy celebrations are always a blessing!
Have a blessed week
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! Masks are required at all times while in the building; seating will be at least 6 feet apart. Please enter by the south (ramp) door. You will be guided to a seat, and at the end of the service you will be dismissed via the north door by an usher. We will continue not singing as a congregation.
For anyone wishing to remain at home we will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through May at 11:30 AM Eastern Time (note the new time as of March 14):
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
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:
- Lou Cook is able to visit Joyce in the hospice unit each day. They are grateful for their time together.
- Sue Cramer asks for prayers for their granddaughter Megan who has a serious heart issue.
- Sue Cramer asks for prayers for her sister-in-law as her mother goes to God.
- Ilah asks for prayers for Garner who was born 9 weeks early and weighed in at just over 3 pounds. We pray for his continued gains and hold on life.
- Pat Jones asks for prayers for Russ, a family friend in his 80s with cancer.
- Prayers for Bill Haege’s health and adjustment to using his wheelchair. And prayers for Katie, his caregiver, who is struggling with her grandmother's death.
- Please pray for Amy in her early pregnancy.
- Melissa Taylor is praising God for helping her through her treatments and appreciates our prayers.
- Keep Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks: Heartfelt concern and prayers for those suffering from COVID 19 and their families. Give people strength to continue to safeguard against exposure and contacting the virus.
Lenten Change Challenge
The Lenten Change Challenge turned out to be unexpected fun and an awakening to some of the abundance in our home. When we were a few days behind in counting, our Granddaughter, Anna, helped us catch up. It was like a treasure hunt game we all enjoyed. It also confirmed our growing awareness of the excess collection of items living in the same household for 50 years can produce. We now have a longer list of items to contribute to the next church rummage sale. A win-win experience for all.
- George & Dolores Wilson
Two-day Workshop: Developing and Maintaining an Outward Heartset & Mindset
Our Objective:
To help the people in our churches and communities to see themselves and every human being as a beloved child of God in order to be better prepared to be part of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We invite teams, individuals, lay & clergy leadership to participate in a workshop that brings us to a renewed awareness of ways to use deeper insight to strengthen relationships and ministry.
Many have commented that this workshop has reawakened their God-given longing to genuinely appreciate, support, and learn from all, so that we are better able to be in ministry together. Speak with Pastor Kelly if you are interested in attending.
- Workshop Leaders: Rev. Bill Mudge and Rev. Debbie Earthrowl
- The workshop runs from 6 PM to 9 PM on Friday, May 7 and from 9 AM to Noon and from 1 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, May 8.
- The cost is $130 for materials; some scholarship assistance is available.
For more information, contact Debbie Earthrowl @ (518) 391-3215 or debbieearthrowl@unyumc.org, or Bill Mudge at pastorbillmudge@gmail.com.
Bishops Call for Dismantling Systematic Racism
Editor’s Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on April 20, 2021 after a jury convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, nearly a year after a viral video of the Black man gasping for breath pinned beneath the White officer’s knee sent millions into the streets demanding justice and forcing a national reckoning on race and policing.
The Council of Bishops stands together with all justice-loving people around the world in prayerfully bearing witness to the jury’s decision that convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd.
The racial violence experienced by communities of color has pushed us to think more deeply about how white supremacy functions in our society. We must continue the work of dismantling systemic racism so that the lives of black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American sisters and brothers will no longer be needlessly taken. We are called as people of faith to work for a world in which love, peace and justice reign. It is our hope that United Methodists around the world will take up this work as a continuing commitment of our baptismal vows.
As we reflect on the importance of this verdict and on our work in the days ahead, we pray for peace in the midst of truth-telling, empathy in the midst of grief and action that leads to healing and greater justice for all of God’s children.
Exploring a New Fundraiser
Have you ever been to a food truck event before? These have been growing in popularity in recent years. There’s a popular one in Glens Falls held each week at the Shirt Factory. Large crowds come out to sample a wide variety of food and desserts; plus there’s live music and lots of vendors both inside and out. Some weeks there’s even a petting zoo or pony rides!
At our recent Church Council meeting we talked about inviting a small number of food trucks or food vendors to use our parking lot. Naturally, we’d advertise this as much as possible, and schedule it for when we hope there would be a busy downtown day. What we need is some people willing to volunteer to investigate the possibilities. We’d need to find willing food vendors, plan out how the foot traffic would flow, and make sure vendors get an insurance rider. Coordination would also be needed with the village and our Trustees.
If this seems like an interesting idea and you’d be willing to be part of it, please leave your name and contact info at (518) 885-6886 or email the office.
A Message from First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church is gearing up for what hopefully will be a back-to-normal Saturday Summer Program for the children of the backstretch workers at Pine Grove Camp. They would like to gauge the interest for this summer. Please respond to them and let them know if you would be able to contribute a Saturday to spend with these kids.
Here’s how you can help:
- Choose a Saturday during the 2021 Racing Season [July 17, 24, and 31, August 7, 14, 21, 28, and September 4]. Individuals and groups can volunteer for half a day (9am-1pm or 1-5pm) or the whole day (9am-5pm).
- Provide a minimum of 2-3 adults to help supervise the children throughout the day [with as many teenagers and children of volunteers as you like].
- Provide a healthy lunch (9-1 shift) or snack (1-5 shift) for the 25-30 children and volunteers.
- Plan special crafts/projects/games to supplement the basic ones available (e.g. Wii system, movies, board games, special sports equipment, craft kits, beads, tie-dye shirts, wood projects, painting, etc.) Churches or groups may also choose to provide a VBS-style program as part of their programing.
- Justina Danison, Church Administrator, First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa
Volunteer Caregivers Needed
Volunteer Caregivers are needed for Mary’s Haven, a community home for the dying. This is a program of Catholic Charities and is located in Saratoga Springs. This would be to provide care and comfort to the terminally ill. Initial and ongoing training is provided. For more information please contact: Robin or Nancy at 518-584-9397 or by email at maryshaven@swwcc.org.
Fair Trade
Sea Salt with Almonds ($3.50), and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt ($3.00) varieties of Fair Trade chocolate are available for purchase. Organic Regular Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and various organic teas are also available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Musical Offerings
Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you be willing to provide some music for our Sunday Services?
If so, please contact Cathy King at cathys.notes@gmail.com or 518-538-4523. She will be happy to work with you and schedule a date for your musical offering to be included in a worship service.
Celebrations!
We have 4 birthdays to celebrate this week:
- Benjamin Skillings (4/25)
- Carey Shoen (4/25)
- Marcia Edwards (4/27)
- Madison LeRoy (4/29)
- Greg Wilson (5/1)
- Lynne and Jeff Blake (4/29)
- Kristen and Lance Evans (4/30)
- Donna and Mike Conley (5/1)
If there is a birthday or anniversary that you would like shared, please send it to the church office by email. Happy celebrations are always a blessing!
Have a blessed week