This Week’s Message
On Sunday morning our Easter cross was again outside in front of the church, with the pastor and other greeters waving to drivers and pedestrians. But this week there was an added surprise for dogs and their owners: three decorated bowls filled with water were on the sidewalk. Our very own Alaina Greco hand-painted and donated them for the church’s use. And another young adult from our church, Maegan Conley, made home-made dog biscuits (in the shape of bones and paws) and we handed those out. Thank you both so much!
We had the chance to visit with some of our neighbors as the dogs enjoyed their treats. Together we smiled as we watched the dogs’ tails wagging after finishing their treat and getting a drink. Go check out photos from our joy-filled morning on our Facebook, or our church website, and be sure to share your thanks with Maegan and Alaina for giving of their time and talent.
As an FYI, if you ever need a unique gift for a pet-lover each of these ladies creates and sells some amazing products. Alaina is a gifted artist who will do miniature pet portraits and Maegan has a whole line of dog-related items. This could be a way of supporting local people with their small business ventures.
Prayer Group
F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” For many people in the United States and across the world, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted such feelings. To help deal with these feelings, 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.
Prayers requested are:
Louis Cook would like prayers following the passing of his aunt, Theresa Cook, age 101, who died on 4/21. They celebrate her life and ask for prayers for the family's grief.
Prayers for Pat Jones' health - suffering with arthritis pain and waiting for an unrelated doctor's appointment
Prayers for Jamie Jones - on dialysis and struggling with health concerns
Prayers for Tara (Conley) Jones - diagnosed with COVID-19 and quarantined at home, asking prayers for herself & her family
Prayers for Diane Solotruck as she awaits surgery.
Ilah Sisson Walser shares: As we face these days of isolation and being apart, tensions grow, worries loom, and looking ahead greys in the distance. Prayers for each other to withstand, uphold, and share joy wherever and whenever we can.
Cathy King asks for prayers of thanksgiving that Renee and Tom are beginning to feel better as they recover from Coronavirus. Continued prayers for full recovery are also appreciated. She also asks for prayers for Frank & Peggy and also Bill & Kathy , traveling from FL to NY that they find places to stop, stay and eat that are free from danger and that they arrive home safely and in good health.
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 isissonwal@aol.com 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.
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.
Linda Sheeran adds: “I volunteered at the Regional Food Bank last Thursday. It was quite a workout! Since we have to stay 6' apart, we (10 of us) were each given a large bin to sort through individually. But we definitely made a difference!”
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:
On Tuesday May 5th at 10:00am, until supplies last, there will be a Drive-Thru Food Pantry at the Pine Grove Community Church parking lot - 59 Pine Rd. Saratoga Springs (Corner of Rt. 29). The Salvation Army, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank, is sponsoring the Food Drive.
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.
UMCOR’s COVID-19 Response is Fueled by Your Generosity
As soon as we launched the UMCOR COVID-19 Response, we received requests for assistance from partners around the world. Your gift, today, will demonstrate your compassion and care when it is most needed - now.
Through the COVID-19 Response Fund, UMCOR is committed to:
Together, we can quickly provide critical and tangible support to those most affected by COVID-19.
If you are able, please give today.
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 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!
Enjoy a delicious dinner of soup on Thursday - Free!
On Thursday, April 30, at the Knights of Columbus at 76 Grace Street in Waterford, there will be a “soup kitchen”. Two men are making 90 gallons of soup; beef vegetable, chicken noodle and broccoli cheese, all to be given freely to anyone who wants it. This will be from 4 to 7 pm. This will be a drive-through, and I have it on good authority that the soup will be amazing! Did I mention that the broccoli cheese soup will have 4 different kinds of cheese?
New Addresses
Janice Green has moved. If you would like to send her a card her address is:
131 Lawrence St.
Apt. V418W
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Brad Heffernan has graduated from his initial training and moved. His new address is:
AC Heffernan, Brad M.
230 Chevalier Field Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32508-5151
Please Support Local 5K Sponsors and Contributors that Support our Falling Leaves Charity Run
In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic everyone is suffering in one way or another due to the virus itself; economic concerns among individuals losing their jobs or source of income; and local businesses losing income due to the government-ordered closures and social distancing. Our local businesses are especially suffering from the shutdown and some may not be able to reopen when they are given the okay.
In 2019, the Falling Leaves 5K had 31 sponsors and over 35 local businesses that provided a total of 50 gift certificates valued at over $1,700 as door prizes for the race participants. Our community is extremely blessed to have such community-minded businesses in its midst. However, some of these businesses may not be financially able to open even when the economy is opened up.
During this unprecedented event, we encourage our members and friends to support the generous sponsors and contributors during the many months to follow. Many of the restaurants are open for take-out service and other stores are open for phone and on-line orders. In many instances, the store or restaurant will bring your order directly to your car. We suggest that you call ahead to determine the best and safest way to proceed with any purchase, and, of course, wear your mask and observe social distancing as much as possible. We have listed our sponsors and contributors below and hope that you will consider helping out these local businesses in the next few weeks and beyond to keep our community on sound financial footing. Those that are listed in bold type we know are open for business. Others may also be open by appointment or via electronic means.
Race sponsors included: the D.A. Collins Companies (including Jointa Galusha, LLC and Pallette Stone); LaMarco Physical Therapy, P.C., Saratoga Organic & Hydroponic Supply, Edward Jones Investments (both the Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs Offices), Rainbow International Restoration; Armer Funeral Home, Ballston Carpet & Tile, Ballston National Bank, Pizza Works, E. Stewart Jones Hacker & Murphy Law Firm, LLP, Recovery Sports Grill, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties—Joyce Garlock, Henry’s Tavern; Agway of Ballston Spa, Alexander Blueline, Allerdice Building Supply, Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant, Baker’s Auto Service, Ballston Spa Country Club, Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic, Front Street Deli, Harold R. Clune Electric, The Iron Roost, Malta Animal Hospital, Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC, Mayfair Jewelers, Next Door Kitchen & Bar, O’Brien Pharmacy, RuthCaswell.Arbonne.com, and T-Shirt Graphics.
Businesses providing gift certificates for the runners were as follows: A Bead Just So, Anna’s Flowers, Ballston Spa Country Club, Beverly’s Eatery, Biscossi’s Pizza Time Restaurant, Briarwood Florist, Corina’s Jewelry & Fine Crafts, Curtis Lumber, Daisy Dry Goods Antiques and Gifts, Dehn’s Flowers, Double M Haunted Hayride, Dunning Street Station Bar & Grill, Fleet Feet-Malta, Galway Golf Club, Gore Mountain, Inspirational Touch Massage Therapy, Art Work by Kimberly (Kilaarts), Lakeridge Restaurant, Mom & Pops Diner, MyGym, Nomad Coffee & Crepes, Total Look Center, Pizza Etc., Pizza Works, Ribbon Café, Route 50 Diner, RuthCaswell.Arbonne.com, Sanders Meat Market, Straight Edge Barbershop, Sunset Grill, Target, 13 North Restaurant, the Village Barber, and the Whitehouse Restaurant, . Also, Stewart’s Shops provided bagels and Price Chopper/Market 32 and Target provided gift cards to purchase water, fruit, and other refreshments and paper products for the runners after the race.
We encourage church members and friends to please remember and support these sponsors and local businesses whenever you can. Our local Ballston Spa and area businesses are very supportive of the Falling Leaves 5K and our run would not be possible without their generous donations.
5K Race Committee: Gary Wilson, Lynne Blake, Stan Lockwood, Betsy Sillars, and Alaina Greco
Tired?
After pulling three double shifts in a row, my brother Billy, a hotel clerk, was worn out. On one of his few breaks, he went to the hotel restaurant to grab a bite. When his food came, Billy, his mind in a fog, bowed his head for the blessing and whispered these words to God: “Good evening, Holiday Inn, how can I help you?” —Bob Cook
Want Some of My Pickle?
My three-year-old daughter stuck out her hand and said, “Look at the fly I killed, Mommy.” Since she was eating a juicy pickle at the time, I thrust her contaminated hands under the faucet and washed them with antibacterial soap. After sitting her down to finish her pickle, I asked, with a touch of awe, “How did you kill that fly all by yourself?” Between bites, she said, “I hit it with my pickle.” Cindy Yates, Mill Valley, California
That’s Not What I Said!
After i-messaging back and forth with my wife, I jokingly commanded Siri to pass along this message: “You need to get back to work now; you have a husband to support.” Here is what Siri sent: “You need to get back to work now; you have a has-been to support.” John Brown, Jenks, Oklahoma
Have a blessed week.
On Sunday morning our Easter cross was again outside in front of the church, with the pastor and other greeters waving to drivers and pedestrians. But this week there was an added surprise for dogs and their owners: three decorated bowls filled with water were on the sidewalk. Our very own Alaina Greco hand-painted and donated them for the church’s use. And another young adult from our church, Maegan Conley, made home-made dog biscuits (in the shape of bones and paws) and we handed those out. Thank you both so much!
We had the chance to visit with some of our neighbors as the dogs enjoyed their treats. Together we smiled as we watched the dogs’ tails wagging after finishing their treat and getting a drink. Go check out photos from our joy-filled morning on our Facebook, or our church website, and be sure to share your thanks with Maegan and Alaina for giving of their time and talent.
As an FYI, if you ever need a unique gift for a pet-lover each of these ladies creates and sells some amazing products. Alaina is a gifted artist who will do miniature pet portraits and Maegan has a whole line of dog-related items. This could be a way of supporting local people with their small business ventures.
Prayer Group
F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” For many people in the United States and across the world, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted such feelings. To help deal with these feelings, 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.
Prayers requested are:
Louis Cook would like prayers following the passing of his aunt, Theresa Cook, age 101, who died on 4/21. They celebrate her life and ask for prayers for the family's grief.
Prayers for Pat Jones' health - suffering with arthritis pain and waiting for an unrelated doctor's appointment
Prayers for Jamie Jones - on dialysis and struggling with health concerns
Prayers for Tara (Conley) Jones - diagnosed with COVID-19 and quarantined at home, asking prayers for herself & her family
Prayers for Diane Solotruck as she awaits surgery.
Ilah Sisson Walser shares: As we face these days of isolation and being apart, tensions grow, worries loom, and looking ahead greys in the distance. Prayers for each other to withstand, uphold, and share joy wherever and whenever we can.
Cathy King asks for prayers of thanksgiving that Renee and Tom are beginning to feel better as they recover from Coronavirus. Continued prayers for full recovery are also appreciated. She also asks for prayers for Frank & Peggy and also Bill & Kathy , traveling from FL to NY that they find places to stop, stay and eat that are free from danger and that they arrive home safely and in good health.
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 isissonwal@aol.com 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.
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.
Linda Sheeran adds: “I volunteered at the Regional Food Bank last Thursday. It was quite a workout! Since we have to stay 6' apart, we (10 of us) were each given a large bin to sort through individually. But we definitely made a difference!”
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.
On Tuesday May 5th at 10:00am, until supplies last, there will be a Drive-Thru Food Pantry at the Pine Grove Community Church parking lot - 59 Pine Rd. Saratoga Springs (Corner of Rt. 29). The Salvation Army, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank, is sponsoring the Food Drive.
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.
UMCOR’s COVID-19 Response is Fueled by Your Generosity
As soon as we launched the UMCOR COVID-19 Response, we received requests for assistance from partners around the world. Your gift, today, will demonstrate your compassion and care when it is most needed - now.
Through the COVID-19 Response Fund, UMCOR is committed to:
- Reducing food insecurity
- Providing water and sanitation facilities
- Strengthening health care systems
- Responding to economic instability
Together, we can quickly provide critical and tangible support to those most affected by COVID-19.
If you are able, please give today.
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 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!
Enjoy a delicious dinner of soup on Thursday - Free!
On Thursday, April 30, at the Knights of Columbus at 76 Grace Street in Waterford, there will be a “soup kitchen”. Two men are making 90 gallons of soup; beef vegetable, chicken noodle and broccoli cheese, all to be given freely to anyone who wants it. This will be from 4 to 7 pm. This will be a drive-through, and I have it on good authority that the soup will be amazing! Did I mention that the broccoli cheese soup will have 4 different kinds of cheese?
New Addresses
Janice Green has moved. If you would like to send her a card her address is:
131 Lawrence St.
Apt. V418W
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Brad Heffernan has graduated from his initial training and moved. His new address is:
AC Heffernan, Brad M.
230 Chevalier Field Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32508-5151
Please Support Local 5K Sponsors and Contributors that Support our Falling Leaves Charity Run
In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic everyone is suffering in one way or another due to the virus itself; economic concerns among individuals losing their jobs or source of income; and local businesses losing income due to the government-ordered closures and social distancing. Our local businesses are especially suffering from the shutdown and some may not be able to reopen when they are given the okay.
In 2019, the Falling Leaves 5K had 31 sponsors and over 35 local businesses that provided a total of 50 gift certificates valued at over $1,700 as door prizes for the race participants. Our community is extremely blessed to have such community-minded businesses in its midst. However, some of these businesses may not be financially able to open even when the economy is opened up.
During this unprecedented event, we encourage our members and friends to support the generous sponsors and contributors during the many months to follow. Many of the restaurants are open for take-out service and other stores are open for phone and on-line orders. In many instances, the store or restaurant will bring your order directly to your car. We suggest that you call ahead to determine the best and safest way to proceed with any purchase, and, of course, wear your mask and observe social distancing as much as possible. We have listed our sponsors and contributors below and hope that you will consider helping out these local businesses in the next few weeks and beyond to keep our community on sound financial footing. Those that are listed in bold type we know are open for business. Others may also be open by appointment or via electronic means.
Race sponsors included: the D.A. Collins Companies (including Jointa Galusha, LLC and Pallette Stone); LaMarco Physical Therapy, P.C., Saratoga Organic & Hydroponic Supply, Edward Jones Investments (both the Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs Offices), Rainbow International Restoration; Armer Funeral Home, Ballston Carpet & Tile, Ballston National Bank, Pizza Works, E. Stewart Jones Hacker & Murphy Law Firm, LLP, Recovery Sports Grill, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties—Joyce Garlock, Henry’s Tavern; Agway of Ballston Spa, Alexander Blueline, Allerdice Building Supply, Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant, Baker’s Auto Service, Ballston Spa Country Club, Ballston Spa Veterinary Clinic, Front Street Deli, Harold R. Clune Electric, The Iron Roost, Malta Animal Hospital, Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC, Mayfair Jewelers, Next Door Kitchen & Bar, O’Brien Pharmacy, RuthCaswell.Arbonne.com, and T-Shirt Graphics.
Businesses providing gift certificates for the runners were as follows: A Bead Just So, Anna’s Flowers, Ballston Spa Country Club, Beverly’s Eatery, Biscossi’s Pizza Time Restaurant, Briarwood Florist, Corina’s Jewelry & Fine Crafts, Curtis Lumber, Daisy Dry Goods Antiques and Gifts, Dehn’s Flowers, Double M Haunted Hayride, Dunning Street Station Bar & Grill, Fleet Feet-Malta, Galway Golf Club, Gore Mountain, Inspirational Touch Massage Therapy, Art Work by Kimberly (Kilaarts), Lakeridge Restaurant, Mom & Pops Diner, MyGym, Nomad Coffee & Crepes, Total Look Center, Pizza Etc., Pizza Works, Ribbon Café, Route 50 Diner, RuthCaswell.Arbonne.com, Sanders Meat Market, Straight Edge Barbershop, Sunset Grill, Target, 13 North Restaurant, the Village Barber, and the Whitehouse Restaurant, . Also, Stewart’s Shops provided bagels and Price Chopper/Market 32 and Target provided gift cards to purchase water, fruit, and other refreshments and paper products for the runners after the race.
We encourage church members and friends to please remember and support these sponsors and local businesses whenever you can. Our local Ballston Spa and area businesses are very supportive of the Falling Leaves 5K and our run would not be possible without their generous donations.
5K Race Committee: Gary Wilson, Lynne Blake, Stan Lockwood, Betsy Sillars, and Alaina Greco
Tired?
After pulling three double shifts in a row, my brother Billy, a hotel clerk, was worn out. On one of his few breaks, he went to the hotel restaurant to grab a bite. When his food came, Billy, his mind in a fog, bowed his head for the blessing and whispered these words to God: “Good evening, Holiday Inn, how can I help you?” —Bob Cook
Want Some of My Pickle?
My three-year-old daughter stuck out her hand and said, “Look at the fly I killed, Mommy.” Since she was eating a juicy pickle at the time, I thrust her contaminated hands under the faucet and washed them with antibacterial soap. After sitting her down to finish her pickle, I asked, with a touch of awe, “How did you kill that fly all by yourself?” Between bites, she said, “I hit it with my pickle.” Cindy Yates, Mill Valley, California
That’s Not What I Said!
After i-messaging back and forth with my wife, I jokingly commanded Siri to pass along this message: “You need to get back to work now; you have a husband to support.” Here is what Siri sent: “You need to get back to work now; you have a has-been to support.” John Brown, Jenks, Oklahoma
Have a blessed week.