​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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     Welcome as we worship online and in person.  Share a warm welcome to others.  Coffee hour is held in the Connections Café following the service.  Mission baskets and offering envelopes are located near both entrances to the church.
 
Cathy King’s Retirement
     On December 11 following the service, we celebrated Cathy King’s over 16 years of music ministry to our church as she approaches her retirement date.  Cathy has been our “go to” for all things music for many years and will certainly be missed.  We gathered in the café  for cake and to try to let Cathy know just how much she means to us.

“Canticles in Candlelight”
     The Advent and Christmas seasons are filled with images of candles and the air is alive with music.  People rejoice in the sight of candles burning in the darkness, the reading of familiar scriptures and the sound of carols old and new.  On December 18 at 4 pm the BSUMC choir will weave candles, scripture, and music together as they present the cantata "Canticles in Candlelight".  Come witness the lighting of candles, hear scripture readings and new music and join the choir in singing familiar carols.  There will be a coffee hour starting at 3 pm in the church's Connections Cafe.
 
Poinsettias For the Altar
     Poinsettias have been ordered from the Briarwood Florist to decorate our altar.  You may purchase a 6” flower for $15.  If you would like to have it in memory or in honor of someone, please complete the form located in the back of the sanctuary and return it to the office by Wednesday, December 14.  This information will be included in the bulletin on December 18 and Christmas Eve.

We Made a Joyful Noise!
     On December 2 we celebrated First Friday.  As in previous years, the High School Orchestra performed in the sanctuary.  Before and after we had a “Dance Party” in the parking lot.  Cookies and cocoa were passed out and gratefully accepted.  The parade capped off the evening.  It was cold but a good time.  Thank you to all who made it possible.
 
Hannaford Helps
     Our Food Pantry has been selected to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold during the month of January 2023 at the Hannaford located at 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY.    Each month the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program gives back to our communities by selecting a nonprofit local to each store to benefit from the purchase of every Fight Hunger Bag.  From previous participation, we have received a total of $528.  With food prices rising, every dollar is important, so let’s help the Food Pantry.

Fair Trade Has Arrived!
     We have received a large order of coffee, tea, and dark chocolate bars in time for the colder weather and the Holiday Season.  For chocolates, we have Extra Dark Panama, Sea Salt with Caramel Crunch, and Sea Salt with Almonds.  Coffees are Regular breakfast blend, Hazelnut, and Decaf.  To arrange for purchases or inquire about prices, please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com.

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.

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:
  • Cherrie Sanders asks for prayers for Dylan, a man who was in an accident last Saturday.  He survived but needs prayers for healing.
  • Pat Brewster has requested prayers for her daughter, Kim.  Kim has been admitted to the hospital and undergoing treatment and tests.
  • Mary Drake asks: Please pray for my nephew Charlie, he got his test results back and he has lung cancer.  He is only 46
  • Debbie asks for prayers for Dillon.  God knows his need.
  • Anne-Marie asks for continued prayers for her daughter Laurie’s healing, and for her to have patience.  She’s grateful for God’s leading and direction.
  • Please keep Peggy Traver in your prayers as she recuperates from a fall.  Please keep her husband Dick in your prayers as well. 
  • Please continue to keep Bob Elbertson, Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and Pat Jones 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.

Upcoming Events
​
December 11 - Cathy King Farewell
December 13 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
December 18 - Christmas Cantata, 4 pm (refreshments at 3 pm)
December 24 - Christmas Eve service, 7 pm
December 25 - Merry Christmas! There will be no in-person service (see below)

Christmas worship
On Christmas Day, as we each celebrate in our own homes or with others, you’re encouraged to set aside some time for a short pre-recorded worship service led by Cathy King and Pastor Kelly.  The video will be viewable from our Facebook page or the Recent Posts page of the church website.

Celebrations!
     One birthday this week: Glenn Harrison (12/15)  Happy birthday, Glenn! There are no anniversaries this week.
     If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office.  We love to celebrate!

Next week in worship
Sound                        
Riley Schmidt
Projection                AJ Schmidt
Liturgist                   George Wilson
Ushers                       Conrad Dorau &  Melody Babcock
Music                         Cathy King
Coffee Hour            Janet & George Mallette
To volunteer to help with the Sunday service or Coffee Hour, please contact Ruth Persons after church.

Community news
     The First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa will be presenting “A Brand New Hallelujah” at 6:30 pm on December 18.
 
     At 5:30 on December 21 the Round Lake UMC at 34 George Ave. in Round Lake will be having a “Blue Christmas" service, setting aside the trappings of the holiday season to seek the Light of Christ.

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