No In-Person Services for 6 Weeks
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church will pause their in person worship at the church for the next six weeks (12/13-1/17/2021). Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the rising positivity rates in Saratoga County were the benchmark criteria for the decision. The decision was made with a great deal of care and concern for our congregation and for the community at large.
We will be having worship each Sunday via Facebook, and YouTube postings and on our website. While the building may not be open, we will continue to worship and share God's love. For the current time, the Food Pantry will continue to serve on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to Noon, using the rear entrance to the Church House off the parking lot.
Advent Greetings to You
We won't be gathering on Christmas Eve - but we are excited to share that we’re recording a very special Christmas Eve service which will be posted on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube for December 24th. We hope you’ll take the time to watch this joyful, music-filled Christmas Eve service.
We’re also excited to share that we have a Christmas gift bag we’d like to deliver to your home. We encourage you to set it under your Christmas tree and open it sometime on December 24th after listening to “Silent Night” as it closes our Christmas Eve service. Inside you’ll find an ornament we hope will remind you in years to come that God’s love – especially in 2020 – went the distance to reach you! There will be other special treats included as a token of our appreciation for you. While it is sad to realize we cannot come together for our beloved, sacred evening filled with carols and Scriptures, when we hang our ornament on the tree, we’ll know that everyone else in our church family is doing the same thing. We may be apart, but we can remember one another with love and thanksgiving.
Another communal experience we will not share in is our Christmas Love offering. This church has a long tradition of giving generously at the Christmas Eve service; in fact, it has often helped us close out the year on a solid footing. We’d be incredibly grateful if you could offer such a gift this year. We are good stewards of all that is given and can assure you that real needs will be met through your giving. If you wish you may send a check to the church office, or you can give electronically here, on the Giving tab of this website.
Now that you have this news, we hope you’ll plan what time you’ll sit down and enjoy the Christmas Eve service. We anticipate delivering your Christmas gift bag the week before Christmas. We’ve heard some people will be out of town while others are remaining at home. For that reason please confirm that you would like to receive your special gift by contacting the church office by email or by phone at 518-885-6886. Leave your name, phone number, and best delivery times. We’d love it if you could reach out as soon as possible so we can make up our delivery list.
- Pastor Kelly Warner
UMCOR Thanks You
Dear Friends in Mission,
Thank you! The dear people you just helped with your gift to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) may never have the opportunity to meet you, but if they did, I am certain their response would be – Thank you!
Together, may we continue to reveal the love of God for men, women, and children of all ethnic, racial, cultural, and national backgrounds and to demonstrate genuine love for our neighbors.
Grace and Peace, Roland Fernandes, General Secretary
Veterans & Community Housing Coalition Thanks You
On behalf of the Veterans that we serve, thank you for your very generous donation of $2,200 for our Veterans. We believe the words homeless and Veteran should never be used in the same sentence. Our mission is to ensure that all Veterans have safe, decent, affordable housing. We provide support services, advocacy, financial assistance, and transitional and permanent housing to help our Veterans achieve that goal.
We know there are so many great causes that need support. Thank you for choosing VCHC.
Sincerely, Cheryl Hage-Perez, Executive Director
* Since we did not have our 5K in 2020, supporting businesses still felt the need to make their generous donations which we have passed along to the Veterans.
Social Justice Bible Study
Our Social Justice bible study just wrapped up. Dolores Wilson and Pastor Kelly co-taught a four-week bible study on social justice issues. They met by zoom on Thursday evenings not only looking at scriptures but seeing how they applied to life today and the world we live in. Those who dialed in included George Wilson, Cherrie Sanders, Marion Coton, and Ruth Persons. The group is brainstorming ideas for a new study in January. They invite you to consider attending and welcome any ideas you may have for topics.
Pastor Kelly’s Christmas Gift
Up until Christmas, in lieu of collecting for a gift for Pastor Kelly, it is requested that a donation be made to BACA in her honor. Checks can be made out payable to our Church with the notation in the memo line that it is for BACA, or you can donate on the Giving tab of this website (specifying the Ballston Area Clergy Association fund).
Worship Schedule for Advent
December 20 - Fourth Sunday in Advent
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 61:1-4
Sermon: “Love for All this Christmas”
Theme: Love
Music:
December 24 - Christmas Eve (7 pm)
Lessons and Carols
December 27 - First Sunday of Christmas
Christmas Songs
Find Daily Devotions On-line
Devotional resources are one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications.
The Upper Room and the National Council of Churches are among the United Methodist and ecumenical agencies producing daily devotions online.
The Upper Room: Morning prayer on Facebook, daily, 11 am CDT; Daily Devotionals from The Upper Room Magazine.
National Council of Churches: Prayer and scripture posted daily throughout the pandemic.
Rev. Bob Long’s Loss
Please keep the family and friends of the Rev. Bob Long in your prayers. Rev. Long’s son-in-law, José Velasquez Quiroz, died on Dec. 6th. Condolences can be sent to Pepe’s wife, Beth Long-Velasquez at 2048 Hoover Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309.
Rev. Long served several churches in the former Troy Conference, including Troy-Christ UMC, Schenectady-Eastern Parkway UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and others. He came to our church in 1972 with two young children, Beth and Stephen. You may send your condolences to Rev. Long at 833 Oregon Avenue, Niskayuna, NY 12309.
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.
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.
Special Request Received – Irv LaDucer
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Our Dad/Pa is at Wesley and is basically locked down. He needs to remain in his room with the door closed 24/7 as someone tested positive for COVID-19 on his floor. Needless to say, he is going stir crazy! We have a favor, if you send out Christmas cards, would you add him to your list? Getting cards would certainly give him something to look forward to and could really help lift his spirits! Even if you don’t know him personally, the idea that someone took the time to send him a card would mean so much! Or, if you have a child at home who loves to draw or color pictures, he would LOVE that, too! Thanks so much for your support. We really appreciate it!
His address is:
Irv LaDucer
C/O Wesley Healthcare Center, 3 Springs, Room 303
131 Lawrence Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Fair Trade
There are still some Panama Extra Dark and Orange Bars left if folks are still interested in some before Christmas. Of course, we still have regular coffee, tea (regular, green, and decaf), and hot cocoa for sale, as well. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 if you are interested. Many thanks to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade items.
Ballston Spa United Methodist Church + Hoffman Car Wash
Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!!
WIN – WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car, support a local business, and money for the ministries at BSUMC!
Purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately @ : BSUMC 2020 Car Wash
Exterior only: $12 - 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: To be more detailed and sanitizing in cleaning. Starting July 1st, the Full Service car wash will cost $42, which means your organization receives $21 for the 50% earnings.
Full service tickets may be used at: 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park; 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie; and 753 New Loudon Road, Latham (Cannot be used at the exit 15 location). Order forms and an explanation of services will be on the fundraising page from the ‘Print Order Form’ link.
Any Questions?? Call or email Lynne Blake at 518-885-9821 or LBlake@nycap.rr.com
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is very real during this time. If you are someone who is in this situation, please feel free to come to the Church House on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:30 to receive food. If you are able to help, please consider giving either a monetary donation or something from the below list. If you are able to donate your time, please give the office a call and give your availability. Thank you for your help and giving.
Pantry Items Needed
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for our service recodrings, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. We can do these recordings in a socially-distanced manner to promote everyone's safety.
Many thanks for sharing your gifts of music!
Reports Due
To all committee chairpeople…the end-of-year report for your committee is due to the office by January 15, 2021. Reports will be gladly accepted before that time.
True Christian Christmas - by Joanna Fuchs
Christmas isn't showy gifts
Or glittering decoration;
It's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ
In humble adoration.
It's serving those less fortunate,
Meeting their needs before our own;
It's making sure at Christmas time
That no one is alone.
It's taking what we would have spent
On things that no one needs,
And using it to help someone
With service and good deeds.
Our Savior showed us how to live
With charity, faith and service.
It makes the holidays a joy,
More peaceful, and less nervous.
So let's remember Christmas is
About our Savior's birth;
That's the way to happiness,
The way to peace on earth.
Jesus is Better Than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!
Have a blessed week
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church will pause their in person worship at the church for the next six weeks (12/13-1/17/2021). Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the rising positivity rates in Saratoga County were the benchmark criteria for the decision. The decision was made with a great deal of care and concern for our congregation and for the community at large.
We will be having worship each Sunday via Facebook, and YouTube postings and on our website. While the building may not be open, we will continue to worship and share God's love. For the current time, the Food Pantry will continue to serve on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to Noon, using the rear entrance to the Church House off the parking lot.
Advent Greetings to You
We won't be gathering on Christmas Eve - but we are excited to share that we’re recording a very special Christmas Eve service which will be posted on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube for December 24th. We hope you’ll take the time to watch this joyful, music-filled Christmas Eve service.
We’re also excited to share that we have a Christmas gift bag we’d like to deliver to your home. We encourage you to set it under your Christmas tree and open it sometime on December 24th after listening to “Silent Night” as it closes our Christmas Eve service. Inside you’ll find an ornament we hope will remind you in years to come that God’s love – especially in 2020 – went the distance to reach you! There will be other special treats included as a token of our appreciation for you. While it is sad to realize we cannot come together for our beloved, sacred evening filled with carols and Scriptures, when we hang our ornament on the tree, we’ll know that everyone else in our church family is doing the same thing. We may be apart, but we can remember one another with love and thanksgiving.
Another communal experience we will not share in is our Christmas Love offering. This church has a long tradition of giving generously at the Christmas Eve service; in fact, it has often helped us close out the year on a solid footing. We’d be incredibly grateful if you could offer such a gift this year. We are good stewards of all that is given and can assure you that real needs will be met through your giving. If you wish you may send a check to the church office, or you can give electronically here, on the Giving tab of this website.
Now that you have this news, we hope you’ll plan what time you’ll sit down and enjoy the Christmas Eve service. We anticipate delivering your Christmas gift bag the week before Christmas. We’ve heard some people will be out of town while others are remaining at home. For that reason please confirm that you would like to receive your special gift by contacting the church office by email or by phone at 518-885-6886. Leave your name, phone number, and best delivery times. We’d love it if you could reach out as soon as possible so we can make up our delivery list.
- Pastor Kelly Warner
UMCOR Thanks You
Dear Friends in Mission,
Thank you! The dear people you just helped with your gift to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) may never have the opportunity to meet you, but if they did, I am certain their response would be – Thank you!
Together, may we continue to reveal the love of God for men, women, and children of all ethnic, racial, cultural, and national backgrounds and to demonstrate genuine love for our neighbors.
Grace and Peace, Roland Fernandes, General Secretary
Veterans & Community Housing Coalition Thanks You
On behalf of the Veterans that we serve, thank you for your very generous donation of $2,200 for our Veterans. We believe the words homeless and Veteran should never be used in the same sentence. Our mission is to ensure that all Veterans have safe, decent, affordable housing. We provide support services, advocacy, financial assistance, and transitional and permanent housing to help our Veterans achieve that goal.
We know there are so many great causes that need support. Thank you for choosing VCHC.
Sincerely, Cheryl Hage-Perez, Executive Director
* Since we did not have our 5K in 2020, supporting businesses still felt the need to make their generous donations which we have passed along to the Veterans.
Social Justice Bible Study
Our Social Justice bible study just wrapped up. Dolores Wilson and Pastor Kelly co-taught a four-week bible study on social justice issues. They met by zoom on Thursday evenings not only looking at scriptures but seeing how they applied to life today and the world we live in. Those who dialed in included George Wilson, Cherrie Sanders, Marion Coton, and Ruth Persons. The group is brainstorming ideas for a new study in January. They invite you to consider attending and welcome any ideas you may have for topics.
Pastor Kelly’s Christmas Gift
Up until Christmas, in lieu of collecting for a gift for Pastor Kelly, it is requested that a donation be made to BACA in her honor. Checks can be made out payable to our Church with the notation in the memo line that it is for BACA, or you can donate on the Giving tab of this website (specifying the Ballston Area Clergy Association fund).
Worship Schedule for Advent
December 20 - Fourth Sunday in Advent
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 61:1-4
Sermon: “Love for All this Christmas”
Theme: Love
Music:
- “Noel” - Mark Warner
- “Carol of Wonder” - Kelly Schmidt
- “Mary, Did You Know?” - Dorothy Collins
December 24 - Christmas Eve (7 pm)
Lessons and Carols
December 27 - First Sunday of Christmas
Christmas Songs
Find Daily Devotions On-line
Devotional resources are one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications.
The Upper Room and the National Council of Churches are among the United Methodist and ecumenical agencies producing daily devotions online.
The Upper Room: Morning prayer on Facebook, daily, 11 am CDT; Daily Devotionals from The Upper Room Magazine.
National Council of Churches: Prayer and scripture posted daily throughout the pandemic.
Rev. Bob Long’s Loss
Please keep the family and friends of the Rev. Bob Long in your prayers. Rev. Long’s son-in-law, José Velasquez Quiroz, died on Dec. 6th. Condolences can be sent to Pepe’s wife, Beth Long-Velasquez at 2048 Hoover Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309.
Rev. Long served several churches in the former Troy Conference, including Troy-Christ UMC, Schenectady-Eastern Parkway UMC, Saratoga Springs UMC, and others. He came to our church in 1972 with two young children, Beth and Stephen. You may send your condolences to Rev. Long at 833 Oregon Avenue, Niskayuna, NY 12309.
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.
- Prayers of thanksgiving as the health of Dorothy Collins has improved.
- Walter Thiem is home recuperating after brain surgery last week. Please pray for favorable test results and continued healing.
- Another joy is that Walter’s father Al is home. That safe homecoming is another answered prayer.
- Cherrie Sanders asks, “Please pray for my friend Marcia’s aunt. She has some very serious medical issues.”
- Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for a family member of her co-worker named Sue who has medical issues.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks: “I have a young friend who is a teacher in New Hampshire who has COVID. Prayers for her as well as all teachers who are working through this pandemic. Prayers for health and strength. Lord, hear our prayer.”
- Please pray for Kathy Haege who remains hospitalized with leukemia. She is out of ICU and undergoing chemo treatments. She expects to remain in the hospital for a few more weeks. Also prayers for her husband Bill during this difficult time.
- Please continue to pray for Pat Jones. She continues to struggle with the effects of pneumonia.
- Please pray for Melissa who is experiencing medical issues.
- Keep 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.
Special Request Received – Irv LaDucer
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Our Dad/Pa is at Wesley and is basically locked down. He needs to remain in his room with the door closed 24/7 as someone tested positive for COVID-19 on his floor. Needless to say, he is going stir crazy! We have a favor, if you send out Christmas cards, would you add him to your list? Getting cards would certainly give him something to look forward to and could really help lift his spirits! Even if you don’t know him personally, the idea that someone took the time to send him a card would mean so much! Or, if you have a child at home who loves to draw or color pictures, he would LOVE that, too! Thanks so much for your support. We really appreciate it!
His address is:
Irv LaDucer
C/O Wesley Healthcare Center, 3 Springs, Room 303
131 Lawrence Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Fair Trade
There are still some Panama Extra Dark and Orange Bars left if folks are still interested in some before Christmas. Of course, we still have regular coffee, tea (regular, green, and decaf), and hot cocoa for sale, as well. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 if you are interested. Many thanks to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade items.
Ballston Spa United Methodist Church + Hoffman Car Wash
Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!!
WIN – WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car, support a local business, and money for the ministries at BSUMC!
Purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately @ : BSUMC 2020 Car Wash
Exterior only: $12 - 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: To be more detailed and sanitizing in cleaning. Starting July 1st, the Full Service car wash will cost $42, which means your organization receives $21 for the 50% earnings.
Full service tickets may be used at: 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park; 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie; and 753 New Loudon Road, Latham (Cannot be used at the exit 15 location). Order forms and an explanation of services will be on the fundraising page from the ‘Print Order Form’ link.
Any Questions?? Call or email Lynne Blake at 518-885-9821 or LBlake@nycap.rr.com
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is very real during this time. If you are someone who is in this situation, please feel free to come to the Church House on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:30 to receive food. If you are able to help, please consider giving either a monetary donation or something from the below list. If you are able to donate your time, please give the office a call and give your availability. Thank you for your help and giving.
Pantry Items Needed
- Green canned vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Tuna
- Pasta (box, bag, and side dishes)
- Jelly
- Juice
- Chicken Breast (canned)
- Syrup
- Rice (box, bag, and side dishes)
- Cookies
- Condiments
- Crackers
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Personal hygiene items, including feminine products
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for our service recodrings, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. We can do these recordings in a socially-distanced manner to promote everyone's safety.
Many thanks for sharing your gifts of music!
Reports Due
To all committee chairpeople…the end-of-year report for your committee is due to the office by January 15, 2021. Reports will be gladly accepted before that time.
True Christian Christmas - by Joanna Fuchs
Christmas isn't showy gifts
Or glittering decoration;
It's honoring our Savior, Jesus Christ
In humble adoration.
It's serving those less fortunate,
Meeting their needs before our own;
It's making sure at Christmas time
That no one is alone.
It's taking what we would have spent
On things that no one needs,
And using it to help someone
With service and good deeds.
Our Savior showed us how to live
With charity, faith and service.
It makes the holidays a joy,
More peaceful, and less nervous.
So let's remember Christmas is
About our Savior's birth;
That's the way to happiness,
The way to peace on earth.
Jesus is Better Than Santa
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!
Have a blessed week