​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 leaves us at the end of December.  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.

​To my church family:

     Thank you so much for the lovely send-off last Sunday - I was quite overwhelmed by it all!  The cake was both beautifully decorated and delicious.  And it was great getting to visit with so many people.
     The piano music box clock is exquisitely beautiful - it is truly unique, and I will treasure it always.  Even more, I will cherish my memories of our time together at Ballston Spa.  We sang and rang so much fine, meaningful music, featured our young people, enjoyed solos and duets and created special services with plays, combined choirs and cantatas.  Through it all you have participated and steadfastly supported the music.  It would never have happened without you.
     It has been my great honor, privilege and delight to serve you and I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to live out my dream!
With my thanks and love,
Cathy

“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 wove candles, scripture, and music together in presenting the cantata "Canticles in Candlelight".  You can watch the video of the cantata by clicking here.
 
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!
     Christmas will soon be here and what better treat than to wake up to find a dark chocolate bar in our stocking!  Or maybe some coffee!  Or tea!  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 (and to help Santa out), please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com.

Virtual Christmas Worship Experience
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 worship service led by Cathy King and Pastor Kelly.  The video will be viewable beginning on Christmas morning from our Facebook page or the Recent Posts page of the church website.

Vacation Time
     Pastor Kelly will be on vacation from December 26 through January 2, returning on January 3.  She may be contacted for any spiritual needs during that time.  Ruth Persons will lead the service on January 1. 

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:
  • Ilah Sisson Walser asks for prayers of healing for her son-in-law.
  • George and Dolores Wilson ask for prayers of healing for their granddaughter.
  • Prayers for safe travels are requested for the Solotrucks, Mary Drake, Marion Coton and Jack Schloss.
  • The Cramers are asking for prayers of healing for her brother.
  • Pastor Kelly now has bronchitis.  She’s grateful for the prayers everyone has offered.    
  • Cherrie Sanders asks for prayers of healing for Dylan, a man who was in an accident.
  • Pat Brewster has requested prayers of healing for her daughter, Kim who is now home from the hospital. 
  • Mary Drake asks for prayers for her nephew Charlie who 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 24 - Christmas Eve service, 7 pm
December 25 - Merry Christmas! There will be no in-person service (see above)
December 26 through January 2 - Pastor Kelly on vacation
January 7 - Eagle Scout Court of Honor X 3!  6:30 pm
January 8 - Undecorate the church following worship

Eagle Scout Court of Honor
     On Saturday, January 7 the Boy Scouts will be holding an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  This is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve and one that few attain.  To make this more remarkable, our Scouts will be honoring not one who has achieved this rank, but three!  Andrew Paster, Andrew Eisler, and Kentaro Kasai will all be recognized for reaching their goals.  There have been 88 Eagles from this troop since 1926, which was the first year an Eagle was achieved.

Community news
      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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