​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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Important Announcement
     Due to the high Covid numbers we are required to wear masks when indoors, but the bulletins have returned.  Coloring sheets and activity pages continue to be available for children and are located next to the bulletins on the table as you enter through the south door (the ramp).  If you space yourself 12 feet apart you are invited to participate in the unison prayers and singing.  We ask that you exit through the north door as you are able.   And please maintain social distancing.  Please help to keep everyone safe.

Super Soup Sale
     Wishing for something to warm yourself during these cold Winter Days?  Come and treat yourself to some homemade comfort food Saturday, February 26 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  There will be homemade broccoli cheese and chicken noodle soup in pint or quart sizes in exchange for a free will offering.  This will be takeout only.  Pre-orders can be made by calling the church office at 518-885-6886 by February 18 and leaving a message with your name, phone number, type of soup, quantity, and size container, or by sending an email with the same information to bsumc@albany.twcbc.com.

Coming Soon!
     We will be having a Lenten Study on “The Chosen”, which is a drama based on the life of Jesus of Nazareth.  This is a fresh look at the Gospels for those who have been reading the stories for years or for those who are just curious about who Jesus is and was.  We will begin on February 23rd at 7 pm in the sanctuary with Episode 1: “I have called you by Name”.  The suggested scripture reading for the first episode will be Isaiah 43:1-3, Luke 8:1-15, Mark 16:1-13, and Luke 11:14-20. Please join us on this Lenten journey. 

Sunday School This Quarter
Upcoming dates for classes will be February 27 and March 13 and 27.  

Church Building Restoration Fund
     The first part of the work to repair the church’s structural stability has been completed.  The next phase will be done in the spring.  Please consider contributing to help us work towards paying the remaining $65,000 for this project.  Although there are investments which were received through generous bequests, the extent and cost of these repairs would significantly deplete church investments if not replenished.  You can give online by clicking here (use the pull down menu to give to the Restoration Fund) OR give with cash or check through the weekly offering.  Please clearly identify that the money is to be used for the Church Building Restoration Fund.  Thank you for your support.
​
February Mission
     February is Dental Health month so we will be collecting toothpaste, mouth wash, dental floss, and toothbrushes during this month.  Also during this month, we will be collecting monetary gifts to support our frontline medical professionals through FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group), a group associated with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.   Those monetary gifts may be made by check to the BSUMC noting clearly in the memo line for FLAG donation.
     As always, we appreciate your generosity and caring by extending the love of Christ into the world.

Give to UMCOR US Disaster Response
     UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is responding to the deadly tornadoes moving through several states.  As the massive storm system continues to move across the country, we ask for your immediate response in prayer and financial support.  Please be there for survivors by supporting UMCOR US Disaster Response with a gift today.  You may give by clicking here and choosing UMCOR Disaster Support or by writing UMCOR US Disaster Response on your check in the subject line and sending it to the church.
UMCOR Thanks You
     Through your financial support you are serving within a vital network of interactive relationships in the US and in more than 60 countries in which UMCOR and partnering agencies engage in direct ministry to persons in need. 
     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 the healing power of the gospel with those who suffer.
​
Fair Trade
     We have placed an order to restock our coffee and dark chocolate bars in advance of an upcoming price increase on most Fair Trade products in February.  So, please consider ordering some more dark chocolate bars for Valentine's Day.  We also have regular and decaf coffee, teas and dark hot cocoa.  Just call or email Stan Lockwood to make arrangements (518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com) .  Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
 
Financial Assistance Available
     Rebuilding Together of Saratoga County has been enlisted by the state to let homeowners know about a grant that will provide them with financial assistance if they are behind in mortgage payments, property taxes, lot rent in mobile home parks, or utilities that put them in danger of foreclosure.  If you need financial assistance, you may contact Melissa Murphy, Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, at 518-587-3315 x102 or Melissa@RTSaratoga.org.

Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
      The Thrift Shop is closed due to Covid but the work of meeting our neighbors’ needs is still ongoing.  Hats, mittens, and scarves are available in the Food Pantry for anyone who may want one.  This has been something that has been done for years.  But now, coats are also available.  About a dozen coats are put out each week for people to take as needed.  The Thrift Shop may be closed, but our neighbors can still be warm. 
     The Food Pantry has returned to bagged offerings to our clientele to limit the threat of spreading Covid.  We hope to return to the regular way of doing things very soon.
     Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.
​
​Did You Know?
     Our services are posted to Facebook and on our website.  If you Like it on Facebook and share it, it will reach many more people than if it is just on our Facebook page.  You can also direct anyone to the Recent Posts page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts), which is where the service is posted weekly. This would be spreading the Word of God, as we are told to do in the Bible.  

Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
     Join us for the 9:00 am Sunday Coffee Fellowship on Zoom.  Please meet by computer or phone by connecting with the following information:
In the Zoom app or by phone at 929-205-6099, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579. Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting.

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:
  • Mary Drake asks: Please keep my friend Cathy and her family in your prayers.  Her dad passed away and was laid to rest on Friday 1/21.  Cathy lives in California and has Covid and was unable to attend her father's funeral. 
  • Mary Drake: Please pray for my sister Lou Ann Dring.  She is having problems with one of her legs and may require major surgery which could result in the loss of her leg.  Thank you.
  • Mary Drake asks for prayers for her Uncle Tom and the family in Indiana.  He is 84 years old, and his kidneys are only functioning at 11%.  He is declining dialysis due to his age.  His wife Ann is suffering from dementia and doesn’t understand what is going on.
  • Thelma Armer is grateful for her successful heart surgery.  She is resting and healing at home.  
  • Ilah Sisson Walser writes: As the numbers surge, we must remember each number in reports is a person who needs our prayers, and for their families.  All in my family and extended family are recovering.  A dear family friend has lost his battle with the disease, passing away on January 12th.  Please hold his family in your prayers.  In our Church family, there are several families affected with loved ones being ill, waiting for results of tests, and waiting with concern.  Our prayers go out to all those suffering loss and illness.
  • Please include Carole DiLallo in your prayers.  She is dealing with some health issues. 
  • Pat Jones is out of the hospital but is on oxygen, please continue to pray for her.
  • Continue to keep Helen Senecal in your prayers as she continues to recuperate at home.
  • Please pray for Marty Malone, Pastor Kelly’s dad, age 80.  They have detected some areas of concern on his right lung.  
  • Ilah Sisson Walser asks for prayers for a friend, Linda, who is going through another bout with cancer with specialized treatments at Sloan Kettering.  She would appreciate your continued prayers.  She has received a Prayer Shawl made by Breta so our prayers can surround her.
  • Please keep Kelly Schmidt and her family in prayer.  Kelly’s grandmother is now in rehab.
  • Please pray for Dorothy’s friend Sharon that her doctors find the right treatments for her.
  • Pat Jones would like prayers for her sister Doris Diamond who has health issues.
  • Carrie Adserias requests prayers for Kyle’s Grandma Carleen who has been battling with spreading cancer and treatments for a while now and is suffering with complications.
  • Please continue to keep Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and 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.

Upcoming Events
During February - Dental Health/FLAG Mission 
February 18 - Last day to preorder soup
February 23 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
February 26 - Super Soup Sale 5-7 pm
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
 
Celebrations!
 We have birthdays to celebrate!
  • Jeannine Kelley (2/14)
  • Keith Dickerson (2/19)
Happy birthday to all of you!
There are also three anniversaries:
  • Heather & Tom Forster (2/14)
  • Mary & Frank Townley (2/15)
  • Michelle & Jason Greco (2/17)

Next week in worship:
Sound                      
Riley Schmidt
Projection             AJ Schmidt
Liturgist                 Danielle Coffey
Children’s Time 
Ushers                    George Mallette & Mary Drake
Music                      Terri Knowlton
Food Pantry         Carol Markley & Melody Babcock

If you would like to volunteer to help with the Sunday service, please contact Ruth Persons after church.

Community News
Care Links Volunteers Needed

     Senior Citizens in your community are looking for assistance with grocery shopping, transportation appointments and a friendly face to visit them.  Call 518-399-3262 to help in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Ballston, Malta, Charlton and Mechanicville.  You can make a difference with just an hour a week.
 
Captain Community Human Services
    The Wellness Express Transportation Program offers transportation to medical appointments for area residents.  They operate weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm.  Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Requests should be made at least one week in advance and is limited to a 50-mile radius from the point of origin.  To schedule a ride, call 518-399-3262.  The Wellness Express is funded by the Saratoga County Office for the Aging and by the New York State Office for the Aging.  Voluntary and confidential contributions are accepted.  Services will not be affected because of the inability to contribute. 
 
Gateway House of Peace
     Show your car some love!  Clean your car while helping Gateway House of Peace.  For more information, contact Bethany Gonyea at bgonyea@gatewayhouseofpeace.org or by calling 518-424-0406.


​​Have a blessed week

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