Important Announcement
Due to the change in Covid rates, we ask that people continue to be masked as they enter or leave the church. If vaccinated, you may now be unmasked when seated and singing. Coloring sheets and activity pages are available for children and are located on the table as you enter the church. 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. If you did not pre-order, there may still be soup available for walk-ins.
This Journey through Lent could change your life!
You’re invited (and encouraged) to watch the 8-episode television drama called “The Chosen”. It’s a television drama based on the life of Jesus; the richly detailed scenes and gifted actors bring to life key moments like Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding, the calling of his disciples, healing the sick, preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, teaching the Lord’s Prayer, encounters with Jewish religious leaders, and sharing in a Passover meal.
If you’ve read and cherished the stories about Jesus for many years now, or if you’re just beginning to learn and explore who Jesus is and why He matters, you’ll likely be amazed by this series. It has received high praise from many viewers.
The videos will be shown in the sanctuary on Wednesdays starting February 23. For more information about all the ways to watch and participate, click here.
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
Good news! The Thrift Shop will be reopening on Tuesday, February 22nd, from 9:30 am until noon. There are lots of winter clothing available. Come shop and say hello to the ladies who make it all possible!
The Food Pantry has bagged offerings for our clientele to limit the threat of spreading Covid. We hope to return to the regular way of doing things in a few weeks.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.Sunday School This Quarter
Upcoming dates for classes will be February 27 and March 13 and 27.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The next phase of our church restoration will start in the spring. Please contribute to help us pay the remaining $65,000 of the project. Although there are investments which were received through generous bequests, the cost of these repairs would significantly deplete church investments. 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.
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 0r [email protected]) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
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:
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.
An Update from Pastor Kelly
Pastor Kelly wants to share that she very much appreciated the church’s amazing support when she broke her foot at the end of November. She thanks everyone for their prayers and get-well cards. The meals sent to her home during December, the busiest time of the year for pastors, were wonderfully diverse and delicious. A final thanks is offered for those who lent her some medical equipment that helped her be mobile in the community and safe in her home.
Her Ortho doctor says she is 70% healed, and if she continues to regularly do her PT exercises, she should have 100% use by the end of August.
Upcoming Events
During February - Dental Health/FLAG Mission
February 23 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
February 26 - Super Soup Sale 5-7 pm
March 2 - Ash Wednesday service, 7 pm
Wednesdays, March 9-April 13 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
We have birthdays to celebrate!
There are also three anniversaries:
Next week in worship:
Sound Mark Warner
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Ruth Persons
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers George Mallette & Conrad Dorau
Music Kathy Fisher
Food Pantry Mary & Patty
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community News
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 [email protected].
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.
Have a blessed week
Due to the change in Covid rates, we ask that people continue to be masked as they enter or leave the church. If vaccinated, you may now be unmasked when seated and singing. Coloring sheets and activity pages are available for children and are located on the table as you enter the church. 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. If you did not pre-order, there may still be soup available for walk-ins.
This Journey through Lent could change your life!
You’re invited (and encouraged) to watch the 8-episode television drama called “The Chosen”. It’s a television drama based on the life of Jesus; the richly detailed scenes and gifted actors bring to life key moments like Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding, the calling of his disciples, healing the sick, preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, teaching the Lord’s Prayer, encounters with Jewish religious leaders, and sharing in a Passover meal.
If you’ve read and cherished the stories about Jesus for many years now, or if you’re just beginning to learn and explore who Jesus is and why He matters, you’ll likely be amazed by this series. It has received high praise from many viewers.
The videos will be shown in the sanctuary on Wednesdays starting February 23. For more information about all the ways to watch and participate, click here.
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
Good news! The Thrift Shop will be reopening on Tuesday, February 22nd, from 9:30 am until noon. There are lots of winter clothing available. Come shop and say hello to the ladies who make it all possible!
The Food Pantry has bagged offerings for our clientele to limit the threat of spreading Covid. We hope to return to the regular way of doing things in a few weeks.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.Sunday School This Quarter
Upcoming dates for classes will be February 27 and March 13 and 27.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The next phase of our church restoration will start in the spring. Please contribute to help us pay the remaining $65,000 of the project. Although there are investments which were received through generous bequests, the cost of these repairs would significantly deplete church investments. 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.
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 0r [email protected]) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
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:
- Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for her Uncle Alan who was diagnosed with covid and is in the hospital. She would also like prayers for Barb King for medical concerns and to Barb's family as her support system.
- Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for a friend’s 2 ½-year-old who has had open-heart surgery in Albany Med. She also has a hole in her lung that they are waiting to heal before being discharged.
- Ruth Persons asks: Please pray for my friend Tina as she will be seeing an eye specialist/surgeon next week. She has waited 7 months to get into this doctor. God, please let there be no snowstorms on the day of her appointment!
- Please continue to keep George Pinter & his family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult time. Their family home burned down last Saturday, and it is a complete loss; and their family pets also have perished in the fire. George has 5 children, 3 of which are still living at home: Jakob, Benjamin, and Elisabeth. Fortunately, they were able to get out with the very clothes on their backs. I have included a list of clothing sizes if anyone is able to donate clothing:
- Jakob: Pant size: 32x32, Shirt: Men's Medium, Underwear: Men's Medium, Shoe Size 10.5 or 11
Benjamin: Pants (boy's size) 12, Shirts: 12/14, Underwear: 12/14, Shoe Size: Men's 6
Elisabeth: Pants: Juniors small, Shirts: Women's Small / Medium, Underwear: Women's small, Bra: 34B
Thank you for anything that you are able to do. - Melissa Taylor asks us to pray for her good friend Stacey. She went through treatment the same time as she did and has just learned that her cancer has metastasized into her brain. She asks for lots of prayers.
- Mary Drake is asking for prayers for her daughter Brianna. She tested positive for Covid. She hasn't been feeling well for a week and had three previous negative results.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks for continued prayers for a friend, Linda, who is going through another bout with cancer with specialized treatments at Sloan Kettering. A Prayer Shawl made by Breta was given to 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.
An Update from Pastor Kelly
Pastor Kelly wants to share that she very much appreciated the church’s amazing support when she broke her foot at the end of November. She thanks everyone for their prayers and get-well cards. The meals sent to her home during December, the busiest time of the year for pastors, were wonderfully diverse and delicious. A final thanks is offered for those who lent her some medical equipment that helped her be mobile in the community and safe in her home.
Her Ortho doctor says she is 70% healed, and if she continues to regularly do her PT exercises, she should have 100% use by the end of August.
Upcoming Events
During February - Dental Health/FLAG Mission
February 23 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
February 26 - Super Soup Sale 5-7 pm
March 2 - Ash Wednesday service, 7 pm
Wednesdays, March 9-April 13 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
We have birthdays to celebrate!
- Nicholas Parlapiano (2/23)
- David Lotto (2/25)
- Melanie Lotto (2/26)
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 Mark Warner
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Ruth Persons
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers George Mallette & Conrad Dorau
Music Kathy Fisher
Food Pantry Mary & Patty
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community News
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 [email protected].
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.
Have a blessed week