Important Announcement
Due to the steady rise in Covid numbers, we are now required to wear masks when indoors. Please continue to enter through the south door (the ramp), and exit through the north door if you are able. And please maintain social distancing. Please help to keep everyone safe.
Human Relations Day is January 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. United Methodists gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Church and Society.
Sunday School Resumes Next Sunday
Sunday School will resume their classes on January 23rd. The subsequent dates for classes will be February 13 and 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.
Winterwear Mission
The weather outside is frightful and people are cold, but we can help. We can make hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves available to them. These items will be collected through January to be given to people locally and to the Over the Bridge Ministry. Your donations may be left in the marked basket in the sanctuary. Your gifts of warmth are greatly needed and genuinely appreciated.
February Mission
Our next Mission Venture is centered around health and welfare. February is Dental Health month. We will be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. These items will be distributed locally through the food pantry and other local areas of need.
At the same time we are launching a drive to support the healthcare workers and first responders who are working so hard to keep us all safe and cared for. FLAG is a group associated with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce who are supporting healthcare workers with meals, gift cards, snacks, and care items like lotions. We will be collecting money for this cause. Please designate any donations for FLAG in the memo line so that the counters, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer can properly administer this.
We take our health and welfare so much for granted until we are faced with a health challenge. Dental health affects our whole body, and with folks who are on the margins, proper care is not always afforded. A new toothbrush and paste would be a welcomed addition to their food pantry bag. For our health care workers, they need the acknowledgement and care for their wellbeing. Please consider joining this effort to care for the health and welfare of those around us. Thank you.
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
Fair Trade coffee and tea are still available for those who wish to purchase it. Just call or email Stan Lockwood to make arrangements (518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com) . Also, dark chocolate bars will be available before the holidays to keep all who are chocolate lovers happy!! 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.
Consecration Sunday Update
The Finance Committee would like to thank those who have submitted their pledge cards for 2022. We have received 32 pledges so far. The total amount pledged so far is $79,860. We hope you will consider supporting our Church and our ministries for 2022 by sending in your pledge.
- Cherrie Sanders, Financial Secretary
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 scarfs 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 are 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.
Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program
Our Bloomin’ 4 Good Program with Hannaford has ended. Supporters and shoppers raised $46 for our Food Pantry. Thank you to all who have supported the Food Pantry and enjoyed their flowers…and thank you Hannaford!
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.
Upcoming Events
January 16 - Human Relations Sunday
January 16 - Communion Training after church
January 16 - Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor
January 22 - Drive-through turkey dinner at South Glens Falls UMC
January 31 - Winterwear Mission Ends
February 1 - Dental Health Mission Starts
??? - Watch for the upcoming Soup Sale!
July - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
We have birthdays to celebrate!
Next week in worship:
Sound Mark Warner
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Danielle Coffey
Children’s Time
Ushers Conrad Dorau & George Mallette
Music Terri Knowlton
If you would like to volunteer to help with the Sunday service, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Narratives of local church vitality 2022 series
The statistics that a local congregation reports (such as worship attendance, professions of faith, etc.) provide a snapshot of a church’s vitality. Numbers are great, but what about stories that churches can share? Stories that inspire! Stories that motivate! Stories that can encourage churches throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference to try something new to live out the mission of the United Methodist Church, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Look forward throughout 2022 for narratives of church success stories in particular markers of vitality. Each month will feature a different marker of vitality. These stories will be shared on the UNY Conference website and in the Weekly Digest. Look through the categories below. If you feel your local congregation has strength in any area, submit your story.
January: Members becoming followers of Jesus
February: Developing current leaders
March: Members stepping into leadership roles for the first time
April: Mission and outreach
May: Accountability groups
June: Supporting marginalized or oppressed individuals and communities
July: Church membership growth
The UNY Director of Vital Congregations, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens said, “Of the many things the COVID pandemic has shown us, how we measure and celebrate vitality cannot be done the way it has always been done. People have been faithfully being the Church in ways that require us to gather information in a different way. Getting the stories of transformation along with some key statistics will help celebrate the many ways God is on the move in people of Upper New York.”
From our brothers & sisters in South Glens Falls
The South Glens Falls UMC will be having a turkey dinner on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 4:30-6 pm. This dinner will be a drive-thru/pick-up dinner. We will not be serving sit down meals inside. Dinners will be bagged and delivered to your car. Menu includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggie and homemade dessert. We are not able to take special requests. Pre-orders are recommended, and dinners will be $12. Call 518-793-1152.
Have a blessed week
Due to the steady rise in Covid numbers, we are now required to wear masks when indoors. Please continue to enter through the south door (the ramp), and exit through the north door if you are able. And please maintain social distancing. Please help to keep everyone safe.
Human Relations Day is January 16, 2022
Thank you for your generosity. United Methodists gave $422,731 toward ministries funded by the Human Relations Day Sunday offering last year. This offering supports ministries of social justice and outreach like Community Developers, Volunteer Service and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. This fund is run by the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Church and Society.
Sunday School Resumes Next Sunday
Sunday School will resume their classes on January 23rd. The subsequent dates for classes will be February 13 and 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.
Winterwear Mission
The weather outside is frightful and people are cold, but we can help. We can make hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves available to them. These items will be collected through January to be given to people locally and to the Over the Bridge Ministry. Your donations may be left in the marked basket in the sanctuary. Your gifts of warmth are greatly needed and genuinely appreciated.
February Mission
Our next Mission Venture is centered around health and welfare. February is Dental Health month. We will be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. These items will be distributed locally through the food pantry and other local areas of need.
At the same time we are launching a drive to support the healthcare workers and first responders who are working so hard to keep us all safe and cared for. FLAG is a group associated with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce who are supporting healthcare workers with meals, gift cards, snacks, and care items like lotions. We will be collecting money for this cause. Please designate any donations for FLAG in the memo line so that the counters, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer can properly administer this.
We take our health and welfare so much for granted until we are faced with a health challenge. Dental health affects our whole body, and with folks who are on the margins, proper care is not always afforded. A new toothbrush and paste would be a welcomed addition to their food pantry bag. For our health care workers, they need the acknowledgement and care for their wellbeing. Please consider joining this effort to care for the health and welfare of those around us. Thank you.
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
Fair Trade coffee and tea are still available for those who wish to purchase it. Just call or email Stan Lockwood to make arrangements (518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com) . Also, dark chocolate bars will be available before the holidays to keep all who are chocolate lovers happy!! 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.
Consecration Sunday Update
The Finance Committee would like to thank those who have submitted their pledge cards for 2022. We have received 32 pledges so far. The total amount pledged so far is $79,860. We hope you will consider supporting our Church and our ministries for 2022 by sending in your pledge.
- Cherrie Sanders, Financial Secretary
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 scarfs 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 are 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.
Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good Program
Our Bloomin’ 4 Good Program with Hannaford has ended. Supporters and shoppers raised $46 for our Food Pantry. Thank you to all who have supported the Food Pantry and enjoyed their flowers…and thank you Hannaford!
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: 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.
- Cherrie Sanders is saddened to report that her friend John Hulbert passed away January 8th. Please pray for his family.
- Marcy Wilson thanks everyone for their prayers. All are now well and have returned to normal.
- Please include Carole DiLallo in your prayers. She is dealing with some health issues.
- Thelma Armer has requested prayers for her health and medical procedures. Thelma has been undergoing many tests recently and will be facing cardiac procedure and surgery in the next few days. Surround her with good thoughts and many prayers.
- Ilah Sisson Walser writes: As the numbers surge, we must remember each is a person who needs our prayers, and for those in their families. In my extended family we have three recently recovered, and six continue to battle the virus in different stages. A dear family friend is in ICU battling the disease. 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 in need.
- 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.
- Lou Cook was grateful to be released from the hospital and he enjoyed Christmas with his family. Shortly thereafter, he needed medical care. He’s been at Albany Med this week and is slowly improving. He appreciates our prayers.
- Pastor Kelly is healing; her exercises help, as does an ankle brace.
- 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 Memorial Sloan Kettering. She would appreciate your continued prayers. She has received a Prayer Shawl made by Breta so our prayers can surround her.
- Mark Warner asks: Please pray for my good friend Louis who has been diagnosed with early-onset memory loss. He is being treated with anti-Alzheimer’s medication and is waiting for a CAT scan.
- 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.
- 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
January 16 - Human Relations Sunday
January 16 - Communion Training after church
January 16 - Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor
January 22 - Drive-through turkey dinner at South Glens Falls UMC
January 31 - Winterwear Mission Ends
February 1 - Dental Health Mission Starts
??? - Watch for the upcoming Soup Sale!
July - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
We have birthdays to celebrate!
- John Cummings (1/17)
- Thelma Armer (1/20)
- Sherry Grentzer (1/22)
Next week in worship:
Sound Mark Warner
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Danielle Coffey
Children’s Time
Ushers Conrad Dorau & George Mallette
Music Terri Knowlton
If you would like to volunteer to help with the Sunday service, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Narratives of local church vitality 2022 series
The statistics that a local congregation reports (such as worship attendance, professions of faith, etc.) provide a snapshot of a church’s vitality. Numbers are great, but what about stories that churches can share? Stories that inspire! Stories that motivate! Stories that can encourage churches throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference to try something new to live out the mission of the United Methodist Church, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Look forward throughout 2022 for narratives of church success stories in particular markers of vitality. Each month will feature a different marker of vitality. These stories will be shared on the UNY Conference website and in the Weekly Digest. Look through the categories below. If you feel your local congregation has strength in any area, submit your story.
January: Members becoming followers of Jesus
February: Developing current leaders
March: Members stepping into leadership roles for the first time
April: Mission and outreach
May: Accountability groups
June: Supporting marginalized or oppressed individuals and communities
July: Church membership growth
The UNY Director of Vital Congregations, the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens said, “Of the many things the COVID pandemic has shown us, how we measure and celebrate vitality cannot be done the way it has always been done. People have been faithfully being the Church in ways that require us to gather information in a different way. Getting the stories of transformation along with some key statistics will help celebrate the many ways God is on the move in people of Upper New York.”
From our brothers & sisters in South Glens Falls
The South Glens Falls UMC will be having a turkey dinner on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 4:30-6 pm. This dinner will be a drive-thru/pick-up dinner. We will not be serving sit down meals inside. Dinners will be bagged and delivered to your car. Menu includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, veggie and homemade dessert. We are not able to take special requests. Pre-orders are recommended, and dinners will be $12. Call 518-793-1152.
Have a blessed week