No In-Person Services Until Further Notice
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church has paused in-person worship at the church. It has been decided that the pause will be continued through February, at which time it will again be reviewed. Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the very high 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 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.
11:00 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM and by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer or ipad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through Jan. 24 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time:
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is January 17! This year when there was unrest in our country, funds from the Human Relations Day offering helped annual conferences support peaceful demonstrations, food, access to medication, and rebuilding efforts for communities impacted by negative acts.
Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s children to realize their full potential as human beings and in relationship with one another. This special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and works with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
Thank you for your faithful giving to the Human Relations Day offering.
Worship Schedule for January
January 24 - Third Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31
Sermon: “I’m so Glad Jesus Lifted Me”
Theme: Black History Month
January 31 - Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Mark 1:21-28
Sermon: “Wounded World that Cries for Healing”
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:
BACA Thanks You
On behalf of the Ballston Area Clergy Association, I would like to thank you for your recent gift of $1,283 to our Community Assistance Fund. This fund was established in 2009 as an ecumenical witness of God’s love and compassion to people in times of financial crisis. Thank you for your part in making this a vital ministry to our community!
Justina Danison, Church Administrator, First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa
Fair Trade
We have now received the two dark chocolate bars ordered (Sea Salt with Almonds and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt) so now have those plus the other two (Panama Extra Dark and Orange). Also available are coffee (regular and decaf), tea (chai, darjeeling, green and decaf items) and hot cocoa. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 if you wish to purchase any of these items and he will arrange for delivery or pick up. Thank you to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade products.
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
The Food Pantry has been busy. They have been serving about 15 families each week. The people working in the Food Pantry are always appreciative of any donations made.
Thrift Shop
Just a reminder that the Thrift Shop is closed; clothing donations are not being accepted at this time. Clothing you choose to donate may be given to Noah’s Attic or any of the donation bins around town.
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for worship services, please contact Mark Warner at 518 309-3737 or warners@roadrunner.com with your availability. He can schedule a time to record you. Many thanks to all for sharing your gifts of music!
Have a blessed week
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church has paused in-person worship at the church. It has been decided that the pause will be continued through February, at which time it will again be reviewed. Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the very high 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 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.
11:00 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM and by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer or ipad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through Jan. 24 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time:
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is January 17! This year when there was unrest in our country, funds from the Human Relations Day offering helped annual conferences support peaceful demonstrations, food, access to medication, and rebuilding efforts for communities impacted by negative acts.
Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s children to realize their full potential as human beings and in relationship with one another. This special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and works with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
Thank you for your faithful giving to the Human Relations Day offering.
Worship Schedule for January
January 24 - Third Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31
Sermon: “I’m so Glad Jesus Lifted Me”
Theme: Black History Month
January 31 - Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Mark 1:21-28
Sermon: “Wounded World that Cries for Healing”
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:
- Thanksgiving for those people who have been able to get Covid vaccine shots.
- Cherrie Sanders, the church's Financial Secretary, has tested positive for COVID along with members of her immediate family. For this reason she will be delayed in mailing out the last quarter and year-end financial reports to individuals who have given money to the church in the year 2020. Please pray for Cherrie’s speedy recovery and know that your giving statements will be sent to you as soon as possible.
- Prayers for our country, its leaders and all of its people, in these days leading up to the January 20th presidential inauguration.
- Please pray for Dorothy Collins. Her surgery went well and she would appreciate prayers for a quick and full recovery.
- Please keep Janice Green in your prayers. Although she is not sick, she is in Wesley and staying well is becoming increasingly difficult. Cards would be appreciated.
- Prayer for healing for John Castlione (Pat Jones’ brother-in-law) who fell and fractured his hip. Pat’s family sends him love and asks for the church family to pray for him.
- There is some good news regarding Ann Heffernan. Family was able to briefly see her last weekend, although she remains on a ventilator. Medical staff were able to decrease her oxygen support to 50%. Her white cell count was also considerably lower which is another bit of positive news. Please continue to pray for Ann, also for others in her family including her son David who have COVID right now.
- Please keep Richard Babcock in your prayers for continued healing. He is home from the hospital after receiving a stent for his heart.
- Please continue prayers for Gary Persons who is now on a short course of steroids. He will soon begin a four week course of immune therapy.
- Please continue to pray for Kathy Haege. She is at Albany Med undergoing chemo treatment for leukemia and has again tested positive for COVID.
- Please also pray for Bill Haege and for their granddaughter, Katie, who has assumed the role of caregiver for them.
- Please continue to pray for Pat Jones. She continues to struggle with the effects of pneumonia.
- Please pray for Melissa Taylor who is experiencing medical issues.
- Keep Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks: Heartfelt concern and prayers for those suffering from COVID 19 and their families. Give people strength to continue to safeguard against exposure and contacting the virus. Lord, hear our prayers.
BACA Thanks You
On behalf of the Ballston Area Clergy Association, I would like to thank you for your recent gift of $1,283 to our Community Assistance Fund. This fund was established in 2009 as an ecumenical witness of God’s love and compassion to people in times of financial crisis. Thank you for your part in making this a vital ministry to our community!
Justina Danison, Church Administrator, First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa
Fair Trade
We have now received the two dark chocolate bars ordered (Sea Salt with Almonds and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt) so now have those plus the other two (Panama Extra Dark and Orange). Also available are coffee (regular and decaf), tea (chai, darjeeling, green and decaf items) and hot cocoa. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 if you wish to purchase any of these items and he will arrange for delivery or pick up. Thank you to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade products.
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
The Food Pantry has been busy. They have been serving about 15 families each week. The people working in the Food Pantry are always appreciative of any donations made.
Thrift Shop
Just a reminder that the Thrift Shop is closed; clothing donations are not being accepted at this time. Clothing you choose to donate may be given to Noah’s Attic or any of the donation bins around town.
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for worship services, please contact Mark Warner at 518 309-3737 or warners@roadrunner.com with your availability. He can schedule a time to record you. Many thanks to all for sharing your gifts of music!
Have a blessed week