No In-Person Services for 6 Weeks
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church will pause their in-person worship at the church for six weeks (12/13-1/17/2021). Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the rising 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.
Epiphany
The church celebrates Epiphany on January 6th each year, 12 days after Christmas Day. On Epiphany, we recall the arrival of the wise men to visit the newborn baby Jesus. The season of Epiphany stretches from January 6 until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The season varies in length because the date of Easter changes yearly and might be as long as nine weeks or as short as four weeks. BSUMC will observe Epiphany on Sunday, January 10.
While secular culture generally celebrates Christmas on a single day, the church extends the celebration of Jesus’ birth until the arrival of the MMost of us are familiar with the story of the wise men from the popular hymn “We Three Kings”. They follow a star to find the Christ child and bring him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Find Daily Devotions On-line
Devotional resources are one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications.
The Upper Room and the National Council of Churches are among the United Methodist and ecumenical agencies producing daily devotions online.
The Upper Room: Morning prayer on Facebook, daily, 11 am CDT; Daily Devotionals from The Upper Room Magazine.
National Council of Churches: Prayer and scripture posted daily throughout the pandemic.
Our Daily Bread: Visit odb.org and look for "Today's Devotional".
Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is January 17! On this Special Sunday, our gifts will extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles. Continue the ministry of Jesus by advocating for the oppressed. This special offering allows us to join with United Methodists around the world and remember that the size of the table of divine love is unlimited.
Worship Schedule for January
January 10 - First Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon: “A Legacy of Generosity”
Theme: Epiphany
January 17 - Second Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: John 1:43-51, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Sermon: “Greater Things Await God’s People"
Theme: Human Relations Sunday
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.
Fair Trade
There are still some dark chocolate bars on hand -- Panama Extra Dark and Orange. On order are Caramel crunch with sea salt and Almonds with sea salt (both are 55% cacao). 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 pickup. Thank you to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade products.
Thank You
Thank you to all of the people who were so generous with their time and talents to help bake, bag and deliver the Christmas gift bags. They were received with appreciation.
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.
Reports Due
To all committee chairpersons: the end-of-year report for your committee is due to the office by January 15, 2021. Reports will be gladly accepted before that time.
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for worship services, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. She will schedule a time to record you. Many thanks to all for sharing your gifts of music!
Thank You from the Office Manager
I would like to thank the members of the church for their generous Christmas gift. It is truly a blessing to be working with such wonderful, caring people. Thank you.
Sue Cramer
Have a blessed week
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church will pause their in-person worship at the church for six weeks (12/13-1/17/2021). Concern of the spread of the COVID virus and the rising 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.
Epiphany
The church celebrates Epiphany on January 6th each year, 12 days after Christmas Day. On Epiphany, we recall the arrival of the wise men to visit the newborn baby Jesus. The season of Epiphany stretches from January 6 until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The season varies in length because the date of Easter changes yearly and might be as long as nine weeks or as short as four weeks. BSUMC will observe Epiphany on Sunday, January 10.
While secular culture generally celebrates Christmas on a single day, the church extends the celebration of Jesus’ birth until the arrival of the MMost of us are familiar with the story of the wise men from the popular hymn “We Three Kings”. They follow a star to find the Christ child and bring him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Find Daily Devotions On-line
Devotional resources are one of the needs identified by pastors and other local church leaders in recent research conducted by United Methodist Communications.
The Upper Room and the National Council of Churches are among the United Methodist and ecumenical agencies producing daily devotions online.
The Upper Room: Morning prayer on Facebook, daily, 11 am CDT; Daily Devotionals from The Upper Room Magazine.
National Council of Churches: Prayer and scripture posted daily throughout the pandemic.
Our Daily Bread: Visit odb.org and look for "Today's Devotional".
Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is January 17! On this Special Sunday, our gifts will extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles. Continue the ministry of Jesus by advocating for the oppressed. This special offering allows us to join with United Methodists around the world and remember that the size of the table of divine love is unlimited.
Worship Schedule for January
January 10 - First Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon: “A Legacy of Generosity”
Theme: Epiphany
January 17 - Second Sunday of Epiphany
Scripture: John 1:43-51, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Sermon: “Greater Things Await God’s People"
Theme: Human Relations Sunday
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.
- Please pray for Ann Heffernan and her son David. They both have COVID but are at home.
- Please keep Richard Babcock in your prayers; he has been admitted to the hospital with heart concerns. Prayers for both of them, with Melody at home concerned about Richard. Limitations on visitation in any medical facility makes it difficult for all.
- Prayers of condolence for Paul Macmillan in the loss of his wife Shirley. Paul and Shirley were married for 69 years. Memorial contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to the church.
- Prayers of condolence for Benny Zlotnick on the passing of his father Benny. He was 86 and had a large family. Memorial contributions in memory of Benny may be made to American Diabetes Association or Boy Scout Troop 1 in care of the church.
- Please pray for Gary Persons who had surgery before Christmas and has experienced complications.
- Please continue to pray for Kathy Haege. She is at Albany Med undergoing chemo treatment for leukemia and is also suffering from 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.
Fair Trade
There are still some dark chocolate bars on hand -- Panama Extra Dark and Orange. On order are Caramel crunch with sea salt and Almonds with sea salt (both are 55% cacao). 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 pickup. Thank you to all who have supported this ministry through purchases of Fair Trade products.
Thank You
Thank you to all of the people who were so generous with their time and talents to help bake, bag and deliver the Christmas gift bags. They were received with appreciation.
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.
Reports Due
To all committee chairpersons: the end-of-year report for your committee is due to the office by January 15, 2021. Reports will be gladly accepted before that time.
Music for Services
If you are interested in recording vocal or instrumental music for worship services, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. She will schedule a time to record you. Many thanks to all for sharing your gifts of music!
Thank You from the Office Manager
I would like to thank the members of the church for their generous Christmas gift. It is truly a blessing to be working with such wonderful, caring people. Thank you.
Sue Cramer
Have a blessed week