​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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      On Sunday the 8th we’ll be packing up our Advent decorations (but will leave the lighted greenery in place until Lent).  We’re asking volunteers to get started un-decorating right after the service ends.  Many hands make light work.
     Last week Coffee hour was cancelled.  Some people were sick with COVID (and other viruses), and the beginning of the New Year typically has lower attendance.  Postponing Coffee hour for another week seems wisest and it will hopefully make the work of packing up smoother and less stressful.  
     Thanks for everyone’s help with this.        
- Pastor Kelly
 
The Food Pantry is Moving!
     At the end of December, Mike Cramer met with the contractor and the Building Inspector for the final inspection.  It passed!  We now have the Certificate of Occupancy and can begin the process of moving the Food Pantry into its new location.  Thank you to all who have donated to get the project completed.
     The Food Pantry Staff are looking for volunteers to help them move out of the Church House and into the Church on January 14th at 10 am.  Strong people will be needed to move the refrigerator and freezer, but others can help by moving bags and boxes of food from one building to the other.  All helpers are greatly needed.  We need your help!
 
Human Relations Day Jan. 15
     Global Ministries, the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church, with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), invites churches and individuals to celebrate Human Relations Day on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
     One of the Special Sunday Offerings of The United Methodist Church, this collection benefits neighborhood ministries through community developers, supports community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and works with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
 
Dinner and a Movie
    Put January 19th on your calendar for Dinner and a Movie.  We will be meeting in the café at 6 pm to enjoy dinner together and will then watch a movie.  More information will be coming in your email soon.  Let’s look forward to some good food and conversation!    
 
Bishop Hector Welcomes You
     As of January 1, Bishop Hector Burgos, who prefers to be addressed as Bishop Hector, is the new bishop of the Upper New York Conference.  Bishop Hector is eager to meet laity and clergy throughout the Conference and has scheduled dates for regional meetings.  The meetings will be as follows:
  • February 16 – Northeast Region - New Hartford
  • March 2 – Northeast Region - Plattsburgh UMC
The clergy meetings will be from 1 – 3 pm.
The laity meetings will be from 7 – 8:30 pm.
 
Hannaford Helps
     Our Food Pantry has been selected to receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold during the month of January 2023 at the Hannaford located at 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY.    Each month the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program gives back to our communities by selecting a nonprofit local to each store to benefit from the purchase of every Fight Hunger Bag.  From previous participation, we have received a total of $528.  With food prices rising, every dollar is important, so let’s help the Food Pantry.

Fair Trade Has Arrived!
     Christmas stocking missing that dark chocolate bar?  Or did you forget Aunt Martha’s sweet tooth?  It’s not too late to get that special treat.  For chocolates, we have Extra Dark Panama, Sea Salt with Caramel Crunch and Sea Salt with Almonds.  Coffees are Regular breakfast blend, Hazelnut, and Decaf.  Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com. 
 
Prayer Requests
     Please join our prayer group.  This is an on-line way of praying for each other and praising God for what is   happening in our lives.  If you would be interested in being involved, please contact the office to be set up.
  • Terri Knowlton asks for prayers for herself and her family following the unexpected passing of her brother. Kyle.  He was 56.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving that Helen Senecal and Richard Babcock are now feeling better.
  • Prayers of thanksgiving that the Warners are now feeling better.
  • Ilah is requesting prayers for her son-in-law Ron and family.  Ron is facing some serious health issues and has been hospitalized for a week now and is facing several more days.  On Monday he will undergo a surgical procedure for more treatments in the future.  He is in Atlanta, two hours away from Kim and Abby, making it difficult for all of them.
  • Mary Drake asks for prayers for her nephew Charlie who has lung cancer.  He is only 46.
  • Anne-Marie asks for continued prayers for her daughter Laurie’s healing, and for her to have patience.  She’s grateful for God’s leading and direction.
  • Please continue to keep Bob Elbertson, Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and Pat Jones in your prayers.

Eagle Scout Court of Honor
     On Saturday, January 7 the Boy Scouts held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  This is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve and one that few attain.  To make this more remarkable, our Scouts honored not one who has achieved this rank, but three!  Andrew Paster, Andrew Eisler, and Kentaro Kasai were recognized for reaching their goals.  There have been 88 Eagles from this troop since 1926, which was the first year the Eagle rank could be achieved.
 
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
     The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; the Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays, also from 9:30 till noon.
     Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.  There are many clients and they appreciate your help.

Upcoming Events
January 8 - Undecorate the church following worship
January 10 - Church Council mtg. 7 pm via Zoom
January 14 - Moving the Food Pantry, 10 am
January 18 - Trustee meeting, 6:30 pm

Volunteers for Next Sunday
Sound                     Riley Schmidt
Projection              AJ Schmidt
Liturgist                 Janet Mallette
Ushers                    Conrad Dorau & Melody Babcock
Coffee Hour          Janet & George Mallette
Music                      Kathy Fisher

​​​​Have a blessed week

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