​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
  • Home
  • The Latest
    • Recent posts
    • March 19 message
    • March 12 message
    • March 5 message
    • February 26 message >
      • February 26 handout
    • February 19 message
    • February 12 message
    • February 5 message
    • January 29 message
    • January 22 message
    • January 15 message
    • January 8 message
    • January 1 message
    • December 18 message
    • December 11 message
    • November 27 message
    • November 20 message
    • October 30 message
    • October 23 message
    • October 16 message
    • October 2 message
    • September 25 message
    • September 11 message
    • September 4 message
    • August 28 message
    • August 14 message
    • August 7 message
    • July 31 message
    • July 24 message
    • July 17 message
    • July 10 message
    • July 3 message
    • June 5 message
    • May 22 message
    • May 15 message
    • May 8 message
    • May 1 message
    • April 24 message
    • April 17 message
    • April 3 message
    • March 27 message
    • March 20 message
    • March 13 message
    • March 6 message
    • February 27 message
    • February 20 message
    • February 13 message
    • February 6 message
    • January 30 message
    • January 23 message
    • January 16 message
    • January 2 message
    • December 19 message
    • December 5 message
    • November 28 message
    • November 14 message
    • November 7 message
    • October 31 message
    • October 17 message
    • October 10 message
    • October 3 message
    • September 26 message
    • September 19 message
    • September 12 message
    • January 17 message
    • September 5 message
    • August 29 message
    • August 22 message
    • August 8 message
    • August 1 message
    • July 25 message
    • July 18 message
    • July 11 message
    • July 11 Scripture
    • June 27 message
    • June 13 message
    • June 6 message
    • May 9 message
    • May 2 message
    • April 25 message
    • April 18 message
    • April 11 message
    • April 4 message
    • March 21 message
    • March 14 message
    • March 7 message
    • February 28 message
    • February 21 message
    • February 14 message
    • January 31 message
    • January 24 message
    • January 10 message
    • January 3 message
    • December 13 message
    • December 6 message
    • November 29 message
    • November 15 message
    • November 1 message
    • October 11 message
    • Sept 13 message
    • Sept 6 message
    • Aug 30 message
    • Aug 23 message
    • Aug 16 message
    • July 26 message
    • July 12 Message
    • July 5 message
    • June 28 message
    • May 24 message
  • Videos
    • This week's service
    • Worship videos 2023
    • Worship videos 2022
    • Worship videos 2021
  • About Us
    • Church Staff
    • Church Directions
    • How to reach us
    • History
  • Ministry Matters
    • Announcements >
      • Ministry Matters March 19
      • Ministry Matters March 12
      • Ministry Matters March 5
      • Ministry Matters February 26
      • Ministry Matters February 19
      • Ministry Matters February 12
      • Ministry Matters February 5
      • Ministry Matters January 29
      • Ministry Matters January 22
      • Ministry Matters January 15
      • Ministry Matters January 8
      • Ministry Matters January 1
      • Ministry Matters December 18
      • Ministry Matters December 11
      • Ministry Matters November 27
      • Ministry Matters November 20
      • Ministry Matters November 6
      • Ministry Matters October 23
      • Ministry Matters October 9
      • Ministry Matters October 2
      • Ministry Matters September 25
      • Ministry Matters September 11
      • Ministry Matters September 4
      • Ministry Matters August 28
      • Ministry Matters August 21
      • Ministry Matters August 14
      • Ministry Matters July 31
      • Ministry Matters July 24
      • Ministry Matters July 17
      • Ministry Matters July 3
      • Ministry Matters June 26
      • Ministry Matters June 19
      • Ministry Matters June 12
      • Ministry Matters June 5
      • Ministry Matters May 29
      • Ministry Matters May 22
      • Ministry Matters May 15
      • Ministry Matters May 8
      • Ministry Matters May 1
      • Ministry Matters April 24
      • Ministry Matters April 17
      • Ministry Matters April 10
      • Ministry Matters April 3
      • Ministry Matters March 27
      • Ministry Matters March 20
      • Ministry Matters March 13
      • Ministry Matters March 6
      • Ministry Matters February 27
      • Ministry Matters February 20
      • Ministry Matters February 13
      • Ministry Matters February 6
      • Ministry Matters January 30
      • Ministry Matters January 23
      • Ministry Matters January 16
      • Ministry Matters January 9
      • Ministry Matters January 2
      • Ministry Matters December 12
      • Ministry Matters December 5
      • Ministry Matters November 28
      • Ministry Matters November 21
      • Ministry Matters November 14
      • Ministry Matters November 7
      • Ministry Matters October 31
      • Ministry Matters October 17
      • Ministry Matters October 10
      • Ministry Matters October 3
      • Ministry Matters September 26 >
        • Understanding the UMC Budget
      • Ministry Matters September 19
      • Ministry Matters September 12
      • Ministry Matters September 5
      • Ministry Matters August 29
      • Ministry Matters August 22
      • Ministry Matters August 1
      • Ministry Matters July 25
      • Ministry Matters July 18
      • Ministry Matters July 11
      • Ministry Matters June 27
      • Ministry Matters June 13
      • Ministry Matters June 6
      • Ministry Matters May 30
      • Ministry Matters May 23
      • Ministry Matters May 9
      • Ministry Matters May 2
      • Ministry Matters April 25
      • Ministry Matters April 18
      • Ministry Matters April 11
      • Ministry Matters April 4
      • Ministry Matters March 28
      • Ministry Matters March 21
      • Ministry Matters March 14
      • Ministry Matters March 7
      • Ministry Matters February 28
      • Ministry Matters February 21
      • Ministry Matters February 14
      • Ministry Matters February 7
      • Ministry Matters January 31
      • Ministry Matters January 24
      • Ministry Matters January 17
      • Ministry Matters January 10
      • Ministry Matters January 3
      • Ministry Matters December 20
      • Ministry Matters December 13
      • Ministry Matters December 6
      • Ministry Matters November 29
      • Ministry Matters November 22
      • Ministry Matters November 15
      • Ministry Matters November 8
      • Ministry Matters November 1
      • Ministry Matters October 25
      • Ministry Matters October 18
      • Ministry Matters October 11
      • Ministry Matters October 4
      • Ministry Matters September 27
      • Ministry Matters September 20
      • Ministry Matters September 13
      • Ministry Matters August 16
      • Ministry Matters July 12
      • Ministry Matters July 5
      • Ministry Matters June 29
      • Ministry Matters May 31
      • Ministry Matters May 24
      • Ministry Matters May 16
      • Ministry Matters May 7
      • Ministry Matters April 30
      • Ministry Matters 4/23/20
  • How We Serve
    • Food Pantry
    • Clothing Thrift Shop
    • Prayer Shawl Ministry
    • UM Economic & Lakota Ministries
    • Fair Trade Coffee
    • Regional Food Bank Trip
    • 2020 Falling Leaves 5K Run
    • 2019 Falling Leaves 5K Run
    • Bright Red Book Shelf
    • Summer Lunch Program
  • Giving
    • Online giving
    • Sign up for automatic giving
    • Through On-line Purchasing
  • Resources
    • Safe Sanctuary Policy
    • Links
    • Forms
    • Photos & Videos
Important Announcement
     Due to the upswing in Covid numbers and the newest mandate from Governor Hochul, 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.

Welcome to our Music Program
     Since Cathy King, our music director, is now a snowbird in sunny Florida, we welcome Terri Knowlton back to be one of our music providers.  Joining Terri will be Kathy Fisher.  Both women are music leaders in their own church and therefore very accomplished in this field.  Welcome to you both!

Are You Called to Serve Communion?
     After church services on January 16th (postponed from January 9), Pastor Kelly will be having a training session for anyone willing to volunteer to take communion to the members of our church who are in nursing homes or homebound.  These people don’t have the opportunity to receive communion any other way, but you can help.  Can you share your time for this worthwhile opportunity to bring comfort and joy to others?  

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 for this $71,500 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.

Thank You From BACA
     On behalf of the Ballston Area Clergy Association, I would like to thank you for your recent generous gift of $1,071.30 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

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.

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.

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.

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
     With COVID rates on the rise again, the Thrift Shop has closed for the time being.  The Food Pantry remains open on Wednesdays from 9:30 till noon, now providing bagged offerings to our clientele.  We hope to return to the regular way of doing things very soon.  Thank you to the people who continue to donate their time for both of these worthwhile missions. 

​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 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.
  • Please pray for Maddy Wilson, who has Covid.  Please also pray for the entire Wilson  family.
  • Prayers for safe travels for Cathy and Jerry King and Diane and Ron Solotruck in their journeys.
  • 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 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. 
  • Cherrie Sanders also asks for continued prayers for her friend John Hulbert who has started chemo treatments for his stage 4 cancer.
  • 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.
  • Pat Jones asks for prayers of comfort for Jim, a local man of ninety-three, who is in ill health.
  • 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 31 - Winterwear Mission Ends
 
Celebrations!
     We have lots to celebrate!  These people are all celebrating their birthdays.  The celebrations were omitted from last week’s Ministry Matters so are also included here.
  • Stan Lockwood (1/2)
  • Tyler Parlapiano (1/2)
  • Lynne Blake (1/5)
  • Shawn Taylor (1/5)
  • John Staulters (1/7)
  • Pat Brewster (1/8)
  • Jim Cope (1/8)
  • Heather Mason (1/11)
  • Billy Mason (1/12)
Happy birthday to all of you!

Next week in worship:
Sound                      
Riley Schmidt
Projection              Katie Warner
Liturgist                  Sue Cramer
Children’s Time   
Ushers                      Conrad Dorau & George Mallette
Music                        Kathy Fisher

​​Have a blessed week

Like us on Facebook:

Visit our Facebook Page:

© 2023 Ballston Spa United Methodist Church. 101 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
E-Mail: