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 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.
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
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)
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