Welcome as we worship online and in person. Share a warm welcome to others. Coffee hour is held in the Connections Café following the service. Coloring sheets, offering envelopes, and mission baskets are located near both entrances to the church. We ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
COVID Lament
During worship on July 10, we took the time to remember and mourn our many personal and communal losses related to COVID-19. We used a unison lament as a way to express our grief to God. This may be a prayer you want to keep on using since COVID continues to impact so many parts of our lives. Keep it in your Bible, or elsewhere.
O God, You who see us, think about us, and know us completely, hear our lament:
We’ve lived through difficult days.
We’ve been scared and felt alone.
Some people have died, and all have cried.
We are weary and wary;
What losses we’ve had, what griefs we’ve carried.
O God, steady our steps, and strengthen our spirit,
Heal our brokenness and revive our spirits.
Remind us that You see us, know us, and will provide for us.
We will trust in You, O God, we will continue to trust in You.
A Jenga block tower was used in worship that day; it illustrated how our lives can become unsteady and even come tumbling apart when too many hard things happen to us. But we also watched the Jenga tower, representing our lives, get built back up as we named what was good and helpful during COVID.
Thanks to Dolores Wilson for bringing her JENGA game and helping illustrate the day’s message.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The restoration project on the church building is complete and the bill is coming soon. Please consider donating to help defray the costs of these repairs. We still need about $10,000. 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, or mail your contribution to the church at 101 Milton Ave. Please clearly identify that the money is to be used for the Church Building Restoration Fund. Thank you for your support.
Great News!
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has awarded a grant to us through the COVID Non-Profit Relief Grant Fund of $25,000! This money is to be used to ensure that our Food Pantry is ready in the case of another disaster. It will provide a handicap ramp and moving the Food Pantry to the downstairs church fellowship hall. Everything must be done and in use within 6 months to meet the grant’s specifications. Mike Cramer is the Clerk of the Works. We are grateful for the opportunity to improve our Food Pantry for the future.
Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program
Our Food Pantry had been picked by the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program to receive $1 from the sale of every bag during the month of June. We have been notified that $310 has been raised. Although our month is over, you may still support our Food Pantry by following the 3-step instructions on the back of the Giving Tag attached to the Fight Hunger Bag and direct the $1 donation to go to our Food Pantry. Thank you everyone!
Our Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is real, and our Food Pantry is no exception. Monthly donations that were received in the past are no longer available. The higher costs in the grocery stores are limiting what can be purchased. With about 15 families each week using our services, this is a serious issue. If you are able to help, donations may be brought to the Food Pantry during office hours or placed in the box in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Some suggestions of needed items would be peanut butter, cereal, ketchup, macaroni and cheese, vegetable oil, salad dressing, juice, crackers, spaghetti sauce, and elbow macaroni. Of course, monetary donations are also accepted and may be sent to the church with “Food Pantry” on the subject line of the check. Your help is greatly appreciated.
New Church Directory
There is still time to get your picture taken for our new directory! We are creating a new church directory, including pictures, so people will be able to put a name and face together. Imagine how nice it will be to call someone by their name! Over 60 pictures have been taken so far. Addresses, phone numbers and emails will be updated to reflect accurate contact information. This will mean having more than one way of contacting people. That information is helpful if you serve on a ministry team, or just want to send someone a card.
Pictures will be used for the directory only and are not for sale. Having your picture taken will indicate your permission for the picture to be used in the church directory. To make an appointment call 518-885-1636 (Dolores & George Wilson) and leave your name and phone number for a return call. We hope to have the directory out very soon, so please have your picture taken today!
Music Ministries
We would like to enhance and expand our music ministries. Even though Covid social distancing requirements are still in effect, we are able to have singers lead hymns and individuals can present a variety of special music offerings. We can also have a handbell quartet (no previous experience in ringing is required). If you feel called to help, here are some ways you can participate:
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawls are available in the Sanctuary for anyone who wishes to share prayers from our congregation to anyone in need. Recently several Prayer Shawls were added to the racks in the sanctuary by Ilah Sisson Walser and Donna Lockwood. Thanks go out to Pat Bosen for donation of yarn for Prayer Shawls.
Pill Bottle Collection
We are collecting empty prescription bottles for reuse through the ministry called Matthew 25 in Ohio. The labels need to be removed, the bottles washed out and dried, and packed into large zip lock bags. There will be a box for the collection in the Connections Café. We celebrate that it was already filled to overflowing once!
Pop Your Top for Ronald McDonald
Don’t forget to save the pull-tabs from cans for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. RMHC serves millions of families each year through Ronald McDonald House programs for families who travel far from home for care, Family Room Projects providing comfort while in the hospital and Mobile Programs bringing health care resources to underserved communities where they’re needed most. It’s a no-cost mission. There is a container in the Connections Café for the tabs.
Summer Lunch Program
During the months of July and August the First Baptist Church will sponsor a Summer Lunch Program for children living in and around the village of Ballston Spa. Nutritious lunches will be made fresh daily and distributed in seven locations. Volunteers are needed to assemble and distribute the lunches. Anyone who is interested in volunteering in some way may contact the church at 518-885-8361 or can access the online volunteer sign-up page. We have over 120 children signed up already. These children need you!!
- Karen Jones, FBC Summer Lunch Program Committee
Fair Trade
We still have some Panama Extra Dark, Orange and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt chocolate bars on hand but they are going fast! We also still have Breakfast Blend and Hazelnut Coffee, Decaf Coffee, tea and hot cocoa for sale. If interested, please contact Stan Lockwood (518.885.1552 0r [email protected]) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
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 This Week's Service page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/this-weeks-service.html), 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.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We are pausing our virtual Coffee Hour during the summer months.
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.
School is Out and It’s Time for Skye Farm Summer Camp
Register now for Summer Camp - fun activities for kids ages 3 - 18 are awaiting! Traditional activities like water fun, arts & crafts, games, and hiking as well as ice cream for breakfast, star gazing, and slime! Check out all the possibilities at skyefarmcamp.org. There is a 40% sibling discount, plus BSUMC camperships are available for our members. You do not have to attend a Methodist church in order to go to camp, so tell your friends. Questions? Contact Linda Sheeran at 518-885-1729 or [email protected].
Ballston Area Clergy Association
BACA, an ecumenical ministry of the local churches thanks you for your recent gift of $400 to the Community Assistance Fund. This serves 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.
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.
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check with either Advance#982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line, or by visiting UMCOR's disaster response webpage.
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can be placed in an offering plate. The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
Purchase Hoffman Car Wash Tickets to Help Ukraine
The Helping Hands/Hoffman car wash site is active if you would like to purchase car wash tickets! BSUMC + Hoffman Car Wash + UMCOR Ukraine. Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!! 100% of the money BSUMC receives will go to UMCOR Ukraine. WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car and money to help the people of Ukraine. These car wash tickets never expire!! Purchase for teachers, babysitters, newspaper deliverers, gifts, etc.
Click here to purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately. Make sure the UPC code is showing BEFORE printing.
Upcoming Events
July 20 - Trustee meeting, 7 pm
August 2-4 - Office closed for vacation
August 9 - Church Council via Zoom, 7 pm
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
We're celebrating these birthdays this week:
We have several anniversaries this week:
Richard Traver’s sister, Barb celebrated her 91st birthday on 7/11. Her husband, Bill, will celebrate his 95th birthday on 7/21. They will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on 7/26. Happy birthday to them both and happy anniversary!
Next week in worship:
Sound Mark Warner
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Linda Sheeran
Ushers Mary Drake & Conrad Dorau
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Melody Babcock & Linda Sheeran
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services or Coffee Hour, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community Bulletin Board
Sight & Sound Theater trip
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is sponsoring a trip to Lancaster, PA to see “David” live on stage July 27-28. For more information, please check out the flyer on the bulletin board in the hall.
Food donations needed
The Shelters of Saratoga is asking for your help. Their food supplies are critically low. They are looking for pop-top canned food, readymade meals, protein-rich snacks, shelf-stable milk, and bottled water. Donations can be made at any time at 14 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Have a blessed week
COVID Lament
During worship on July 10, we took the time to remember and mourn our many personal and communal losses related to COVID-19. We used a unison lament as a way to express our grief to God. This may be a prayer you want to keep on using since COVID continues to impact so many parts of our lives. Keep it in your Bible, or elsewhere.
O God, You who see us, think about us, and know us completely, hear our lament:
We’ve lived through difficult days.
We’ve been scared and felt alone.
Some people have died, and all have cried.
We are weary and wary;
What losses we’ve had, what griefs we’ve carried.
O God, steady our steps, and strengthen our spirit,
Heal our brokenness and revive our spirits.
Remind us that You see us, know us, and will provide for us.
We will trust in You, O God, we will continue to trust in You.
A Jenga block tower was used in worship that day; it illustrated how our lives can become unsteady and even come tumbling apart when too many hard things happen to us. But we also watched the Jenga tower, representing our lives, get built back up as we named what was good and helpful during COVID.
Thanks to Dolores Wilson for bringing her JENGA game and helping illustrate the day’s message.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The restoration project on the church building is complete and the bill is coming soon. Please consider donating to help defray the costs of these repairs. We still need about $10,000. 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, or mail your contribution to the church at 101 Milton Ave. Please clearly identify that the money is to be used for the Church Building Restoration Fund. Thank you for your support.
Great News!
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has awarded a grant to us through the COVID Non-Profit Relief Grant Fund of $25,000! This money is to be used to ensure that our Food Pantry is ready in the case of another disaster. It will provide a handicap ramp and moving the Food Pantry to the downstairs church fellowship hall. Everything must be done and in use within 6 months to meet the grant’s specifications. Mike Cramer is the Clerk of the Works. We are grateful for the opportunity to improve our Food Pantry for the future.
Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program
Our Food Pantry had been picked by the Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program to receive $1 from the sale of every bag during the month of June. We have been notified that $310 has been raised. Although our month is over, you may still support our Food Pantry by following the 3-step instructions on the back of the Giving Tag attached to the Fight Hunger Bag and direct the $1 donation to go to our Food Pantry. Thank you everyone!
Our Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is real, and our Food Pantry is no exception. Monthly donations that were received in the past are no longer available. The higher costs in the grocery stores are limiting what can be purchased. With about 15 families each week using our services, this is a serious issue. If you are able to help, donations may be brought to the Food Pantry during office hours or placed in the box in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Some suggestions of needed items would be peanut butter, cereal, ketchup, macaroni and cheese, vegetable oil, salad dressing, juice, crackers, spaghetti sauce, and elbow macaroni. Of course, monetary donations are also accepted and may be sent to the church with “Food Pantry” on the subject line of the check. Your help is greatly appreciated.
New Church Directory
There is still time to get your picture taken for our new directory! We are creating a new church directory, including pictures, so people will be able to put a name and face together. Imagine how nice it will be to call someone by their name! Over 60 pictures have been taken so far. Addresses, phone numbers and emails will be updated to reflect accurate contact information. This will mean having more than one way of contacting people. That information is helpful if you serve on a ministry team, or just want to send someone a card.
Pictures will be used for the directory only and are not for sale. Having your picture taken will indicate your permission for the picture to be used in the church directory. To make an appointment call 518-885-1636 (Dolores & George Wilson) and leave your name and phone number for a return call. We hope to have the directory out very soon, so please have your picture taken today!
Music Ministries
We would like to enhance and expand our music ministries. Even though Covid social distancing requirements are still in effect, we are able to have singers lead hymns and individuals can present a variety of special music offerings. We can also have a handbell quartet (no previous experience in ringing is required). If you feel called to help, here are some ways you can participate:
- help lead the congregation in singing hymns - we rehearse the hymns at 9:30 am before church, and there is no need to lead every week
- sing a solo or duet
- play a musical instrument, either as a solo or to accompany hymns or other music
- be part of a handbell quartet
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawls are available in the Sanctuary for anyone who wishes to share prayers from our congregation to anyone in need. Recently several Prayer Shawls were added to the racks in the sanctuary by Ilah Sisson Walser and Donna Lockwood. Thanks go out to Pat Bosen for donation of yarn for Prayer Shawls.
Pill Bottle Collection
We are collecting empty prescription bottles for reuse through the ministry called Matthew 25 in Ohio. The labels need to be removed, the bottles washed out and dried, and packed into large zip lock bags. There will be a box for the collection in the Connections Café. We celebrate that it was already filled to overflowing once!
Pop Your Top for Ronald McDonald
Don’t forget to save the pull-tabs from cans for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. RMHC serves millions of families each year through Ronald McDonald House programs for families who travel far from home for care, Family Room Projects providing comfort while in the hospital and Mobile Programs bringing health care resources to underserved communities where they’re needed most. It’s a no-cost mission. There is a container in the Connections Café for the tabs.
Summer Lunch Program
During the months of July and August the First Baptist Church will sponsor a Summer Lunch Program for children living in and around the village of Ballston Spa. Nutritious lunches will be made fresh daily and distributed in seven locations. Volunteers are needed to assemble and distribute the lunches. Anyone who is interested in volunteering in some way may contact the church at 518-885-8361 or can access the online volunteer sign-up page. We have over 120 children signed up already. These children need you!!
- Karen Jones, FBC Summer Lunch Program Committee
Fair Trade
We still have some Panama Extra Dark, Orange and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt chocolate bars on hand but they are going fast! We also still have Breakfast Blend and Hazelnut Coffee, Decaf Coffee, tea and hot cocoa for sale. If interested, please contact Stan Lockwood (518.885.1552 0r [email protected]) . Thank you to those who support this ministry at BSUMC.
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 This Week's Service page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/this-weeks-service.html), 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.
Virtual Coffee Hour
We are pausing our virtual Coffee Hour during the summer months.
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.
School is Out and It’s Time for Skye Farm Summer Camp
Register now for Summer Camp - fun activities for kids ages 3 - 18 are awaiting! Traditional activities like water fun, arts & crafts, games, and hiking as well as ice cream for breakfast, star gazing, and slime! Check out all the possibilities at skyefarmcamp.org. There is a 40% sibling discount, plus BSUMC camperships are available for our members. You do not have to attend a Methodist church in order to go to camp, so tell your friends. Questions? Contact Linda Sheeran at 518-885-1729 or [email protected].
Ballston Area Clergy Association
BACA, an ecumenical ministry of the local churches thanks you for your recent gift of $400 to the Community Assistance Fund. This serves 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.
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:
- Melody Babcock wants to thank God for her daughter finding a home in Round Lake.
- The Four Corners Native American Ministry people are requesting prayers of healing. They are currently experiencing another period of Covid, including people in the Ministry.
- Mary Drake asks for prayers for baby Calvin who was born 2 months early and having breathing problems.
- Terri Knowlton asks for travel mercies for those traveling. I especially ask for safety and protection for those involved with the National Youth Gathering, and for the Fryer family as we travel to Tennessee.
- Terri Knowlton writes: Please keep Mike Lawson's mother, Margaret Roberts and her family in your prayers. Margaret has been suffering from dementia and may have had a stroke.
- Terri also wants to lift up Thanasi Raymond, a 5 week old baby boy who had a cyst on his tongue that was preventing him from breathing and eating properly. He had a successful surgery in Rochester but has tested positive for rhinovirus. Please pray for the family and the medical team in the PICU.
- Billy Santmire asks for prayers for his niece who has cancer behind her eye. She will be having radiation and then laser surgery.
- Ann Marie Williams’ daughter was in a car accident and she is now home and healing.
- Prayers of thanksgiving for Katie Warner’s healing. She now tests negative for Covid.
- Diane Solotruck asks for prayers for any family going through difficult and changing times.
- Please continue to keep Bob Elbertson, Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and Pat Jones 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.
Supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine
The General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is deeply troubled by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ominous implications it has for escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations. They join many Christian leaders and organizations worldwide in deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, and they ardently pray for a redirection of military action toward diplomatic measures to resolve grievances.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief arm of Global Ministries, is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. You can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by writing a check with either Advance#982450/Ukraine or UMCOR/Ukraine written in the memo line, or by visiting UMCOR's disaster response webpage.
Other giving opportunities in response to the war in Ukraine
Individuals can give directly to the Ukrainian people through local church offerings by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks. These checks can be placed in an offering plate. The Ukraine UMC has created a crisis committee that will oversee all the global support that is coming in through UMCOR’s Advance #14053A “Eurasia In Mission Together - Ukraine and Moldova.” The money channeled through this Advance fund will go to the Ukraine UMC church account and decisions on how this will be used will be considered by the crisis committee, which includes pastors as well as lay leaders.
UMCOR also offers other opportunities for more specific giving to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. You can designate giving by stating it is for "Ukrainian Refugee support" to the following Advance numbers.
- Hungary In Mission Together (Advance # 00175A)
- Poland In Mission Together (Advance # 00408A)
- Romania In Mission Together (Advance #00211A)
- Slovakia In Mission Together (Advance # 00236A)
Purchase Hoffman Car Wash Tickets to Help Ukraine
The Helping Hands/Hoffman car wash site is active if you would like to purchase car wash tickets! BSUMC + Hoffman Car Wash + UMCOR Ukraine. Buy car wash tickets and our church receives 50% of the sale!! 100% of the money BSUMC receives will go to UMCOR Ukraine. WIN - WIN!!! Clean Car and money to help the people of Ukraine. These car wash tickets never expire!! Purchase for teachers, babysitters, newspaper deliverers, gifts, etc.
Click here to purchase on-line and print out your car wash coupons immediately. Make sure the UPC code is showing BEFORE printing.
- Exterior only: $13 - Your vehicle enters a modern car wash bay where it receives a soft-cloth wash followed by touch-free air drying.
- Full Service Car wash: $43 - Your vehicle first receives an Exterior Car Wash. Car care attendants then vacuum the carpets, seats and ashtrays and wipe the interior windows, dashboard and doorjambs. Finally, they add an air freshener of your choice, and the exterior of your vehicle is hand dried.
- 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park
- 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie
- 753 New Loudon Road, Latham
Upcoming Events
July 20 - Trustee meeting, 7 pm
August 2-4 - Office closed for vacation
August 9 - Church Council via Zoom, 7 pm
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
We're celebrating these birthdays this week:
- Jeff Blake (7/17)
- Julianna Shoen (7/17)
- Ed Glossner (7/18)
- Katie O’Connor (7/20)
We have several anniversaries this week:
- Carrie & Kyle Adserias (7/19)
- Debbie & Benny Zlotnick (7/19)
- Ruth Ann & Troy Caswell (7/21)
- Shelli & TC Wolsey (7/22)
Richard Traver’s sister, Barb celebrated her 91st birthday on 7/11. Her husband, Bill, will celebrate his 95th birthday on 7/21. They will be celebrating their 70th anniversary on 7/26. Happy birthday to them both and happy anniversary!
Next week in worship:
Sound Mark Warner
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Linda Sheeran
Ushers Mary Drake & Conrad Dorau
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Melody Babcock & Linda Sheeran
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services or Coffee Hour, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
Community Bulletin Board
Sight & Sound Theater trip
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is sponsoring a trip to Lancaster, PA to see “David” live on stage July 27-28. For more information, please check out the flyer on the bulletin board in the hall.
Food donations needed
The Shelters of Saratoga is asking for your help. Their food supplies are critically low. They are looking for pop-top canned food, readymade meals, protein-rich snacks, shelf-stable milk, and bottled water. Donations can be made at any time at 14 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Have a blessed week