​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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Changes
     Pastor Kelly Warner will continue to serve as pastor here at the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, and in addition will serve at the Round Lake United Methodist Church.  While most everything remains the same, there has been a change made to our worship time.  To facilitate her serving both churches our district superintendent Debbie Earthrowl has set our time at 10:30. 
     We rejoice in no longer taking temperatures or contact tracing.  For those who are vaccinated, masks do not need to be worn.  Masks will be needed for those who are unvaccinated.  Any worship volunteers helping with holy communion will wear a mask.   Singing is now permitted for those who are vaccinated.  There is a separate section on the southern side of the church for those not yet vaccinated/choosing not to sing.  We acknowledge that this has been a difficult time and appreciate everyone’s efforts to care for one another.

Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
     With our new time for service, our coffee hours, both in person and virtual, had to be moved.  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.
     And when you want to share a cup of coffee (or lemonade) in person, coffee hour will be at the church at 9:45 am in the Connections Café.
     Whether on-line or in person, we look forward to seeing you soon! 

Canoeing the Mountains Study
     There were 9 people that joined Pastor Kelly for some or all of a 6 week study on the leadership book called “Canoeing the Mountains”.  Her current preaching series is also based on this material, which has sparked new learning and ongoing conversations.  In September, the group will regather and consider any ways in which they feel led to take action!  Stay tuned for updates in the fall.

Rummage Sale Results
     We had a rummage sale on July 17th  and made $1,425!  Thanks go out to Melody Babcock, George and Janet Mallette, Mary Drake, Jack Schloss, AJ Schmidt, and Riley Schmidt for donating their time to collect, set up, and man the sale.  And thank you to all who donated their treasures to be sold.  There are grow lights (for plants) and a brown electric leather chair still available.  If you are interested in these, please see Melody, Mary, or George.

Thrift Shop News
     The Thrift Shop has reopened!  Come shop on Tuesdays from 9:30 until noon.  Clothing is $3 for all you can fit in a bag.  Adjustments have been made for the safety of our volunteers as well as our patrons. 
      Volunteers are needed.  If you can help, please contact Melody Babcock (518-490-2015) or Thelma Armer (518-885-9696).  
Thank you to all who work so diligently to make this mission work for so many.

Upcoming Events​
  • Thrift Shop - each Tuesday, 9:30 to noon
  • Food Pantry - each Wednesday, 9:30 to noon
​
A New Mission
     The Mission Committee would like to announce the SOCK Mission for the next three months.  This will be done to share socks with the Navajo people at the Four Corners Native American Ministry (Shiprock NM), and local missions helping those in need.
     To be a part of this mission ministry, you have a couple of options:  You may make a financial donation to the church, clearly labeled as SOCK Mission.  These donations will be counted and earmarked for the purchase of socks which will be purchased and shipped directly to Four Corners NA Ministry.  The Counters will make note of the donations and the Treasurer will record the money on a benevolence line for the purchase of the socks.  The purchase will be coordinated by Ilah and purchased through Amazon Prime.
     You may also purchase socks and bring them to church and put them in the appropriate basket marked for SOCK Mission.  These will be distributed locally.
     All socks must be new.  We have been told that socks are the most requested items in homeless or needy families.  This Mission Project will give us a chance to share our abundance with others.  If you have specific questions, please contact Ilah Sisson Walser.  Thank you.
-The Mission Committee

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:
  • Ilah Sisson Walser asks for prayers for a little friend who was born two months early, weighing in at 3 pounds 4 ounces.  Colton is holding his own and making progress at the moment.  He’s almost back to birth weight.  Keep those prayers going.  The family appreciates them.
  • Alaina Greco has moved this week - prayers for her as she begins orientation at her new school in Florida
  • Please put Bill on our prayer list.  He is an Elks member who monthly delivers many bags of groceries to our Food Pantry.  He has cancer and will be going to Albany Med for advice on treating it.
  • A friend of Ruth Persons needs prayers for healing due to multiple health issues.  Thank you for your care and concern for Tina.
  • Please hold Marilynn Peterson in your prayers.  She is on the path to getting stronger.  You can send her cards at:  115 Saratoga Blvd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
  • Please continue to pray for Lou Cook in the loss late last week of his beloved wife Joyce.  Lou is now home.  He has appreciated the cards being sent to the home and thanks everyone for their continuing prayers.  
  • Please continue to keep Bill Haege 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.

Riley Parker Sheeran Baptized
     On July 20th Riley Parker Sheeran was baptized.  She is the 18 month old daughter of Jim and Kim Sheeran.  Grandparents and other several family members were able to gather to celebrate this special sacrament.  A white rose was presented to the family, along with a white, home-made baby blanket from our church, plus a baptismal certificate.  Our Lay Leader Ruth Persons was there as our church representative and Dorothy Collins sang two solos while Cathy King accompanied her.  A highlight of the occasion was Riley thoroughly enjoying the “la la” (music) and her frequent clapping.  After water was sprinkled on her head, we all clapped for her and she was surprised but very delighted!  Look for pictures on our church’s website and Facebook, or you can come to church on Sunday and see them on our worship screen.
     This is a good opportunity to share that if you have some pictures of church events and ministries please send them to us, but you will need to have people’s permission.  Also send in any amazing nature photos you take; we can use them in weekly worship too.  You can send them to Mark Warner at warners@roadrunner.com. 

Join the Church Choir
     The brilliant Christian psychiatrist, Dr. Walter Menninger, said that singing in a church choir was very helpful to him.  After an exhausting day at work, he found it inspirational and soothing to go to choir practice at his church.  The music enabled him to put the stress of his day behind him, get in touch with something beautiful and holy, and end the day relaxed and uplifted.
     Ask a choir member what singing in a choir does for him or her.  It’s very likely that you’ll find he or she gets great joy in serving the Lord through singing.  And remember, also, there is wonderful fellowship among choir members.  Singing in a choir is a good way to make new friends.  Try it.
    Fair Trade
        There are NO more chocolate bars left until fall thanks to all of you chocolate lovers (and the summer weather)!!!  However, we still have coffee (decaf and regular) and tea available.  Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.

    Celebrations!
    Many birthdays this week:
    • Maegan Conley (7/25)
    • George Thompson (7/25)
    • Kelly Schmidt (7/27)
    • Estelle Simmons (7/27)
    • Benny Zlotnick (7/28)
    • Linda Sheeran (7/29)
    • Clara Dutcher (7/30)
    • Beverly Westfall (7/30)
    • Miriam Evans (7/31)
    Happy birthday to all of you!
     
    There is one anniversary this week:
    • Karen and John Staulters (7/31)

    ​If there is a birthday or anniversary that you would like shared, please send it to the church office by email.  Happy celebrations are always a blessing!

    Have a blessed week

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