Important Announcement
We welcome you to join us in church. We no longer require masks to be worn, although you may continue to wear them as you feel comfortable. The planned seating arrangements are no longer in effect. Coffee Hour will resume next Sunday so join us in celebrating our Spring Fling! Coloring sheets are available for children and are located on the table as you enter the church at the south entrance. Offering envelopes are available on the tables inside both entrance doors. We do ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
This Journey through Lent could change your life!
You’re invited (and encouraged) to watch the 8-episode television drama called “The Chosen”. It’s a television drama based on the life of Jesus; the richly detailed scenes and gifted actors bring to life key moments like Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding, the calling of his disciples, healing the sick, preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, teaching the Lord’s Prayer, encounters with Jewish religious leaders, and sharing in a Passover meal.
If you’ve read and cherished the stories about Jesus for many years now, or if you’re just beginning to learn and explore who Jesus is and why He matters, you’ll likely be amazed by this series. It has received high praise from many viewers.
The videos will be shown in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7 pm through Lent.
This week we'll be viewing Episode 3, "Let the Children Come to Me", and Episode 4, "The Rock on Which It Is Built". The suggested readings for background before viewing are Luke 18:15, Mark 9:42, Luke 6:12, and Deuteronomy 6:4.
For more information about all the ways to watch and participate in this study, click here.
YOU Change Lives!
Without your generosity, this ministry could not be achieved! United Methodists gave $1,921,619 last year towards ministries funded by the UMCOR Special Sunday offering. Giving allows us to make a difference in the lives of communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” allowing UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs. UMCOR Sunday will be March 27th.
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.
Prayer Shawl Meeting via Zoom
Please note that the date for the Prayer Shawl Gathering has been changed to March 17th due to a scheduling conflict. Come and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us. Good fellowship and sharing of our current projects. What is on the needles? - Ilah
Topic: Prayer Shawl and Conversation
Time: Mar 17, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82060334170?pwd=NDVFRjdjMXlEcHBEcEtWcXBLV0Mwdz09
Meeting ID: 820 6033 4170 Passcode: 800632
Dial 1 929 205 6099 US Meeting ID: 820 6033 4170
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
Good news! The Thrift Shop has reopened on Tuesdays from 9:30 am until noon. There are lots of winter clothing available. Come shop and say hello to the ladies who make it all possible! As of March 1st join us for our March Madness Sale: everything you can fit in a bag for $1.
The Food Pantry has returned to their pre-Covid way of doing things. There will be more choices available.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to lift up all the women who have made an impact on our collective history. The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was formed in 1869 in Boston and has been on the forefront of developing leaders, fostering spiritual growth and advocating for justice. Today the United Methodist Women continue to work for positive change and equip women around the world to become leaders of tomorrow. During Women’s History Month, we honor not only the history of United Methodist Women, but all women. After the recent name change, United Methodist Women are now known as United Women in Faith. You may read more about this at uwfaith.org.
Sunday School This Quarter
Sunday School will meet March 27.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The next phase of our church restoration will start in the spring. Please contribute to help us pay the remaining $65,000 of the project. Although there are investments which were received through generous bequests, the cost of these repairs would significantly deplete church investments. 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.
Fair Trade
We now have chocolate bars! We also have regular and decaf coffee, teas and dark hot cocoa. Just call or email 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 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.
Thanks for the Soup!
Thank you to the Schmidt and Wilson families for making the soup for our Souper Soup Sale and to Dolores Wilson for spearheading the fundraiser. Of course we also want to thank the people who so generously gave their time to pass the soup out. We are grateful for all the hard work and wonderful soup we got to enjoy. Over $400 has been raised.
United Methodists Extend BSA Charters Through June 2022
Leaders in The United Methodist Church have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022. This is an extension from the March 31, 2022 extension as legal proceedings continue in the BSA’s bankruptcy case. This new extension provides uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting.
Churches do not need to take any action to extend their current organizational relationship with the BSA until June 30, 2022.
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
Wednesdays, March 16-April 13 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
March 17 - Prayer Shawl (via Zoom)
March 27 - Sunday School; UMCOR Sunday
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
No birthdays or anniversaries to report this week....
Next week in worship:
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist George Wilson
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers Mary Drake & George Mallette
Music Terri Knowlton
Thrift Shop Mary & Thelma
Food pantry Mary & Melody
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
9th Annual Photo Show
Everyone is invited to participate in this year's Lenten Photo Show, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in downtown Schenectady at 603 State Street! For five weeks during Lent, a different theme has been chosen. During each of these weeks, FUMC will be accepting one to three photos that the participant has taken that reflect the weekly themes, which are:
March 2-8: Not Understood
March 9-15: Weeping
March 16-22: Unknown
March 23-29: Teacher
March 30-Apr. 5: Seen
Anyone can participate in either or both of two ways:
1. Submit photos that you have taken to: [email protected] with theme and a title/caption
2. View the show on the church's website, Facebook page, and as part of Easter Worship on April 17th.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.fumcschenectady.org, or our Facebook page. Or contact the office at 518-374-4403.
Community News
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 [email protected].
Care Links Volunteers Needed
Senior Citizens in your community are looking for assistance with grocery shopping, transportation appointments and a friendly face to visit them. Call 518-399-3262 to help in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Ballston, Malta, Charlton and Mechanicville. You can make a difference with just an hour a week.
Captain Community Human Services
The Wellness Express Transportation Program offers transportation to medical appointments for area residents. They operate weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests should be made at least one week in advance and is limited to a 50-mile radius from the point of origin. To schedule a ride, call 518-399-3262. The Wellness Express is funded by the Saratoga County Office for the Aging and by the New York State Office for the Aging. Voluntary and confidential contributions are accepted. Services will not be affected because of the inability to contribute.
Have a blessed week
We welcome you to join us in church. We no longer require masks to be worn, although you may continue to wear them as you feel comfortable. The planned seating arrangements are no longer in effect. Coffee Hour will resume next Sunday so join us in celebrating our Spring Fling! Coloring sheets are available for children and are located on the table as you enter the church at the south entrance. Offering envelopes are available on the tables inside both entrance doors. We do ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
This Journey through Lent could change your life!
You’re invited (and encouraged) to watch the 8-episode television drama called “The Chosen”. It’s a television drama based on the life of Jesus; the richly detailed scenes and gifted actors bring to life key moments like Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding, the calling of his disciples, healing the sick, preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, teaching the Lord’s Prayer, encounters with Jewish religious leaders, and sharing in a Passover meal.
If you’ve read and cherished the stories about Jesus for many years now, or if you’re just beginning to learn and explore who Jesus is and why He matters, you’ll likely be amazed by this series. It has received high praise from many viewers.
The videos will be shown in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 7 pm through Lent.
This week we'll be viewing Episode 3, "Let the Children Come to Me", and Episode 4, "The Rock on Which It Is Built". The suggested readings for background before viewing are Luke 18:15, Mark 9:42, Luke 6:12, and Deuteronomy 6:4.
For more information about all the ways to watch and participate in this study, click here.
YOU Change Lives!
Without your generosity, this ministry could not be achieved! United Methodists gave $1,921,619 last year towards ministries funded by the UMCOR Special Sunday offering. Giving allows us to make a difference in the lives of communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” allowing UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs. UMCOR Sunday will be March 27th.
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)
Prayer Shawl Meeting via Zoom
Please note that the date for the Prayer Shawl Gathering has been changed to March 17th due to a scheduling conflict. Come and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us. Good fellowship and sharing of our current projects. What is on the needles? - Ilah
Topic: Prayer Shawl and Conversation
Time: Mar 17, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82060334170?pwd=NDVFRjdjMXlEcHBEcEtWcXBLV0Mwdz09
Meeting ID: 820 6033 4170 Passcode: 800632
Dial 1 929 205 6099 US Meeting ID: 820 6033 4170
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
Good news! The Thrift Shop has reopened on Tuesdays from 9:30 am until noon. There are lots of winter clothing available. Come shop and say hello to the ladies who make it all possible! As of March 1st join us for our March Madness Sale: everything you can fit in a bag for $1.
The Food Pantry has returned to their pre-Covid way of doing things. There will be more choices available.
Thank you to the people who donate their time and effort to make all of these offerings possible.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a time to lift up all the women who have made an impact on our collective history. The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was formed in 1869 in Boston and has been on the forefront of developing leaders, fostering spiritual growth and advocating for justice. Today the United Methodist Women continue to work for positive change and equip women around the world to become leaders of tomorrow. During Women’s History Month, we honor not only the history of United Methodist Women, but all women. After the recent name change, United Methodist Women are now known as United Women in Faith. You may read more about this at uwfaith.org.
Sunday School This Quarter
Sunday School will meet March 27.
Church Building Restoration Fund
The next phase of our church restoration will start in the spring. Please contribute to help us pay the remaining $65,000 of the project. Although there are investments which were received through generous bequests, the cost of these repairs would significantly deplete church investments. 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.
Fair Trade
We now have chocolate bars! We also have regular and decaf coffee, teas and dark hot cocoa. Just call or email 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 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.
Thanks for the Soup!
Thank you to the Schmidt and Wilson families for making the soup for our Souper Soup Sale and to Dolores Wilson for spearheading the fundraiser. Of course we also want to thank the people who so generously gave their time to pass the soup out. We are grateful for all the hard work and wonderful soup we got to enjoy. Over $400 has been raised.
United Methodists Extend BSA Charters Through June 2022
Leaders in The United Methodist Church have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022. This is an extension from the March 31, 2022 extension as legal proceedings continue in the BSA’s bankruptcy case. This new extension provides uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting.
Churches do not need to take any action to extend their current organizational relationship with the BSA until June 30, 2022.
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:
- Danielle Coffey requests prayers for her sons' aunt who recently passed away.
- Betty Jacques asks for prayers of healing. She is unable to walk any distance due to pain from a spine problem.
- Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for her Uncle Alan as well as Barb King who are both now home from the hospital. She also asks for prayers for a friend whose mom has now passed.
- Dorothy Collins asks for prayers for a friend’s family in Ukraine that hasn’t been heard from in a week.
- Melissa Taylor asks us to pray for the family of her friend Stacey who has passed.
- Mary Drake: Please pray for my sister Lou Ann Dring. She is having problems with one of her legs and may require major surgery which could result in the loss of her leg.
- Mary Drake asks for continued prayers for her Uncle Tom and the family in Indiana. She got word that he had taken a turn for the worse.
- Ilah Sisson Walser writes: We must remember each number in Covid reports is a person who needs our prayers, and for their families. Our prayers go out to all those suffering loss and illness.
- Please include Carole DiLallo in your prayers. She is dealing with some health issues.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks for continued prayers for a friend, Linda, who is going through another bout with cancer with specialized treatments at Sloan Kettering.
- 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.
- Please continue to keep Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, Pat Jones, Helen Senecal, 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
Wednesdays, March 16-April 13 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
March 17 - Prayer Shawl (via Zoom)
March 27 - Sunday School; UMCOR Sunday
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
Celebrations!
No birthdays or anniversaries to report this week....
Next week in worship:
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist George Wilson
Children’s Time Linda Sheeran
Ushers Mary Drake & George Mallette
Music Terri Knowlton
Thrift Shop Mary & Thelma
Food pantry Mary & Melody
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.
9th Annual Photo Show
Everyone is invited to participate in this year's Lenten Photo Show, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in downtown Schenectady at 603 State Street! For five weeks during Lent, a different theme has been chosen. During each of these weeks, FUMC will be accepting one to three photos that the participant has taken that reflect the weekly themes, which are:
March 2-8: Not Understood
March 9-15: Weeping
March 16-22: Unknown
March 23-29: Teacher
March 30-Apr. 5: Seen
Anyone can participate in either or both of two ways:
1. Submit photos that you have taken to: [email protected] with theme and a title/caption
2. View the show on the church's website, Facebook page, and as part of Easter Worship on April 17th.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.fumcschenectady.org, or our Facebook page. Or contact the office at 518-374-4403.
Community News
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 [email protected].
Care Links Volunteers Needed
Senior Citizens in your community are looking for assistance with grocery shopping, transportation appointments and a friendly face to visit them. Call 518-399-3262 to help in Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Ballston, Malta, Charlton and Mechanicville. You can make a difference with just an hour a week.
Captain Community Human Services
The Wellness Express Transportation Program offers transportation to medical appointments for area residents. They operate weekdays between 8 am and 4 pm. Appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests should be made at least one week in advance and is limited to a 50-mile radius from the point of origin. To schedule a ride, call 518-399-3262. The Wellness Express is funded by the Saratoga County Office for the Aging and by the New York State Office for the Aging. Voluntary and confidential contributions are accepted. Services will not be affected because of the inability to contribute.
Have a blessed week