Welcome Back!
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! Masks are required whenever you are not seated; seating will be at least 6 feet apart. Please enter by the south (ramp) door. You will be guided to a seat, and at the end of the service you will be dismissed via the north door by an usher. We will continue not singing as a congregation.
For anyone wishing to remain at home we will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
The Church Office is Now Open
Sue Cramer will be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10 am and 2 pm. We ask that you continue to contact her via phone and email whenever possible rather than coming into the office.
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through May at 11:30 AM Eastern Time (note the new time as of March 14):
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Holy Week Services
Good news! There will be a Maundy Thursday service (April 1st) and a Good Friday service (April 2nd) at the church. Each will begin at 7 pm and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Easter Flowers
With Easter just 3 weeks away, you are invited to bring in an Easter flower of your own and put it on the altar that morning, then bring it home again. It is asked that you put your name on the bottom of the plant so it may be returned to you after the service. It’s been suggested that for any who may prefer a donation may be made to the church instead of putting a flower on the altar.
Mark Your Calendar
We will be having a Souper Soup Supper fund-raiser on Saturday, April 10th from 4 to 7 pm. It will be strictly take-out. Hearty chicken noodle and broccoli cheese soups will be available.
We anticipate another fundraiser on May 8th and will need volunteers stepping forward for these events. Please let the church office know if you will be on the planning team or be a volunteer as soon as possible.
Life Lessons from 6 Women in the Old Testament
We are holding a weekly Bible Study highlighting six women in the Old Testament each Wednesday from February 24 through March 31. It will be held between 7:30 and 8:30 pm via Zoom. The subject of each week’s study is below. You're welcome to join in any (or every) week! Contact the church office at 518-885-6886, or by email, to receive the link information.
March 17 - Rahab: From Shame to Fame
Reading: Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1-25
A prostitute becomes a heroine by helping two of God’s servants with a dramatic escape. She later becomes a believer and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
March 24 - Michal: A Critical Wife Loses Sight of What Matters Most
Readings: 1 Samuel 18:20-29, 19:1-17, 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:1,12-16; 2 Samuel 6: 5, 14-23
David’s wife was once very much in love with her husband. Her focus shifted away from what was most important and she became bitter.
Week 6 - Abigail: How to Capably Deal with Difficult Men
Reading: I Samuel 25
She selflessly risked her life to save her husband Nabaal. She frequently handled tense situations with calmness and wise words.
UMCOR Sunday is March 14
We celebrated the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) on UMCOR Sunday this week. This is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent and pays the administrative costs for UMCOR's responses to disasters all over the world. Please make your check payable to the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church with “UMCOR Sunday” on the memo line. You can also give directly at the UMCOR website.
A Note from Staff Parish Relations Committee
SPRC met with Pastor Kelly last week to discuss the current financial status of the church and its potential impact on staff salaries. Since staff salaries are the largest expense in our budget, our Pastor is offering to reduce her hours to half-time to extend the period of time we have to recover from the effects of COVID. Even this action will only be a temporary solution, if we do not take further action to reduce the deficit we are experiencing each month.
Currently we are running $5,000 short each month with our estimated monthly expenses to be $9,500. We have applied again for the PPP but are not sure what amount we will get and when it would be approved and received. Since our church began meeting online as a result of COVID, giving has been down as well as our pledges.
We have a dedicated finance committee team but remain without the leadership of a finance committee chairperson, which will impede progress toward recovery. Identifying a Finance Committee Chairperson is essential at this critical time.
Reducing the Pastor to half-time will limit her hours and duties as our Pastor, resulting in our lay leadership having more responsibility of the day-to-day needs of our parish.
As the Staff Parish Relations Committee, we are sending this communication to you to alert you to our current situation, and potential staff reduction, and ask for your input, support, and suggestions.
Blessings to you all,
Joyce Garlock, 518-885-6427
Dolores Wilson, 518-885-1636
Diane Solotruck, 518-885-5280
Bob Elbertson, 518-871-9381
Riley Schmidt, 518-885-4362
A Special Birthday
On March 26th Bob Elbertson will be celebrating his 95th birthday. It has been his goal for several years to reach 95 and become the longest living member of his family. With his year-long health issues, this has been a challenge. It is being asked that anyone who would like to please send him birthday wishes. Sending cards early would be great.
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:
Finance Team Reports
The Finance Team reports that our financial receipts for February were approximately $6,300. Our expenses were $10,500. This month we did have a significant cost for snow removal, $2,000.
Memorials Committee
The Memorials Committee is seeking an additional member. It’s a three-person committee currently consisting of Diane Solotruck and Estella Simmons. If you would be willing to be a part of this committee, please let Pastor Kelly know as soon as possible, or contact the office at 885-6886 or by email.
Fair Trade
Panama Extra Dark, Orange, Sea Salt with Almonds, and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt varieties of Fair Trade chocolate are available for purchase (Sea Salt w/Almonds are $3.50, the others are $3.00). Organic Regular Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and various organic teas are also available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Musical Offerings
Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you be willing to provide some music for our Sunday Services?
If so, please contact Cathy King at cathys.notes@gmail.com or 518-538-4523. She will be happy to work with you and schedule a date for your musical offering to be included in a worship service.
Celebrations!
We are celebrating one birthday this week. Happy Birthday t0 Heather Staulters (March 11). There were no anniversaries reported.
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!
What More Can You Do?
I will do more than belong – I will participate.
I will do more than care – I will help.
I will do more than believe – I will trust.
I will do more than dream – I will work.
I will do more than teach – I will inspire.
I will do more than earn – I will enrich.
I will do more than give – I will serve.
I will do more than live – I will grow.
I will do more than be friendly – I will be a friend.
I will do more than talk – I will listen.
I will do more.
-Author Unknown
Have a blessed week
We have opened our doors for in-person worship! Masks are required whenever you are not seated; seating will be at least 6 feet apart. Please enter by the south (ramp) door. You will be guided to a seat, and at the end of the service you will be dismissed via the north door by an usher. We will continue not singing as a congregation.
For anyone wishing to remain at home we will continue posting worship services on Facebook and our website.
The Church Office is Now Open
Sue Cramer will be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10 am and 2 pm. We ask that you continue to contact her via phone and email whenever possible rather than coming into the office.
11:30 a.m. Sunday Coffee Hour is on ZOOM or by Phone
Join us for a virtual coffee fellowship via Zoom (either by computer/iPad or phone). Bring your own refreshment and enjoy seeing each other via Zoom. This is the link through May at 11:30 AM Eastern Time (note the new time as of March 14):
In the Zoom app, you can use Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Or simply click here to join Zoom Meeting
You are also welcome to dial in via phone at 929-205-6099 using Meeting ID: 963 0143 0502 / Passcode: 956579
Add the invitation to your electronic calendar by clicking here.
Holy Week Services
Good news! There will be a Maundy Thursday service (April 1st) and a Good Friday service (April 2nd) at the church. Each will begin at 7 pm and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Easter Flowers
With Easter just 3 weeks away, you are invited to bring in an Easter flower of your own and put it on the altar that morning, then bring it home again. It is asked that you put your name on the bottom of the plant so it may be returned to you after the service. It’s been suggested that for any who may prefer a donation may be made to the church instead of putting a flower on the altar.
Mark Your Calendar
We will be having a Souper Soup Supper fund-raiser on Saturday, April 10th from 4 to 7 pm. It will be strictly take-out. Hearty chicken noodle and broccoli cheese soups will be available.
We anticipate another fundraiser on May 8th and will need volunteers stepping forward for these events. Please let the church office know if you will be on the planning team or be a volunteer as soon as possible.
Life Lessons from 6 Women in the Old Testament
We are holding a weekly Bible Study highlighting six women in the Old Testament each Wednesday from February 24 through March 31. It will be held between 7:30 and 8:30 pm via Zoom. The subject of each week’s study is below. You're welcome to join in any (or every) week! Contact the church office at 518-885-6886, or by email, to receive the link information.
March 17 - Rahab: From Shame to Fame
Reading: Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1-25
A prostitute becomes a heroine by helping two of God’s servants with a dramatic escape. She later becomes a believer and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
March 24 - Michal: A Critical Wife Loses Sight of What Matters Most
Readings: 1 Samuel 18:20-29, 19:1-17, 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:1,12-16; 2 Samuel 6: 5, 14-23
David’s wife was once very much in love with her husband. Her focus shifted away from what was most important and she became bitter.
Week 6 - Abigail: How to Capably Deal with Difficult Men
Reading: I Samuel 25
She selflessly risked her life to save her husband Nabaal. She frequently handled tense situations with calmness and wise words.
UMCOR Sunday is March 14
We celebrated the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) on UMCOR Sunday this week. This is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent and pays the administrative costs for UMCOR's responses to disasters all over the world. Please make your check payable to the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church with “UMCOR Sunday” on the memo line. You can also give directly at the UMCOR website.
A Note from Staff Parish Relations Committee
SPRC met with Pastor Kelly last week to discuss the current financial status of the church and its potential impact on staff salaries. Since staff salaries are the largest expense in our budget, our Pastor is offering to reduce her hours to half-time to extend the period of time we have to recover from the effects of COVID. Even this action will only be a temporary solution, if we do not take further action to reduce the deficit we are experiencing each month.
Currently we are running $5,000 short each month with our estimated monthly expenses to be $9,500. We have applied again for the PPP but are not sure what amount we will get and when it would be approved and received. Since our church began meeting online as a result of COVID, giving has been down as well as our pledges.
We have a dedicated finance committee team but remain without the leadership of a finance committee chairperson, which will impede progress toward recovery. Identifying a Finance Committee Chairperson is essential at this critical time.
Reducing the Pastor to half-time will limit her hours and duties as our Pastor, resulting in our lay leadership having more responsibility of the day-to-day needs of our parish.
As the Staff Parish Relations Committee, we are sending this communication to you to alert you to our current situation, and potential staff reduction, and ask for your input, support, and suggestions.
Blessings to you all,
Joyce Garlock, 518-885-6427
Dolores Wilson, 518-885-1636
Diane Solotruck, 518-885-5280
Bob Elbertson, 518-871-9381
Riley Schmidt, 518-885-4362
A Special Birthday
On March 26th Bob Elbertson will be celebrating his 95th birthday. It has been his goal for several years to reach 95 and become the longest living member of his family. With his year-long health issues, this has been a challenge. It is being asked that anyone who would like to please send him birthday wishes. Sending cards early would be great.
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 pray for Cathy King following the passing of her mom.
- Pat Jones asks for prayers for Russ, a family friend in his 80s with cancer.
- Please pray for the Warner family following the passing of Mark’s 102 year old Aunt Helen in Florida on February 27th.
- Prayers for Joyce Cook who has needed rehab at Wesley. Cards can be sent to her home. Also prayers for their oldest son Sean who had Covid-19 and is now residing at Warren Center for ongoing care related to a serious liver condition.
- Bill Haege is now home from Sunnyview.
- Melody Babcock says that her niece has now returned home with oxygen and physical therapy and is determined to return to work.
- Richard Babcock is improving thanks to some medicine changes.
- Please pray for Amy in her early pregnancy.
- Walter Thiem is finishing one of his last treatments.
- Continued prayers for Gary Persons. His doctors say he shows improvements.
- Melissa Taylor is praising God for helping her through her recent treatments. She greatly appreciates our prayers and support.
- Keep Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
- Ilah Sisson Walser asks: Heartfelt concern and prayers for those suffering from COVID 19 and their families. Give people strength to continue to safeguard against exposure and contacting the virus.
Finance Team Reports
The Finance Team reports that our financial receipts for February were approximately $6,300. Our expenses were $10,500. This month we did have a significant cost for snow removal, $2,000.
Memorials Committee
The Memorials Committee is seeking an additional member. It’s a three-person committee currently consisting of Diane Solotruck and Estella Simmons. If you would be willing to be a part of this committee, please let Pastor Kelly know as soon as possible, or contact the office at 885-6886 or by email.
Fair Trade
Panama Extra Dark, Orange, Sea Salt with Almonds, and Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt varieties of Fair Trade chocolate are available for purchase (Sea Salt w/Almonds are $3.50, the others are $3.00). Organic Regular Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and various organic teas are also available. Please contact Stan Lockwood at 518.885.1552 or stosh964@gmail.com to arrange for delivery or pick-up.
Musical Offerings
Do you sing or play an instrument? Would you be willing to provide some music for our Sunday Services?
If so, please contact Cathy King at cathys.notes@gmail.com or 518-538-4523. She will be happy to work with you and schedule a date for your musical offering to be included in a worship service.
Celebrations!
We are celebrating one birthday this week. Happy Birthday t0 Heather Staulters (March 11). There were no anniversaries reported.
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!
What More Can You Do?
I will do more than belong – I will participate.
I will do more than care – I will help.
I will do more than believe – I will trust.
I will do more than dream – I will work.
I will do more than teach – I will inspire.
I will do more than earn – I will enrich.
I will do more than give – I will serve.
I will do more than live – I will grow.
I will do more than be friendly – I will be a friend.
I will do more than talk – I will listen.
I will do more.
-Author Unknown
Have a blessed week