​Ballston Spa United Methodist Church
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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  The planned seating arrangements are no longer in effect.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. 
     Episode 5 is 53 minutes long and can be viewed on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 pm in the sanctuary.  There will be 15 to 20 minutes afterwards for sharing and questions, facilitated by Pastor Kelly.  If you prefer, you may watch each episode on YouTube from the comforts of your own home.  If anyone is viewing from home, you’re invited to gather after worship in the coffee hour space and share your thoughts.  
     Here are some suggested Scriptures to read before watching Episode 5, “The Wedding Gift”: John 2: 1-11, Luke 2:41-52, and Proverbs 30:4.

For more information about all the ways to watch and participate in this study, click here.

Observing UMCOR Sunday
     March 27 is UMCOR Sunday, a day in which churches throughout the denomination are encouraged to collect donations to support the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief.  For more than 80 years, UMCOR has ensured that 100% of its gifts go to specific projects help those who need it most.  Won’t you help them help others? You can send or bring a check to the church designated "UMCOR Sunday".

Thank You
     Thank you to the volunteers that made our Spring Fling Coffee Hour a success.  Our café was open and decorated for spring.  If you would like to volunteer to help host the coffee and treats on Sunday, please find a partner and send an email to the office.  We also hope to have a sign-up sheet available soon.
 
Easter Flowers
     Can you picture it?  Our church decorated with spring flowers on Easter Sunday.  The pinks, whites, yellows and blues honoring someone dear to our hearts.  You can see this happen.  Bring a flower to the church on Saturday, April 16 at 10 am, to be joined with others for a beautiful sight for all on Easter morning.  Send a message, either by phone at 518-885-6886 or email, to the office with your name and the name of the person you are honoring/remembering to have it included in the Easter bulletin.   

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)
Click on the links above to give at the UMCOR webpage.

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. 
Full service tickets cannot be used at the exit 15 location but may be used at:
  • 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park
  • 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie
  • 753 New Loudon Road, Latham 
Any Questions?  Call/email Lynne Blake at 518-885-9821 or BSUMCTreasurer@gmail.com.  To pay with cash or with a check (payable to BSUMC), please use the form below: ​

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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.
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Regional Food Bank
     It has been over two years since we volunteered at the Regional Food Bank in Latham.  Before I schedule a Sunday afternoon, a 1-3 pm shift, I need to know if anyone would be willing to volunteer.  It probably wouldn't be until mid-May.  At this time, masks are optional.  Volunteers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  We sort and re-box items to be distributed to various agencies, including our own Food Pantry.  We have a lot of fun, and usually stop for ice cream on our way back.  Please contact Linda Sheeran at lsheeran6@gmail.com, or 518-885-1729.

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 stosh964@gmail.com) .  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.

Scouting Ministry for BSUMC
     On December 29, 1913, The Ballston Spa UMC signed to charter Troop 1 of Boy Scouts of America.  The “1” signifies that it was the first troop in Saratoga County.  Next year will be the 110th year anniversary of the troop being continually sponsored by BSUMC.
     BSUMC in 1947 signed the charter for Pack 1 making this the 75th year of continual sponsor of the Cub Scout unit.
     Cub Scouts:  Pack 1 had its annual Blue and Gold Banquet on March 12, at the Elks Post.  All Dens made presentations to the whole Pack and advanced to the next level den.  Cub Master Scott Kelly was awarded “Cub Master of the Year” for Turning Point District of the Twin Rivers Council at the annual meeting.  Pack 1 was awarded Highest Pack Advancement for the unit who had the highest percentage of Cub Scouts advancing in a year.
     Boy Scouts: Troop 1 held three Eagle Scout Court of Honors: Andrew Roby, Jacob Finch and William Burkett.  Greg Wilson’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor is being planned for when he returns from college.  His Court of Honor was delayed due to COVID.  Three other scouts will be completing their Eagle Scout Boards of Review in the next 2 or 3 months.  There will be five Cub Scouts crossing over to Boy Scouts this month.
     The Pack and the Troop completed registering the scouts and leaders by December 31.  Their charters were extended to March 31 and then to June 30.  With the pending court approval of the agreement between BSA and UMC, the units are relieved that they do not have to search for another sponsoring organization.
     Thank you, BSUMC, for the continued support for both Pack 1 and Troop 1. 
- Glenn Harrison, Charter Organization Representative

Lenten Bingo
     There are still 3 more weeks until Easter.  How are you doing filling in your Lenten Bingo squares?  Have you made any pretzels?  Have you complimented someone, or said hi to someone you don't know?  Have you read the suggested Bible Scriptures?  Use this time, and the simple activities, to draw closer to Jesus, and to prepare yourself for the celebration of Easter.
     If you don't have a copy of the Lenten Bingo, click here to download a copy, pick one up at the exit table after Worship, or contact the church office.

Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
     The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon. The March Madness Sale (everything you can fit in the bag for $1) ends this week.
     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.

Women’s History Month
     United Methodist Women, a place for Christian women to put their faith into practice, announced this month that going forward it will be known as United Women in Faith.  There will be more ways to join and more complimentary digital access to some of the resources that were just printed materials before.  The new digital component will allow people to compare notes, maybe meet some of the authors and they can share online resources, video links, music and other things to animate the programs.  It's about connecting the faith and the action. 

Skye Farm Summer Camp
     Yay!  Camp is back and registration is open!  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 lsheeran6@gmail.com.

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:
  • Mary Drake has joy that her car has being fixed and a concern for Jeff who had open-heart surgery and is having complications.
  • Cherrie Sanders has joy that Ellijah is learning the trombone and Levy was eight years old on March 25.   
  • Diane Solotruck asks for prayers for anyone going through difficult times due to illness, grief or uncertainties. 
  • Ann Marie Williams thanks God for making her move here smooth and welcoming.  She asks for prayers for her daughter Laurie and for a friend with health concerns.  She prays she’ll be able to keep helping those in need.
  • 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 a friend’s family in Ukraine that hasn’t been heard from.
  • 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 30-April 13 - Lenten Study, “The Chosen” 7 pm
April 10 - Palm Sunday
April 12 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
April 15 - Good Friday service, 7 pm
April 16 - Deliver Easter flowers to the sanctuary, 10 am
April 17 - Easter Sunday
July 16 - Church Rummage Sale
 
Celebrations!
Here are the birthdays we're celebrating this week:
  • Gayle Lawrence (March 28)
  • Bob Elbertson (March 29)
  • Brennan Coffey (March 30)
  • Donna Conley (March 30)
  • Dick Traver (March 30)
  • Bob Lawrence (April 1)
​
Next week in worship:
Sound                     
Riley Schmidt
Projection             AJ Schmidt
Liturgist                 Sarah Behnke
Children’s Time  Sue Cramer
Ushers                    Conrad Dorau & Mary Drake
Music                      Terri Knowlton

If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services, please contact Ruth Persons after church.

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 Melissa@RTSaratoga.org.

​​​Have a blessed week

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