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This Week’s Message by Brie Gowen
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
ESTHER:4:14
I made you for such a time as this. 
When you thought you couldn’t, or even when you wouldn’t, I was there. I was there in every haggard breath, in every racing thought, even in the irrational fear. My voice called out in clarity and truth, and at those times when you couldn’t hear me, I was there. Waiting. Waiting for you to acknowledge me. 
I made you for such a time as this. 
When you feel overwhelmed, I am in the midst of struggle. When you chase for the finish line I am in the moment of triumph. Even when you fall flat, I am there in the trenches. All you have to do is see me. 
You were made for such a time as this. 
For even when you fail, I can use it. And even when you fall short, I can pick up the slack. Each moment, each challenge, every triumph, every failure. These are simply moments for me to make myself more known by you. 
You were made for such a time as this. 
You are never alone. You are not forsaken. I have been with you from conception and will be with you throughout eternity. So when you feel overwhelmed just know that I am there and together we can. 
Because I made you for such a time as this. 
God, thank You for making me for such a time as this and never ever leaving me alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.                                                                  
​                           
 National Day of Prayer
     Thursday, May 7th is the National Day of Prayer and this year’s theme is the health and safety of everyone affected by the current coronavirus pandemic.  There aren’t any specific rules for when and how to pray.  Not sure what to pray?  Here are some suggestions.
  1. For our nation’s military
  2. For our country’s leaders to have wisdom in decision making
  3. For our country to submit to God and His authority
  4. For our nation’s medical professionals
  5. For our nation’s physical, emotional, and financial health
  6. Prayer of confession…try Psalm 51:3-4
  7. Prayers of praise and gratitude…try Psalm 9:1
  8. Prayers for God’s kingdom…try Matthew 6:10
  9. Prayers for our families and communities…try Philippians 4:6-7
  10.   Prayers for those suffering and in need…try Psalm 82:3-4
 
Sunday Greeters
     Thank you to Carrie Sheeran and Mary Drake for greeting people from in front of the church .  If you would like to be a greeter in front of the church on Sunday morning let Pastor Kelly know.
 
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.  Prayers requested are:
           Prayers for Tara (Conley) Jones and family - diagnosed with COVID-19 and quarantined at home.
           Ilah Sisson Walser asks for prayers for Diane Solotruck as she recuperates following surgery.  She is home in some discomfort and resting. Her right hand and lower arm are in a cast.  She thanks you for your prayers and good wishes.
     Cathy King asks for prayers of thanksgiving that the Haeges are home and had safe travels.
     Ilah Sisson Walser asks; Please pray for Suzanne who suffered a cardiac arrest.  She survived in a miracle of care.  Currently in rehab trying to overcome the damage to her body and brain. Pray for the strength and patience of her family who are praising God for a continuing miracle of her healing.
     Dolores Wilson asks for prayers for their brother-in-law, George, who has just completed radiation for brain cancer. Prayers for healing and recovery.
 
Virtual Prayer Shawls
     The Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to offer a "Virtual Prayer Shawl".  Email Ilah at isissonwal@aol.com and she will send you a photo of a prayer shawl with a written prayer.  These can be sent via the internet or if you prefer a printed copy will be mailed to the recipient of the prayer shawl. This will connect us and share our prayers with others.  It's a new way of thinking in unprecedented times.  On behalf of the Prayer Shawl Ministry, we are still caring for others.
 
“My Mother Is So Special”
     Teach children this song to the tune of Oscar Mayer’s “The Bologna Song.”  Have Children sing this song to their moms on Mother’s Day.
My mother is so special, she means so much to me.
She’s patient, understanding, and as gentle as can be.
She’s lots of fun to be with and she’s always there for me.
That’s why she’s a great example of J-E-S-U-S to me.

News from the Food Pantry
     Just a reminder that our Food Pantry is open.   There were 44 people served this week.  Thank you to Ilah Sisson Walser for making more masks for the volunteers.
FYI…you can now make a monetary donation to our Food Pantry through our on-line giving on our website (www.ballstonspaumchurch.org) or you can send a check to the church with Food Pantry in the memo.
AND If you would like to help out… access SignUp.com:
  1. Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/vbwjfXc
  2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
  3. Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com
    Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Melissa Taylor to be signed up manually.
 
518 Rainbow Hunt Facebook Group
     A rainbow can brighten a person’s day, and we have lots of rainbows in the area.  The 518 Rainbow Hunt Facebook Group was started in mid-March by Kristyn Dayter.  She felt we could all use rainbows and cheer in our lives as we began to shelter in place.  It shows us all the good that is happening and being done, as opposed to all the devastation that we witness on the news each day.  We have our own rainbow, thanks to the creativity of Caroline, Wes and Levi Jenkins.  Drive by the church office to see their handiwork.
 
Join Bishop Webb in prayer on May 13
     Bishop Webb will be offering a time of prayer for both clergy and laity. Bishop Webb offers all laity to join him on Zoom on May 13 at 7 p.m.  Zoom invitations will be sent on Tuesday, May 12.
 
Access all the latest from the church online!
     If you are on Facebook, be sure to “like” the Ballston Spa United Methodist Church page, where the latest news, photos, and video messages from Pastor Kelly are posted. If you’re not on Facebook, but have Internet access, you can find the same content on our website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts. Scroll down the page to see everything; be sure to leave a comment so we know you’re seeing us!
 
 Have a blessed week

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