Welcome as we worship online and in person. Share a warm welcome to others. Coffee hour is held in the Connections Café following the service. Mission baskets and offering envelopes are located near both entrances to the church.
Celebrate "First Friday"
On December 2 First Friday will be hosted by the village of Ballston Spa. As in previous years, the High School Orchestra will be performing in the sanctuary starting at 5:15. Afterwards we will be having a “Dance Party” in the parking lot. Cookies and cocoa will be available. The parade will cap off the evening. Come enjoy the music! Show us your “moves”!
“Canticles in Candlelight”
The Advent and Christmas seasons are filled with images of candles and the air is alive with music. People rejoice in the sight of candles burning in the darkness, the reading of familiar scriptures and the sound of carols old and new. On December 18 at 4 pm the BSUMC choir will weave candles, scripture, and music together as they present the cantata "Canticles in Candlelight". Come witness the lighting of candles, hear scripture readings and new music and join the choir in singing familiar carols. There will be a coffee hour starting at 3 pm in the church's Connections Cafe.
Consecration Sunday Follow-Up
$53,604 is the amount people have committed to giving for 2023. We received 25 pledges on Consecration Sunday. Out of the 25 pledges, 9 people have increased their giving and 3 are new pledgers. I would like to thank everyone who has turned in their Pledge Cards so far for 2023. I still encourage people to keep sending in your Pledge Cards because there is still time to get yours in.
- Cherrie Sanders, Financial Secretary
Celebrate "First Friday"
On December 2 First Friday will be hosted by the village of Ballston Spa. As in previous years, the High School Orchestra will be performing in the sanctuary starting at 5:15. Afterwards we will be having a “Dance Party” in the parking lot. Cookies and cocoa will be available. The parade will cap off the evening. Come enjoy the music! Show us your “moves”!
“Canticles in Candlelight”
The Advent and Christmas seasons are filled with images of candles and the air is alive with music. People rejoice in the sight of candles burning in the darkness, the reading of familiar scriptures and the sound of carols old and new. On December 18 at 4 pm the BSUMC choir will weave candles, scripture, and music together as they present the cantata "Canticles in Candlelight". Come witness the lighting of candles, hear scripture readings and new music and join the choir in singing familiar carols. There will be a coffee hour starting at 3 pm in the church's Connections Cafe.
Consecration Sunday Follow-Up
$53,604 is the amount people have committed to giving for 2023. We received 25 pledges on Consecration Sunday. Out of the 25 pledges, 9 people have increased their giving and 3 are new pledgers. I would like to thank everyone who has turned in their Pledge Cards so far for 2023. I still encourage people to keep sending in your Pledge Cards because there is still time to get yours in.
- Cherrie Sanders, Financial Secretary
A Note to You from Our New Bishop
It has been quite a week! I am humbled by the discernment of the NEJ Conference who elected me to serve as a Bishop of the Upper New York Conference, whom I already love and can’t wait to meet and to be in ministry together. I look forward to growing alongside you in our knowledge, experiences, and outward expressions of the love of God, in Jesus Christ, and share these blessings with all the people in our communities and the world.
- Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
United Methodist Student Day – Next Sunday
On November 27 we have the opportunity to support scholarships and low-interest loans that help young leaders achieve their dreams. The United Methodist Church has long been committed to making education affordable and attainable for young people across the world. Your gift will build up the next generation of leaders who can change the world for Christ.
Fair Trade Has Arrived!
We have received a large order of coffee, tea, and dark chocolate bars in time for the colder weather and the Holiday Season. For chocolates, we have Extra Dark Panama, Sea Salt with Caramel Crunch, and Sea Salt with Almonds. Coffees are Regular breakfast blend, Hazelnut, and Decaf. To arrange for purchases or inquire about prices, please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com.
Thank you
At our Charge Conference on November 2, Adirondack District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl presented us with a thank you for giving 100% to the 2021 Shared Ministry Apportionment. Well done!
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; 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.
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
November 24 - Thanksgiving
November 27 - First Sunday of Advent (Hope) / United Methodist Student Day
December 2 - First Friday Parade – Make a Joyful Noise!
December 4 - Second Sunday of Advent (Peace) / Holy Communion
December 13 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
December 18 - Christmas Cantata, 4 pm (refreshments at 3 pm)
Celebrations!
Here are this week's birthdays:
There are no anniversaries in November.
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
Linda Sheeran writes: “Please convey to the congregation how much we have appreciated the cards of support and sympathy and felt the love and encouragement of God. Truly, God has been beside Mom, and us, throughout this whole process! With deep gratitude – John & Linda, Jim & Kim, Katie & Kyle, and Carrie & Kyle"
Community news
The Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home at 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake invites you to join in person or virtually on their website for their Annual Bell Blessing and Service of Remembrance Monday, December 5 at 1 PM. Prepare your hearts for the blessings of the season, remember those who have gone before you, and peacefully recognize and honor their lives. Kindly respond to 518-399-5022 for us to prepare a special remembrance gift.
Could you use help getting the internet? Then check out the Affordable Connectivity Program. This is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. It provides a discount toward internet service for eligible households and a one-time discount to purchase a computer. For more information click here.
Have a blessed week
It has been quite a week! I am humbled by the discernment of the NEJ Conference who elected me to serve as a Bishop of the Upper New York Conference, whom I already love and can’t wait to meet and to be in ministry together. I look forward to growing alongside you in our knowledge, experiences, and outward expressions of the love of God, in Jesus Christ, and share these blessings with all the people in our communities and the world.
- Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
United Methodist Student Day – Next Sunday
On November 27 we have the opportunity to support scholarships and low-interest loans that help young leaders achieve their dreams. The United Methodist Church has long been committed to making education affordable and attainable for young people across the world. Your gift will build up the next generation of leaders who can change the world for Christ.
Fair Trade Has Arrived!
We have received a large order of coffee, tea, and dark chocolate bars in time for the colder weather and the Holiday Season. For chocolates, we have Extra Dark Panama, Sea Salt with Caramel Crunch, and Sea Salt with Almonds. Coffees are Regular breakfast blend, Hazelnut, and Decaf. To arrange for purchases or inquire about prices, please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or at stosh964@gmail.com.
Thank you
At our Charge Conference on November 2, Adirondack District Superintendent Debbie Earthrowl presented us with a thank you for giving 100% to the 2021 Shared Ministry Apportionment. Well done!
Thrift Shop and Food Pantry
The Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays from 9:30 till noon; 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.
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:
- Dolores and George Wilson give thanks for the prayers offered for their neighbors who were experiencing health issues. They are both recovering nicely at this time.
- Please keep Peggy Traver in your prayers as she recuperates from a fall. Please keep her husband Dick in your prayers as well.
- Continue prayers for Anne Marie Williams and her daughter.
- Please continue to keep Bob Elbertson, Bill Haege, Marilynn Peterson, and Pat Jones 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
November 24 - Thanksgiving
November 27 - First Sunday of Advent (Hope) / United Methodist Student Day
December 2 - First Friday Parade – Make a Joyful Noise!
December 4 - Second Sunday of Advent (Peace) / Holy Communion
December 13 - Church Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)
December 18 - Christmas Cantata, 4 pm (refreshments at 3 pm)
Celebrations!
Here are this week's birthdays:
- Ruth Persons (11/21)
- Helen Senecal (11/22)
- Marion Capasso (11/23)
- Janet Mallette (11/23)
There are no anniversaries in November.
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
Linda Sheeran writes: “Please convey to the congregation how much we have appreciated the cards of support and sympathy and felt the love and encouragement of God. Truly, God has been beside Mom, and us, throughout this whole process! With deep gratitude – John & Linda, Jim & Kim, Katie & Kyle, and Carrie & Kyle"
Community news
The Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home at 21 Midline Rd., Ballston Lake invites you to join in person or virtually on their website for their Annual Bell Blessing and Service of Remembrance Monday, December 5 at 1 PM. Prepare your hearts for the blessings of the season, remember those who have gone before you, and peacefully recognize and honor their lives. Kindly respond to 518-399-5022 for us to prepare a special remembrance gift.
Could you use help getting the internet? Then check out the Affordable Connectivity Program. This is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. It provides a discount toward internet service for eligible households and a one-time discount to purchase a computer. For more information click here.
Have a blessed week