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. Coloring sheets, offering envelopes, and mission baskets are located near both entrances to the church. We ask that you maintain social distancing to keep everyone safe.
Thank you to Steve Mitchell for leading worship on November 6, while Pastor Kelly was on vacation.
November 13 - Consecration Sunday
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church's Stewardship Campaign is taking place now with November 13 being Consecration Sunday. We encourage all members and friends of the church to attend services on November 6th and November 13th, and to make a commitment to support your church financially in 2023 on Consecration Sunday. If you cannot attend church on November 13th, please send your commitment card to the church at 101 Milton Ave.
Your leadership team depends on your financial support so that we have a good idea of the resources that will be available for 2023, which will enable us to prepare a sound budget. Thank you for your consideration and participation in this campaign.
Ballston Spa Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry
Once again, the First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa would like to invite you to participate in the Ballston Spa Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry. Last year over 100 dinners were provided to families in need. You can help by filling a bag with items needed for a basic and healthy Thanksgiving meal and delivering the bag and turkey to the First Presbyterian Church on November 20 from 11:30 am – 2 pm. The items to be included in the bag are:
Thank you for your help as we seek to be a blessing to those in need this Thanksgiving.
Join Our Music Program
Choir practice has resumed. Rehearsals are at 6 pm Thursdays in the sanctuary and last an hour to an hour and a half. Come be part of this wonderful group of dedicated singers who add so much to our services. We are planning to not only sing special anthems for Sunday services but will soon begin rehearsals for a cantata to be presented in December. All are welcome.
We are exploring the possibility of a handbell choir. If you are interested in ringing, please see Cathy King or contact her at cathys.notes@gmail.com. Rehearsal days and times have not yet been determined. No previous ringing experience is necessary - all are welcome.
Red Bird Mission Collection
News has arrived from the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. There has been a name change voted and approved changing Red Bird Missionary Conference to the Central Appalachian Missionary Conference. This is to widen the coverage beyond the Red Bird Valley and be more inclusive of the area where the Conference is situated.
Our ministry with them at this point does not change, just makes the name longer. We can still call it the Shoebox Ministry, now for CAMC - Central Appalachian Missionary Conference.
We completed 20 Christmas Shoeboxes, which are on their way to Kentucky. Thank you for your generosity and giving these people a merry Christmas.
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.
Ukraine a Top Priority for Global Ministries
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has processed more than $17 million so far to help the people of Ukraine cope with the invasion by Russia, said its top executive during the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ fall board meeting.
You can help UMCOR international disaster response to provide aid to people in Eastern European countries by writing a check with either UMCOR/Ukraine or Advance #982450/Ukraine written in the memo line.
You may give directly to the Ukrainian people by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks and placing it in an offering plate.
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)
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.
From the Adirondack District
Please be aware the adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org email address has been hacked. You may get an email from that email address in response to an email that you recently received from that address. So there isn't a suspicious subject line, nor is there a suspicious return email address. The address is actually our legitimate email address. It MAY read AdirondackDistrict@unyumc (with the capital A and D).
The email begins: "Hello. The attached 1-drive documents as well as the link below serve as digital proof. And then there is a link. Please DO NOT click on the link or respond directly to that mail! And if you would please let me know that you received the email. Contact Carrie at (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Also, here are "phishing" email scams being sent out under Bishop Mark Webb's and Rev. Debbie Earthrowl's name. These emails are being sent from iCloud and AT&T accounts. The only email accounts they have end in unyumc.org. Please ignore the messages and report them as SPAM.
Vacation
Pastor Kelly will be on vacation during the week of November 6, returning for Consecration Sunday on November 13.
Upcoming Events
November 6-12 - Pastor Kelly on Vacation
November 8 - Church Council meeting, 7 pm (via Zoom)
November 13 - Consecration Sunday
November 16 - Trustee mtg
November 24 - Thanksgiving
November 27 - First Sunday of Advent (Hope) / United Methodist Student Day
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
We have one birthday this week. Conrad Dorau will be celebrating his birthday on November 7. Happy birthday Conrad!
There are no anniversaries in November.
Next week in worship
Sound George Wilson
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Dolores Wilson
Ushers George Mallette & Melody Babcock
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Cherrie Sanders & Bill Santmire
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services or Coffee Hour, please contact Ruth Persons.
Community news
The First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa has an opening for a Church Administrator. The primary responsibilities are to assist in various administrative duties related to the church and its ministry, to serve as bookkeeper responsible for tracking the church’s income and expenses, and to provide a ministry presence to all who enter the church. This is a part time position at an hourly rate for up to 16 hours per week. The weekly schedule is flexible including an option for working some hours remotely. They are looking for someone who can work independently, who is reliable, conscientious, trustworthy and professional. The ideal candidate must have computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office, using email and posting on social media. Bookkeeping experience not required, but preferred.
For specific details, please see their website. To discuss the position, please contact Maureen O’Connor, 518-399-3353 or metromo85@gmail.com.
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.
Through November 15, Malta Ridge UMC is collecting new warm socks of all sizes to be distributed to the homeless through Code Blue. There is a collection bin by the side door (follow the sign). The church is located at 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta.
Simpson UMC, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls is having their semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale. Cost is $8 per loaf. Call (518) 885-4794 to place your order. Pick-up dates: Friday, 11/18 between 4 pm and 6 pm and Saturday, 11/19 between 9 am and 2 pm. Bake sale on Saturday. Please leave your name, phone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let them know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.
The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on 175 5th Avenue will be hosting a Ham Dinner with homemade pies for dessert on Saturday, November 12th from 4 - 6 PM. Cost: Free will donation.
On Tuesday, November 8 the First Presbyterian Church will be holding their Election Day Brooks Chicken BBQ from 4 to 7 pm (or until they sell out!). Half a chicken, coleslaw, roll, baked potato and dessert for only $15. They are located at 22 West High Street in Ballston Spa.
Have a blessed week
Thank you to Steve Mitchell for leading worship on November 6, while Pastor Kelly was on vacation.
November 13 - Consecration Sunday
The Ballston Spa United Methodist Church's Stewardship Campaign is taking place now with November 13 being Consecration Sunday. We encourage all members and friends of the church to attend services on November 6th and November 13th, and to make a commitment to support your church financially in 2023 on Consecration Sunday. If you cannot attend church on November 13th, please send your commitment card to the church at 101 Milton Ave.
Your leadership team depends on your financial support so that we have a good idea of the resources that will be available for 2023, which will enable us to prepare a sound budget. Thank you for your consideration and participation in this campaign.
Ballston Spa Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry
Once again, the First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa would like to invite you to participate in the Ballston Spa Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry. Last year over 100 dinners were provided to families in need. You can help by filling a bag with items needed for a basic and healthy Thanksgiving meal and delivering the bag and turkey to the First Presbyterian Church on November 20 from 11:30 am – 2 pm. The items to be included in the bag are:
- $10 gift card to a local grocery store, OR an 8-14 pound frozen turkey
- 2 boxes seasoned stuffing mix
- 2 boxes instant mashed potatoes
- 2 cans of gravy (no glass please)
- 3-4 cans of vegetables
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 boxed dessert mix
Thank you for your help as we seek to be a blessing to those in need this Thanksgiving.
Join Our Music Program
Choir practice has resumed. Rehearsals are at 6 pm Thursdays in the sanctuary and last an hour to an hour and a half. Come be part of this wonderful group of dedicated singers who add so much to our services. We are planning to not only sing special anthems for Sunday services but will soon begin rehearsals for a cantata to be presented in December. All are welcome.
We are exploring the possibility of a handbell choir. If you are interested in ringing, please see Cathy King or contact her at cathys.notes@gmail.com. Rehearsal days and times have not yet been determined. No previous ringing experience is necessary - all are welcome.
Red Bird Mission Collection
News has arrived from the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. There has been a name change voted and approved changing Red Bird Missionary Conference to the Central Appalachian Missionary Conference. This is to widen the coverage beyond the Red Bird Valley and be more inclusive of the area where the Conference is situated.
Our ministry with them at this point does not change, just makes the name longer. We can still call it the Shoebox Ministry, now for CAMC - Central Appalachian Missionary Conference.
We completed 20 Christmas Shoeboxes, which are on their way to Kentucky. Thank you for your generosity and giving these people a merry Christmas.
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:
- Ruth Persons asks for prayers of comfort for her friend Colleen whose sister has passed away. She also asks for prayers for Colleen’s mom who has a tumor on her only kidney.
- Ruth Persons asks to please pray for the Grace UMC as they need a new furnace, roof and plumbing. They are in a period of discernment as to what to do next.
- Andrew Baker celebrates being in his new apartment in Saratoga. He received tremendous assistance from Salvation Army and asks for us to pray for their ministries. He also asks for prayers for his mom who lives in Florida. Ruth will be having hip surgery this week.
- Mary Drake celebrates that her daughter Brianna has learned she is having a boy, and she’s been feeling better recently.
- Dolores and George Wilson ask for prayers for a neighbor due to have thyroid surgery and another neighbor recovering from knee surgery.
- Debbie asks for prayers for Audra, who’s a caregiver for her mom Maureen. She shattered her leg and was diagnosed with lung cancer.
- 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.
Ukraine a Top Priority for Global Ministries
The United Methodist Committee on Relief has processed more than $17 million so far to help the people of Ukraine cope with the invasion by Russia, said its top executive during the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ fall board meeting.
You can help UMCOR international disaster response to provide aid to people in Eastern European countries by writing a check with either UMCOR/Ukraine or Advance #982450/Ukraine written in the memo line.
You may give directly to the Ukrainian people by writing a check with Advance #14053A in the memo line of the checks and placing it in an offering plate.
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)
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.
- 1672 Route 9, Clifton Park
- 1757 Central Avenue, Colonie
- 753 New Loudon Road, Latham
From the Adirondack District
Please be aware the adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org email address has been hacked. You may get an email from that email address in response to an email that you recently received from that address. So there isn't a suspicious subject line, nor is there a suspicious return email address. The address is actually our legitimate email address. It MAY read AdirondackDistrict@unyumc (with the capital A and D).
The email begins: "Hello. The attached 1-drive documents as well as the link below serve as digital proof. And then there is a link. Please DO NOT click on the link or respond directly to that mail! And if you would please let me know that you received the email. Contact Carrie at (518) 608-1246 or adirondackdistrict@unyumc.org
Also, here are "phishing" email scams being sent out under Bishop Mark Webb's and Rev. Debbie Earthrowl's name. These emails are being sent from iCloud and AT&T accounts. The only email accounts they have end in unyumc.org. Please ignore the messages and report them as SPAM.
Vacation
Pastor Kelly will be on vacation during the week of November 6, returning for Consecration Sunday on November 13.
Upcoming Events
November 6-12 - Pastor Kelly on Vacation
November 8 - Church Council meeting, 7 pm (via Zoom)
November 13 - Consecration Sunday
November 16 - Trustee mtg
November 24 - Thanksgiving
November 27 - First Sunday of Advent (Hope) / United Methodist Student Day
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
We have one birthday this week. Conrad Dorau will be celebrating his birthday on November 7. Happy birthday Conrad!
There are no anniversaries in November.
Next week in worship
Sound George Wilson
Projection Katie Warner
Liturgist Dolores Wilson
Ushers George Mallette & Melody Babcock
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Cherrie Sanders & Bill Santmire
If you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday services or Coffee Hour, please contact Ruth Persons.
Community news
The First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa has an opening for a Church Administrator. The primary responsibilities are to assist in various administrative duties related to the church and its ministry, to serve as bookkeeper responsible for tracking the church’s income and expenses, and to provide a ministry presence to all who enter the church. This is a part time position at an hourly rate for up to 16 hours per week. The weekly schedule is flexible including an option for working some hours remotely. They are looking for someone who can work independently, who is reliable, conscientious, trustworthy and professional. The ideal candidate must have computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office, using email and posting on social media. Bookkeeping experience not required, but preferred.
For specific details, please see their website. To discuss the position, please contact Maureen O’Connor, 518-399-3353 or metromo85@gmail.com.
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.
Through November 15, Malta Ridge UMC is collecting new warm socks of all sizes to be distributed to the homeless through Code Blue. There is a collection bin by the side door (follow the sign). The church is located at 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta.
Simpson UMC, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls is having their semi-annual Brown Bread & Bake Sale. Cost is $8 per loaf. Call (518) 885-4794 to place your order. Pick-up dates: Friday, 11/18 between 4 pm and 6 pm and Saturday, 11/19 between 9 am and 2 pm. Bake sale on Saturday. Please leave your name, phone number and the number loaves you would like to reserve; and if possible, let them know if you will be picking up on Friday or Saturday. A representative from Simpson will call back to confirm your order.
The Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on 175 5th Avenue will be hosting a Ham Dinner with homemade pies for dessert on Saturday, November 12th from 4 - 6 PM. Cost: Free will donation.
On Tuesday, November 8 the First Presbyterian Church will be holding their Election Day Brooks Chicken BBQ from 4 to 7 pm (or until they sell out!). Half a chicken, coleslaw, roll, baked potato and dessert for only $15. They are located at 22 West High Street in Ballston Spa.
Have a blessed week