Today is Consecration Sunday
Today is Consecration Sunday, where we ask for your commitment to support the work of the church. Please prayerfully complete the blue pledge card and place it in the collection plate in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, or mail it as soon as possible to the church at 101 Milton Ave. We are grateful for your past support and are excited about what we will do together in 2021 as God’s church.
Veterans' Day Sunday
Veterans' Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and occurs on Wednesday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a temporary cessation of hostilities was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.
On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that this “recurring anniversary should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” Veterans' Day pays tribute to all American veterans – living or dead – but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
We appreciate the service of all of our Veterans.
United Methodist Student Day Sunday, November 22
Right now there are UMC young people—who might not have had the resources to attend a school of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—who’ve been sent by you into the world God loves because of your giving to United Methodist Student Day. When you give generously you support these students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge.
Together we’re raising up gifted Christian leaders. When you support United Methodist Student Day, you make it possible for students to serve the world God loves. So although you can’t meet every need you’d like to, your giving allows members of Christ’s body, to do it in Jesus’ name.
Invitation to Discuss Social Justice Issues
Pastor Kelly and Dolores Wilson invite you to join them for a 4-week Bible study and discussion time. The topics and dates will be (each session begins at 7 pm):
Week 1, Thursday, November 19 Seeing Immigrants Through God’s Eyes
Week 2, Tuesday, November 24 Seeing the Poor Through God’s Eyes
Week 3, Thursday, December 3 Seeing Materialism Through God’s Eyes
Week 4, Thursday, December 10 Seeing Justice Through God’s Eyes
Contact Pastor Kelly (518) 309-3737 or the church office (518) 885-6886 if you wish to be part of any or all of these discussions. Weekly Bible readings will be sent out to you ahead of time. You can choose to read highlighted shorter passages or full chapters as you read for each week’s gathering.
We will meet using ZOOM but if you don’t have access to that, you can come to the church’s Connections Cafe and join the group discussion there. Please feel free to invite any family or friends who might be interested in joining us. These thought-provoking topics are especially relevant as we head into the Christmas season!
HELP SUPPORT FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY THIS THANKSGIVING!
First Presbyterian Church is once again organizing an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry and we invite you to be a part. Last year we provided over 200 dinners to families in need. Families sign up through our local food pantries: Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist. Here’s how you can help:
Bags may be picked up in church on Sunday or in the Food Pantry on Wednesday.
“Don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty!” Corrie Ten Boom
Simpson UMC Brown Bread Sale
Simpson United Methodist Church is having their famous steamed brown bread and bake sale. Order your brown bread by November 16th by calling 518-885-4794. The cost is $6.50 per loaf. Pick-up dates are Friday, November 20th from 4 to 6 pm and Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to 2 pm at the Simpson UMC in Rock City Falls.
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.
A Message from the NYS Department of Health
What is COVID Alert NY?
COVID Alert NY is New York State’s official Exposure Notification App. This is a free smartphone app for anyone 18+ that lives and/or works in New York available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store starting October 1st. The COVID Alert NY app notifies users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Upon receiving an exposure notification, the app will encourage users to contact their physician or the State Health Department hotline (1-833-227-5045) to get more information about quarantining and testing.
Anyone who downloads the app does not have to worry about being tracked, identified, or having their personal information shared. The app is completely anonymous and does not track your location or movement. No personal data is collected. COVID Alert NY uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled exposure notification technology provided by Apple and Google which is safe and secure.
What can you do?
The more New Yorkers using the COVID Alert NY app, the more effective it will be as a tool to fight against COVID-19. We need your help to rally your community to download and use the app.
Supporting Our Church Together
We currently have a financial shortfall due to the decreased attendance at worship services. Cost cutting measures are being implemented wherever possible. However, what is most needed is consistent givers. If you are already using VANCO to send your gifts to the church, we are grateful; you can also give online securely on our website. You can also use a “BillPay” option from your bank at no cost. You can designate that a certain amount be sent to us by mail and they will write a check as part of their customer service. All it takes is to contact your bank. And if you need the church’s mailing address, it is 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Thank you for your help in meeting our needs.
Weekly Sermons on Facebook
The sermon can be found in print (as well as video) on the Recent Posts page of this site. If you do not have access to that, a print copy can be mailed to you from our church office. Please let the office (518-885-6886) know if you would like it mailed to you and are not currently receiving it that way.
The Worship Schedule for November
November 15
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
Sermon: “Neighborly Love”
Theme: Christ the King Day – Prayer Shawl Ministry
November 22
Pastor on vacation – more information to follow
November 29 First Sunday in Advent
Scripture: Mark 13:28-37
Sermon: “Happy Anticipation”
Theme: Hope (UM Student offering)
Time is Running Out for Fair Trade Orders
If interested in placing an order for chocolate bars for the holidays, please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or via email at Stosh964@gmail.com. Stan is requesting that anyone interested in purchasing any dark chocolate bars (and which kind) to please pre-order. He will place the order by November 10th. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are still available.
Music for Services
At present, we are not permitted to sing hymns as a congregation, so we would like to feature instrumentalists as much as possible. If you are interested in playing during the service, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. She would need a few dates that work for you so she can schedule things appropriately.
Many thanks for sharing your gifts of music!
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is very real during this time. If you are someone who is in this situation, please feel free to come to the Church House on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:30 to receive food. If you are able to help, please consider giving either a monetary donation or something from the below list. If you are able to donate your time, please give the office a call and give your availability. Thank you for your help and giving.
Pantry Items Needed
Have a blessed week
Today is Consecration Sunday, where we ask for your commitment to support the work of the church. Please prayerfully complete the blue pledge card and place it in the collection plate in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, or mail it as soon as possible to the church at 101 Milton Ave. We are grateful for your past support and are excited about what we will do together in 2021 as God’s church.
Veterans' Day Sunday
Veterans' Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and occurs on Wednesday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a temporary cessation of hostilities was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.
On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that this “recurring anniversary should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.” Veterans' Day pays tribute to all American veterans – living or dead – but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
We appreciate the service of all of our Veterans.
United Methodist Student Day Sunday, November 22
Right now there are UMC young people—who might not have had the resources to attend a school of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—who’ve been sent by you into the world God loves because of your giving to United Methodist Student Day. When you give generously you support these students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge.
Together we’re raising up gifted Christian leaders. When you support United Methodist Student Day, you make it possible for students to serve the world God loves. So although you can’t meet every need you’d like to, your giving allows members of Christ’s body, to do it in Jesus’ name.
Invitation to Discuss Social Justice Issues
Pastor Kelly and Dolores Wilson invite you to join them for a 4-week Bible study and discussion time. The topics and dates will be (each session begins at 7 pm):
Week 1, Thursday, November 19 Seeing Immigrants Through God’s Eyes
Week 2, Tuesday, November 24 Seeing the Poor Through God’s Eyes
Week 3, Thursday, December 3 Seeing Materialism Through God’s Eyes
Week 4, Thursday, December 10 Seeing Justice Through God’s Eyes
Contact Pastor Kelly (518) 309-3737 or the church office (518) 885-6886 if you wish to be part of any or all of these discussions. Weekly Bible readings will be sent out to you ahead of time. You can choose to read highlighted shorter passages or full chapters as you read for each week’s gathering.
We will meet using ZOOM but if you don’t have access to that, you can come to the church’s Connections Cafe and join the group discussion there. Please feel free to invite any family or friends who might be interested in joining us. These thought-provoking topics are especially relevant as we head into the Christmas season!
HELP SUPPORT FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY THIS THANKSGIVING!
First Presbyterian Church is once again organizing an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Bag Ministry and we invite you to be a part. Last year we provided over 200 dinners to families in need. Families sign up through our local food pantries: Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist. Here’s how you can help:
- FILL A BAG with items needed for a basic and healthy Thanksgiving meal, and a $10 gift card to a local grocery store OR an 8-14 pound frozen turkey to go along with it. A suggested list is attached to each bag along with other important instructions.
- DELIVER the bag and turkey to the First Presbyterian Church on COLLECTION SUNDAY, November 22 from 11:30 am—2 pm. Your donation is tax deductible if you save your receipts and attach them to a signed tax receipt that will be available on that day.
- VOLUNTEER to help at the First Presbyterian Church on DISTRIBUTION MONDAY, November 23 from 12—6 pm. Contact the Presbyterian church to volunteer.
Bags may be picked up in church on Sunday or in the Food Pantry on Wednesday.
“Don’t bother to give God instructions, just report for duty!” Corrie Ten Boom
Simpson UMC Brown Bread Sale
Simpson United Methodist Church is having their famous steamed brown bread and bake sale. Order your brown bread by November 16th by calling 518-885-4794. The cost is $6.50 per loaf. Pick-up dates are Friday, November 20th from 4 to 6 pm and Saturday, November 21st from 9 am to 2 pm at the Simpson UMC in Rock City Falls.
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.
- Please pray for the Cook (Lou and Joyce Cook) family.
- Prayers are needed for Pat Jones who had pneumonia.
- Please pray for Melissa who is experiencing medical issues.
- Keep Bob Elbertson in your prayers.
- Gary DiLallo, who served this congregation as a Lay Pastor a few years ago. He needs prayers for comfort and is currently at the Glens Falls Hospital. Please also keep his wife Carol in your prayers
A Message from the NYS Department of Health
What is COVID Alert NY?
COVID Alert NY is New York State’s official Exposure Notification App. This is a free smartphone app for anyone 18+ that lives and/or works in New York available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store starting October 1st. The COVID Alert NY app notifies users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Upon receiving an exposure notification, the app will encourage users to contact their physician or the State Health Department hotline (1-833-227-5045) to get more information about quarantining and testing.
Anyone who downloads the app does not have to worry about being tracked, identified, or having their personal information shared. The app is completely anonymous and does not track your location or movement. No personal data is collected. COVID Alert NY uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled exposure notification technology provided by Apple and Google which is safe and secure.
What can you do?
The more New Yorkers using the COVID Alert NY app, the more effective it will be as a tool to fight against COVID-19. We need your help to rally your community to download and use the app.
Supporting Our Church Together
We currently have a financial shortfall due to the decreased attendance at worship services. Cost cutting measures are being implemented wherever possible. However, what is most needed is consistent givers. If you are already using VANCO to send your gifts to the church, we are grateful; you can also give online securely on our website. You can also use a “BillPay” option from your bank at no cost. You can designate that a certain amount be sent to us by mail and they will write a check as part of their customer service. All it takes is to contact your bank. And if you need the church’s mailing address, it is 101 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Thank you for your help in meeting our needs.
Weekly Sermons on Facebook
The sermon can be found in print (as well as video) on the Recent Posts page of this site. If you do not have access to that, a print copy can be mailed to you from our church office. Please let the office (518-885-6886) know if you would like it mailed to you and are not currently receiving it that way.
The Worship Schedule for November
November 15
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
Sermon: “Neighborly Love”
Theme: Christ the King Day – Prayer Shawl Ministry
November 22
Pastor on vacation – more information to follow
November 29 First Sunday in Advent
Scripture: Mark 13:28-37
Sermon: “Happy Anticipation”
Theme: Hope (UM Student offering)
Time is Running Out for Fair Trade Orders
If interested in placing an order for chocolate bars for the holidays, please contact Stan Lockwood at 518-885-1552 or via email at Stosh964@gmail.com. Stan is requesting that anyone interested in purchasing any dark chocolate bars (and which kind) to please pre-order. He will place the order by November 10th. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are still available.
Music for Services
At present, we are not permitted to sing hymns as a congregation, so we would like to feature instrumentalists as much as possible. If you are interested in playing during the service, please contact Cathy King at 518 584-2865 or cathys.notes@gmail.com with your availability. She would need a few dates that work for you so she can schedule things appropriately.
Many thanks for sharing your gifts of music!
The Food Pantry Needs Your Help
Food insecurity is very real during this time. If you are someone who is in this situation, please feel free to come to the Church House on Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:30 to receive food. If you are able to help, please consider giving either a monetary donation or something from the below list. If you are able to donate your time, please give the office a call and give your availability. Thank you for your help and giving.
Pantry Items Needed
- Green canned vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Tuna
- Pasta (box, bag, and side dishes)
- Jelly
- Juice
- Chicken Breast (canned)
- Syrup
- Rice (box, bag, and side dishes)
- Cookies
- Condiments
- Crackers
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Personal hygiene items, including feminine products
Have a blessed week