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.
November 11 - Consecration Sunday
You've probably already received a mailing from the church announcing this year's Consecration Sunday. On Sunday, November 11, our congregation will be asked to present their financial commitment to God and His local church for 2023. There is a giving form included in the mailing that can be returned to the church that morning, or via mail at 101 Milton Ave. Please prayerfully consider what God is asking you to contribute for the work of His kingdom.
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.
Hurricanes Fiona & Ian and United Methodist Commission On Relief
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian have caused catastrophic damage. Millions are without power and running water, many losing their homes. But UMCOR is there providing immediate assistance.
Join us in prayer for the communities that have been affected so far and those still within Fiona’s path. Consider making a gift to support the work of U.S. Disaster Response.
Red Bird Mission Collection
We are collecting for the Red Bird Mission Collection. This is something we did last year with great success. Shoeboxes will be filled with hygiene supplies and small gifts to send to the Red Bird Mission. You may donate supplies or fill a box on your own…the choice is yours.
The items to be packed in each box should be full size and in their original containers. To help items fit in the box, purchase flat bottles and small round cans of shaving cream. Suggested items are:
November 11 - Consecration Sunday
You've probably already received a mailing from the church announcing this year's Consecration Sunday. On Sunday, November 11, our congregation will be asked to present their financial commitment to God and His local church for 2023. There is a giving form included in the mailing that can be returned to the church that morning, or via mail at 101 Milton Ave. Please prayerfully consider what God is asking you to contribute for the work of His kingdom.
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.
Hurricanes Fiona & Ian and United Methodist Commission On Relief
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian have caused catastrophic damage. Millions are without power and running water, many losing their homes. But UMCOR is there providing immediate assistance.
Join us in prayer for the communities that have been affected so far and those still within Fiona’s path. Consider making a gift to support the work of U.S. Disaster Response.
Red Bird Mission Collection
We are collecting for the Red Bird Mission Collection. This is something we did last year with great success. Shoeboxes will be filled with hygiene supplies and small gifts to send to the Red Bird Mission. You may donate supplies or fill a box on your own…the choice is yours.
The items to be packed in each box should be full size and in their original containers. To help items fit in the box, purchase flat bottles and small round cans of shaving cream. Suggested items are:
Thank you for your generosity! For more information, please contact Ilah Sisson Walser, 518-885-1275.
Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program
We are halfway through October, when our Food Pantry will receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold at Hannaford on Trieble Avenue in Ballston Spa. $61 has been raised so far. Buy a bag and donate…it’s as easy as that! And we have just been notified that we will be getting a check for $23 from Hannaford for the Bloomin’ for Good flower sale during September. Thank you for your support!
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 This Week's Service page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/this-weeks-service.html), 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.
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.
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.
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
Our Office Manager, Sue Cramer, will be on vacation during the week of October 24. You may send an email and she will respond upon her return on November 3. Phone messages will be checked during her absence. The next edition of Ministry Matters will be published in 2 weeks.
Upcoming Events
October - Pastor Appreciation Month
November 2 - Church Conference, 6 pm at BSUMC
November 6-12 - Pastor Kelly on Vacation
November 8 - Church Council meeting, 7 pm via Zoom
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
Birthdays for the next two weeks:
Next two weeks in worship
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Danielle Coffey | Jan Mallette
Ushers TBA | Mary Drake & Conrad Dorau
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Carol Markley & Debbie Costanzo | Kelly Schmidt & Pat Jones
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.
Malta Ridge UMC is observing Socktober month. Through November 15, they are collecting new warm socks of all sizes to be distributed to the homeless through Code Blue. Our new mission project is to help keep the feet of our homeless neighbors a little warmer this winter. There is a collection bin by the side door (follow the sign). The church is located at 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta.
The Simpson UMC will be holding their 3rd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat Halloween Celebration on Saturday, October 29 from 1 to 4 pm at the church at 1089 Rock City Road in Rock City Falls. All Ghouls, Goblins, and Princesses are welcome! Food donations for “Blessings Box” will be accepted.
Galway UMC (2056 East St., Galway) will be having a Harvest Ham dinner and Country Store on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4 PM to 6 PM. Menu: Ham, Creamed Potatoes, Squash, Coleslaw, Applesauce, rolls and beverage. Homemade Rice Pudding or Homemade Blueberry Coffee Cake for dessert. Cost: $15.
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
Hannaford Fight Hunger Bag Program
We are halfway through October, when our Food Pantry will receive $1 from every $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold at Hannaford on Trieble Avenue in Ballston Spa. $61 has been raised so far. Buy a bag and donate…it’s as easy as that! And we have just been notified that we will be getting a check for $23 from Hannaford for the Bloomin’ for Good flower sale during September. Thank you for your support!
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 This Week's Service page of this site (https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/this-weeks-service.html), 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.
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 pray for people who need treatment for their mental illness and for those who are struggling with drug addiction. Many in our community also need God’s help for the times when they feel hopeless.
- Dolores Wilson would like to update her prayer request for their friends in N. Fort Myers. Their home was damaged beyond repair, so they are moving to an assisted living facility in Colorado near their son. Please continue prayers for the many other Floridians who are now homeless and without other options for living arrangements.
- Please keep Dolores and George Wilson in your prayers. They are recovering from Covid.
- Mary Drake asks that you please keep Brianna in your prayers. She is having a hard time with her pregnancy and has been in and out of the hospital. Prayers will be greatly appreciated. Mary is also grateful for the week she got to spend with her grandchildren while Brianna was hospitalized.
- Prayers of thanksgiving for Laurie Agan’s slight health improvement.
- Cherrie Sanders is thankful for the wonderful fall foliage and that Justin turns 21 this Wednesday.
- Prayers are requested for Dorothy Collins. May she find a new home soon.
- Please keep Peggy Traver in your prayers. She is recuperating from a fall at the Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 152 Sherman Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12801. Please keep her husband Dick in your prayers as well. He is recovering from Covid.
- 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.
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.
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
Our Office Manager, Sue Cramer, will be on vacation during the week of October 24. You may send an email and she will respond upon her return on November 3. Phone messages will be checked during her absence. The next edition of Ministry Matters will be published in 2 weeks.
Upcoming Events
October - Pastor Appreciation Month
November 2 - Church Conference, 6 pm at BSUMC
November 6-12 - Pastor Kelly on Vacation
November 8 - Church Council meeting, 7 pm via Zoom
Celebrations!
If you have a birthday, anniversary, or graduation to celebrate, please send it to the office. We love to celebrate!
Birthdays for the next two weeks:
- Marcy Wilson (10/27)
- Sarah De La Cruz (10/29)
- Emily Grentzer (10/29)
- Mary Drake (11/3)
Next two weeks in worship
Sound Riley Schmidt
Projection AJ Schmidt
Liturgist Danielle Coffey | Jan Mallette
Ushers TBA | Mary Drake & Conrad Dorau
Music Cathy King
Coffee Hour Carol Markley & Debbie Costanzo | Kelly Schmidt & Pat Jones
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.
Malta Ridge UMC is observing Socktober month. Through November 15, they are collecting new warm socks of all sizes to be distributed to the homeless through Code Blue. Our new mission project is to help keep the feet of our homeless neighbors a little warmer this winter. There is a collection bin by the side door (follow the sign). The church is located at 729 Malta Ave. Ext., Malta.
The Simpson UMC will be holding their 3rd Annual Trunk-Or-Treat Halloween Celebration on Saturday, October 29 from 1 to 4 pm at the church at 1089 Rock City Road in Rock City Falls. All Ghouls, Goblins, and Princesses are welcome! Food donations for “Blessings Box” will be accepted.
Galway UMC (2056 East St., Galway) will be having a Harvest Ham dinner and Country Store on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4 PM to 6 PM. Menu: Ham, Creamed Potatoes, Squash, Coleslaw, Applesauce, rolls and beverage. Homemade Rice Pudding or Homemade Blueberry Coffee Cake for dessert. Cost: $15.
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