Last Week in Church
We had 27 people in church last Sunday, including 4 youth. Anna Wilson sang “This Little Light of Mine” so beautifully. Thank you, Anna, for sharing your gift of music. And you might want to check out the pretty purple mums planted in front of the church.
A Report on the Thrift Shop
After careful consideration, conversation, and time, the Leadership Team and the Leadership of the Thrift Shop have decided that the Thrift Shop will remain closed until April 2021. In April, it will be re-evaluated on operation, hours, etc.
Many factors went into the decision which was not made lightly: availability of volunteers; upkeep and sanitizing in an old, rough building (no surfaces are smooth); additional time that would be required of our custodian; contact tracing; the unknown piece of where the garments come from and if they are COVID-free; limited access with narrow staircase with only one access - not the two that are preferred (one for entry and one for exit); the need for additional hand sanitizing stations; and the list goes on. It also subjects our staff to additional exposure to the public through the front entry. There would be no access to the public for the rest room.
As we face the Fall and Winter months, the pandemic continues to be a threat. Until there is a proven vaccine and medicines to help conquer the virus, we are using caution to protect our staff and volunteers.
We understand that it is a change from what we have done in the past. It will take time for all of us to adjust to the current realities. We pray for the people around this area, the country, and the world.
The Leadership Team and Leadership of the Thrift Shop
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday is Oct. 4, 2020. Celebrated the first Sunday in October, this Special Sunday with offering focuses our attention on the universal and inclusive nature of the church. We look forward to this celebration annually when we partake of Holy Communion together and share our gifts to support racial-ethnic students and others in their quest to become leaders who embody the mission of The United Methodist Church.
The offering facilitates the educational preparation and training of United Methodists from around the world and bolsters recruitment, training, and retention of racial-ethnic people for leadership positions at every level of the church.
You can contribute online to World Communion Sunday at UMC.org/SSGive!
Thank you for your generous gifts.
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.
53 Margaret Drive
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
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. We have an ongoing fundraiser for Hoffman car washes that we hope you will support. 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 of money 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, N.Y. 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 our church website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts. 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 the Next Month
Sept. 27
Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon: “Parched and Doubting”
Theme: Believe that God is trustworthy
Oct. 4 (World Communion Sunday)
Scripture: Psalm 19:7-14
Sermon: “God’s Word Guides, Revives and Rewards”
Theme: The word of God is valuable for Christians
Oct. 11
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
Sermon: “Ready and Steady Christians”
Theme: Learning how to be a strong Christian
Oct. 18 (Laity Sunday)
Fair Trade
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are still available from Stan Lockwood. If interested, please contact him at 518-885-1552 or via email at sdlock2008@hotmail.com.
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!
Basic Lay Servant Course to be offered via ZOOM in October
Interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister*? Here is how you start!
This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship." (2020 Lay Servant Catalog)
Mondays, October 19 and 26: 5:30-8:30
Thursdays, October 22 and 29: 5:30-8:30
Cost: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt, CLM, and Jacqueline Kim, CLS
To register, contact Adirondack District registrar Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com. Class size will be limited to 12 participants; must purchase the book "Servant Ministries: Basic" by Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson.
Dates for additional courses in the Certified Lay Ministry are to be scheduled.
Have a blessed week
We had 27 people in church last Sunday, including 4 youth. Anna Wilson sang “This Little Light of Mine” so beautifully. Thank you, Anna, for sharing your gift of music. And you might want to check out the pretty purple mums planted in front of the church.
A Report on the Thrift Shop
After careful consideration, conversation, and time, the Leadership Team and the Leadership of the Thrift Shop have decided that the Thrift Shop will remain closed until April 2021. In April, it will be re-evaluated on operation, hours, etc.
Many factors went into the decision which was not made lightly: availability of volunteers; upkeep and sanitizing in an old, rough building (no surfaces are smooth); additional time that would be required of our custodian; contact tracing; the unknown piece of where the garments come from and if they are COVID-free; limited access with narrow staircase with only one access - not the two that are preferred (one for entry and one for exit); the need for additional hand sanitizing stations; and the list goes on. It also subjects our staff to additional exposure to the public through the front entry. There would be no access to the public for the rest room.
As we face the Fall and Winter months, the pandemic continues to be a threat. Until there is a proven vaccine and medicines to help conquer the virus, we are using caution to protect our staff and volunteers.
We understand that it is a change from what we have done in the past. It will take time for all of us to adjust to the current realities. We pray for the people around this area, the country, and the world.
The Leadership Team and Leadership of the Thrift Shop
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday is Oct. 4, 2020. Celebrated the first Sunday in October, this Special Sunday with offering focuses our attention on the universal and inclusive nature of the church. We look forward to this celebration annually when we partake of Holy Communion together and share our gifts to support racial-ethnic students and others in their quest to become leaders who embody the mission of The United Methodist Church.
The offering facilitates the educational preparation and training of United Methodists from around the world and bolsters recruitment, training, and retention of racial-ethnic people for leadership positions at every level of the church.
You can contribute online to World Communion Sunday at UMC.org/SSGive!
Thank you for your generous gifts.
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.
- Joyce Cook is now recuperating at home. Cards may be sent to her at:
53 Margaret Drive
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
- Update on Bob Elbertson: Bob is recuperating at home. He is doing okay but would be thrilled to get short phone calls. Your cards, calls, and prayers mean a lot to him. If you would like his number, please contact either Pastor Kelly or the office and we will share that information.
- Linda Sheeran asks: My mom, Carolyn Parrotte, will be turning 90 on Tuesday. Many of you have visited with her during Coffee Hour and made her feel like part of the church family. My mom treasures your friendship. Due to COVID-19, celebrations, especially milestone ones, have to take on a different look. That is why I am asking for a treasure-trove of birthday cards to be sent to my mom- not only by us, but by her home church in Colton, NY, and her immediate and extended family. Please feel free to send to her directly at PO Box 344, Colton, NY 13625, or to me at 19 Pinehollow Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. With deep gratitude, Linda Sheeran
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. We have an ongoing fundraiser for Hoffman car washes that we hope you will support. 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 of money 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, N.Y. 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 our church website at https://www.ballstonspaumchurch.org/recent-posts. 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 the Next Month
Sept. 27
Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon: “Parched and Doubting”
Theme: Believe that God is trustworthy
Oct. 4 (World Communion Sunday)
Scripture: Psalm 19:7-14
Sermon: “God’s Word Guides, Revives and Rewards”
Theme: The word of God is valuable for Christians
Oct. 11
Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9
Sermon: “Ready and Steady Christians”
Theme: Learning how to be a strong Christian
Oct. 18 (Laity Sunday)
Fair Trade
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are still available from Stan Lockwood. If interested, please contact him at 518-885-1552 or via email at sdlock2008@hotmail.com.
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!
Basic Lay Servant Course to be offered via ZOOM in October
Interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker or Certified Lay Minister*? Here is how you start!
This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship." (2020 Lay Servant Catalog)
Mondays, October 19 and 26: 5:30-8:30
Thursdays, October 22 and 29: 5:30-8:30
Cost: $15
Instructors: Arlene Schmidt, CLM, and Jacqueline Kim, CLS
To register, contact Adirondack District registrar Arlene at adschmidt@nycap.rr.com. Class size will be limited to 12 participants; must purchase the book "Servant Ministries: Basic" by Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson.
Dates for additional courses in the Certified Lay Ministry are to be scheduled.
Have a blessed week