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TheWe are abody ofbelieversunited inChrist toproclaim,live, and loveaccording toGod’s Word.INSIDE THISISSUE:Adopt U.S. Soldiers5Advent Workshop3Birthdays &AnniversariesBook BoundCalendar10411Church Work Day2Church Mouse8Clean Water6Community6Thanksgiving DinnerElection DayCommunion2FBC Cookbook9First Night CraftNight & Rip N Roll6Hanging the Greens3Historian’s Page7HOPE Ministry9Library10Missions Committee5Pastor Alan’s Book4Stewardship Sundays3Thankful Thursday3Thanksgiving Bags5Trustees7Wed. Night Dinners4Youth Bible Study8Youth News7FirstFirst BaptistBaptist ChurchChurch ofof BallstonBallston SpaSpaMessengerV O L U M E4 ,I S S U E1 1N O V E M B E R2 0 1 2Meet the “Nones”By Rev. Alan RudnickIt should make everyChristian and church inAmerica be concerned:There is a dramaticincrease in the number ofAmeri can sle avin gorganized religion.In2007, the percentage of the religiousunaffiliated was around 15% and nowthat number is around 20% according toa new Pew Forum study. In the last 20years, the religiously unaffiliated or“nones” have doubled.Before churches and Christians panic, thisstudy does not prove people are leavingbehind their belief in God – just thechurch.There are a few things we need toremember. This poll, as with any poll,asked questions that may not haveaccurately described the respondents.Pew offered people a list of more than adozen possible affiliations, including“Protestant,” “Catholic,” “somethingelse” and “nothing in particular.”Those “possible affiliations” are termsthat may no longer apply. I am routinelyamazed how Christians incorrectly referto other Christian denominations as“religions”.Baptists, Methodists,Presbyterians, and other Christiantraditions are not separate faith systems,but sects of Protestant Christianity. Suchsemantics usually do not bother theaverage Christian, but it highlights howreligious people often misunderstand ormisuse terms and affiliations.Thisfollows the pattern of Christians anddisenfranchised Christians who dislikebeing labeled with added denominationaltitles. Such titles are innocuous and mostAmericans cannot tell you the differencebetween a Reformed church and anEpiscopal church.Does all this mean Americans aren’treligious people anymore?Americans are still very religious peopleand still hold a strong belief in God. Justbecause people are leaving organizedreligion, doesn’t automatically mean weare becoming a god-less nation, as somethink. During the American Revolution,less than one-fifth of Americans claimedchurch membership. In 2011, a Galluppoll found that 92% of Americans believein God while almost 78% of the people inthis country claimed to be some brand of“Christian”. Even the new 2012 Pewstudy found that 85% of “nones” don’tattend religious services because ofcontinued on next page
PAGE2ecclesiastical, religious, and priority differencesand not because of a disbelief in God (5% wereother/uncodeable & 9% didn’t know or refused toanswer).“none” back to church and show them all thewonderful things we are doing for Jesus Christ.Many have speculated reasons for this increase.Perhaps the most rational and data informedexplanation connects religion to politics. TheWashington Post reflected upon Harvard politicalscientist Robert Putnam’s work in the area ofreligion, politics, and the decline in institutions:Pastor Alan Rudnick“The best predictor of which people havemoved into this category over the last 20 yearsis how they feel about religion and politicsaligning Americans have been fleeinginstitutions in general. Putnam wrote in hisbestselling book Bowling Alone about thedecline of such institutions as hobby clubs andalumni associations. The culture is also moresecular, with prayer in schools and the closingof businesses on Sundays fading along withtraditional religious norms on marriage andsex.”Today, many people (the nones) just do notbelieve in “church”. They are burned out,uninterested, or do not see an application to theirlife that compels them to belong to a church.Many churches are structured, cultured, andorganized using 1950′s institutional religious lens.Many churches aren’t able to connect withbelievers because churches are not able to writethe next story in the congregation’s life.Here at First Baptist Church, we have bucked thetrend of decline and continue to grow numericallyand spiritually. We continue to add 10-15 newmembers a year, and this year we are on track torepeat that. Our charge at First Baptist is to reachout to these “nones” and show them that thechurch community cares for them. God is doinggreat things here!Next time you have the opportunity, invite thatELECTION DAY COMMUNION“Let the nations know that they are only human”Psalm 9:20b, NRSVPsalm 9 affirms God’s supreme authority over theearth and the righteousness of his judgments. Andit ends with the words quoted above. Especially inthis election fervor, we need this reminder: everynation—even our own—is only human. Our hopeis in the kingdom of God. Our salvation does notcome from a political candidate but from JesusChrist.We invite our congregation to gather onNovember 6th at 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in thesanctuary, to remember the true source of ourfreedom and life by receiving communion withother Christians in our congregation and others.Our church will participate in a wonderful eventsimply called “Election Day Communion” (check itout at http://electiondaycommunion.org/). In adecisive act of unity we will gather around thetable of our Lord to gratefully receive his gifts andjoyfully celebrate our common faith.CHURCH WORK DAYReminder! Church Work Day will beheld by the Trustees on November 3.Coffee & Bagels at 8:00 a.m. andWork Detail at 9:00 a.m.REMINDER! DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDSSunday, November 4Don’t forget to set your clocks back,or be early for church.
PAGEALL SAINTS’ SUNDAYHANGING OF THE GREENSSunday, November 4, is All Saints’ Sunday. On thisSunday we will have a special time ofremembrance for the "saints" loved ones in our lives. We willlight a candle as we give thanksto God for special loved oneswho have passed away. Wehave experienced this rich and meaningfulremembrance for several years now in worship,and it is a tremendous time of healing in the midstof grief and loss. This special designation helps usas worshiping Christians connect our sharedheritage within Christianity and provides us adeeper spiritual experience.We are looking forward toour Christmas season. Wewill be “Hanging the Greens”Saturday morning, November15. Join us as we take anopportunity to make oursanctuaryandchurchbuilding a beautiful offeringof worship to celebrate our Lord’s coming. Pleasemark your calendar and sign up on the board nextto the Welcome Center. This is a huge undertakingbut also a rewarding one. If you have anyquestions, please contact Cynthia Pritchard,894-8998 or email Cynthia@cpeventcompany.comTHANKFUL THURSDAY LUNCHThere will be an Ecumenical Luncheon onThursday, November 15 with guest speaker MikeSaccocio of Schenectady City Mission. The freelunch will be held from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at theFirst Presbyterian Church, 22 West High St.All churches are responsible for bringing differentitems for the meal. First Baptist is responsible forveggies or salads. Please speak to StevenRobinson, 288-3315 if you can contribute.Don’t miss out on this chance to give thankstogether with area churches and listen to aninspirational message from Mike Saccocio. Therewill also be a freewill offering taken to support theBallston Area Clergy Association CommunityAssistance Fund and the Schenectady City Mission.STEWARDSHIP SUNDAYSOct. 21 through Nov. 11 Rev.Rudnick will be preachingthrough the concept ofstewardship. Stewardship is not merely talkingabout money, but sharing what we have inrelation to God and to others. Through fourSundays of sermons and worship, ourcongregation will be invited to look at their lives tocommit our gifts to God and to others. OnNovember 11, we will also turn in estimated givingcards (sometimes called pledges) to help plan forthe 2013 ministry year.3ADVENT WORKSHOPAs you prepare to give thanks forThanksgiving please also considerpreparing for this year’s AdventWorkshop! Planned for Sunday,December 2nd we gatherimmediately after worship for afellowship lunch and then settleinto workshop stations aroundthe fellowship hall creatingwith evergreens, makingcrafts, assembling ornaments,and much more! The Adventworkshop is a great way forindividuals, families, children,and youth to connect to theChristmas story.Are youavailable to participate again?Looking to cook or bake? Contact ChristineRudnick, chrudnick@gmail.com, 288-3100 to chatabout helping out a little or a lot! Also, look forthe display in the greeting area to sign up toattend.Allare welcome!
PAGE4BookBound!THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHOF BALLSTON SPA BOOK CLUBIt's easy to be a part! Come to the upper room ofthe First Baptist Church on the second Monday ofeach month from 4 - 5 p.m.It's easy to join in! Read the book for the monthand come for good discussion and refreshment.Come just once or every month! Childcareprovided. Please let us know if your child will beattending so we may provide care accordingly.Contact Christine Rudnick, chrudnick@gmail.comSchedule 2012 - 2013November 12, 2012Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweetby Jamie FordDecember 10, 2012A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas& The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren SternJanuary 14, 2013The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacksby Rebecca SklootFebruary 11, 2013Legend by Maire LuMarch 11, 2013Fingersmith by Sarah WatersApril 8, 2013The Shadows of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonMay 13, 2013Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen SimonsonELECTION DAY BROOKS’ CHICKEN BARBEQUETuesday, November 6, 4-7 p.m.at First Presbyterian Church 22 West High St.Don’t miss out on the locallyfamous Brooks’ Chicken Barbeque!Half a chicken, coleslaw, roll, bakedpotato and dessert for only 9.50. Carry out or eatin, seating is available. Reservations arerecommended. Call 885-5583 before 4:30 p.m.All proceeds go to support families in crisis in theBallston Spa area.WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS STARTINGAre you stressedtrying to get homefor work and feedyour family? Orwant a qualitymeal at an affordable cost? Cometo our WednesdayWednesday Night DinnersNightDinnerstarting on November 7 at 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. Ouremerging Food Ministry is beginning these mealsas a part of our theme for the year: faith, family,and fellowship. Each week will feature a deliciousmeal for the church to enjoy. Cost is 6 a person, 3 for kids, and maximum 18 for a family.Following Wednesday dinners, Pastor AlanRudnick will lead a “Fireside Chat” which willfeature a different congregant each week who willshare their life journey. This is a great way tolearn about our new and long time congregants.PASTOR ALAN PUBLISHES BOOKAs a part of Judson Press’vocationalministryseries,Pastor Alan Rudnick haspublished, “The Work of TheAssociate Pastor”. Pastor Alanbrings a wealth of research andexperience to the oftenundervalued ministry of theassociatepastor.Invitingreaders to understand associateministry as more than training ground for a seniorpastorate, Rudnick explores the diverse roles andresponsibilities that fall under the associateumbrella. From life-stage ministries with childrenand youth, singles and seniors, to specializedministry areas such as music, education, pastoralcare, and counseling, this volume acknowledgesthe challenges and opportunities offered toassociate pastors in their distinctive ministries.Pastor Alan’s book is available for sale with JudsonPress, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Cokesbury.Also, he will be selling and signing books afterworship on Sunday, November 18. Books are 13.
PAGE6ADOPT U.S. SOLDIERSMISSIONS COMMITTEEIt was a special pleasure to have Judy Sutterlin visitus the past month and give us an update on herwork in China. She is one of our longest-runningABC supported missionaries from FBC and weappreciated her going out of her way to visit withus. Continue your prayers for her and all of themissionaries on our list. Check out the globaldisplay in the lobby for more information.Cassandra Mundell, one of our “home grown”missionaries is now on our list as well. She beginsher service in the Philippines as a teacher therewith the Wycliffe Translators Program. Specialprayers for her as she begins this part of her walkof faith and service.The Missions Committee is thankful to all whohave participated in our recent work at the CityMission of Schenectady and the Shelter forWomen. There is always some opportunity toserve.Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we willbe joining the effort to support our localcommunity by providing some Thanksgiving mealsto families in need. Pick up a bag in the lobby,follow the instructions and drop them off at theFirst Presbyterian Church on November 18. Morethan 190 families benefited from this last year.Thanks to all who gave toourWorldMissionOffering drive. You canstill drop a gift in theenvelopes if you haven’t already done so. This isthe biggest piece of our Missions support throughthe American Baptist Churches and your gift helpsspread the gospel in every corner of the world.Check out the article on “Clean Water” in thisMessenger (page 6) as we gear up to help thepeople of Guatemala.Want to help out? Contact any of the MissionsCommittee members and join us in promoting thekingdom. Our motto is “here to serve.”Mark Hopper,Missions CommitteeChristmas is coming and we are inspecial need for food items that willencourage our adopted platoonduringtheholidayseason.Currently in Kuwait, this particularplatoon have limited access to their Chow Hall andPX Store. Please donate some items that willcheer these soldiers. Place donations in the AdoptUS box in the Fellowship Room. A full list ofsuggested donation items is next to the box, orspeak to Val Albert, 587-2872 if you would like tocontribute money to purchase items.SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES THIS THANKSGIVINGFirst Presbyterian Church is once again organizingan ecumenical Thanksgiving Food Basket programand we invite you to be a part. Last year weprovided over 190 dinners to families in need andwe anticipate more this year. The lists of familiesare provided by our local food pantries.Here’s how you can help:Take one or more bags (will be provided in theWelcome Area), fill it with the items suggested onthe list attached to it.Deliver the bag and turkey to First PresbyterianChurch on Sunday. November 18 from 11:30 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. Your donation can be tax deductibleif you save your receipts and attach it to a taxreceipt provided on the 18th.Volunteer to help on distribution day Monday,November 19 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Call or emailthe church to sign up, 885-5583, ballstonpres@yahoo.com.Thank you for your help as we seek to be ablessing to those in need this Thanksgiving!Questions can be directed to:First Presbyterian Church22 West High St. 885-5583ballstonpres@yahoo.com
PAGECLEAN WATER FOR LAS CRUZ, GUATEMALAWe think nothing of turning on the tap and gettinga cool glass of clean water any time we want. Notthe case for most of the world. Not the case forthe people of Las Cruz, Guatemala. It may lookclean, taste clean and even be refreshing on a hotday, but the invisible world of microbes can causeserious health problems – especially for children.In an effort to continue our connection with thepeople of the town we helped last year with our“stove project,” we will be partnering with VisionTrust to help provide water filtration systems forthe homes of thisremotevillage.This is a continuingeffort to buildrelationships thatwill speak of thegenuine concernand love we havethrough Christ in helping those in need. Thesefamilies are associated with a mission schooloutreach that has been in the town for five years.Their leader, Rut, has over 300 children in theirafterschool education programs.The systems are simple enough – two buckets, acharcoal filter and some hose – but they provide achannel through which to get to know the familiesand “share the care” that others have for them.Children are affected the most by the water-borndiseases that can have long-range effects on theirhealth.We will be collecting donations for this effort fromNovember through January. Look for the bucketand poster for more information. Any amountwill be helpful. Drop any change, bills or checkspayable to First Baptist and designated for the“Clean Water Project” in the bucket to help thechildren of Las Cruz.P.S. Want to join the effort first hand? Yourchance to go on a mission trip to Las Cruz is here!Teams are being organized for both stoves andwater filters for the week of Feb. 10-16, 2013. Ifyou are feeling the call, contact Mark Hopper athopshop123@aol.com for more information.Mark Hopper7THE 19TH ANNUAL COMMUNITYTHANKSGIVING DAY DINNERThursday, November 22, 201212:oo p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Come and join your community, family and friendsat the 19th Annual Community Thanksgiving DayDinner at the Union Fire House, Milton Ave.Ballston Spa.Dinner is served from noon to 4:00 p.m.Take home meals are available.Sponsored by the community for the community.There is no cost and all are welcome.FIRST NIGHT CRAFT NIGHTMARK YOUR CALENDARSNovember 12, 2012 – 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Let the fun begin!Sweet Harmony will entertainDessert buffetInvite a friend!Sign-up at the Rip ‘N Roll bulletin board and if youcan provide a ride for those who don’t like to driveat night, please mark accordingly.AND, speaking of Rip ‘N Roll .Rip ‘n Roll for White CrossNovember 19, 2012 – 10 a.m. - noonRegional representative June Kenyon will be onhand to give us an update.
PAGEYOUTH NEWS5HISTORIAN’S PAGECome out with our Youth Minister,Stephen Stewart for a movie and icecream sundaes on Friday, November 2from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location TBA.Also, all youths are invited to join the communityyouth Bible studies led by Stephen every 1st, 3rd,and 4th Tuesday of each month. Youth are invitedto come from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner is providedwith activities and study of God’s word. Bring aBible and a friend! Bible Study location: ChristChurch 15 East High Street, B. SpaTHE BOARD OF TRUSTEESThe Trustees have been busyoverseeing the various projects tobeautify our church inside and out.On the outside we have contractedSpireRoofRestorationandConstruction to paint and repair our doors andwindow trims. For our interior, Ballston Carpetswill be installing our first floor carpets, and we’vecontracted UniFirst to keep our floor mats cleanand new by replacing them regularly.We completed work on the septic system at theParsonage. We will get a onetime treatment forpest control from Pavement Ants. Our fire alarmsystem contract with Red Hawk was renewed andour snow plowing contract is set up for the comingyear.Don’t forget our Fall Workday on Saturday,November 3. Come for a light breakfast at 8:00a.m. and we’ll start work at 9:00 a.m.TrusteesStewardship Is a Way Of LifeAs Christians God expects us to use all that He hasgiven us— time, talent, finances, etc. for Hispurposes. Discovering, developing and usingthese gifts is a life long responsibility andopportunity that makes a difference in our lives aswell as in the lives of others.Sharing timeand talent is away of life forMark Hopper— pictured inthisphototaken in hisshopathome.As c h o o lteacher, nowretired, he has impacted the lives of hundreds ofstudents and adults both in public school, SundaySchool, and in various leadership roles in churchand community. In his desire to serve the Lordand make a difference in the lives of others, he hastaken part in mission trips on the local,national, as well as international level.Mark is a guy with many talents and interests.Knowing that woodworking is one of them, I calledto see if he would refinish a rather beat-up doubleseated Vintage Auditorium Folding Chairdiscovered in the church basement. He readilyagreed to take a look. And now it’s your turn tostop by the Church Historical Room and “take alook.” Though you didn’t see it before it wasrefinished, if you’re like me it may just take yourbreath away! My thanks and appreciation toMark.The Historical Room will be open after our worshipservice on Sundays during November & December.We also invite you to check out the exhibits in theHistorical Display Case in our main Fellowshiparea which change every 2-3 months.Norma Dunkelbarger,Church Historian
PAGE8CHURCH MOUSE NURSERY SCHOOLSigns of autumnare upon us asthe days growshorter and thenightsgrowcooler. At theChurch Mousethere was muchtalkaboutapples; how they come in different colors and themany ways they can be used for food. Applesauceand apple brownies were prepared by thechildren yum! The 4’s and Pre-K classes had funat Ellms Farm where they played, made their waythrough a corn maze, and picked pumpkins. It isone of our favorite field trips.Fire safety wastaught to the 4’sand Pre-K classeswho walked toUnion firehouse.One of our dadswhoisafirefighter, as wellas several other members of the fire department,visited our 3-year-olds classes. All the childrenwere taught how to “stop, drop, and roll” andwhat to do in case of an emergency. We had a fewfire drills during the month as well.Now into November We will again encourageour families to donate items to Christ Cupboardthroughout the month of November. Last year thechildren helped bring several loads of food andtoiletries upstairs. This is a wonderful opportunityfor the teachers to teach the children howimportant it is to share our blessings with others.May we all be reminded to reflect and give thanksfor God’s goodness. Iam blessed to beworking with a greatstaff whose goals areto prepare our littleones for Kindergartenwhile introducing themto a God who loves them. I’m thankful for ourBoard of Directors, who continually support andencourage us. We are also thankful to the churchfor letting us use the building for our school, andto those who help maintain such a beautifulbuilding.The Church Mouse has begunaccepting filled shoeboxes forOperation Christmas Child nowthrough November 9. The programis run by Samaritan’s Purse under the direction ofFranklin Graham. Shoeboxes filled with toys andtreasures are sent to children in countries wherethey live in devastating circumstances.Thedisplay, explaining the mission is downstairs at theend of the Nursery School hallway and also in thegreeting area of the church. Take an empty boxand take a moment to read the brochure for giftsuggestions and also for items NOT to send.Enclose 7.00 for each filled box to help theorganization with shipping costs. We will bringcollected boxes to Grace Fellowship North;therefore NO BOXES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTERNOVEMBER 9.We are excited about the upcoming Christmasseason, when we, a Christian preschool, have theopportunity to share the Gospel with our ChurchMouse families. Please keep us in prayer as wewind down from Thanksgiving and beginpreparations for Christmas pageants. I pray thatas we begin to feel rushed we would take amoment and remember to look to Jesus as thefocus of the season.Serving Christ together,Cheryl Dunkelbarger, Staff AdministratorYOUTH BIBLE STUDIESStephen Stewart, our Youth Minister, willbe leading community youth Biblestudies every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday ofeach month. Youth are invited to comefrom 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner is providedwith activities and study of God’s word.Bring a Bible and a friend! Bible Study location:Christ Church 15 East High Street, B. Spa.
PAGE9HOPE PRISON MINISTRYOne of the ministries that FBC supports throughthe Missions Committee is HOPE Prison Ministry.Here is an excerpt from their October newsletterthat gives a brief insight into what the ministry isall about.We are now investigating opening up inanother county jail which would bring us up to572 Bible studies a year. We are loaded rightnow, but if it is the Lord directing this call, howcan we say no? If this is to be, He will supplythe funds and the leaders.We want to thank all of you who pray for usand have helped us with financial donations.“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and hiscourts with praise; give thanks to him andpraise his name.” Psalm 100:4As the director of this ministry, I have so muchto be thankful for, especially our volunteers.They get a taste of both seeing men andwomen come to Christ, and they experiencethe rejection that comes when an inmatechooses not to accept Christ. Both ends of thespectrum seem to challenge them to do morefor the Lord. They are not bashful; they makea stand on what the Bible says. In one of ourlessons on the Bible we state, “If you say theBible is not true you are calling God a liar!”We had an older lady who had killed herhusband come to our Bible study in jail andgive her life to the Lord. After that she startedto live for Him enthusiastically in the jail. Shehas been a testimony for Him in her pod,which can be difficult because so manywomen do not want to hear about God’s love.She has brought nine ladies to our Bible studyand all nine accepted Jesus as their Savior andLord.Would you please pray with us and for us?One of the things that never seems to changein this ministry is a shortage of funds to do allthat we do. We are now working on and hopeto complete in the very near future three veryimportant tools which I believe will help usraise the necessary funds to keep this ministryafloat: the completion of our website; thecompletion of our seven minute video to goout to the churches and a multi-page overviewof what HOPE Prison Ministry is all about.Serving Him,Chaplain Donald C. WattsFounder, Director of HOPE Prison MinistriesIf you would like more information on HOPEPrison Ministries or would like to help, you maycontact Chaplin Don Watts at 384-1726, or emailhopepm@nycap.rr.com.RIDES TO DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTSCommunity Human Servicesoffers FREE transportation tomedicalappointmentsforresidents of Milton, Ballston andthe Village of Ballston Spa. Fordetails call 399-4624 or visitthem on the web at www.chsny.org.LET’S MAKE A DEAL!We want to close out ourlast 32 copies of the FBCCookbook. Get one foryour kitchen or to use as agift. Simply give NormaDunkelbarger a 10 bill orcheck and that money willgo into the fund for FBCscholarships. You maysee Norma in theHistorical Room afterworship service mostSundays, or contact her at885-6698.ANDOne of our FBC members will match each 10donation with his own 10 contribution to the CityMission Thanksgiving Dinner Fund. Thanks foryour help.
PAGELIBRARY CORNERChildren’s Books:1. Thanksgiving: What Makes itSpecial? by Harold Myra Thanksgiving is more than“Turkey Day”.2. The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving by AnnMcGovern A simple text explains to childrenevents that led to the celebration ofThanksgiving.3. On the Mayflower by Kate Waters Voyage ofthe ship’s apprentice and a passage girl.4. Samuel Eaton’s Day by Kate Waters A day inthe life of a Pilgrim boy.5. A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman No turkey for Thanksgiving? How aboutluring one to town? But what happens whenthe “plump and perky turkey” is smarter thanthe townsfolk?6. Sometimes It’s Turkey—Sometimes It’sFeathers by Lorna Balian Thanksgiving dinnerturned out to be an unusual occasion.7. It’s Thanksgiving Day! by Mary PackardChildren’s Books & CDs:1. The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty Nottoo little to make a friend!2. Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes Amodern day rhyming story about Thanksgiving.3. Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation by DianeStanley An interesting adventure aboutThanksgiving in the past and present.4. The Best Thanksgiving Ever! by Teddy Slater A whimsical tale in rhyme.5. The Great Turkey Race by Steve MetzgerChildren’s DVD:1. Princess and the Pop Star from Veggie Tales A lesson in being yourself.Teen’s DVD:1. Hangman’s Curse (book also available) byFrank Peretti Watch your locker. Watch yourback. Watch your soul.2. Runaway from Feature Films for Families Aremis is about to learn firsthand the importance of people helping each other.Adult Books:1. The Queen by Steven James2. Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans 10Outfitting yourself for the battle.3. The Sky Is Not Falling by Charles Colson Living fearlessly in these turbulent times.4. The Promise by Tony Evans ExperiencingGod’s greatest gift, the Holy Spirit.5. Loving God by Charles Colson What does itmean to love God?DVDs:1. Love Comes Softly Series #1 through #8 Allbased on the novels of Janette Oke.2. Back When We Were Grownups Did you everhave the feeling you turned into the wrongperson?Enjoy!Mary MorelockNovember Birthdays1st Karen Kersch1st Pastor Alan Rudnick2nd Lynn Anderson3rd Adriane Juracka7th Tim Seager7th Tammy Townson12th Paul Pelliccia16th MaKayla Keefe19th Ashlyn Kersch20th Judy Finigan20th Jay Mullin23rd Liam O’Connell25th Elvira CoxNovember Anniversaries1st Fred and Linda Uline2nd Jerry and Vallee Albert5th Jordan and Amanda Curley6th Sanford and Mary Ann Becker11th Carl and Mary Englehart27th Raymond and Evelyn MarshallIf we missed your birthday or anniversary,please let the church office know!
6:30 p.m. DiscipleBible Study9:00 a.m. Sunday School6:00 p.m. YouthBible Study6:30 p.m. DiscipleBible Study266:30 p.m. DiscipleBible StudyMessenger Deadline10:30 a.m. Worship Service25 9:00 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship ServiceRev. Rudnick Book Signing6:00 p.m. YouthBible Study10:00 a.m. FoodPantry2710:00 a.m. FoodPantry10:00 a.m. Rip NRoll189:00 a.m. Sunday School192:15 p.m. Maplewood Manor206:30 p.m. First NightCraft Night10:30 a.m. Worship ServicePantryBound!Commitment Sunday7:00 p.m. BoardMeetings13 10:00 a.m. Food12 4:00 p.m. Book7:00 p.m. ElectionDay Communion11 Stewardship10:30 a.m. Worship Service9:00 a.m. Sunday School6:00 p.m. YouthBible Study10:00 a.m. FoodPantry6:30 p.m. DiscipleBible StudyDaylight SavingTime Ends6 Election DayTuesday5Monday4 All Saints SundaySunday7:00 p.m. ChoirRehearsal5:30 p.m. WednesdayNight DinnerBeginnings28 1:00 p.m. New7:00 p.m. ChoirRehearsalBeginnings21 1:00 p.m. N
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson BookBound! THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BALLSTON SPA BOOK CLUB ELECTION DAY BROOKS ' C HICKEN BARBEQUE Tuesday, November 6, 4-7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church 22 West High St. Don't miss out on the locally famous Brooks' Chicken Barbeque! Half a chicken, coleslaw, roll, baked
