The Charles Wesley Singers from Damascus United Methodist Church (Damascus, MD) visited Ballston Spa on the tail end of their international tour to Canada. They gave an amazing concert on June 23 at First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa.
Youth choir & orchestra performing at FBC
June 11, 2012 by
The Charles Wesley Singers and the Youth Orchestra of the Academy of St. Cecilia from Damascus, Maryland will make a stop here in Ballston Spa on their way to Canada. They will preform here at the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa on June 23 @ 6:30 PM.
The major work for the choir and orchestra will be John Rutter’s arrangement of spirituals called Feel the Spirit. Written in 2001 and premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York, the seven movement work is for mezzo soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra. The seven spirituals include Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho, Steal Away, I Got a Robe, Sometimes I Feel like A Motherless Child, Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Deep River, and When the Saints Go Marching In. The collection is made up of quite a variety of styles and moods, but most compelling and exciting to sing.
The Charles Wesley Singers (CWS) choir is a cornerstone of the youth ministries at Damascus UMC, singing at the 8:15 a.m. service every Sunday of the year except when they are on tour or retreat. Begun in 1988, CWS has a long history of touring both in the United States and abroad. Stays in Oregon, California, the Midwest, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alaska, New England, Chicago, Texas, Minnesota, and New York, as well as visits to Canada, England, Scotland and Wales, and a tour to northern Germany in 1996, have been part of the choir’s experience over the last 24 years.
First Baptist receives new Youth Minister
June 6, 2012 by
First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa is excited to announce that Stephen Stewart will be our new part-time youth minister. Stephen brings a wealth of experience working with youth in this area and abroad. He worked at Willowfield Church, Belfast, Northern Ireland from 2008-2009. Stephen assisted with an active youth ministry there and helped supervise kids clubs, after school programs, school visits, retreats, and church services in Northern Ireland. Locally, he served with Schenectady City Life in Schenectady, NY at their weekly outreach program and Christ the King Spiritual Life Center with youth retreats and camps. Also, Stephen volunteered with Youth for Christ’s Excel retreat weekend in 2012. In addition, Stephen was a AmeriCorps Youth Worker, Youth Recreational Center, in Cambridge, NY
Pastor Alan Rudnick, remarked to the congregation on the June 3rd church meeting: “I believe Stephen is a wonderful young man who has a compelling desire to reach young people for Jesus Christ. His gifts for ministry will great benefit our congregation. Stephen’s excitement for sharing the message of Christ will greatly impact our congregation and the community of Ballston Spa.”
The Pastor Staff Relations Committee chairperson, Carol Gerbing stated in a letter to the congregation: “I found Stephen to be an extremely likeable young man who obviously has a passion for Christ. Stephen has come highly recommended from area Christian leaders and seems very qualified for this position as demonstrated by his testimony, his faith and his demeanor. I believe that he would make a great youth minister that our young people would respond very positively to.”
While serving as part-time youth ministry for our church, Stephen will be working closely with Christ the King Spiritual Life Center and their local youth outreach program. Stephen begins his ministry at FBC in August.
June Messenger
June 5, 2012 by
“Have you found your place at the table?” The Charles Wesley Singers and the St. Cecilia Youth Orchestra are coming to FBC in June! FBC is having a garage sale. Get ready for Vacation Bible School. Read all about it in the June Messenger.
June Youth ignite Event
June 4, 2012 by
On June 3rd, youth from the village churches gathered together for a service project at Maplewood Manner. Youth served by digging, planting, and beautifying the grounds of the Maplewood. Check out their work and service to the community:
Vacation Bible School: Cave Quest
June 4, 2012 by
Vacation Bible School: Cave Quest
July 11-15, 2016
9:00-11:15 a.m.
Ground kids in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love.
Pentecost Sunday
May 29, 2012 by
This past Pentecost Sunday was a loud, spirit-filled, and moving time of worship. We celebrated the day with fellowship, balloons, singing, laughing, and learning about the disruptive nature of the Holy Spirit.
June youth ‘ignite’ event
May 24, 2012 by
Gathering together for our last ‘ignite’ gathering till the fall! We’ll gather for dinner and unleash the youth into Ballston Spa on service projects for our community. Bring your friends! Dinner is free! June 3 @ 5:30-7:oo p.m. Check out pictures from our last ignite event.
