Debbie Schroeder
Executive Director
Bridge Ministry of Burton, Texas
The Corner Shoppe
Volunteers and staff
Come visit us Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Our History
Formed in 2010 by 13 inspired churches, we have been sharing God's love through action and giving. Bridge Ministry of Burton, Texas is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community. Burton is a community of 300 residents with a population of 3,500 in the western Washington county service area. We have five ministry teams: children and youth, seniors, manna, helping hands, and community relations.
Board of Directors
Our dedicated Board of Directors meets monthly and provides daily or weekly stewardship and oversight of our programs and ministries.
Bill Comiskey, treasurer
Barbara Donnelly, president
Ivenus Garcia
Carol Gaskamp
Tracy Patterson, secretary
Gary Rothermel
Pastor Marcus Snowden, vice president
Advisory: Madeline Johnson
Staff
Betty Clark, The Corner Shoppe (Mondays to Wednesdays)
Velta Clifton, Volunteer Coordinator
Linda Knipstein, The Corner Shoppe (Thursdays to Saturdays)
Julie Mallette, The Corner Shoppe Furniture Store
Debbie Schroeder, Executive Director
Our Founding Churches
Bethany Church
Christway Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church
First Baptist Church of Burton
Greenvine Baptist Church
Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Hollow Springs Missionary Baptist Church
St. John's Missionary Baptist Church (now closed)
St. John's United Church of Christ
St. Mary's Baptist Church
St. Paul's Lutheran Church Rehburg
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Zion Hill Baptist Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas
February 2024 Newsletter
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
Furniture building ribbon-cutting February 24! Read more in this newsletter...
“Lean On Me”
With January’s freeze and endless rains, we’re all looking forward to a better February, because surely the weather can’t get any colder or wetter.
But sometimes things do get worse. Through our network of volunteers and clients, we know many who are struggling with death, illness, lack of resources, legal issues and so much more. Prayer helps, and God wants us to let Him carry our burdens, but it’s also important that we support each other.
Bill Withers’ song, “Lean On Me,” reminds us that we should try to help others in their time of need. It’s not just selfless charity, though, because there will come a time when we ourselves need an assist. I’ve seen that over and over again these past few months — volunteers and board members have stepped up and done the heavy lifting when they see that somebody else is struggling. “For it won’t be long, ‘Til I’m gonna need, Somebody to lean on.”
This month we’re wrapping up the Souper Bowl of Caring project, and we hope that you can continue to donate canned soups, chili, and new socks.
With gratitude,
Debbie Schroeder, Executive Director
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas • 601 North Main or by mail at P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835
burtonbridgeministry.org • burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com • 979-337-3370
February Calendar
Souper Bowl of CaringFebruary
Black History MonthFebruary
Wholesale food delivery at Manna Food PantryFebruary 2
Valentine’s DayFebruary 14
Ash WednesdayFebruary 14
Wholesale food delivery at Manna Food PantryFebruary 16
Burton Storytime at The Corner ShoppeFebruary 16
Presidents’ DayFebruary 19
Grand Opening of New Furniture BuildingFebruary 24
Boutique Furniture Ministry to Open in New Building
Our furniture ministry isn’t necessarily new. Ever since folks began donating “big stuff” to our ministry, we have found a way to resell gently used tables, sofas and chairs to help sustain our programs and services. Thanks to the kindness of past landlords Robin Connell (Timpson Quick Stop) and Heather and Mike Blakey (Haven Blakey), as well as through creative promotions on Facebook Marketplace and a lot of hard work by Board President Barbara Donnelly, our furniture ministry has developed a loyal following.
Not only does this ministry generate revenue for Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas and help to make it a sustainable nonprofit, but we’re also able to sell affordably-priced furnishings to folks in need or on a budget. We provide an eco-friendly avenue for those who are downsizing or managing an estate, thus keeping those items out of landfills.
For those who have lost their home due to flood or fire, we also are able to donate five pieces of furniture to Burton-area families struggling to rebuild. It’s amazing how quickly these gently used kitchen tables, washer/dryer sets, and bookshelves find new homes.
The grand opening of our furniture building is set for Saturday, February 24 at 307 North Brazos, right behind The Corner Shoppe, with a ribbon-cutting at 9:45 a.m. We’ll have door prizes and free giveaway goodies for those in attendance. Beginning in March, the furniture building will be open the same hours as our thrift store — Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We are so grateful for our wonderful volunteers who have stepped up to help run the expanding furniture ministry. These efforts include accepting donations, loading furniture into vehicles, staging the merchandise, maintaining a list of locals who are willing to deliver for a small fee, and curating the wish lists of area designers.
The ministry will be coordinated by furniture leader Julie Mallette, who already has been busy moving inventory over from the old Foehner Funeral building to create an inviting retail experience for bargain-hunters, antiquers, and savvy shoppers.
The merchandise changes all the time, but for this big grand opening visitors will find baker’s racks, pie safes, rustic wooden benches, outdoor furniture, an Adirondack chair, designer upholstery pieces, a two-basin outdoor doggy washtub and so much more.
We remain eternally grateful for everybody who has donated to our Growing With God’s Grace
capital campaign. You stepped forward in faith and embraced our dream for a better future, and this ministry arm would not have been possible without your support.
You also can support our ministry by donating gently used furniture or estates, by volunteering, and by shopping with us. We’ll celebrate with coffee from Neon Moon Coffee Roasters on the morning of Saturday, February 24. Please respect our residential neighbors along North Brazos by parking in front of the bird houses, along East Burton, or by walking uphill from North Main near the White Horse Tavern. Thank you!
We are still requesting donations to help underwrite the remaining construction expenses for two mini-splits (HVAC), electrical work, gravel for the parking lot, signage, insurance, and construction management.
Financial donations can be made:
• By mailing your check to Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas at P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835 (earmarked capital campaign)
• Via PayPal through our website at https://burtonbridgeministry.org/Donate, or by looking up our phone number through your PayPal account: 979-337-3370.
• Through our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/growing-with-gods-grace-capital-campaign
February is National Black History Month
This National Black History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of Black Americans to our country and recognize that Black history is American history and that Black culture, stories, and triumphs are at the core of who we are as a nation.
But what does that mean for us closer to home, here in Burton?
The Long Life Brotherhood Club is preserving history at its property on West Branch, and on the first of August annually celebrates when the news finally arrived that slavery had been abolished.
The Texas Cotton Gin Museum provides the opportunity to listen to oral histories through one of its exhibits.
Interested readers can purchase copies of Annie Maud Avis’ History of Burton from the Burton Heritage Society. And a quick trip to our local cemeteries will reveal notable last names of families who have made Burton home for generations.
Through Burton Bridge Ministry’s Facebook page, you can watch videos of Chris Evans (president of Long Life Brotherhood), the late Orangetta Johnson (an early founder of our ministry), and Themotric Roberson (who volunteers for our pantry). Visit https://www.facebook.com/BurtonBridgeMinistry/videos.
About ten years ago the Texas State Historical Association created the Handbook of African American Texas, an online resource that features more than 850 entries on African Americans in Texas. It makes for a deep dive into all kinds of fascinating topics, including music, architecture, sports, religion and government.
Did you know that every single Manna Food Pantry volunteer who interacts with pantry clients takes civil rights training? The annual course reinforces the promise that, in accordance with federal civil rights law, our pantry will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
On a more basic level, this training reminds us that fair treatment has not always been guaranteed for Black Americans. The concept of fairness, or the Golden Rule, is found in these Bible passages: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
For more information about Black History Month, visit https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/projects/african-american-texas, https://www.burtonheritagesociety.org, and
https://www.texascottonginmuseum.org.
Burton Bridge Ministry’s boutique thrift store accepts gently used donations of clothing, goods and household décor. These items are lovingly curated and sold at affordable prices to the community.
February 1-3
The skies might be cloudy and gray, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sparkle and shine. Stop by The Corner Shoppe this week for half price savings on jewelry, as well as clothing for men, women, children and infants. There’s never a better time for a “glow up,” and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase helps support Burton Bridge Ministry’s programs and services.
February 8-10
Laissez les bons temps rouler with fabulous savings on baubles, beads and glittery goodness for celebrating Mardi Gras with style. Valentine’s Day items also are on sale this week, where you’ll find the perfect gift for that special someone. Also marked half price are purses, as well as shoes for the whole family.
February 15-17
Get a jump start on next year because we’ve slashed prices on all Mardi Gas and Valentine’s Day items to make room for new merchandise. If it’s gold, purple and green, or decorated with red and pink hearts, then chances are great you’ll find some oh-so-fab deals.
Also on sale this week are fabrics and linens (sale does not include sewing or quilting items).
February 22-24
Our glassware selection is huge, and this week savvy shoppers will discover half price deals on glasses and goblets. Mix and match to your heart’s content and “treat yourself” to something nice.
February 29-March 2
It’s a “Manager’s Choice” weekend so check out our Facebook page for special deals on select items, or stop by and enjoy the surprise in person. We’re so grateful for your continued donations of clothing, shoes and home goods – and it’s always a pleasant surprise to see what’s ready for sorting, curating and merchandising. Come and share the joy of discovery.
Be sure to like and follow the Burton Corner Shoppe on Facebook. Preview selected merchandise prior to each Thursday’s opening on Facebook. All sales exclude “red dot” merchandise.
The Corner Shoppe
307 North Brazos, Burton
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays
979-289-2223
Facebook.com/burtoncornershoppe
From Madeline Johnson
Burton Bridge Ministry holds a very special place in my heart because of the wonderful people I have met there. Thank you for your support and prayers as my family and I mourn Wes' death. I love all of you and plan to be actively involved again in this loving ministry. Thank you!
Madeline’s husband, John Wesley Davenport, died on December 28, 2023.
Senior Fellowship and Meal
We welcome anybody 55 and older to join us most Fridays for the Senior Fellowship and Meal. No reservations are necessary for dine-in service, and the suggested price is $4.
Where: St. John’s UCC, Family Life Center, 516 North Colorado
When:Fellowship and games from 10 a.m. until noon
Bingo at 11 a.m.
Lunch is served at noon
Upcoming Menus:
February 2: Chili, corn casserole, beans (catering by Madeline and Cindy, with volunteers from Zion Lutheran Church)
February 9: Cowboy Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread (catering by White Horse Tavern, with volunteers from Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church)
February 16: Creamy Cajun chicken, salad, bread (catering by On Deck, with volunteers from St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg)
February 23: Beef vegetable soup, salad, cornbread (catering by The Cooking Team, with volunteers from Greenvine Baptist Church)
If you want a “to go” meal, call 979-337-3370 by Tuesday. We suggest you arrive at 12:10 p.m. to pick up your meal.
If you’re 55+ or have health issues that require you to stay home, let one of our volunteers deliver a hot meal to you each Friday at no charge. Our delivery area is limited to Burton. Call the Bridge office, 979-337-3370, for more information. If you will not be home to receive your meal, call Lois Mooney at 979-421-0617 or tell your driver.
We’re always looking for relief drivers to help out when one of our regular drivers is unable to make the deliveries.
Burton Storytime on February 16
Parents and grandparents are invited to bring their toddlers and homeschoolers to the next Burton Storytime on Friday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m. on the front porch of The Corner Shoppe, 307 North Brazos. Guardians must remain with children at all times. For information, to be a guest reader, or for businesses interested in hosting the next storytime, please contact Brit Russell at britvw@gmail.com.
Our Partner Churches
Bethany Church
Christway Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church
First Baptist Burton
Greenvine Baptist Church
Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Hollow Springs Baptist Church
St. John’s United Church of Christ
St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Zion Hill Baptist Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas Board of Directors
Bill Comiskey, Treasurer
Barbara Donnelly, President
Ivenus Garcia
Carol Gaskamp
Tracy Patterson, Secretary
Gary Rothermel
Pastor Marcus Snowden, Vice President
Advisory: Madeline Johnson
Administrative Office
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
2023 Days and Hours of Operation:
Mondays9:30 a.m. - Noon
Tuesdays9:30 a.m. - Noon
Wednesdays2:30 - 5 p.m.
We will be closed on major holidays.
Manna Food Pantry
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
Serving those who live within the Burton Independent School District
Days and Hours of Operation:
Mondays10 a.m. - Noon
Tuesdays10 a.m. - Noon
Wednesdays3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays9 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
Manna Works to “Go Green”
Please help the Manna Food Pantry “go green” by donating reusable cloth, nylon, Tyvek or canvas shopping bags for our pantry clients. Please drop bags off at 601 North Main while our pantry is open. Our pantry clients love receiving these bags and are actively re-using them!
Souper Bowl of Caring (and Socks)
During the month of February, we are asking for donations of canned chili and soup for the Manna food pantry. Canned chili with meat is always popular, and soup favorites include chicken noodle soup, anything from the Progresso line, and any of the cream-based flavors: cream of mushroom, potato, chicken, celery, asparagus, bacon, and broccoli.
We’re also looking for donations of new socks for men, women, boys, girls and infants. Drop donations at 601 North Main on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Classrooms and schools are invited to report their donations at tacklehunger.org.
Happy February Birthdays
Happy birthday to Nicholas Hawkins (February 2), Allyne Emshoff (February 3), Karen Eikenhorst (February 18), Bonnie McClain (February 20), Jimmie Eckert (February 21), Karen Heine (February 25), and Cindy Lyles (February 27).
Milestones
We extend heartfelt prayers and sympathy to Board Member Gary Rothermel and his family upon the passing of his mother, Virginia Ruth Kneschke Rothermel, who died on January 24, 2024. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 305 West Third Street (Brenham), where she served on the Altar Guild, sponsored acolytes, kept church and communion records, helped on the newsletter assembly committee, and attended adult Bible study.
Free English Classes for Spanish Speakers
¿Quieres aprender inglés o hablar mejor inglés? Asista a nuestra clase gratuita los miércoles por la noche en Burton Bridge Ministry, 601 North Main. Comuníquese con nuestra oficina al 979-337-3370 o burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com, o con nuestra instructora Susan Fernbach al 713-201-2772 o susanfernbach55@gmail.com.
Do you want to learn English, or speak better English? Attend our free Wednesday evening class at Burton Bridge Ministry, 601 North Main. Contact our office at 979-337-3370 or burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com, or our instructor Susan Fernbach at 713-201-2772 or susanfernbach55@gmail.com.