BRIDGE MINISTRY OF BURTON, TEXAS
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
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Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas
August 2023 Newsletter
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
August Message From the Board of Directors
Trusting in God
By Tracy A. Patterson, Co-Secretary
It seems like when it rains, it pours. A person may feel that they cannot catch a break, or may think to themself, “What did I do to deserve all the hardships that I am going through?”
Upsets can be small (a road rage driver on Highway 290, dropping a carton of milk on the floor), or they could be major like a disconnect notice or receiving a negative report from the doctor. No matter how many storms or trials that you are facing, remember there is one person you can call on no matter the time of day.
That person’s name is God. He is there to comfort, listen and walk with you through the storms and valleys that you may be going through. Take comfort in this passage from Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God will give you the strength to face the challenges that may arise in life. God will turn our sorrow and tears into something good if we just trust God.
All we have to do is keep our trust in God and He will do the rest. It may seem that nothing is changing for the better but, remember, God is working on your behalf.
Romans 8:28 tells us that, “All things work for good for those who love the Lord and who have called according to His purpose.”
We shouldn’t let anything shake our trust in God, because He will always be there — even when we feel like we are alone.
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
“Celebrating Great Country Duets”
It may feel like we’re a thousand miles from nowhere but, for one magical night in August, Nashville will be right outside our door. The very talented Allison Crowson and The White Horse Tribute Band are fixin’ to bring the best duets from country music to the Burton American Legion stage.
Crowson tells us they’ll be showcasing “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You” by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, “We’re Gonna Hold On” by George and Tammy, “Better Move It On Home” by Porter and Dolly, and “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” by Conway and Loretta. And if you’re not yet on a first name basis with these country greats, then maybe it’s time to get in touch with your pickin’ roots.
Fiddler Paul Schlesinger will be in the house and is guaranteed to get the crowd moving with his fast-paced music. “He definitely has a following,” says Crowson.
The line-up also includes a pair of vocalists well-known to local music fans. “Becca and Rusty are from Giddings,” says Crowson. “They sing a really good brother-sister harmony.”
Anybody who has ever been to one of Crowson’s concerts knows that it’s more than just great music; she also knows how to put on a show and make sure the audience members are smiling from ear to ear. “Oh yes,” says Crowson. “Wigs are definitely in play.”
Partner churches are cooking up a heaping helping of Sister Ivenus Garcia’s world-famous chicken spaghetti, and the dessert ladies are dusting off their time-tested recipes. The event serves as a fundraiser for Burton Bridge Ministry’s capital campaign.
“We’re just trying to put the finishing touches on our construction plans,” says the ministry’s Board President Barbara Donnelly. “We’re building out a furniture component to our thrift store, which will help us continue to serve the Burton area for generations to come.”
We’re hoping to raise enough money for an industrial HVAC system, as well as the electrical package for our new building. During this second phase of our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign, the ministry has already raised funds for engineering, dirt work, a concrete pad and the metal building. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024.
Allison Crowson and The White Horse Tribute Band are presenting “Celebrating Great Country Duets” on Thursday, August 10 at the Burton American Legion Martin Louis 242, 13100 West Washington. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m., show is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person (includes dinner and show). Pay with cash or check by calling Burton Bridge Ministry at 979-337-3370 or White Horse Tavern at 979-277-5768. Pay online by visiting burtonbridgeministry.org.
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:
Aug. 4: King Ranch casserole, salad and bread (catering by On Deck, with volunteers from St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg)
Aug. 11: Cheese enchiladas, charro beans and Mexican rice (catering by Juanita’s Tacos, with volunteers from Greenvine Baptist Church). Save room for dessert, because we’re planning to serve ice cream and sweet treats leftover from the August 10 fundraiser.
Aug. 18: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, mixed greens and dinner rolls (with volunteers from St. John’s United Church of Christ)
Aug. 25: Chicken Alfredo, salad and bread (catering by White Horse Tavern, with volunteers from Zion Lutheran Church)
Sept. 1: No meal due to the Labor Day holiday weekend.
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. Call the Bridge office at 979-337-3370 for more information. Our delivery area is limited to Burton.
Long Life Brotherhood’s “First of August” Celebration
The news that slavery had finally ended reached our region on the first of August, 1865. The Long Life Brotherhood organization continues a generations-long tradition of celebrating this event, and will hold its “First of August” event on Saturday, August 5 at 12419 East Branch.
Your support helps with the preservation and improvements of the circa 1919 lodge building. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Chris Evans at 832-692-7057.
Better Than an Old-Fashioned Barn-raising
Please join us on two Saturdays (August 19 and 26) as we form a human conveyor belt and move boxes from our client’s old home to a newer home with better living conditions. Time is critical as he has been given a deadline to vacate his old home by the end of August.
It’s both the easiest move in history (the properties are side by side at 12314 and 12316 East Hickory) and also the most difficult move (brother Ira is leaving behind memories of his dear mother, Minister Sarah Jane Basey).
Many hands make light work and we’re hoping volunteers from the community, our partner churches, the school, and civic groups can chip in to help. Ira will stand on the porch of his old home and hand out boxes, and a trusted friend will be on the receiving end, placing the boxes inside his new home.
If you can help, please contact us at 979-337-3370 or burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com. Work will begin at 8:00 a.m. and we hope to wrap up by 9:30 a.m. on each of the Saturdays.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help paint accessibility ramps for neighbors in need. The ramps already have been constructed by The Texas Ramp Project, and the coat of nonslip paint will provide safety for the homeowners while also preserving the wood. There is a small ramp on Old Gay Hill Road, and a longer ramp on Taplin Lane.
There are many ways to help out at our Client Choice Pantry. Help unload the food truck on the first and third Fridays, or volunteer when the pantry is open by checking in clients, stocking the shelves, carrying out groceries or flattening boxes.
We’ve got another major project that involves dismantling a mobile home, salvaging any scrap metal, and finishing the demolition so that the mobile home can be removed from the lot. Work dates depend on volunteer schedules. Please consider working together as a classroom, church group or team to make a difference. Roll-off or dumpster providers willing to offer compassionate pricing should contact our administrative office.
The Corner Shoppe
August 3-5
Back to school doesn’t have to break the bank. Save big on all children’s clothes this week at The Corner Shoppe, where clothing is marked half-off. You’ll be so thrilled with the savings that you’ll want to treat yourself, too, with fabulous deals on clothes, shoes, jewelry and handbags.
August 11-12
Thursdays are always exciting at The Corner Shoppe, when regular shoppers arrive early to see what’s new in the store. But be sure to come back this Friday and Saturday for tax free shopping on select items, such as clothing, footwear and school supplies.
August 17-19
Whether you’re planning a new quilt top or redoing the bedroom, savvy decorators won’t want to miss half price deals on fabrics and linens this week at The Corner Shoppe. Your children will want to bust open those piggy banks because toys are also half price this week.
August 24-26
It’s a “Manager’s Choice” weekend so check out our Facebook page for special deals on select items. From comics to collectibles, and everything in between, feel good knowing that your purchase helps underwrite Burton Bridge Ministry’s programs and services.
August 31-September 2
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Forrest Gump’s mama said it first, but our hard-working volunteers experience it every week. We are so grateful for our community and your regular donations to our 24/7 donation box. Stop by this week and find something sweet and special.
The Corner Shoppe
307 North Brazos, Burton
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays
979-289-2223
Facebook.com/burtoncornershoppe
Furniture Ministry
We also accept gently used furniture, appliances and estates. Discover our inventory on Facebook Marketplace. Look for Burton, Texas and if the seller is board president Barbara Donnelly then you’ve found our virtual store. Contact Barbara Donnelly at 281-686-4822 or
barbarajodonnelly@gmail.com.
— JOB POSTINGS —
Interim Office/Pantry Manager (temporary)
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas has an immediate need for an individual to administer programs and services during office hours, handle email and written correspondence, answer the phone, and manage our food pantry.
Food pantry requirements include maintaining food handler certification, taking annual Civil Rights and TEFAP training, and overseeing similar training for our pantry volunteers.
Serve as key in our food pantry on two Saturday mornings a month, oversee truck unloading days on two Fridays a month, ensure that perishable food is kept at proper temperatures, and safely store and label nonperishable food.
Process H1555 intake forms for new clients, determine eligibility, and report statistics to the Brazos Valley Food Bank at the end of each month.
There are many physical aspects to this job, including working in extreme heat or cold, and lifting large boxes or bags of produce.
This is a temporary, part-time, paid position that begins August 28 and ends when the position of executive director has been filled. All duties will take place at our office at 601 North Main in Burton; none of the work can be done remotely.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for both this position as well as the executive director position. If interested, please send your resume to Madeline Johnson at madeline@industryinet.com.
Executive Director (permanent)
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas is in search of a permanent, part-time executive director. Duties include serving as the public face of the ministry and nurturing and maintaining relationships with donors, clients, church partners, board members and volunteers.
Administrative Office
• Make sure that the office is opened, closed and managed during advertised office and pantry hours.
• Answer the phone. Check and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Answer emails in a timely manner.
Church Relationships
• Maintain relationships with church partners.
• Make a presentation to each church or Sunday School class at least once a year, or attend a worship service, whichever is more appropriate.
Donor Relationships
• Write “thank you” letters for financial donations, as well as non-monetary gifts, with the goal of getting letters out within a week of receiving the donation.
Volunteers
• Tally annual volunteer hours by ministry.
• Keep master spreadsheet of all volunteers, including the four ways to invite them to events (email, USPS, phone call, text).
• Annually produce the following information for our 990 tax return: the number of unique volunteers and the total number of volunteer hours.
• Update and maintain birthday list; send out birthday cards to all volunteers.
Meetings
• Plan and attend the twice a year Pastors’ Advisory Meetings.
• Plan and lead the quarterly team leader meetings.
• Create Executive Director report and attend the monthly Board of Directors meetings.
Community and Fundraising Events
• Oversee aspects of major events, such as volunteer appreciation event, annual Thanksgiving meal, and fundraisers.
Food Pantry
• Handle all of the food pantry duties listed in job posting listed above, with the goal of eventually identifying volunteers to handle those duties and serve as team leaders.
Clients
• Connect clients with available resources for benefits, handicap ramps, transportation, etc.
• When grants are available, distribute funds for rent, mortgage and utilities.
Helping Hands
• Distribute box fans in the summer.
• Distribute space heaters in the winter.
Summer Day Camp
• Handle all in-office aspects of Bridge Summer Day Camp (background checks, camper rosters, t-shirt orders, in case of emergency, medication forms, bus routes).
Supplies
• Order supplies for the office or ministry areas, with the goal of finding the most economical options. When possible, source supplies from the thrift store.
The Executive Director will take direction from the Board of Directors, and will manage staff for The Corner Shoppe (thrift store), office, pantry, housekeeper, and the volunteer coordinator.
This is a permanent, part-time, paid position. Some work can be done remotely, while other duties will take place at our office at 601 North Main in Burton.
Board meetings are held in the evenings, and most church services are on Sundays.
If interested, please send your resume and letter of interest to Madeline Johnson at madeline@industryinet.com.
This job posting closes on September 5, 2023.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas Board of Directors
Bill Comiskey, Treasurer
Barbara Donnelly, President
Ivenus Garcia
Carol Gaskamp
Madeline Johnson, Co-Secretary
Tracy Patterson, Co-Secretary
Gary Rothermel
Pastor Marcus Snowden, Vice President
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
Administrative Office
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
2023 Days and Hours of Operation:
Mondays 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesdays 2:30 - 5 p.m.
We will be closed on major holidays.
Food Pantry News
Manna Food Pantry
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
Beginning September 1, 2023, serving those who live within the Burton Independent School District, as well as western Washington County.
Days and Hours of Operation:
Mondays 10 a.m. - Noon
Tuesdays 10 a.m. - Noon
Wednesdays 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
Community Donations
This month we’re asking for loaves of bread. For several months the Brazos Valley Food Bank has been unable to send us breads or sweets. Simply keep the bread in your freezer until it can be dropped off at 601 North Main. We’re open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
New Signage at North Main
We already had been blessed by the capacity grant that was awarded to us by the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Those initial funds went toward a generator, propane tank, appliances, thermometers, dedicated outlets and electrical infrastructure.
There were still some unspent funds remaining and we were able to purchase technology, locksmithing, exterior signage, an educational banner and a “pantry is open” flag.
Thank you, Brazos Valley Food Bank!
September Re-enrollment
Each September we re-enroll clients at our food pantry. During re-enrollment, we must see each client in person the first time. Once enrolled, clients can designate a proxy to pick up their groceries.
Septiembre Reinscripción
Cada septiembre volvemos a inscribir a los clientes en nuestra despensa de alimentos. Durante la reinscripción, debemos ver a cada cliente en persona la primera vez. Una vez inscritos, los clientes pueden designar a un representante para que recoja sus compras.
Eligibility Requirements
Beginning September 1, 2023, the Manna Food Pantry will serve residents who live within the Burton Independent School District and who qualify through the Texas Commodity Assistance Program. The below income guidelines remain effective through June 30, 2024.
Number of household members = 1; income should not exceed $26,973 (annually), $2,248 (monthly) or $519 (weekly)
Number of household members = 2; income should not exceed $36,482 (annually), $3,041 (monthly) or $702 (weekly)
Number of household members = 3; income should not exceed $45,991 (annually), $3,833 (monthly) or $885 (weekly)
Number of household members = 4; income should not exceed $55,500 (annually), $4,625 (monthly) or $1,068 (weekly)
Number of household members = 5; income should not exceed $65,009 (annually), $5,418 (monthly) or $1,251 (weekly)
Number of household members = 6; income should not exceed $74,518 (annually), $6,210 (monthly) or $1,434 (weekly)
Number of household members = 7; income should not exceed $84,027 (annually), $7,003 (monthly) or $1,616 (weekly)
Number of household members = 8; income should not exceed $93,536 (annually), $7,795 (monthly) or $1,799 (weekly)
For each additional person, add $9,509 (annually), $793 (monthly) or $183 (weekly).
Use your gross income to determine eligibility. Farmers and self-employed households qualify based on net income (total income minus expenses). A household with unexpected and unavoidable expenses of a household crisis may qualify for temporary, emergency food assistance without regard to the household’s gross or net income.
Other ways to qualify include individuals who are receiving one or more of the following types of assistance: Temporary Assistance To Needy Families (TANF / AFDC), SNAP (Food Stamps), SSI, Medicaid, CHIP or WIC. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Utilice la cantida de ingresos para determinar su elegibilidad. Los agricultores y los hogares autónomos califican Sobre el ingreso neto (ingreso total menos gastos). Un hogar con inesperado e inevitable gastos de una crisis familiar pueden calificar para ayuda alimentaria de emergencia sin consideración a la cantida de ingresos o netos del hogar. Esta institución es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.