BRIDGE MINISTRY OF BURTON, TEXAS
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
May 2023 Newsletter
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
Message From the Board of Directors
by Carol Gaskamp
As we remember ALL mothers on Mother’s Day…
All women are not mothers, but all women are called to mother. Mothers come in many shapes and forms. To mother is to nurture, encourage, to educate, and to rear. Mothers do not focus solely on themselves and their own families. They are wonderfully enabled with the ability to assist their friends and neighbors in need.
On the first Christmas Day, Mary gave birth to a son and immediately tended to his physical needs by cleaning and wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes. Mothers care for their children’s needs by clothing and feeding them. They rock them to sleep, and sooth and nurse them through illness.
When King Herod tried to kill Jesus, Mary fled to Egypt to protect her son. Mothers protect and guide their children from evil forces in their lives that could harm them.
The gospel says that Jesus was obedient to Mary, just as Mothers have high standards for conduct and rules for their children.
Mary stood at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified and suffered with him. She never abandoned him even in adulthood and the worst of times. Mothers stand with their children through life, in good times and bad, in selfless enduring love.
Many of those who come to our food pantry are mothers who are simply trying to care for their families. Please consider, if you are called to mother, that you are abundantly enabled to care for your friends and neighbors in need. Mothers all have one thing in common: They want a better life for their children.
This Mother’s Day, let us recognize all mothers. The ones who nurture their children here on Earth, and the ones who carry their children in their hearts.
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
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
Our Partner Churches
Bethany Christian 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
Furniture Ministry
BIG Furniture Sale!
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
13560 West Washington, Burton
We’re filled to the rafters with donated furniture over at the old Foehner building, and everything must go as the property has been listed for sale.
Church pews, couches, dining room tables, armoires, recliners and more are all half price.
What’s in stock? Get a sneak peek at the type of inventory we have by visiting Facebook Marketplace. Look for Burton, Texas and if the seller is board member Barbara Donnelly then you’ve found our virtual store.
Your purchase helps support Burton Bridge Ministry’s programs and services. Cash only, please.
The Corner Shoppe
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.
May 4-6:
Get a jump start on summer and find shorts, tops, and sporty vacation wear for 50% off this week, when all clothing and jewelry goes on sale.
May 11-13:
You’re sure to be mom’s “favorite” when you find just the perfect gift for Mother’s Day this week at The Corner Shoppe. Save 50% on shoes, purses and cosmetic bags.
May 18-19:
Give your tablescape a makeover and find fabulous deals on select dinnerware — including complete sets — this week at The Corner Shoppe. Handy men and women will want to mosey on over to the “Man Cave” for great deals on tools, fix-it-up supplies and more.
May 25-27:
It’s a “Manager’s Choice” weekend so check out our Facebook page for special deals on select items.
The Corner Shoppe
307 North Brazos, Burton
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays
979-289-2223
Facebook.com/burtoncornershoppe
Furniture Sale
Saturday, May 6:
Save 50% on all furniture at our BIG Furniture Sale at 13560 West Washington. Shop 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the old Foehner building. Cash only, please
Burton Bridge Ministry accepts donations of furniture, appliances and estates. Contact Barbara Donnelly at 281-686-4822 or barbarajodonnelly@gmail.com.
Client Choice Pantry
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
Serving Washington County
2023 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.
Administrative Office
601 North Main • 979-337-3370
2023 Days and Hours of Operation:
Mondays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesdays Noon - 5 p.m.
We will be closed on major holidays.
Business Service Center
Job-seekers can come to our office at 601 North Main and borrow a computer to create a resume, look for a job, or gain training through workintexas.com. We have a dedicated printer for printing cover letters and resumes.
While here, visit our “Dress for Success” clothing racks for interview-quality garments for men and women.
Our business center is available when our administrative office is open.
Help With Social Services
With advance notice and preferably by appointment, a representative from the Brazos Valley Food Bank can be on site at 601 North Main to provide no cost application assistance for social services. They also can connect you with local resources for employment assistance, housing and rental assistance, utility assistance, and more. Please make an appointment in advance to ensure you are bringing the required documentation. For more information, contact our administrative office at 979-337-3370 or email burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com.
Assistance for Rent, Mortgage and Utilities
Burton Bridge Ministry has received limited funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (Phase 39 and 40), as well as the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds can be used for qualifying Burton residents who need assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities (as well as residents of western Washington County). The funds must be spent before the end of 2023. Brenham residents seeking financial assistance should contact Faith Mission at faithmission.us or 979-830-1488.
Client Choice Pantry Celebrates Its First Year
In April 2023 we celebrated our first full year operating a Client Choice Pantry.
There have been food and feeding programs in this area for decades, beginning with rural produce drops, to the pantry we operated out of the Burton Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 1, our partnership with Bread Partners, and later our mobile food pantry that distributed food once a month out of the parking lot at St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Your donations to Phase I of our capital campaign helped make all of this possible. By allowing our thrift store to move to a larger space, the property at 601 North Main turned out to be perfect size for our pantry. Thank you!
Eligible clients from Washington County are able to shop with dignity three times a month. The pantry is open nine hours each week, with staggered hours that fit most schedules.
No longer must our clients wait in their vehicles for long hours during inclement weather. Nor are we asking our volunteers to stand out in the hot summer heat or miserable winter cold.
Clients with physical disabilities can even receive curbside shopping service under the porte cochere.
Through the end of March 2023, we were serving 423 unique individuals from 167 households. Of those served, 159 are between the ages of 0 and 17, while another 72 are aged 65 or older.
By providing fresh and seasonal produce, proteins, and nutritious nonperishables, we know that we are making a difference for families in this food desert.
If this subject touches your heart, please consider helping:
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Your donations earmarked for “food and feeding programs” help offset the cost of our wholesale food orders. Mail checks to P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835.
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Variety is the spice of life, and we continue to request nonperishables and farm-fresh eggs from churches, Scouts, schools and area businesses. Please bring donations to 601 North Main.
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We also need volunteers to help unload the food truck on the first and third Fridays of each month, around 10 a.m.
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Other volunteers are needed to work in the pantry on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays. Civil Rights Training is required on an annual basis.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com.
Mark Your Calendars:
April 24-May 2 — Early Voting
May 6 — Election Day
May 14 — Mother’s Day
May 29 — Memorial Day
June 18 — Father’s Day
June 19 — Juneteenth
July 4 — Independence Day
July 31-August 4 — Bridge Summer Day Camp
Bethany Church Events
All are invited to attend Bethany Church’s new Chapel building on Sunday, April 30 from 2-5 p.m. at 8955 Christian Cemetery Road. Please come and see what the Lord has done. A scrumptious meal will follow the service.
All workers, contractors and volunteers who helped build Bethany Church’s new Chapel building are invited to attend a special service on Sunday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. Those who helped with construction will be honored and recognized. A Sunday dinner will follow. Please plan to come and bring your families.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you agree with us that “meals on wheels” are a pretty big deal, then consider delivering hot meals to homebound senior citizens most Fridays. We have various routes available, and this important ministry also brings a smiling face and a brief “check-in” to area seniors. Pick up packaged lunches in the late morning from St. John’s United Church of Christ and then take the meals to those on your assigned route. We are currently looking for two drivers, as well as a substitute to fill in when our regular drivers have other commitments.
If you’ve got the gift of hospitality, consider cooking once a month during our Senior Fellowship and Meal. Using our time-tested recipes, shop for the groceries mid-week and then start chopping and cooking around 7 a.m. on the assigned Friday morning. We are blessed to use the “chef’s dream” kitchen over at St. John’s United Church of Christ, and you’ll have a team of volunteers to help with serving and clean-up.
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 are looking for a few folks to help out at The Corner Shoppe, either on a regular basis or to substitute when other volunteers can’t come in. Work behind the scenes sorting, pricing and merchandising donations while the store is closed, with the biggest need being on Tuesdays. Or greet customers, work the cash register and wrap up purchases when the store is open, Thursdays through Saturdays.
Burton Bridge Ministry will be engaging in a series of focus groups this year so that we can better understand the needs of our community. We are looking for a team leader to facilitate a series of public forums and listening sessions. This will include training leaders on asking prepared questions, finding volunteers to record the concerns, and planning and organizing the forums at area churches and geographical locales.
We’re looking for a sharp and compassionate individual to run the administrative office this summer during our executive director’s planned absences. Answer the phones, reply to emails, and be on site at our office at 601 North Main. Hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m. Training will take place early in June and the dates when we need office help are June 22-July 10 and also July 31 through August 4.
We’re looking for someone to plan a Job Fair. We have contacts at Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley, and a list of hiring agents. Help bring economic opportunity to Burton and lift our neighbors into better circumstances.
We’re also looking for a Helping Hands leader who can visit client homes, assess their needs, establish a budget, and supervise a team of volunteers to work on site. Past projects include accessibility ramps, skirting, clearing debris, and minor home repairs.
Contact Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com.
Growing With God’s Grace Capital Campaign
Our furniture sales help underwrite Burton Bridge Ministry’s programs and services. But this also is a ministry: we sell affordable furniture to young families or those on a budget, we can donate five pieces of furniture or appliances to those recovering from a disaster (after initial relief from the Red Cross), and we help area homeowners re-purpose the furnishings they no longer need.
Our furniture donations are currently being stored in the old Foehner Funeral Home on West Washington, but the owners have listed the property for sale.
With the goal of advancing plans for a 1,800 s.f. furniture building with a 300 s.f. overhang behind our current thrift store, we have made further progress.
Gessner Engineering has completed its geotechnical report and calculates that the potential vertical rise of the soils on our North Brazos property to be 1.75 inches. They have recommended a stiffened slab-on-grade foundation, with a recommendation that a minimum of four feet of existing material be overexcavated and a minimum of four feet of select fill be compacted in place as needed to form a level building pad.
A review set of the structural designs for the foundation was to be delivered by April 28, with the opportunity for revisions before the final construction documents are sealed. Contractors interested in bidding on dirt work, the concrete pour, a metal building, or an industrial HVAC system should request a bid packet from our administrative office at burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com or 979-337-3370.
We are grateful to those who are serving on our building subcommittee:
Mickie Angerame
Heather Blakey
Barbara Donnelly
Bev Houston
Jerry Martin
Paul McLaughlin
Gary Rothermel
Susie Tommaney
Tom Whitesides
Save the date for our next fundraiser, tentatively scheduled for August 10 in partnership with Allison Crowson.
To donate to our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign, please make checks payable to Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas and mail to P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835. Or donate online athttps://www.gofundme.com/f/growing-with-gods-grace-capital-campaign.
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 N. Colorado
When: Fellowship and games from 10 a.m. until noon
Bingo at 11 a.m.
Lunch is served at noon
Upcoming Menus:
May 5: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and dinner rolls (with volunteers from Zion Lutheran Church)
May 12: White Horse Tavern’s Chicken Alfredo, salad and bread (with volunteers from Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church)
May 19: Fried chicken from Brookshire Bros., served with potato salad and mixed vegetables (with volunteers from St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg)
May 26: No meal (Memorial Day weekend)
June 2: On Deck’s creamy cajun chicken with pasta, salad and bread (with volunteers from Greenvine Baptist Church)
If you want a “to go” meal, call 979-337-3370 by the Tuesday prior. 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 our administrative office at 979-337-3370 for more information. Our delivery area is limited to Burton.
Bridge Summer Day Camp
Don’t miss out on all the fun — register now for the next Bridge Summer Day Camp, July 31-August 4, with another action-packed adventure at Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Greenvine Baptist Church, and the 10,000 gallon pool at Lutherhill LaGrange Facilities. Your children and grandchildren will experience God’s love through games, crafts, service projects, worship, song, STEM activities and more. Campers: Get your registration forms from Burton I.S.D., at the Bridge office, or through one of our partner churches. Or download registration forms at https://burtonbridgeministry.org/gallery/BridgeSummerDayCamp2023.pdf.
Who Says Summer Camp is Just For Kids?
When’s the last time you had a great answer to, “What did you do this summer?” Our Bridge Summer Day Camp has many opportunities for adults and teens to help make this a summer to remember for area children and grandchildren.
Volunteer opportunities include preparing and serving snacks, leading an arts and crafts class, running the outdoor games, or cleaning up at the end of each day.
We also need help getting ready for camp: preparing a list of camper allergies, assembling the daily route for the bus driver, picking up T-shirts, and making copies of the curriculum.
All camp volunteers must pass a background check annually, take our insurer’s Child Safety Course, abide by Burton Bridge Ministry’s child safety protocols, and ensure that all children are accompanied by at least two adults at all times.
There also is an interview process for volunteers who are new to our children’s ministry. If you can help, contact Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com.