In May, college junior Grace Clevenger reunited with a Belizean student that she met on last year’s mission trip. To learn how you can help others and volunteer close to home, please see page 7.
The Bridge A bi-monthly publication of Bridgewater United Methodist Church JULY & AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Letter from the Pastor This second issue of The Bridge got me thinking about, well, bridges. As we read the word “bridge” we will all picture something in our minds, but each of us likely sees a different bridge. There are so many different types: the rotting plank across the creek at your campsite; the rope bridge from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; massive suspension bridges like the Golden Gate. The more time we spend, the more models of “bridge” we conjure. Yet they all share at least one thing: they help transport things from one side of an obstacle to another. Bridgewater UMC exists to make ordinary people like you and me into extraordinary disciples of Jesus Christ charged with the not so simple task of transforming this world. How? Some quick perusing of civil engineering texts reveals that every bridge ever built consists of BATS - beams, arches, trusses, and suspensions. In ministry, we have our own formula: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Those are the supports that we use to lift one another up and span ever broader chasms between the people we have been and the people we hope to become. Each one of us has an opportunity to reach out like one of the many cables on a suspension bridge and lift up a particular ministry of this church. This issue is full of ways you can serve, volunteer, and minister to this world. There is something for everyone to do, and it is my prayer that you will find a way to lend your strength to raising up something new and exciting in Bridgewater this year. Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben Lee Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation
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Pastoral & Church Staff
651 Country Club Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908-526-1414 bridgewaterumc.org office@bridgewaterumc.org For questions or comments about this publication, please contact: veronica.sydlowski@gmail.com
Rev. Dr. Vicki M. Brendler, Senior Pastor Rev. Ben Lee, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation Rev. June Tamburro, Associate Pastor of Discipleship Jason E. Hill, Director of Worship, Music & the Arts Cathi Reckenbeil, Director of Ministries with Children, Younger Youth & Their Families
Nick Jankucic, Property Manager Jannet Poole, Administrative Secretary Janet Ledbetter, Administrative Assistant Diana T. Berenter, Childcare Coordinator Jeanne Alusik, Director of Children’s Corner www.theccorner.org 908-526-9596
Table of Contents 3
Faith, Family, Music Recent members Jim and Michelle Krynicky share their stories of faith and involvement in ministries at church
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Stephen Ministry A ministry that helps others through life’s challenges as a friend and sounding board
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Lend a Hand Be a “bridge” and help serve at church and in the community
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4-H & VBS Two great events to be part of August
10 Calendar Highlights Highlights of upcoming events in the church
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FAITH, FAMILY, MUSIC By: Veronica Sydlowski When Jim and Michelle Krynicky started attending Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC) three years ago, it offered them a service that worked around their infant daughter’s nap schedule and they were only a few minutes from their house. Since becoming members in spring 2015, BUMC has become something more – home. Church has always been a familiar place to Michelle and Jim. Michelle grew up at Bound Brook United Methodist Church and her favorite memories included youth group and bell choir. “Some of my friends I still keep in touch with from when I was younger were from church,” said Michelle. Michelle’s family still remains active in their church today. Her younger brother, Dave, was recently commissioned and is the new pastor at Vincentown United Methodist Church. For Jim, who grew up Catholic, he remembered going to church every week, but his favorite memory was the Christmas pageant. “I was a shepherd for many years and then I got promoted to innkeeper,” said Jim with a smile. He also played bass guitar in high school to help accompany the piano and “add some extra notes.”
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Jim’s interest in theology continued in college where it was one of his minors at Catholic University. He especially has an interest in using theological processes, such as those developed by St. Thomas Aquinas, with the study of philosophical works by Aristotle, Socrates, and Decartes. When Jim and Michelle started attending BUMC as visitors they recalled that they were welcomed warmly and quickly by others in the congregation. “Even though it seemed like everyone knew each other and we were outsiders, everyone took great care to make us feel welcome and wanted,” said Jim. Michelle added, “We also didn’t feel swarmed and were never pressured to join, which I appreciated because it was hard to switch [churches].” One ministry that has really impacted them is the Ministries with Young Families. With their daughter Olivia, 3, they have connected and met other young families with kids close in age. Michelle and Jim said how nice it was to be in a community of people that are in same stage of life and know that the kids will grow up together. “Church is such an important part of their lives and as she grows up she’ll have a group that can be good role models for each other,” said Michelle. “And I think part of
that goes back to when I was growing up how some of my closest friends I met through church. I want her to have that too.” They are hoping to get Olivia involved with Vacation Bible School and plan to enroll her in Sunday School and Cherub Choir in the fall. Music has been an influential experience to both Michelle and Jim. Michelle said one of her favorite experiences so far at BUMC has been ringing in the Jubilation and Wesley handbell choirs. She said “it’s nice adult time” and something she enjoys doing. Jim has been playing bass guitar with the Foundation Praise Team. Although Jim had not played guitar in 20 years, he said, “If it wasn’t for church I would never have picked up the guitar again. It gave me the chance to play music again which is cool.” One of his favorite experiences at BUMC was playing “Silent Night” on classical guitar during all of the Christmas Eve services. Music will likely be an important experience to Olivia as she grows up at BUMC. She can often be found dancing to the various songs during the 10:30am service and her favorite song is “Today is the Day.” Jim and
Michelle shared that Olivia wrote “sheet music” of that song and played it on her xylophone for their dog, Chase, to help him feel better. When Olivia is at home and talks about God unprompted or asks to do a prayer out one of her prayer books (or “Amen books” as she calls them), Michelle said she sees God in those moments. Since having Olivia, both Michelle and Jim acknowledged that it has impacted their own faith. “It’s not like we didn’t used to have conversations about [faith],” said Michelle, “but it’s like everyday something comes up either God-related or church related.” Jim added, “We’re both lifelong churchgoers, but because of Olivia we’re more active.” In addition to music, Michelle and Jim are also involved in other ministries. Michelle helps with Vacation Bible School and is a member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Jim also serves as an usher and is the technology chair. Although they have numerous commitments at church, Jim said, “it’s pleasant to come to church on Sunday. It’s something you look forward to.”
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Stephen Ministry: A caring friend during a difficult time By: Veronica Sydlowski Dave Rogers felt like he was in the midst of a hurricane. He had so many thoughts and decisions quickly swirling around and standing beside him was his Stephen Minister. “I was going through a tough time and there Stephen Ministers (L to R) back row: Barb Kucsan, Dave Rogers, were many scenarios that were Mark Papera, Jack Russell, Don Schulz; front row: Ken Temby, Betty beyond my control. When you Temby, Mary Beth Gruber, Kathy Schulz (not pictured: Sandy Allen, are in those situations, you can Dawn Berberian, Marjorie Hadley) lose objectivity and make decisions too quickly,” said Dave. “The key are there to listen, care, pray with or for is to get to the calm center of that storm you, and be a sounding board. She stressed and make decisions from there. [My that Stephen Ministers are not just for sad Stephen Minister] did not make decisions times, such as divorce or death of a loved for me, but helped me to get to a calmer one, but for times of adjustment such as place to look at different paths I could moving or having a baby. take.” Since 2006, Stephen Ministers and Leaders have been helping people at Currently, BUMC has 12 active Stephen Bridgewater United Methodist Church Ministers, 7 of which are Stephen Leaders. (BUMC) as well as in the community when They can often be spotted around church they are in the midst of a difficult or wearing their blue Stephen Minister challenging time in their life. nametag and/or shirt. Every Stephen Minister went through a 50 hour training “Stephen Ministry is having a caring process which consisted of reading, Christian friend to walk alongside you in discussions, lectures, and role playing. The whatever you are going through,” said Mary training goes through a variety of topics Beth Gruber, Stephen Leader and team such as providing distinctive Christian care, coordinator for BUMC. Mary Beth stated maintain confidentiality and boundaries, and that Stephen Ministers are lay leaders who knowing when to refer to a professional. 5 | | July/August
All Stephen Ministers complete continuing education and meet with other Stephen Ministers for peer supervision. According to the Stephen Ministries website, over 12,000 congregations in 170 Christian denominations have a Stephen Ministry program in their church. It was started by Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist in St. Louis, Missouri in 1975. He trained nine members of his church to become Stephen Ministers. According to the website, the name of “Stephen Ministry” came from St. Stephen who was the first lay person commissioned by the Apostles to provide a caring ministry to those in need. The process for receiving care from a Stephen Minister is simple. A person can reach out to Mary Beth or one of the pastoral staff. They fill out a referral form and consent to receive care from a Stephen Minister. Mary Beth works to match the person, or “care receiver,” with a Stephen Minister. She looks at the situation and may consider a person who has been through that experience, as well as the personalities and location. She tries to pair people up within a week and the Stephen Minister will make contact with the care receiver. A Stephen Minister can provide care regardless of whether the care receiver is a member of BUMC.
anything about the identity or situation with anyone, including other Stephen Ministers. As stated before, Stephen Ministers are lay people. They are not professionals nor are they there to make decisions for a care receiver. Mary Beth said that being “caring, having faith and desire to help someone” are important attributes of a Stephen Minister. She added that you do not have to be a Biblical expert to be a Stephen Minister. For Dave, after receiving care he wanted to return the favor to others. “The program had a huge impact on me at a time when I needed something the most. And I wanted to give back to someone else what the program had given to me. I look at it as being part of a community, helping each other at difficult times and supporting each other.” Dave added, “ I would say that there are times in all our lives that we do need support from each other. We are a community and I believe the most important thing we can remember is that we do not stand alone.” If you have any questions or would like to have a Stephen Minister, please contact Mary Beth at 908-872-0503 or Rev. Vicki Brendler at 908-526-1414 x3 or stephenmin@bridgewaterumc.org
Stephen Ministry also takes confidentiality very seriously. They do not disclose July/August | | 6
Check out these volunteer opportunities to get involved SUNDAY MORNING Tasks that need volunteers on Sunday mornings during, before, or after services. Offering Counters: Volunteers are needed to help count Sunday morning offerings after the 9am service. Prior experience is not necessary, counters work in a team of 3 people, and help/training is always available. Contact Pat Bodden at pnbodden@gmail.com for more information. Nursery Helpers: This is an important ministry to parents in our congregation and a great way to welcome those who are new to our community with small children. Must be 18 years old or older to help care for our babies and toddlers in the church nursery. Call or text Diana Berenter at 908-917-3414 for more information. Summer Refreshments at Fellowship Time: During the summer months a simplified Fellowship Time is available for those who join us in worship. A typical set-up might include cookies and fruit, juice and water (and using paper products). For 7 | | July/August
more information please contact Kathy Schulz at 908-391-7464 or kathyschulz@comcast.net or Sandy Allen at 908-707-0842 or sateach05@hotmail.com. A signup sheet is also available in Fellowship Hall. Visitor Center: Help welcome guests to the church at the Visitor Information Center for both services. Training is provided. Contact Nate Hart at larimarn@verizon.net for more information or to volunteer.
MEALS & FOOD MINISTRIES Volunteers needed to prepare and serve meals to those in need. Covenant Meals: The Covenant UMC in Plainfield provides a hot meal to the community every Monday of the year. With the help and support of several other churches, including BUMC, guests are welcomed as Christ and provided a nutritious meal. If you would like to be part of this local, hands-on ministry on July 11, 18 or 25, please contact Rev. June Tamburro at june.tamburro@gmail.com.
Meals Ministry : Volunteer on an as needed basis to make a meal for members for occasions such a new baby, moving, health issues, etc. Contact Jen Schaber at jennifer.schaber@gmail.com for information or to be added to the Meal Train group list.
OFFICE ASSISTANCE Volunteers needed to help with miscellaneous tasks in the church office during the week. Weekly Office Help: Volunteer one morning a week to help out with general office procedures—copying, folding, learning to make booklets, preparing mailings, straightening worship materials in the sanctuary, checking and tidying children's packets, etc. Please contact the office at office@bridgewaterumc.org to help or for more information. Mailing for Youth Programs: Office volunteers needed in mid-late August for about 2 hours to prepare and mail out letters to Sunday School families, middle school youth group (JYF) families, and young families (infants to 5th grade). Please contact Jannet Poole at 908-526-1414 x0 or office@bridgewaterumc.org.
YOUTH MINISTRIES Volunteers needed to help with youth programs. Sunday School Teachers: Sunday School teachers and substitutes are needed to teach 3 year olds to high school aged kids
from 9:15-10am from September-May. Teachers commit to 2-4 times per month and substitutes fill in when needed. Training is provided, and substitute teachers are available as needed. Please contact Cathi Reckenbeil at 908-240-2060 or cathi@bridgewaterumc.org for more information. Confirmation Mentors: Mentors needed to work with a confirmation student throughout the year as they prepare to confirm their faith. For more information, please contact Rev. June Tamburro at june.tamburro@gmail.com
FAMILY PROMISE Volunteers needed to help with this ministry that helps homeless.
October 2-7: Looking to spend a few hours on a worthy cause and take time to relax, read, knit, catch-up on emails while gaining an understanding to a homeless guest’s situation? Family Promise has worked with hundreds of families and helped them achieve their personal goals. To continue to be successful we need evening and overnight hosts, prepared meals supplied and some supplies. For further information please contact (general questions) Celine August at celaug15@cs.com or Donna Ramos at dramos401@hotmail.com or (hosting schedule) call or text Ann Roberts at 908-507-6520. July/August | | 8
Food at the 4-H Fair A great opportunity to serve and meet others is at the Somerset County 4-H Fair located at North Branch Park in Bridgewater. The 4-H Fair is free and runs from August 10-12 from 10am-10pm. In the food tent, Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC) sells pizza and drinks. Volunteers are needed in several different areas: Donations of beverages: cases of 16 oz. water bottles and cases of cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Raspberry Iced Tea, Orange Soda, Grape Soda, Root Beer, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Diet Dr. Pepper OR cash to enable the purchase of
whatever beverages are needed for the stand. Staff the pizza booth: volunteers are needed to help keep pizza warm, complete transactions, and greet patrons. Volunteers are needed for 3-hour shifts between 10am and 10pm. Attend the fair and encourage others to come! For more information or to volunteer, please contact Christine Dombrowski at 908-208-6110 or cjdombrow@gmail.com or Dawn Berberian at 908-313-2828 or mrsbb1@verizon.net
August 1-5 9am-12pm Come learn about God’s love through games, stories, and crafts! Ages: 3 years old—4th grade (must be potty trained) • Cost: $25/child or $50/family
Register online at: http://www.vacationbibleschool.com/BridgewaterUMC Contact the church office for more information: 908-526-1414 9 | | July/August
July and August Highlights To see more events and details, please visit our online calendar at bridgewaterumc.org JULY 2016
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Young Families Pool Party Infants through 1st grade; see church office for address
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Vacation Bible School 9am-12pm Somerset County 4-H Fair North Branch Park, Bridgewater NJ
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Young Families Lake Day Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon, NJ
10am-2pm
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JYF Welcome Pool Party (5th-8th grade) See church office for address
3pm-7pm
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Wednesdays at the Fire Pit 7-7:30 • July & August
Join us for music, prayer, scripture, conversation, and roasted marshmallows July/August | | 11