The Bridge
A bi-monthly publication of Bridgewater United Methodist Church MAY & JUNE 2016 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Letter from the Pastor I am very excited to write the introduction column for our newest magazine-format publication, The Bridge. It has long been a dream of mine (especially since the Carillon ceased to exist last year) that we would have some format to tell our community stories in a way that was engaging and inspiring! There are so many wonderful people who make up our congregation; there are so many faithful servants of Christ who are doing amazing things to change the world for good because of their faith; there are so many truly life-giving ministries that we engage in here at Bridgewater United Methodist Church—and yet, we have failed to tell our stories very well. It is my hope and prayer that The Bridge will become a vehicle for us to do just that: to highlight faithful church members and their ministry among us; to help tell the stories of people making a difference in the world because of the actions and presence of our church community. Since I was a little girl, the church has been formative in my faith journey. Within the community of faith I was taught about the love of God until I was able to receive that love and knowledge for myself. Through the ministry and witness of faithful church members who were my Sunday School teachers, youth group advisors, and pastor, I have been motivated and inspired to teach others about the hope of new life in Christ. I have seen the power that faith has given people to battle addictions, heal broken relationships, defy the odds to beat illnesses, and to work for justice. These things really make a difference; they are life-giving. Christian people of faith make a difference in the world one life at a time. You and I make a difference because of what we do when we come together as the Body of Christ. So I hope that you will enjoy and be inspired by what you read within these pages; that it will help you grow in your faith, and will encourage you to make a difference too! Blessings on the Journey,
Rev. Vicki M. Brendler, Senior Pastor 1 | | May/June
651 Country Club Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908.526.1414 bridgewaterumc.org office@bridgewaterumc.org Pastoral & Church Staff Rev. Dr. Vicki M. Brendler Senior Pastor Photo Credit: Robin Bonner
Rev. Ben Lee Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation
Rev. June Tamburro
Table of Contents
Associate Pastor of Discipleship
Jason E. Hill
3-4 Team Vital A new ministry that is dreaming big for the future of the church
Director of Worship, Music & the Arts
Cathi Reckenbeil Director of Ministries with Children & Younger Youth
5-6 Member Profile Longtime members Don and Kathy Schulz share their faith journey
Nick Jankucic Property Manager
Jannet Poole
7-8 Miriam Sunday A celebration of all music ministries will be shared on one special Sunday
Administrative Secretary
Janet Ledbetter Administrative Assistant
Diana T. Berenter Childcare Coordinator
Jeanne Alusik Director of Children’s Corner www.thecorner.org For questions or comments about this publication, please contact: veronica.sydlowski@gmail.com
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Senior Banquet A special farewell to our high school seniors
10 Calendar Highlights Highlights of upcoming events in the church May/June | | 2
Team Vital: “We need to change or we will wither away” By: Veronica Sydlowski Over the past several months, there has been a lot of talk going around Bridgewater United Methodist Church’s (BUMC) newest ministry: Team Vital. The new ministry has been tasked to help increase the vitality of the church through a new strategic ministry plan. “We’re not trying to throw away the good things about our church – we want to use those gifts. But we also need to change,” stated Team Vital co-chair Robin Bonner. Team Vital is an initiative through the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey to train churches around New Jersey on how to increase their vitality. They have come up with a program to assist congregations to assess their communities and ministry assets, become equipped for effective ministry, plan future ministry, and receive technical support. Additionally, the team has been provided with data – specifically the demographics of the area and projections of the growth and decline of certain age groups to help with determining the potential for growth in the 3 | | May/June
congregation. Several churches go through the process together and meet every few months to collaborate and keep each other accountable in their ministry plans. The team from BUMC includes: Rev. Vicki Brendler, Rev. Ben Lee, Rev. June Tamburro, Pat Bodden, Robin Bonner, Mary Beth Gruber, Frank Morano, Doug Parvin, Don Schulz, Greg Sydlowski, and Gerry Tamburro. The team was assembled to represent a diversity of ages, viewpoints, ministry involvement, and spiritual gifts. The program encourages a team of 8-12 congregational leaders because “the more cords in the rope, the stronger the rope.” Robin’s job as co-chair is to help convene and lead meetings, discuss and hit targeted objectives, and make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. She describes the team as “creative, joyful, faithful, and able to communicate well.” She also notes the importance of the team being able to think outside the box.
Members of Team Vital (L to R) at a recent meeting; back row: Rev. Beth Caulfield, Rev. Ben Lee, Pat Bodden, Doug Parvin, Frank Morano, Greg Sydlowski, Don Schulz; front row: Rev. Vicki Brendler, Mary Beth Gruber, Robin Bonner (not pictured: Rev. June Tamburro and Gerry Tamburro)
The team is also trying to preserve the delicate balance of making needed changes while continuing to use the gifts of the congregation.
The need for change has been in part driven by numbers. Since January 2010, the overall membership has dropped by 3%, but the overall weekly worship attendance has decreased from the mid-200s to the mid– to upper-100s. “We need to change because our attendance, giving, and new membership is down,” said Robin. The Team Vital program notes that there are five primary markers of vitality: worship, making new disciples, small groups, mission, and giving. Robin said that the team is self-aware of what the issues and challenges are, but some interesting and creative ideas
have been well received, especially by the pastoral staff. “The hardest part at this point is whether we are coming up with things that will help us be vital,” said Robin. She went on to explain that Team Vital will have ongoing goals that will hopefully spur new goals. “We want to create an atmosphere where new ideas can spread – that’s how you become and stay vital.” Over the coming weeks the team will finalize a comprehensive set of goals. Once the detailed goals are established, a ministry plan will be disseminated to church staff and leaders to maintain accountability and measure the success of each goal.
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“We’re all called to have a ministry role” By: Veronica Sydlowski Over 30 years ago, Don Schulz attended a Biblical Archaeology class as part of the “Lenten School” program taught by a professor from Drew University at Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC). He wasn’t a member, but a bit more like a spy to check out the program and see what it was all about. The Lenten School hooked Don and his wife, Kathy, and they’ve been members since 1984. They were also drawn in by the various programs for all ages and a strong youth program for their daughters to become involved in.
A Church Family Church has always been important to Kathy. She grew up in East Aurora, New York and every Sunday morning “my grandmother saved a pew for our family and come hell or high water we were going to be there.” Kathy remembered the church dinners and there was always something for someone, regardless of age, to do to help out. “We were all part of a family,” Kathy explained. “It’s where I got the idea of a church family.” Don grew up in Buffalo, New York with a mother who was Orthodox Catholic (with services in Ukrainian) and a father who was 5 | | May/June
Protestant. He was confirmed and attended church on holidays, but his parents did not attend church regularly. Years later while Don was in grad school he “was deep in the science field but needed something else.” He began to attend a church, but snuck out during the last hymn as he didn’t “want to get roped into church work.” One Sunday though the pastor caught him before he left. Don told him that he was getting married soon and when he did he would attend and stay through the whole service. Don kept his word.
Passion for Ministry On Sunday mornings it’s hard not see Don or Kathy around church. If you don’t attend their 10:30 Sunday School class, you may see them between services setting up food and beverages during fellowship time. Kathy has a lot of passion for United Methodist Women (UMW) ministry. She is proud of their involvement in education, ministering to women and children, and supporting the prison ministry. Don is involved in numerous ministries as well. He is a member of Team Vital and part of Stephen Ministry. Don’s most passionate ministry is Walk to Emmaus, a three day experience of Christian renewal and formation. Don has served as a team member as well as a lay director. “I’ve watched it be a milestone on a spiritual journey and very life changing for some others.” Don has also been serving as a colay leader in the church. Don explained that a lay leader is a two-way bridge between the congregation and pastoral staff. “Lay involvement is important,” said Don. “We’re all called to have a ministry role, not just the religious professionals.”
They have two grown daughters – Heidi and Kate. Heidi is the Chaplaincy Administrator for the Federal Prison System. She is married with 3 kids (11 year old fraternal twins and a 9 year old). Their other daughter Kate lives in Colorado. She is married with four kids (an 8 year old, a 5 year old, and 2 year old identical twins). Kathy enjoys art, especially printmaking and photography, and gardening. Don loves fishing. “I love the peace and quiet of it, but I never get to go,” he added with a laugh.
Kathy with her two daughters: Rev. Heidi Kugler (above) and Kate Halsey (bottom)
Outside of Church When they’re not at church, Don and Kathy still remain busy through work and time with family.
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Miriam Sunday: A celebration of music By: Veronica Sydlowski Moses parting the Red Sea is a well-known story of the Bible. Not as well-known is the role his sister, Miriam, played in the story as well. Upon hearing that Pharaoh was freeing them, the Israelites hastily packed up their belongings. Among their precious possessions were their musical instruments. As they made their march to and through the Red Sea, Miriam led the women in singing and playing their instruments to celebrate their freedom. In appreciation and honor of Miriam, on May 22 Bridgewater United Methodist Church (BUMC) will showcase the various music ministries at both services. Since joining BUMC 10 months ago, Jason E. Hill, Director of Worship, Music, and the Arts, has implemented numerous changes
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to the services. It can be felt everywhere from the displays on the credence shelf and bulletin formatting to the new music the choirs have been singing.
“I bring in what I know works and I’m bringing a fresh perspective [to find out] what is the voice of this congregation,” said Jason. Jason said that all music is looked over carefully to make sure that it is theologically correct and reflects what the congregation believes in. He also chooses songs that are singable for the entire congregation, thematic to the service and liturgical season, and focus on “us” and “we” more than “I” and “me.”
He strives to make sure that the music is “engaging at every level” and to find a balance so that the songs don’t speak to just a small percentage of people.
“I enjoy expressing my faith through the medium of music,” said Pam. “It is a spiritual outlet, an outpouring to the congregation, and a way to share that gift.”
“Worship is not about being entertained,” Jason explained. He frequently states during services that “worship is a verb and requires our active participation.”
Roni Sawin has also been involved for over 30 years in various music and bell choirs. She has been directing the youth and beginner adult bell choirs for over a dozen years. Roni and Pam both expressed how the choirs have become a “covenant group” for them. “We watch out for one another,” said Roni. Pam added, “We support each other which is what church should be about.”
An active music ministry has been a strong tradition at BUMC. Pam Lester, a longtime Sanctuary Choir member and chair of the Worship Committee, was initially drawn to the church over 30 years ago due to the choir. She and her husband Jim joined the choir as soon as they became members of the church and have been in the choir since. Even when their kids were young, she and Jim would hire a babysitter to watch the kids for their weekly Thursday “date night” to choir practice.
For more information about various choirs and schedules, please visit bridgewaterumc.org or contact Jason Hill at jhill@bridgewaterumc.org
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High School Senior Farewell CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Alexa Barbagallo Michael Degen
Patrick Gorman Adam Grant Aaron Janci Bennett Kautz Jonathan Kim Alan Kinzy Allyson Ledbetter
On June 12, high school seniors will be celebrated at the annual Senior Banquet. Along with their immediate families and past and current youth group advisors, each youth will be honored for their involvement in the church in this long standing annual tradition.
Allyson Gruber, who graduated in 2011, said, “It was a great way to celebrate our contributions and participation in the youth program at [Bridgewater United Methodist Church] BUMC. For me, it meant that my BUMC family was recognizing not only our participation, but really how much we meant to them.” She added that it was “an incredible feeling to have all that support during such a time period of change of graduating high school and choosing a college.”
Jana Leotta
Mark Malmstrom Victoria Marconi Clifton Mereday Mason Pagnotta Meredith Parvin Kristi Philipsheck Morgan Rinn Megan Roth
Kenzo Ueno Anne Varner Kelly Wabuda Anne Warner Sara Weingartner Megan Zierold 9 | | May/June
Although seniors know that they are being honored, the event itself is shrouded in some mystery to preserve the sacredness of the tradition. Allyson said, “The senior banquet is an important tradition because I know that going away to college was a major transition for me, and the senior banquet allowed me to feel like my [church] family would be there for me even while I was away.”
If you are interested in helping with the Senior Banquet, please contact Pastor Ben at blee@bridgewaterumc.org
May and June Highlights To see more events and details, please visit our online calendar at bridgewaterumc.org MAY 2016
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United Methodist Women’s Garage Sale
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(Rain Date May 14)
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Young Families Picnic
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Duke Island Park, Branchburg, NJ
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11am-1pm
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Relay for Life Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ
Last Day of Sunday School Miriam Sunday Formerly Music Appreciation Sunday
12pm-6am
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Young Families Brainstorming Session 7pm-9pm
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Senior Banquet 5pm-9pm
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Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Applebee’s, Bridgewater, NJ
8am-10am (last seating at 9:30)
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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: $20/child or $35/family before June 15 (after June 15: $25/child or $50/family) Volunteers needed (adults and 5th grade & older).
Contact the church office for more information: 908-526-1414
August 10, 11, and 12 North Branch Park Last year the concessions netted $5,353 in profits to go towards our ministries!
Volunteers and donations are needed for this year’s fundraiser. Please contact the church office at 908-526-1414 for more information. May/June | | 11