Donor Spotlight: Jean Bushnell
A Quiet Life, a Lasting Legacy A short story by Dawn Jones
You know those small-town churches, the kind where generations of the same family have sat in the same pews, Sunday after Sunday. A place where faith is passed down, where families grow together, and where community means everything. That was my home church, First Baptist Church, South New Berlin, NY, a church filled with history, love, and devotion. Like so many small congregations, ours had begun to shrink and age, and many wondered what the future would hold. Then came Jean.
Jean was someone you might not expect to change the course of a church’s future. She was quiet, humble, and steadfast, a woman who lived her faith every day. She worked at the Upstate Home for Children followed by 30 years of service at the local hospital. She gave her time and talent to her church and community. She played piano for the seniors in nursing homes, offering comfort through music, kindness, and presence. What truly set Jean apart was the quiet way she lived her life – and how deeply she gave. When Jean passed, no one could have imagined the gift she left behind
Through her estate, Jean made a planned gift to her church. First Baptist Church of South New Berlin partnered with the American Baptist Foundation to establish an endowment in Jean’s name, the Bushnell Living Investment Fund. Her gift has become a lasting source of strength and stability for the ministries she cherished most. Today, her generosity continues to support a part-time pastor, the food pantry, and the missions she championed for decades. Jean’s story is more than one of generosity, it’s a beautiful example of how one person’s faith can shape the future.
8
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online