Basic UMC
In Fall 2018, the Virginia United Methodist Foundation was met with a unique need. Basic UMC is a multi-cultural church that has been a Mission to the Poor Center since 2001. They literally open their doors to everyone and are servants to the community. District Superintendent, Dave Rochford, said this about Basic UMC and its ministry:
“The United Methodist Foundation made an extraordinarily generous gift to a Staunton District church with the most ordinary of names: “Basic UMC.” Located in old Basic City (now a part of Waynesboro), this historic church has been fundamentally transformed into a community that lives out its mission to the poor and marginalized, seven days a week. Comprised of all the ethnicities present in its mission field, Basic hums with Sunday morning worship in English and evening worship in Spanish, and weekly worship services come with a meal on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. Its Hispanic congregation is one of the largest in our Conference, and includes a weekly ministry with the children of the community that helps out with homework and life-skills. Basic is without question one of the most expressly missional, high-engaged-in-its community churches I have ever experienced, and I invite anyone to stop to see and study up on what God is doing here.” – the Rev. Dave Rochford, Staunton DS
When I arrived at Basic UMC to learn more about the church, I was greeted by Rev. Chad Beck, who is in his second year as pastor of the church. Chad is fluent in Spanish and preaches at both the traditional service and the Hispanic service. Chad’s wife is from Mexico City, and the Hispanic culture is very familiar to both of them. Also, I was met by Mr. Jerry Campbell who is a Lay Speaker, working on being a Certified Lay Pastor, and is the cook for the Wednesday night suppers. Jerry knows everyone and is involved in every aspect of the ministry. These two gentlemen gave me a tour of the church and outlined the many ministries that happen at Basic UMC
- Sunday morning – Traditional Worship in English
- Sunday night – Contemporary Worship in Spanish
- Wednesday Night Supper- supper, worship and give food away
- Saturday Morning Breakfast – breakfast, worship and food give away
- After School Ministry – four days a week – help with homework and life skills
Basic UMC has a partnership with Blue Ridge Food Bank and Food Lion. Together, they give away tons of food. Additionally, they are developing a partnership with “Just Neighbors” so they can help Hispanics with cultural and legal issues.
Rev. Don Gibson started God’s Table and the Hispanic service in 2005. As the pastor of Basic UMC for thirteen years, Don dedicated countless hours to making the church a multi-cultural home for everyone.
Rev. Chad Beck and Jerry Campbell work tirelessly to make Basic UMC a home for the homeless and a haven for those who are searching for a place to be loved. It is exciting to see a truly missional church in action. The Virginia United Methodist Foundation is happy to help in their ministry and we invite other churches, organizations and individuals to join us by supporting and praying for Basic United Methodist Church.
