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BRETHREN JOURNAL April 2016/1

THE BRETHRENJOURNAL

BRETHREN JOURNAL January-February, 2000/1

Vol. 115 April 2016 No. 3 32 Pages

IN THIS ISSUE . . .Life’s Rhythm and Our Spiritual Lives . . . by Rev. Larry KoslovskyHer Final Words . . . by Jim PokornyHope Springs UP . . . by Rev. Vanessa MitchellMutual Aid Scholarship Announcement

. . . and more!

Quilting Ladies of Fayetteville and Industry Brethren ChurchesFront row, left to right: Barbara Arambula, Nancy Dorsett, Margaret

Michalsky, Burdine Divin, Ann Heintschel, Betty Yoakum, KarenKnickerbocker.

Back row: Sandra Stepan, Liz Ripple, Doris Ripple, Ginger Marshall,Shirley Conwill, Pastor Kay Polasek. (See story inside this issue.)

32/April 2016 BRETHREN JOURNAL

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Needed: FRIENDS OF THE BRETHREN JOURNAL– from the editor

The Brethren Journal has been publishing life and activitiesof the Unity of the Brethren in Texas for over 100 years. All of theseinclude records of weddings, baptisms, deaths, etc., of the minis-ters... when they were submitted. These records are invaluable forfamilies who wish to research their family history or activities thathave taken place in our congregations and the denomination. Itwould be fitting, in the eyes of the Brethren Journal BusinessCommittee, to ask for financial support for the continuation of thispublication.

If you wish to become a special FRIEND OF THE BRETHRENJOURNAL, please send your donation to the Business Manager(address inside front cover). These donations are tax deductible.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes toThe Brethren Journal, 705 Woodson Dr., Caldwell, TX 77836.


THE BRETHREN JOURNAL

EDITOR –Cathleen Schlechte3635 CR 225Caldwell, TX 77836(979) [email protected]

BUSINESS MANAGER –Ben Polasek705 Woodson Dr.Caldwell, TX 77836(979) [email protected]

BUSINESS COMMITTEE –President: Rev. Mike GrosecloseTreasurer: Dorothy MilbergerSecretary: Stacy Hooker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS –Daily Morsels: Dorothy Kocian,

107 S. Barbara, Waco, TX 76705-1317.Sunday School Helper: Angie Hairrell,

11482 FM 2155, Somerville, TX [email protected]

Jim Pokorny, [email protected];blog: otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

RATE – $15.00 per year via hard copy and/or email; $7.50 after June 1st(All subscriptions expire December 31st)FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, RENEWALS, AND GIFTSUBSCRIPTIONS, Hard Copy & E-Mail, writeThe Brethren Journal Business Manager (seeaddresses above.

FOR ADDRESS CHANGES – Include ad-dress label from your most recent issue andwrite to: The Brethren Journal BusinessManager, 705 Woodson Dr., Caldwell, TX 77836,or email [email protected].

FOR ADVERTISING –Rates (per column inch per year)

Commercial coverage – $50.00Religious coverage – $50.00

Write:The Brethren Journal Business Manager

FOR ARTICLE AND REPORTSUBMISSION – DEADLINE is the first dayof the month preceding publication.Write: The Brethren Journal Editor, 3635 CR225, Caldwell, TX 77836, or email:[email protected].

Permit #064220THE BRETHREN JOURNAL (ISSN 0006-9655)is published monthly except for January andJuly, which are bimonthly, at $15.00 per yearby The Unity of the Brethren through SuzAnneKurten dba Your Business Center, 1050 S.Hwy. 95, Taylor, TX 76574, 512-921-1068,periodical postage paid at Taylor, TX. POST-MASTER: Send address changes to The Breth-ren Journal, Attn: Business Manager, 705Woodson Dr., Caldwell, TX 77836.

Heartbeats; breath, in and out;stride and gate; even brain waves...All hum to a rhythm. In music... Timesignature tells the musician the num-ber of counts or beats in a measurewith the notes signifying the lengthof the beats.

Day follows night according toGenesis 1. Days turn into weeks,weeks into months. Months flow intoseasons of the year – spring, summer,fall, winter, and mark the broaderseasons of our physical lives.

Our spiritual lives follow a rhythmas well – daily and seasonally accord-ing to the church or liturgical calen-dar. Advent begins the church yearthat leads to Christmas that movesinto Epiphany. Lent, in the throes ofwinter, leads to Maundy Thursday,Good Friday, and the Great Sabbath,with all moving toward the Resurrec-tion... the authentic, abundant, al-ways life we have in Christ followedby Ascension and Pentecost.

The daily rhythm of our physicallives – morning, afternoon, evening,and night, become even more subdi-vided by worship and watches in thenight. The Psalmist speaks of thesegenerically

Life’s Rhythm and OurSpiritual Lives...Practicing the Presence ofThe I Am in Our Daily Lives

Larry Koslovsky,Pastor to Pastors

Crosby & Pasadena BrethrenChurches


FULL TIME PASTORSRev. Linda Von Chandler, 13108 North Ridge

Circle, Leander, TX 78641. (512) 836-2712Pastor Tim Chaplin, 1326 Starlight Dr., Temple

TX 76502. (254) 778-5954;[email protected]

Rev. Adolfo Gonzalez, 3913 Brinkman Drive,Port Arthur, TX 77642. (409) 293-2065

Rev. Michael Groseclose, 352 NelsonvilleChurch Rd., Bellville, TX 77418.(979) 865-3026

Rev. Jim Heckman, 9849 PR 1015, Rockdale,TX 76567. (979) 739-1393, leave message. Ifno answer, try 2nd number, (979) 200-0513;[email protected]

Rev. James D. Hejl, 309 Cherrywood Circle,Taylor, TX 76574. (512) 365-6890

Rev. Curtis Holland, 1017 Southwood, Waco, TX76712. (254) 776-5886

Rev. David Johnson, 902 Timberlane, Caldwell,TX 77836. (979) 567-1838(h),(979) 220-3822(c);[email protected]

Dr. Larry Koslovsky, 4311 Fir Valley Drive,Kingwood, TX 77345. [email protected](281) 328-2442 (off), (713) 594-4518 (c)

Rev. John Kueker, P.O. Box 325, Buckholts, TX76518. (254) 605-0434

Rev. Denise Mikeska, 409 E. Upshaw, Temple,TX 76501. [email protected]

Rev. Vanessa Lucia Mitchell, 2070 Carter LakeDrive, College Station, TX 77845.(979) 574-0268; [email protected]: notboxingtheair.wordpress.com

Rev. Joseph Polasek, P.O. Box 54, Snook, TX77878, (979) 272-1624;[email protected]

Rev. Kay Polasek, 705 Woodson Dr., Caldwell,TX 77836. (979) 220-1289;[email protected]

Rev. Mark Sebek, 9235 FM 437, Rogers, TX76569. (254) 931-2000;[email protected]

Rev. Thomas Tallas, 3829 Sandstone, SanAngelo, TX 76904. (325) 949-7543;[email protected] (h), [email protected] (ch)

Rev. Dr. Jerry L. [email protected]

Rev. Ron Winsman, 3112 W. Ave. R, Temple, TX76504. (254) 742-0827

DIRECTORY OF MINISTERSRev. Larry Zabcik, 2013 Burnie Bishop Place,

Cedar Park, TX 78613. (903) 265-2277;[email protected]

SUPPLY OR INACTIVE PASTORSRev. Charles Amos, 845 Airville Road, Temple, TX

76501. (254) 742-2629Rev. Whitney Amos, 845 Airville Road, Temple, TX

76501. (254) 742-2629Rev. Joe Emerson, 5404 Southern Crossing Dr.,

Temple, TX 76502. (254) 791-0420;[email protected]

Rev. Gordon Hejl (retired), P.O. Box 426,Granger, TX 76530. (512) 963-9219

Rev. James Henry (retired), 1726 15th Ave. N.,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 533-3893

Rev. William J. Hodge, 528 N. Post Oak Lane,Houston, TX 77024. (713) 957-8294

Rev. Robert W. Janek, 261 Edinburg, SanAngelo, TX 76901. (325) 942-8515

Rev. Lawrence Junek, 3316 Lyle, Waco, TX76708. (254) 714-2622

Rev. Eugene Kotrla, 4406 Antelope Trail,Temple, TX 76504. (254) 774-7484

Dr. Mark L. Labaj, 3410 Meadow Creek Lane,Temple, TX 76504. (254) 774-8179;[email protected]

Rev. Milton Maly, 6703 FM 2502, Brenham, TX77833. (979) 277-2619;[email protected]

Rev. Albert Michalik (retired), 304 ThunderValley Trail, Georgetown, TX 78626.(512) 688-1104

Rev. Al Newby, 2210 Forest Trail, Temple, TX76502. (254) 778-1860

Rev. Bill Rinderknecht, P.O. Box 228, Dennison,OH 44621-0228. (281) 433-7704 (cell);[email protected]

Rev. Nello Strickland, 1006 Top Hill Drive,Brenham, TX 77833. (979) 836-2609

Rev. Tony Taylor, P.O. Box 1680, Hilltop Lakes,TX 77871. (936) 855-2563

UNDER CALL OF THE UNITYMilitary ChaplaincyCH (Maj) Daniel Husak, 1627 Lakeview Street,

DeRidder, LA [email protected]

MINISTERIAL STUDENTSBen Kruse – [email protected]

(Westheimer)


Seven times a day I praise you...

Psalm 119.164

6p, 9p, midnight through the earlymorning hours, 6a, 9a, Noon, 3p calledthe office of the hours, divine officeor daily office, follow the Jewish senseof rhythm. Traditionally these arenamed vespers, compline, vigils, lauds,terce, sext, none.

In observing these rhythms asmoments of praise, they are not nec-essarily tied to the specific hour andminute, but may vary either before orafter in the rhythm of your own life. Ifind that I am able to observe thehours... some more, others less, ifnothing more than connecting themto the I am sayings of Jesus thatreminds me of His last words.... Andlo, I am with you always until the endof the age.

The desire is to be cognizant of theLord in all the days and seasons ofour lives. To tap into His presenceand allow the rhythm of the day to bemeasured out in moments of praise, ifonly brief to begin the rhythm ofwork, play, and rest.

As we mature, we find sleep to bemore evasive for the duration of 6-8hours. Those waking moments be-tween midnight and sunrise may beredeemed by prayer and watching forwe do not know the hour when theLord will return instead of fighting theinsomnia, the tossing and turning,and the frustration and anxiety thatcome with it. More will be said aboutthis later (vigils).

I AMIn seminary, I became fascinated

with Exodus 3.14. The God of theScriptures reveals Godself as I AMWHO I AM, which can also be trans-lated I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE(printed in Bibles as THE LORD). Inthe Lord’s revelation of Self, the Lordis not limited by any one name orconstruct, but rather chooses to re-veal and proclaim Godself in a varietyof ways in order for you and me ascreatures to experience and know theLord in our limited human way.

This theme lives throughout theGospel of John and the Book ofRevelation through the great I amsayings of Jesus...

I am the...Bread of LifeGood ShepherdAlpha and OmegaResurrection & the LifeVineLight of the WorldWay, Truth & the Life

A seminary assignment in NewTestament required me to creativelydepict a theme from the the richimagery of Johannine literature – theGospel of John, Letters of John andRevelation. I took the I am sayingsand turned these into bulletin covers,depicting these with illustrations &words. The finished product has longdisappeared, but I still gravitate to-ward these sayings in light of theLord’s revelation to Moses throughthe burning bush and the sayingsfound in John’s writings.


PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEEChairman: Jon Farrow:[email protected]; (254) 933-1673;(254) 718-1938Dr. Ron Dusek; (979) 567-3732;[email protected] Janac; [email protected];(979) 587-0363Dorothy Kocian; [email protected];(254) 713-2761Adviser: Dr. Larry Koslovsky:[email protected]; (281) 328-2442Synodical Committee Liaison: Kent Laza

DIRECTORY OF MISSIONARIES

Carolyn GrosecloseNDOP.O. Box 630260Choma, Zambiae-mail: [email protected]

Pastor Pavel and Stanya KozakNorska 4277900 OlomoucCzech Repubice-mail: [email protected]

Phil & Eunice Raiford(parents’ address in U.S.)230 SW Sandy WayPort Saint Lucie, FL [email protected]

Rob and Anne Thiessen25 E. Camino NacionalTlalixtac de CabreraOaxaca, MEXICO 68627(011) 52-1-951-145-8947e-mail: [email protected]

Michael and Caroline WooP.O. Box 27Chiang Mai 50000Thailande-mail: [email protected] access their pictures, go tohttp://gallery.mac.com/woofamily

HOME MISSIONS BOARDMartha Dove, chair; [email protected] Kruse (2010-2017);

[email protected] Ubanovsky (2011-2017);

[email protected] Hinson (2009-2017);

[email protected]. Kay Polasek (2015-2017);

[email protected] Mikeska (2015-2017);

[email protected] Chlapek (2015-2017);

[email protected]

SYNODICAL COMMITTEEPresident: Kent Laza, (979) 690-7608;

[email protected] Vice President: Rev. Mark Sebek, (254) 931-

2000; [email protected] Vice President: Rev. Michael Groseclose,

979-865-3026, [email protected] Vice President: Dr. Jerry Terrill, (281) 364-

9865, [email protected]: Angela Hairrell, 11482 FM 2155,

Somerville, TX 77879; (979) 219-1582;[email protected]

Treasurer: Harvey Treybig, 2504 Timberline Dr.,Austin, TX 78746; (512) 923-5315;[email protected]

Financial Secretary: Liz Ripple, 311 W State Hwy71, Fayetteville, TX 78940; (979) 378-2239;[email protected]

Ministerial Alternate: Rev. Larry Zabcik, (903) 265-2277; [email protected]

Pastor to Pastors: Dr. Larry Koslovsky;[email protected]

Non-Voting Lay Alternate:Wiley Marx (Ocker), [email protected]

Lay Members:Austin – Eric Haynes;

[email protected] – Jim Baletka; [email protected] – Kent Laza (President)Buckholts – Charlene Vogelsang;

[email protected] – Ron Dusek; [email protected] – Debbie Clark, [email protected] – Roger Runnels; [email protected] Box – Roberta Brinkman;

[email protected] – Sandra Stepan;

[email protected] – Liz Ripple (Financial Sec.)Good Shepherd – Alfredo WilsonGranger – Edwina Jezisek, [email protected] – Dorothy Hinson;

[email protected] – Joan Coufal; [email protected] – Harvey Treybig (treasurer)Nelsonville – Jenell Zettel, (979) 203-8390New Tabor – Rober t Schlechte;

[email protected] – Taylor Brinkley; [email protected] – Linda Planka; [email protected] – Genevieve Elliott-Bowman;

[email protected] – Leonard Mikeska; [email protected] – Angie Hairrell (Secretary)Snook – Yvonne Kovar; [email protected] – Sidney Srnensky;

[email protected] – Kellie Chaplin; [email protected] – Robret Berrie; [email protected] – Mark SurovikWest – Roy Janek; [email protected] – Leroy Par thum;

betty_par [email protected]


As a part of my experience at theAcademy for Spiritual Formation, aministry of The Upper Room, I havetaken the Psalmist schedule of praiseand the daily office to meter my ownlife with the I am sayings:

I am the...6p – Bread of Life

vespers practiced withthe Lord’s Supper inmany settings

9p – Good Shepherdor as one retires at night

12a-6a – Alpha and Omegamidnight through earlymorning hours

6a – Resurrection & the Life9a – Vine12p – Light of the World3p – Way, Truth, and the Life

In the course of the next severalmonths, I will introduce each of thesemarkers of the day, one at a time. Itwill give you time to experiment, add,take away, in other words, refine whatworks for you as you more intention-ally seek to be aware with the pres-ence of the Lord in relationship to therhythm of both the assigned timesand your own daily schedule.

Connected to each hour, alongwith the I am sayings, are a hymn,poem or writings, thematic Scriptures,and a prayer (see below). Write yourown prayers, add other Scriptures,poems, or thoughts that speak to theI am of the hour and speak to you.You may want to add pictures oricons. Add to, take away, whatever ishelpful to you in joining and keepingthe rhythm of prayer through thecenturies.

For this month, practice the pres-ence of Christ by remembering Jesusas the Bread of Life at the 6p hour.Now it does not have to happenexactly at 6p. An hour earlier or 30-45minutes later is fine. You work atbeing in touch with your own rhythmof the day. The challenge is simply toremember the 6p hour, known as Vesper.

The reason for starting at 6p istwofold. Genesis 1 reminds us thatthe LORD in the course of creationspoke of evening and morning as aday. As a result, the Sabbath starts atsunset on Friday and extends to Sat-urday sunset, the seventh day.

Jesus, as the Bread of Life, on thenight He is betrayed, takes bread,blesses it, breaks and gives it to Hisdisciples and us. Those on the roadto Emmaus who meet up with thestranger, Jesus, and walk until almostevening, then experience the pres-ence of the risen Christ in the break-ing of bread. As we approach the 6phour, for many of us, our thoughtsturn not only to ending of the day inour culture, but also our eveningmeal. Our supper, in light of HisSupper, can take on a sacramentalnature as we remember Jesus, theBread of Life.

The following serves as a guide-line. The goal is to mark this hour withsome moments of attention to thepresence of the Lord in your life.Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you interms of length of time devoted andmanner, for each of us our on our ownpathway of faith, experiencing Christ.


Nelsonville – Sunday School at 9:00 AMNelsonville – Worship at 10:15 AM

– Rev. Michael Groseclose

New Tabor – Sunday School at 9:30 AM &Worship at 10:30 AM every Sunday,“Tune Up” on Wednesdays, 7:30 PM.

– Rev. Dave Johnson

Ocker – worship at 10:15 AM every Sunday.Sunday School at 9:00 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Ron Winsman

Pasadena – Sunday School at 9:30 AMand worship at 10:45 AM every Sunday.Midweek Study twice per month onThursdays at 6:30 PM.

– Dr. Larry Koslovsky

Community Christian Church of Rosenberg –Sundays: Adult Bible Study and Sunday

School for children at 9:00 AM; worshipat 10:30 AM.

Wednesdays: 5:30 PM Dinner; 6:30 PMBible Study.

– Pastor Ben Kruse

Seaton –Sunday, 9:15 AM – Prayer Gathering;

9:30 AM – Sunday School, All Ages;10:30 AM – Worship Celebration Service.

Wednesday, 6:30 PM – Kid’s and AdultBible Study.

– Rev. Denise Mikeska

Snook – Sunday School – 9:00 AM;Worship – 10:15 AM.

– Rev. Joseph Polasek

Taylor – worship at 10:15 AM everySunday.

– Rev. James Hejl

Temple – Sunday School at 9:30 AM.,Worship at 10:45 AM.

– Pastor Tim Chaplin

Vsetin – A non-official member congregationof the Unity of the Brethren – Worship at10:00 AM every Sunday.

– Dr. Mark Labaj5th Sunday – Visiting Ministers

Wall – Sunday School (for all ages) at 9:30AM; worship at 10:45 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Thomas Tallas

Wesley – worship at 9:00 AM everySunday. Sunday School follows.

– Rev. Michael Groseclose

West – Sunday School at 9:00 AM andworship at 10:15 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Curtis Holland

Westheimer Community – 9:30 AM, ChristianEducation; 10:30 AM, Worship, with HolyCommunion every 5th Sunday.

– Visiting Ministers

Austin – Bible Study at 10:00 AMAustin – Worship at 11:00 AM.

– Rev. Linda Chandler

Bryan-College Station – worship at9:00 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Mark Sebek

Buckholts – worship at 9:00 AM everySunday except the 5th Sunday.Holy Communion on 1st Sunday.Guest speaker on 4th Sunday.

– Rev. John Kueker

Cade Lake Community Chapel – A HomeMission Project since 10-22-11 – SundaySchool at 11:00 AM; Fellowship Lunchat Noon; Worship at 1:00 PM.

– Rev. Jim Heckman

Caldwell – Come as you are! Sundays –explore the Bible @ 9:30 AM (all ages);KIDS CHOIR practices @ 10:15 AM; &worship @ 10:30 AM! Every 1st & 3rdWednesday, join the fun @ Family GameNight, 6-7:30 PM! Check out lifeatcbc.orgfor spiritual resources, events, videos, &more! Friend us on Facebook!

– Rev. Vanessa Mitchell

Christ Covenant Church – TuesdayEvening Bible Study.

– Carl Shamel

Crosby – 9:00 AM: Worship10:00 AM: Faith Adventure

– Dr. Larry Koslovsky

Cy-Fair Community Church – worship at10:45 AM every Sunday.

1st & 3rd Sundays – Rick Chandler2nd, 4th, & 5th Sundays – open

Dime Box – worship at 9:00 AM everySunday.

– Rev. Jim Heckman

Fayetteville – Sunday School at 9:45 AM,worship at 10:45 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Kay Polasek

Good Shepherd Moravian – worship at11:30 AM and 6:30 PM every Sunday.

– Rev. Adolfo Gonzalez

Granger – Bible Study every Sunday at9:00 AM with worship service followingat 10:15 AM.

– Rev. Larry Zabcik

Houston – Sunday School at 9:15 AM;Worship at 10:30 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Dr. Jerry Terrill

Industry – worship at 9:00 AM every Sundaywith Sunday School for all ages following.

– Rev. Kay Polasek

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES


I am the Bread ofLifeVespers6p

I am the bread oflife. He who comesto me will never go

hungry, and he who believes in mewill never be thirsty.

John 6:35____________

Prayer Of PraiseTake a minute to remember the

Lord’s provision throughout this day...

Give thanks to the LORD, for He isgood; His love endures forever.

Psalm 107.1____________

Give ThanksGive thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy OneGive thanks because He’s given

Jesus Christ, His SonAnd now let the weak say,

“I am strong”Let the poor say, “I am rich

Because of what the Lord has donefor us.

Don Moen____________

O Lord, my God. For the blessingsof this day and so much more I giveyou thanks and praise. You are thegreat Provider. I deserve nothing, yetyou pour into my life all that I needand even more so, Your love. ThankYou, Lord, for you are good and foryour goodness to all for all. Amen.

Which of you, if his son asks forbread, will give him a stone?

Matthew 7:9

Give us today ourdaily bread.Matthew 6:11

____________

Prayer Concernsphysically hungry here and abroadpowers and injustices that keep

food from those who need it mostspiritually hungry

____________

Fill My Cup, LordFill my cup, Lord;I lift it up Lord;

Come and quenchthis thirsting of my soul.

Bread of Heaven,feed me till I want no more.

Fill my cup, fill it upand make me whole.

Richard Blanchard

The Community Christian Churchof Rosenberg

5220 Reading RoadRosenberg, TX 77471

(281) 342-3060

Sunday School 9:00 AMWorship Service 10:30 AMWednesday Eve. 5:30 PM

Prayer Service and Bible Study

Youth Minister: Position open


VITAL STATISTICS

MEMBERS RECEIVED

ROYDER, KAY, joined the Caldwell BrethrenChurch Family on December 27, 2015, byProfession of Faith. Minister: Rev. VanessaMitchell.

REITMEYER, KAREN, was accepted into themembership of the Granger Brethren Churchby reaffirmation of faith on March 6, 2016.Minister: Rev. Larry Zabcik.

SCHILLER, GLADYS MARIE, age 87, ofBelton and a member of the Temple Breth-ren Church, died March 9, 2016. Gravesideservices were held on March 12 at the OckerBrethren Cemetery. She is survived by twodaughters and several grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren. Minister: Rev. Larry Zabcik.

VOJTEK, CALVIN JOHN, age 85, passedaway in Bryan, TX, on February 11, 2016. Hewas born on May 24, 1930, in Houston toFred and Anna Kubin Vojtek. He swerved inthe U.S. Army before he married Esther, thelove of his life, on April 11, 1953. Theycelebrated 58 years together before shepassed in 2011. Calvin was active in thecommunity and was very service oriented inthe BCS Brethren Church and Mutual AidSociety. He was also active at the HusEncampment serving as Camp Counselor inrecent years.

Calvin John is survived by his children,Rosann and Larry Mullens, Daniel and wifeCyndy Vojtek; his grandchildren, Kasey andChris Lenart, Charlie and Carla Anderson; hisgreat-grandchildren, Ella Lenart, Jacklynn,Cooper, and Lincoln Anderson; his brother,Henry Vojtek of Giddings; as well as manynephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral Services were held on February15 at Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel withburial at Woodlawn Garden of Memories. Inlieu of flowers, memorials may be made tothe Bryan-College Station Church for one ofthese organizations: Mutual Aid Society, HusSchool, or Foreign and Home Missions.

RECENT DEATHS

HUS ENCAMPMENTBOARD OF TRUSTEES

Voting Members:

Chair: Mark Olsen, 1316 Howard St.,Taylor, TX 75674. (512) 630-5153;[email protected]

Vice-Chair: Rick Weise, P.O. Box 28,Vancourt, TX [email protected]

Treasurer: Ron Krueger, P.O. Box 1225,Taylor, TX 76574. (512) 365-7191;[email protected]

Secretary: Connie Janac (Chr. Sis. 2010)1002 Munson, College Station, TX 77840.(979) 696-1953; [email protected]

At-Large: Phil Michalik, 15918 BrookForest Dr., Houston, TX [email protected]

Member: Debbie Grimm (Chr. Sis. 2010)1409 Stone Ridge Rd., Taylor, TX 76574.C: (512) 718-2310;[email protected]

Member: Erin Brinkley (BYF: 2012), 119CR 3000, Lott, TX 76656;[email protected]

Member: Angie Hairrell (Bd. Chr.Ed.),11482 FM 2155, Somerville, TX 77879;[email protected]

Member: Todd Snelgrove, 5207 DraycottCt., Bryan, TX 77802. (979) 229-7524;[email protected]

Non-Voting Appointments:

Programming Director: Kayla Marek, 901Hidden Valley Dr. #9302, Round Rock,TX 78665; [email protected]

Unity Youth Coordinator: JenniferChervenka (Synodical CommitteeAppointment), 9494 Big Elm Creek Road,Rogers, TX 76569. (254) 983-1002;[email protected]

Facilities Manager(s): Jim and DawnMarie Baletka, 600 Benchmark Drive,College Station, TX 77845;[email protected]; [email protected]

Caretakers: Robert and CathleenSchlechte, 3635 CR 225, Caldwell, TX77836; (979) 324-5560,

(979)255-8266; [email protected];[email protected]

Oversight of Synodical Committee: Rev.Dr. Jerry Lee Terrill, 7 Torch Pine Court,The Woodlands, TX 77381. (281) 364-9865; [email protected]


Thoughts about giving…Remembering the Unity of the Brethren or anyof its ministries is a fitting testimony of yourbelief. Your gift in a will can be a legacy thatcontinues to affect the Christian values, mission,and ministry that is important to you.

You can give without restrictions and let us use the funds forthe most pressing needs or you can specify how, when, orwhere you want the funds used.

You can require that we hold the principle as an endowmentand use only the earnings each year.

You can give in memory or in the honor of someone.

Your gift can be contingent. The funds go to someone if theysurvive you and if not, then to the Unity.

You can tell us now that you have named the Unity in yourwill and allow us to express our gratitude…or you can let itbe known later.

There are many other ways to give. Contact any Board ofGrants and Bequests member about what you can give andhow you can give.

Leroy Parthum, Chair – Westheimer; [email protected] Runnels – Cy-Fair – 281-469-4302, [email protected] Tyson – Houston – 281-373-4376 (home),

[email protected] Tomasek – 512-859-2197, [email protected] Haisler – Ocker – 254-985-2316, [email protected] Treybig – Industry – Unity Treasurer and Synodical

Committee Liaison, 512-327-2504; [email protected]

Brethren Book StoreP.O. Box 321

Caldwell, TX 77836(979) 200-0513

Diane Heckman, Manager


To communicate with the Hus Encampment . . .. . . regarding scheduling* of meetings or events there, contact:

Dawn Marie Baletka600 Benchmark Drive

College Station, TX 77845 (979) 777-9940 or (979) 693-2710

[email protected]*This must be done well in advance.

Encounter Camp (ages 7&8)June 9-11 (Thurs 2 p.m. to Sat 3 p.m.

Deadline/Registration FeeBy 4/15, $200; By 5/1, $250; By 5/15, $275

Alpha Camp (ages 9&10)June 12-16 (Sun 3 p.m. to Thurs 2 p.m.)


Pioneer Conference (ages 11&12)June 19-24 (Sun 3 p.m. to Fri 2 p.m.)


Discovery Conference (ages 13-15)June 26-July 1 (Sun 3 p.m. to Fri 2 p.m.)

Deadline/Registration FeeBy 4/15, $300; By 5/1, $ 350; By 5/15, $375

Hus School (ages 16 & above)July 3-15 (Sun 4 p.m. to Fri 3 p.m.)

Deadline/Registration FeeApril 15

Fee: $500-$600 based on the dateyour application is received

Questions or Comments? Contact Kayla Marek, Camp Programmer(512) 944-2619 or [email protected]

Unity of the Brethren2016 Summer Camping Program

Information Form


In this article, I conclude my exami-nation of the final chapters of TheLast Will and Testament of the DyingMother, the Unity of the Brethren, byJohn Amos Comenius.

As you recall, Comenius writesthis treatise as a will in the voice ofthe dying Unity in order to preserveits witness.

In these final chapters the Unityaddresses other unities, Christiansand the Czech nation before biddingher final farewell. Be forewarned thatsome of the language and imagerycould be considered harsh by today’sstandards. It is imperative they beviewed in their proper historical context.

The Unity in 1650 lives in exile andhas no hope of ever returning to hernative Czech lands. She is the victimof persecution, war, and political in-trigue. As she dies she leaves behindthe spiritual things with which shehas been entrusted. This, by neces-sity, includes warnings that may seeminsensitive to us today. She wishes todepart the world a good steward,having put her house in order.

Her Final Words- by Jim Pokorny

Chapter Fourteen – The Unity ad-dresses the unity of Rome. “You wereour mother, but you turned into astepmother, or even a female bisonsucking the blood of your children.”Taken in context with the times, theUnity laments the fact that the estab-lished church stopped nurturing heryoung. Instead, by focusing on of thefulfilment of her own desires, sheturned on those who should havebeen able to rely on her. The Unitywishes that in her old age, the unityof Rome would repent. “What I be-quest to you, if it is of any use, is myexample, paying honor to God whoremembered us even in my vices.Following the light of His word I left,through His mercy, the haze of youridolatry.”

The Unity knows that these wordswill likely fall on deaf ears. The unityof Rome believes herself to be thespiritual Jerusalem. She succeeds onlyin becoming the type scripture warnsof that “kills the prophets and stonesthose who are sent to it!” To her sons

WESTHEIMER COMMUNITY CHURCH

15635 Westheimer RoadHouston, Texas 77082

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.Westheimercommunitychurch.org


DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDEDaily Morsels for April 2017

- by Dorothy E. Kocian

1. When I called You answeredme, Lord; You made me bold andstouthearted. Ps. 138:3

2. God did this so that man would seekHim and perhaps reach out for Himand find Him. Acts 17:27

3. The heavens declare the glory ofGod; the skies proclaim the workof His hand. Ps. 19:1

4. Abraham was looking forward to thecity with foundations whose architectand builder is God. Heb. 11:10

5. Despite their fears of the peoplearound them, they built the altar onits foundation. Ezra 3:3

6. With praise and thanksgiving theysang to the Lord. Ezra 3:11

7. You have come to Mount Zion, to theheavenly Jerusalem, the city of theLiving God. Heb. 12:22

8. There are different kinds of service,but the same Lord! 1 Cor. 12:5

9. A time has come when trueworshippers will worship the Father inspirit and in truth. Jn. 4:23

10. The Lord Almighty says, Give carefulthought to your ways. Haggai 1:7

11. He says, go up into the mountains,bring down timber, build the house,so that I may be honored.Haggai 1:14

12. They came and began to work on thehouse of the Lord Almighty, theirGod. Haggai 1:14

13. The trumpeters and singers joined inunison to give praise and thanks tothe Lord. 2 Chron. 5:13a

14. The temple of the Lord was filled witha cloud... for the glory of the Lordfilled the temple of God.2 Chron. 5:13b-14

15. Be strong and take heart, all you whohope in the Lord. Ps. 31:24

16. Return to Me, and I will return to you,says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:7

17. O Lord, You will keep us safe andprotect us forever. Ps. 12:7

18. I will sing to the Lord, for He hasbeen good to me. Ps. 13:6

19. Those who hope in the Lord willrenew their strength. Isa. 40:31

20. Never be lacking in zeal, but keepyour spiritual fervor serving theLord. Rom. 12:11

21. Whatever you do, work at it with allyour heart, working for the Lord, notfor men. Col. 3:23

22. I will save you, and you will be ablessing. Do not be afraid, but letyour hands be strong. Zech. 8:13

23. O Lord, You will hear the desire ofthe meek; You will strengthen theirheart. Ps. 10:17

24. Ascribe to the Lord the glory dueHis name; bring an offering andcome into His courts. Ps. 10:17

25. Sing to the Lord a new song; sing tothe Lord, all the earth. Ps. 96:1

26. Come and see what God has done;He is awesome in His deeds amongmortals. Ps. 66:5

27. I am with you, says the Lord. Haggai 1:1328. Jesus says, Where two or three are

gathered in My name, I am thereamong them. Mt. 18:20

29. Splendor and majesty are before theLord; strength and glory are in Hissanctuary. Ps. 96:6

30. For there is but one God, the Father,from whom all things come and forwhom we live; and there is but oneLord, Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 8:6

In God’s Hands MinistryP. O. Box 321

Caldwell, TX 77836979-574-7134

Everyday Ministries to Meet Everyday NeedsA Home Mission Work to Cade Lake and Burleson County


she bequests the right given them byGod “to raise resistance against you,their mother, proving that you are notHis wife.” To the kings of the Earthwho have carried her, she bequests“God’s zeal, by which they find youugly and burn you as a dirt with fire.”

Chapter Fifteen – The Unity ad-dresses the Evangelical (Protestant)unities. She speaks to “my belovedsisters, who lead the uprising accord-ing to the will of God against ourmother.” It is in this chapter thatComenius makes his first reference toJan Hus who was martyred July 6,1415. “To me the faithful friend of thebridegroom was sent, Master JohnHus, whose testimony I accepted moregladly because he sealed it with hismartyrdom.”

She then speaks to the GermanUnity who “was sent the doctor Mar-tin Luther, in the spirit and power ofElijah.” She commends them for cel-ebrating in his given light.

She also addresses the Swiss Unitywho “was sent John Calvin, to be-troth you and marry you as a purevirgin to that one man, Christ.” Shecommends them for responding toCalvin as well.

With them, she rejoices in the

Lord. The Unity concludes this chap-ter by reminding them that she willsoon depart but she has more to tellthem. She begs them to listen.

Chapter Sixteen – In this chapterthe Unity addresses the German Unity.She refers to her as “my most belovedsister, who when I was alone the Lordbrought you to life for my pleasure.”

The Unity was founded in 1457 byGregory the Patriarch and his follow-ers. Martin Luther nailed his 95 The-ses to the door of All Saints Churchin Wittenburg in 1517.

To the German Unity she bequestsmore orderly discipline and betterwisdom concerning faith on justifica-tion. The Unity states that the Ger-man Unity’s beginning was good whenthey followed Luther whom God gaveher. Those who followed Luther arenot fighting as well. “His work foralmost all his life was to destroyBabylon,” When the Lord called himto rest from his labors, those thatfollowed should have continued tobuild. Instead, they kept only what hedid. The work that had begun “youdon’t want to finish; you don’t wantto even hear about it.”

The Galatians started their Chris-tianity with faith, but desired to end


HOUSTON BRETHREN CHURCH6207 North Main, Houston, TX 77009 – (713) 864-6707

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO WORSHIP WITH USSunday School 9:15 a.m. – Church Service 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Terrill

Dorothy Hinson John David SkrivanekPresident Secretary

7331 Misty Morning Lane P.O. Box 1605Humble, TX 77346 Bellaire, TX 77402

(281) 620-0480 (713) 626-0522

SAVE THE DATES…

July 9, 2016 – 64th Biennial Convention of the Mutual AidSociety – at Snook Brethren Church. Contact: Rev. JosephPolasek or Natalie Outlaw, [email protected]

July 15-17, 2016 – BYF Summer Retreat, Convention andVolleyball Tournament at the Hus Encampment.

August 14, 2016 – Fifth year anniversary celebration of Cade LakeCommunity Church. Free will donation lunch at 1:00 and services at2:00.

Summer Camp Dates:Encounter Camp (ages 7-8): June 9-11, 2016Alpha Camp (ages 9-10): June 12-16, 2016Pioneer Camp (ages 11-12): June 19-24, 2016Discovery Camp (ages 13-15): June 26-July 1, 2016Hus School (ages 16-High School Seniors): July 3-15, 2016

**Date Correction

Does your church/organization have an activity that you would liketo include in this listing? Please send activity information includinga contact name, phone number, and/or email address to the BrethrenJournal Editor at: [email protected]. Informationmust be received by the first day of the month immediately precedingthe month of publication.


TAYLOR BRETHREN CHURCHTAYLOR BRETHREN CHURCHTAYLOR BRETHREN CHURCHTAYLOR BRETHREN CHURCHTAYLOR BRETHREN CHURCHSeventh Street at Sloan in Taylor, Texas

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 351, Taylor, TX 76574512-352-6423

Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m.Pastor Board President Secretary

James D. Hejl Buddy Michna Mary Kokes512-365-6890 512-365-1621 M-Th 8 a.m.-noon

with the Law. She states that theGerman Unity “started with the livingfaith but ended with the dead one, theone without any deeds. She remindsthe German Unity that she is beingdisciplined by God. Knowledge ofChrist and having delight in the Gos-pel are wonderful, but this knowledgemust include following Christ. Thisdelight must include following thelaw of love. Without these, she warns,the Gospel is misused.

Chapter Seventeen – The Unitythen speaks to the Swiss Unity whowas “added to me as a lover of orderand discipline.” To her the Unitybequests the intent to be constant,growing in accordance with the or-ders of Christ. Along with the giftsthe Swiss Unity is already receivingfrom God, she wishes to add onemore. She wishes for the one thingwhich the Swiss Unity believes it hasbut in reality lacks. “Concerning the-ology, I wish you had more simplicity,less contemplation, more careful talkabout God and His deeper secrets.”Lacking this led to “the pitiful tearingof yourself, gathered against you andagainst each other: Anabaptists,Socinians, Arminians” and others. TheUnity sees her sons as always seek-

ing new things. Things upon whichthey cannot agree. “Oh my belovedsister, let God give something to allyour sons, so that we may learn topray together with David: ‘Simplicityand honesty, let them guard me.’”

Chapter Eighteen – To every Chris-tian unity she bequests unification;unity not only of thought and recon-ciliation, but also unity in faith andlove which leads to the Unity of spirit.The Ancient Unity desired true unityin Christendom. “Oh, if only Godwould give you to find the founda-tions of all things essential, things ofservice and accidental, as he did tome, so that all of you would knowwhat is necessary to enthuse aboutand what not.” She talks about trueparticipation in the Mercy of God, themerits of the Christ and the sweetinner gifts of the Holy Spirit. Shereminds them of what is necessary. Tobe wholly invested in the One chosenby Mary who sat silently at the feet ofJesus after letting go of all anxiousactivity, so that “all of you claimallegiance to the house of the Churchwere only one house of God, wellordered and joined together, and onlyin that house the one family of God,


Schedule and Details of Upcoming Unity Activities

April 23, 2016 – Spring Synodical Committee Meeting – at theHus Encampment Agenda; Contact: Kent Laza([email protected]) or Angie Hairrell ([email protected]), 8a.m. refreshments, meeting will begin at 9 a.m. A light lunch will beprovided at noon or immediately following the meeting.

April 29-May 1, 2016 – Annual Fishing Retreat in PortO’Connor, Texas.

April 30, 2016–- 48th Convention of the Christian SistersUnion at Ocker Brethren Church. Contact: Ann [email protected] or Kim Kennard [email protected]

**May 1, 2016 – Fried Chicken Fund Raiser for IndustryBrethren Church at the Industry Fireman’s Hall (16632 FordtranBlvd. Industry, TX). Eat there or plates to go serving at 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Auction at noon. Desserts available. Country Store, and Raffle.

May 6-8, 2016 – Community Christian Church of Rosenberghosting Dr. Gary Wood during 3 different services. For additionalinformation, see story in this issue.

CALDWELL BRETHREN CHURCH401 South Main Street

(979) 567-7203Sunday School

9:30 AMChildren’s ChoirPractice, Sundays

10:15 a.m.Sunday Worship

10:30 AM

Come as you are . . .

Church email: [email protected]

Wednesday Family Night Gathering:1st & 3rd Wednesdays each month

Rev. Vanessa Mitchell, [email protected]

(979) 574-0268

www.lifeatcbc.org Friend us on Facebook!


Mailing Address: Church 9:00 A.M.P.O. Box 9283 Sunday School 10:45 A.M.College Station, TX 77842 Off: 979-693-3606

email: [email protected]

BrBrBrBrBryyyyyan/College Stan/College Stan/College Stan/College Stan/College Staaaaat ion Brethren Churchtion Brethren Churchtion Brethren Churchtion Brethren Churchtion Brethren Church2650 Earl Rudder Freeway South

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Rev. Mark Sebek

under unanimous order of God inconcord, loving and helping one an-other.” One day, she hopes, the Chris-tian Church can sing with the angels,“how good and pleasant it is whenbrothers dwell in unity!”

When the Unity was founded in1457 it initially desired to insulateitself from the evils of the worldaround it. As it matured with the influxof those with more education, it nolonger desired to be an island cut offfrom the world, but rather to becomean influence of good in a fallen world.Even after experiencing persecutionand exile, the Unity still desires trueunification in Christianity even at themoment of her death.

Chapter Nineteen – In this chapter,the Unity names the Czech nation herfirst beneficiary and heir and be-quests to it six spiritual treasures withwhich she has been entrusted.

First, “love for the pure truth ofGod, which the Lord started to show

us before other nations through theministry of Master Hus, the ministryhe together with his helper (a refer-ence to Hus’s friend Jerome of Prague,who was also martyred as a result ofthe Council of Constance) and otherfaithful Czechs sealed by his blood.”She reminds the Czech nation thatthis gift was given to her before othernations.

Second, the passionate longingfor fuller understanding of God’s truth.“I bequest to you the inheritance thebook of God, the Holy Bible, my sons,from the original languages… into theCzech language translated with greatdiligence.” This is a reference to theKralitz Bible which learned men trans-lated into Czech over the course offifteen years. The Unity reminds thenation that “only few nations canlisten to the holy prophets and apostlesspeak in their own language.” Theyare to accept this as their jewel anduse it for the glory of God and for

KUBENA Funeral Home507 South Main St.

Hallettsville, Texas 77946Pre-Arranged Funerals

Low Cost Funeral InsurancePhone 361-798-3271

GRANGER NATIONALBANK

Ryze Ceska Banka, Member F.D.I.C.Granger, Texas

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Check out the blog and Pinterest Board for more ideas and links!

http://sundayschoolhelperbrethrenjournal.blogspot.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/ahairrell/ss-helper-proverbs-for-children/

ExplanationThe air-filled balloon will burst, but the one filled with water willnot. This is because water is such a great conductor of heat. Thewater will absorb the heat into itself, thereby preventing the balloonfrom breaking, even under such intense heat that it could burn flesh.

Craft:

Animal HatsHave you ever watched a deer twitching its ears to catch everysound? Animals know the importance of staying alert. These fun hatswill help kids remember to “tune in” to what matters, too.

DirectionsBegin by measuring the circumference of each child’s head. Usingthick paper, cut a strip 3-5 cm wide and tape or staple the ends of thepaper strip together to make a band that fits snugly around eachchild’s head. Have your children choose what kind of animal theywould like to be, then help them cut out and color appropriate ears.Fasten the ears to the headband with tape or staples. Write thememory verse you have selected on the headbands. When you wantyour children to listen to instructions, have them put on their“listening ears.” When a child listens effectively, add a star, a stickeror draw animal tracks around his/her headband to positivelyreinforce attentiveness. The goal is to completely encircle theheadband with animal tracks or stickers.


their own education.Third, she commands the nation

“to especially love the Church ordersand loving discipline.” This shouldand must exist among all God’s chil-dren. This discipline she has neverhidden. “Use it, my beloved country,for your benefit, either according tomy style, or whatever best can befound in the Holy Scriptures.”

Fourth, she bequests a “passionfor the service of the Lord God. ServeHim in unity, as I have longed foralways, evidenced by the memoriesof my ancestors as well as the historywritten by Jan Lascius about my mat-ters.” Though the times are difficultshe draws hope from the words ofEzekiel looking forward to the day“when the Lord Almighty collects ourscattered bones again, covers themwith flesh and skin, and fills us withthe spirit of life. For Him, nothing isimpossible!”

Fifth, the Unity bequests the Czech

nation diligence in the cultivation andrefinement of the Czech language.“My sons were always watchful andknown for this in times past. So muchso, that the wise told us there was nobetter Czech language than the oneamong the Brethren and their books…So whatever books you find, old ornew, accept it from my sons, havethem as your own for the best useyou can see!”

Sixth, the Unity bequests betteryouth, “It was my mistake to entrustmy youth to an alien, who inflamedmy sons and ruined them.” If Godwould return her to better times, shewould do better. Having lost thishope, she begs the nation to correctthis.

The chapter ends with these words:“In total, all my inheritance, as ashesafter the fire, I bequest to you, mybeloved country, so that you canmake lye from it for the cleansing of

Temple Brethren ChurchTemple Brethren ChurchTemple Brethren ChurchTemple Brethren ChurchTemple Brethren Church2202 Birdcreek Drive2202 Birdcreek Drive2202 Birdcreek Drive2202 Birdcreek Drive2202 Birdcreek DriveTemple, Texas 76502Temple, Texas 76502Temple, Texas 76502Temple, Texas 76502Temple, Texas 76502

(254) 778-8759(254) 778-8759(254) 778-8759(254) 778-8759(254) [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Sunday School:Sunday School:Sunday School:Sunday School:Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.9:30 a.m.9:30 a.m.9:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. Tim Chaplin, Interim PastorTim Chaplin, Interim PastorTim Chaplin, Interim PastorTim Chaplin, Interim PastorTim Chaplin, Interim PastorWorship:Worship:Worship:Worship:Worship: 10:45 a.m.10:45 a.m.10:45 a.m.10:45 a.m.10:45 a.m. (254) 718-3898(254) 718-3898(254) 718-3898(254) 718-3898(254) 718-3898

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Proverbs 15:32

He who neglects discipline hates himself, but hewho listens to correction gets understanding.

Understand the Proverb:1. Read the proverb aloud.

2. Ask: What is discipline? Is discipline fun? Why do you thinkyour parents discipline you? Why should you listen tothem?

Practice the Proverb:Explain that being “filled” with God’s word can help take the heat offwhen life gets tough.

Materials2 large balloons, candle, water, lighter

PreparationFill one balloon with air and one with water.

IntroductionProverbs 15:32 says, He who neglects discipline hates himself, but hewho listens to correction gets understanding. Let’s pretend these twoballoons are kids for a moment, and we’ll see how that works.

Instructions1. Light the flame.2. Take up the balloon with air in it. Ask students what they thinkwill happen when they hold it over the flame.3. Hold the balloon filled with air over the flame. Watch what happens.4. Next, take up the balloon with the water in it. Ask students whatthey think will happen when they hold it over the flame.5. Hold the balloon filled with water over the flame. Watch whathappens.


your children, in the same manner asthe Lord did for me in the beginningswhen he raised us and our childrenfrom the ashes of Hus.”

Chapter Twenty – The Unity, thedying mother, bids farewell. She won-ders what more can be said. Sheknows the time has come for her tosay goodbye, but how? She recallshow Jacob blessed his sons when histime came. She recalls how Mosesblessed his people when the timecame for them to part ways. “Fromtheir mouths I take words and declareas a farewell blessing for you, theCzech nation, from your LORD God,so that you may be and remain agrowing branch over the wall.” Thoughbitter and shot at by enemy archers,the bow of the nation remains un-moved. God will “bless you with theblessing of heavens above, blessings

of the deep that crouches beneath,blessings of the breasts and of thewomb! Let your blessings be mightybeyond the blessings of my ances-tors, up to the bounties of the ever-lasting hills.”

With words of hope, she remindsthe Czech nation it is blessed by Godand encourages it to live on. She callsupon God to bless its struggle and toaccept the work of its hands. “Let thetime come, so that nations will say:Happy are you, O Israel! Who is likeyou, a people saved by the LORD, theshield of your help, and the sword ofyour triumph! Your enemies shall comefawning to you, and you shall treadon upon their backs.”

The testament ends with thesewords: “Salvation belongs to the Lord;your blessing be on your people!Selah.”

OCKER BRETHREN CHURCH17454 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 806, Rogers, TX 76569

Preaching the Word, Loving the PeopleSunday School 9:00 AM

Worship 10:15 AM

Elder Board PresidentDavid Sebek

3910 Red Ranger Rd.Temple, TX 76501

(254) 985-2578

PastorRev. Ron Winsman

3112 W. Ave. R, Temple, TX 76504(254) 742-0827

[email protected]

Youth DirectorJennifer Chervenka

9494 Big Elm Creek RoadRogers, TX 76569

(254) 983-1002

CemeterySharon Marek

23383 Milam RoadBurlington, TX 76519

(254) 869-2845


Sunday School Helper

Proverbs 15:32He who neglects discipline hates himself,

but he who listens to correction getsunderstanding.

Through the church, God calls us into relationships withothers. These relationships are not optional. So, too, islearning to receive what God wants to say to us through theserelationships. It doesn’t matter if we are 8 or 48, we all needwisdom, and God often chooses to give it through the mouthof a wise counselor. It is good to consider the advice ofothers. It is better if those others are wise and not foolishadvisors. Children, from toddlers to teenagers, resist depend-ing on the wisdom of others. There is a good reason for that.They are people… just like us. Committing this verse tomemory can go a long way in preparing our hearts to acceptcounsel… wise counsel.


Seaton Brethren ChurchSeaton Brethren ChurchSeaton Brethren ChurchSeaton Brethren ChurchSeaton Brethren Church12561 State Highway 53

Temple, TX 76501Church Phone: 254-985-2694

[email protected]

Rev. Denise Mikeska, Pastor –[email protected]

Charles Amos Sr., Board of Elders Chair

Bluebonnets, fresh cut grass, hum-mingbird feeders, mild temperatures,strolls in the woods, light jogs throughthe park, picnics… Spring is here!Even for those with seasonal aller-gies, the joy of Spring is inescapable!

Jesus, we call on you to causeyour hope to spring up where thegrass is bare, where the flowers willnot bloom, where many are unable towalk in their own strength due toillness or injury, where allergies orlife circumstances have fogged upour senses. Restore, Holy Jesus, Re-store! Cause Your hope to well up inus!

Take a glimpse into the type ofhope that Jesus Christ alone gives!Open your thoughts and your emo-tions to the hand of the One and Only,the Savior of the world! The Book ofRevelation, chapter 7, verses 11 to 17,can be a game changer for your faith –whether you are floating along, feel-ing numb, need inspiration, or justhunger for the reminder that JesusChrist will cause hope to spring up inyou as you open yourself to Him!

Hope Springs UP!- by Rev. Vanessa Mitchell

Dive in:Revelation 7:11-17:All the angels were standing

around the throne and around theelders and the four living creatures.They fell down on their faces beforethe throne and worshiped God, say-ing: “Amen! Praise and glory andwisdom and thanks and honor andpower and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” Then one ofthe elders asked me, “These in whiterobes – who are they, and where didthey come from?” I answered, “Sir,you know.” And he said, “These arethey who have come out of the greattribulation; they have washed theirrobes and made them white in theblood of the Lamb. Therefore, “theyare before the throne of God andserve Him day and night in Histemple; and He who sits on thethrone will shelter them with Hispresence. ‘Never again will they hun-ger; never again will they thirst. Thesun will not beat down on them,’ norany scorching heat. For the Lamb at


The Mutual Aid Society will awardup to $5,000 in the Spring of 2016. Theamount of each scholarship will de-pend on the number of qualified ap-plications received. Candidates mustbe high school seniors or under-graduate students who will be attend-ing an accredited university, college,or technical school during the sum-mer or fall of 2016. Past recipients mayapply again; however, preferentialconsideration will be given to first-time applicants. Scholarship applica-tion and requirements can be foundon the Unity website at: “http://unityofthebrethren.org/mutual-aid-society/”.

Application must be postmarkedby March 31, 2016, and mailed to:Rev. Joseph J. Polasek, President,Mutual Aid Society, P.O. Box 54, Snook,TX 77878.

In addition, an electronic copy ofthe essay must be emailed by March31, 2016, to Rev. Joseph Polasek [email protected].

Recipients will be announced afterMay 1, 2016.

If you would like to donate to theMutual Aid Scholarship Fund, pleasesend checks payable to ‘Mutual AidScholarship Fund’ to Ruth AnnWuensche, Mutual Aid Society Trea-surer, 2451 CR 405, Taylor, TX 76574.

Sincerely,

Rev. Joseph J. Polasek,President, Mutual Aid Society

Mutual Aid SocietyScholarship

Announcement

BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS

Chairman:David Miller (2015), Wall Brethren

Church; cell 325-245-5616,[email protected]

Unity Representatives:Arnold Cuba (2015), Taylor Brethren

Church; cell 512-247-8019, or work512-352-3646, [email protected]

John Brinkley (2011), Ocker BrethrenChurch; cell 254-721-3196, home 254-742-2771, [email protected]

Reesa Ueckert (2015); phone 979-472-0559, [email protected]

Board of Christian Education:To be announced; (Tammy Laza)

[email protected]

Christian Sisters Representative:Paula Wagner (2015), Taylor Brethren

Church; home 512-996-8846, or cell512-632-6644,[email protected]

BYF Representative:Erin Brinkley (2015), Ocker Brethren

Church; [email protected]

Synodical Committee Liason:Rev. Mark Sebek, Bryan/College

Station Brethren Church; cell 254-931-2000, [email protected]

ADVISORY MEMBERSRev. Lawrence & Barbara Junek (Unity

at large); 254-714-2622,[email protected]

MISSIONARIESRobert & Anne ThiessenMichael & Caroline WooPhil & Eunice RaifordPastor Pavel & Stana KozakCarolyn Groseclose

MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS BOARD(2015-2017)

Rev. Dr. Larry Koslovsky(Pastor to the Pastors)

Rev. Dr. Jerry TerrillRev. Michael GrosecloseRev. Jimmy Hejl


the center of the throne will be theirshepherd; ‘He will lead them tosprings of living water.’ And Godwill wipe away every tear from theireyes.’”

Can you feel the Hope of JesusChrist as you take in this passage ofScripture?

Angels standing around the throneworshipping and praising God for:

His gloryHis wisdomHis honorHis powerHis strengthThen those who have “washed

their robes and made them white inthe blood of the Lamb” (Christ Him-self):

Before God’s throne day and nightServing Him in His templeProtected by Jesus

Never hungryNever thirstyNever scorched by the heatAt the spring of Living WaterWithout tears in their eyesCan you feel the Hope of Jesus

Christ as you take in this passage ofScripture?

Jesus Christ will cause hope tospring up in you as you open yourselfto Him!

Will you now shout out this greataffirmation of faith?

“Lord Jesus, I trust You! I trustthat you are creating HOPE to SpringUp in me! I cast off my hopelessness.Thank You, my Great and Holy Shep-herd! Amen.”

In Jesus’ Certain Hope,Sister Vanessa Mitchell

Call us if you have questionsabout naming your churchor a Unity of the Brethren

agency as a beneficiaryin an existing or new

SPJST insurance certificate.

SPJST520 NorthMain StreetTemple, Texas 76501

(800) 727-7578www.spjst.org

MembershipBenefits

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Insuring & Enriching Lives

A fraternal benefit societyserving Texans

and their familiesfor 118 years.


CarolineThis coming Monday morning

Caroline will have surgery to take outher port-a-cath and put in an ex-pander for reconstruction. Then after4-6 weeks of stretching her skin, shewill put in an implant. Lord, we prayfor a great surgery and for NO INFEC-TION in the Name of Jesus. You canalso pray for the following for Caroline:

• Continued healing for her body.For God to strengthen her immunesystem, muscles, energy level.

• For Caroline to have such asense of the Lord’s love and joy in herlife, as it can be difficult to move intothe “cancer survivor” mode.

What’s next?We are planning to go back to

China in June. In order for that tohappen, we have to get medical clear-ance and financial clearance. Cur-rently we are about 90% supported.Lord, would you raise up people whowant to see Your kingdom come amongthe nations of Asia, to join the Woo’steam.

StepsPlease pray for the boys as they

finish school, and participate in track,basketball, trumpet, soccer, football,and golf. Please pray that the Woo’scan clean up their house, get rid of alltheir stuff with as little stress aspossible. (It’s amazing how much stuffwe have accumulated.)

Back in Target City, an update onMay

We were able to have a great talkwith May back in Target City. Pleasecontinue to pray for her and herhusband and son, for their love and

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Bellville Sealy Wallis865-3121 885-3535 478-6311

growth in the Lord. Pray for a job forher where she can make money andyet have time for ministry and for herfamily. Pray for the local church asthey have been regrouping since ourteammates have come back from thestates and are living in Target Cityagain since December. Pray for themto grow deeper and wider.

City Wide Prayer WalkCalling any believer in Winston-

Salem to a city-wide prayer walk Sat-urday, March 19, 10 a.m.-12 in down-town Winston-Salem. I believe wetotally have enough believers andenough recourses to see revival inour city. The only thing we don’thave enough of is prayer and askingGod to pour out upon our city. Join usas we walk through the city for 2hours praying for Winston-Salem. After,there will be food trucks and a wor-ship celebration. Registration opensat 8 a.m. at the Inmar building, whichis down in the Reynolds Tobaccoarea, 635 Vine St. Check out http://www.loveoutloudws.com/pray/

Blessings to you today,Caroline


The Fayetteville Brethren Chris-tian Sisters, along with other womenof Fayetteville and Industry Brethrenchurch and some friends, met in thechurch fellowship hall during the monthof February to make rag lap quilts.The ladies, led by Ann Heintschel,made 5 quilts for the men of thechurches and 4 baby quilts to benefitUnity missions.

Leland Miller (Navy-WWII) andLaddie Ripple (Army-WWII) ofFayetteville, Jesse Coufal (Air Force-WWII) and Henry Lee Franke (Ma-rine Corp-WWII) of Industry and Rev.Milton Maly (Air Force) were all pre-sented lap quilts. The quilts weremade from military and patriotic flan-nel fabrics. On each quilt was sewn aBible verse from Proverbs 3:5 “Trustin the Lord with all your heart andlean not on your own understand-ing.” All the materials were donated

Fayetteville Brethren Christian SistersRag Quilt Project

by Ann Heintschel, who is retiredU.S. Navy herself. Pictured are ladiespresent at the service when the quiltswere blessed and Laddie Ripple as hewas presented his quilt. Mr. Ripple isthe oldest member at Fayetteville Breth-ren. His grandparents, Joseph andMary (Novosad) Rippel, were the firstcouple to be married in the church in1875, at that time called the Czech-Moravian Brethren Church at RossPrairie.

The baby quilts will be displayedat the Synodical committee meetingon April 23 and will be available forpurchase. It is planned to put thebaby quilts in the silent auction at theRev. Henry Beseda, Jr., Memorial GolfTournament with all proceeds goingto Unity missions. If you have anyquestions about the baby quilts, pleasecontact Liz Ripple, 979-378-2239.

Left to Right:Liz Ripple, Laddie

Ripple, Ann Heintscheland Pastor Kay Polasek


ters then consider this… Jesus hasno wasted time, no wasted travel, andno wasted healings… I like to imaginethe harvest field is ripe in Gergesa andthe man once called Legions was theharvester…

Luke tells us in 8:39 Return tothine own house, and show howgreat things God hath done untothee. And he went his way, andpublished throughout the whole cityhow great things Jesus had doneunto him. Mark gives us more roomto wonder because Jesus simply tellsthe man once possessed by the devilto go tell his friends what great thingsJesus had done for him, and in thenext verse Mark says:

And he departed, and began topublish in Decapolis how great thingsJesus had done for him: and all mendid marvel. Decapolis (ten cities) isthe whole region west of the sea ofGalilee… As my mind wonders, I liketo imagine the multitudes of gentilescoming to our Christ because Jesusinvested one stormy day in a foreigncountry…

These four encounters with Christare more than healing of the body,they are a picture of spiritual healingor a picture of salvation… Who do we

share Jesus’ healing love with? Cer-tainly our neighborhood, those whoask, those brought to us, and evenwhere we just simply see the need.What about those so remote, so faraway circumstance won’t let us go,but we know God invited us to sharethe Gospel in far away places.

Remember; Jesus invested one dayon the shore of Gergesa and changedthe whole country of Decapolis…The Unity of the Brethren is invested.We support five missionaries who arewilling to go to 3rd world countries.They are willing to invest years, liv-ing humbly (houses with dirt floors)raising their family, all to share God’shealing love. Five families with a barebone budget of $68,000.00!

Can you invest in foreign missions?

From the Woo’s...

March 12, 2016

Greetings friends and partners,We are well and wanted to update

you on our plans so you can join withus in prayer.

SNOOK BRETHREN CHURCH9882 FM 2155/P.O. Box 247, Snook, TX 77878

Church Phone – (979) 272-3303COME WORSHIP WITH US

Sunday School – 9:00 AM; Worship – 10:15 AMBible Buddies – 2nd Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM

Pastor Board of Elders President Youth DirectorsRev. Joseph Polasek Rayfield Slovacek Randall & Jonna See

P.O. Box 54 P.O. Box 267 P.O. Box 345Snook, TX 77878 Snook, TX 77878 Snook, TX 77878

(979) 272-1624 (979) 272-8845 (979) 272-8179


This year Community ChristianChurch in Rosenberg will celebrate 90years in the ministry. We are celebrat-ing with Dr. Gary Wood coming andspeaking at our church. Dr. Wood hasan incredible testimony about hisdeath experience on that ChristmasEve so many years ago, his descrip-tion of Heaven, and meeting Jesus.He has a book called “A Place calledHeaven” on the market. He has ariteous sense of humor, is a giftedspeaker and singer and a powerfullyanointed man of God.

He will be here on May 6th,7th,and 8th. Friday and Saturday ser-vices will be at 7 p.m. Sunday serviceswill be at 10:30. Our address is 5220Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX. Loveoffering will be taken every service.

Come join us and see God move.

Community ChristianChurch of Rosenberg

Invitation

WALL BRETHREN CHURCH12 miles east of San Angelo, Loop 570, Wall, Texas

P.O. Box 195, Wall, Texas 76957Phone: 325-651-4444 ~ Fax: 325-651-5100

Pastor: Rev. Thomas TallasHome: 325-949-7543 Cell: 325-656-8558

Home: [email protected]: [email protected]

www.wallbrethrenchurch.org

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:45 a.m.

President Pastor/Director of Youth Church OfficeBoard of Elders and Young Family Ministries Secretary

Josh Holik Ryan Volkman Johnie Smith325-234-8667 325-213-0671 Tu-F: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Unity ArchivistClint Machann

[email protected] or 979-845-4898

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE

“Bear ye one another’s burdensAnd so fulfill the Law of

Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)

THE MUTUAL AIDSOCIETY

Rev. Joseph J. Polasek, PresidentDaniel Vojtek, Vice-PresidentNatalie Outlaw, Gen. SecretaryRuth Ann Wuensche, TreasurerDorothy Hinson, Jr. Dept. SecretaryAnn Sebesta, Board MemberRev. Michael Groseclose,

Synodical Liaison


In Christ’s Love . . .From the Foreign Mission Fields

From David Miller, Presidentof the Mission Board…

Hello friends of the foreign missionboard,

Jn. 21:25 “And there are alsomany other things which Jesus did,which if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even the worlditself could not contain the booksthat should be written. Amen.”

The end of John’s Gospel leaves alot of room for my mind to wonder, notabout the gospel message itself, buthow far it has gone or could go…After the Beatitudes, in chapter 8,Mathew tells about four healing en-counters of Christ; first, a leper whojust comes up and asks to be healed,and was… second, a healing thatcomes through petition of a centurionfor his servant (intercessory prayer)…third, where Jesus just sees the needfor healing of Simon’s mother and justdoes it (no asking, no petition orprayer, just sees the need).

The fourth encounter is the mostinteresting to me and leaves me won-

dering… Jesus (not being asked, nothearing of a need, not seeing a need,but yet He knows the need is outthere) gets in a ship, crosses thestormy sea of Galilee, and there is aneed that most of us would run from…crazy wild foreign heathens… we haveall heard this encounter, after Jesusheals this possessed man called Le-gions, the people of Gergesa, out offear, ask Jesus to leave… Jesus andhis disciples, after being there maybeonly hours, board a ship right backacross the sea of Galilee… This ad-venture to visit the Gergesenes alsoappears in Mark chapter 5 and Lukechapter 8…

Even with 3 Gospel writers thereare questions for my mind to wonderabout… What prompted Jesus to crossthe sea of Galilee? Did He hear aboutLegions? Did He just always want togo to Gergesa or maybe just cross thesea? Maybe Jesus just didn’t likepigs… And what about thoseGergesenes, or in particular the healedman? I suggest you read all 3 encoun-

GGGGGRANGERRANGERRANGERRANGERRANGER B B B B BRETHRENRETHRENRETHRENRETHRENRETHREN C C C C CHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCHHURCH

1903 Where it all began306 West Broadway Street, Granger, TX

76530

Bible Study 9:00 a.m.Worship Services 10:15 a.m.

Pastor, Rev. Larry Zabcik(903) 265-2277

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