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BRETHREN JOURNAL March 2009/1BRETHREN JOURNAL January-February, 2000/1

THE BRETHRENJOURNAL

Vol. 108 March 2009 No. 2 32 Pages

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

Dr. Jiri Carda: 1922-2009Sunday School IslandBYF Winter Retreat Report2009 Hus Encampment ScheduleIn Christ’s Love....reports from Mexico, the Czech Republic, and ChinaAmor Fraternal...a new Outreach in Pasadena.

. . . and more!

Christmas Market Outreach in Olomouc, the Czech Republic(see “In Christ’s Love . . .”)

2/March 2009 BRETHREN JOURNAL

THE BRETHREN JOURNAL

EDITOR – Rev. Milton A. Maly6703 FM 2502Brenham, TX 77833-9803(979) 277-2619

[email protected]

BUSINESS MANAGER –Cathleen Schlechte3635 CR 225Caldwell, TX [email protected](979) 255-8266

BUSINESS COMMITTEE –President: Rev. Joe EmersonTreasurer: Alice KocurekSecretary: Cathleen Schlechte,

Bryan/College Station

CONTRIBUTING WRITER –Daily Morsels: Dorothy Kocian,107 S. Barbara, Waco, TX 76705-1317.

RATE –$12.00 per year for individual

subscriptions, via Hard Copy & E-Mail$10.00 per year for congregational

subscriptions only$6.00 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, 3635 CR 225, Caldwell, TX 77836or email [email protected]

FOR ADVERTISING –Rates (per column inch per year)

Commercial coverage – $50.00Religious coverage – $15.00

Write:The Brethren Journal Business Manager

FOR ARTICLE AND REPORTSUBMISSION – DEADLINE is the first dayof the month preceding publication.Write: The Brethren Journal Editor, 6703 FM2502, Brenham, TX 77833-9803

Permit #064220THE BRETHREN JOURNAL (ISSN 0006-9655)is published monthly except for January andJuly, which are bimonthly, at $12.00 per yearby The Unity of the Brethren through CentexDmailing Services, 108 East 2nd Street, Tay-lor, TX 76574, periodical postage paid at Tay-lor, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto The Brethren Journal, Attn: Business Man-ager, 3635 CR 225, Caldwell, TX 77836.

MISSION BOARD

Chairman (elected by the SynodicalCommittee):

David Miller, 3593 Blumentritt Road,San Angelo, TX 76905. (325) 651-7597; [email protected]

Unity Representatives:Robert Marsh, 2201 Real, Waco, TX

76712. (254) 420-1378;[email protected]

Daniel Vojtek, 5434 Marcia Lane, Bryan,TX 77807. (979) 823-4147;[email protected]

Mark Olsen, 1316 Howard St., Taylor,TX 76574. (512) 630-5153;[email protected]

Curtis Stewart, 407 Kates Way, Hutto,TX 78634. (512) 846-2925;[email protected]

Kent Laza, 13858 Apricot Glenn,College Station, TX 77845. (979) 690-7608; [email protected]

Joyce Baletka, P.O. Box 614, Caldwell,TX 77836. (979) 567-4563;[email protected]

Marvin Chlapek, 11026 Elm Bridge Ct.,Houston, TX 77065. (281) 469-7630;[email protected]

Sunday School Representative:Pat Mynar, 911 N. Hull St., Caldwell,

TX 7836. (979) 567-4020;[email protected]

Christian Sisters Representatives:Janet Pomykal, P.O. Box 560,

Brenham, TX 77834. (979) 836-3772.

Sharon Hohmann, 222 Crestwood Dr.,San Angelo, TX 76903. (325) 651-5884

BYF Representative:Kelsey Marek, 1304 T.H.Johnson Dr.,

Taylor, TX 76574. (512) 844-8520;[email protected]

Synodical Committee Liason:Rev. Linda Chandler, 13108 North

Ridge Circle, Leander, TX 78641.(512) 203-7293; [email protected]

ADVISORY MEMBERSRev. Lawrence & Barbara JunekRev. Milton & Jean MalyRay & Laurie GriggsJill Miller

CURRENT MISSIONARIESRobert & Annie ThiessenMichael & Caroline WooPhil RayfordPastor Pavel & Stanya KozakSteve & April Brown

BRETHREN JOURNAL March 2009/3

CY-FAIR COMMUNITY CHURCH(Unity of the Brethren)

Worship – 10:45 A.M.Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.

Pastors:Rev. Henry Beseda 12915 Cypress North Houston

(979) 567-7033 P.O. Box 0233Rev. Rick Chandler Cypress, TX 77410-0233

(281) 355-1474Church Phone – (281) 955-1655 President: Rev. Henry Beseda

President’s Column . . . Claren KotrlaINCREMENTALISM

Beware the gentle embrace of in-crementalism. It can be so very subtlethat we aren’t even awareit is happening. Many ofyou have heard of thestory about the frog thatwas cooked. He was sit-ting in a pot of waterwhile the flame underneathwas gradually increased.He didn’t detect thechange and was eventu-ally boiled (since frogs are coldblooded this can actually happen).The frog didn’t sense any change inthe temperature because he becameaccustomed to the incremental in-crease in temperature. We as indi-viduals, as a denomination, and as anation need to be aware of thisphenomenon.

When we observe things over timewe see a lot of examples of how wehave accepted incremental changesthat we would never have accepted ifthose changes had all happened atonce. A prime example is what we

observe on television. In the name offree speech and fairness there is gra-

tuitous violence, sex, andfoul language today. Thatdidn’t happen overnight.It occurred in small incre-mental steps and todayis accepted.

The marginalization ofChristianity is happen-ing the same way. In thename of fairness to other

religions and those who don’t believein anything, Christian practices inpublic are being reduced throughpolitical correctness as well as intimi-dation. The spirit of “in place ofChrist” is growing incrementally inAmerica. A complaint by even oneindividual can cause recognition ofChristianity to be squashed, usuallybecause of fear of a lawsuit. When Iwas growing up none of this wouldhave been tolerated, but because thechange has been gradual, and in somecases carefully orchestrated, we ac-cept it today.


WESTHEIMER COMMUNITY CHURCH15635 Westheimer RoadHouston, Texas 77082

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

1st & 3rd Sunday Rev. Nello Strickland2nd & 4th Sunday Rev. Rick Chandler5th Sunday – Holy Communion Rev. Henry Beseda

In incremental ways by trying tobe fair or for safety reasons we acceptsmall changes that in the back of ourmind we know to be wrong but justaren’t worth dealing with. Then, whentoo many incremental changes havetaken place, it is too late to do what isright. We are sometimes lulled orintimidated into accepting falsechoices, a red herring if you will. Weare told that if we don’t recognizesomething as ok we are not reason-able or are mean spirited, racist, orhypocrites or worse. We respond tothe false choice by accepting what webelieve is a little wrong, but don’twant to look bad at that moment. Wefail to realize that the choice we arebeing asked to make isn’t as simple aspresented. There can be many waysto accomplish a particular goal. It isseldom that we have to do anythingonly one way. Eventually, throughincremental steps, we accept what weknow to be false and become part ofthe problem rather than part of thesolution.

Another story of how people ac-cept things incrementally that theywould never accept if the whole truthwere known involves a camel in the

desert. There were a group of Bedouinsin their tent in the desert waiting fora very rare rain storm to stop. Thecamel that was standing outside inthe rain stuck his head into the tentand asked if he could keep his nose inthe tent since he didn’t want to catchcold and be sick when they neededhim. Of course the answer was yes.Shortly the camel asked if he couldput his whole head in since the rainwas getting into his ears and it couldcause him to lose balance when theyrode him. Of course the answer wasyes. Later the camel noted that hishump was getting soggy and he didn’twant them to have to ride on a soggyhump. He asked if he could put hishump inside the tent. Since they hadcome this far they said why not. Onceagain they said yes. The final requestfrom the camel was to allow his smalltail into the tent. It was getting wetand that would make it difficult forhim to swat the flies off while theywere traveling. He didn’t want toaccidentally knock one of them offwith his heavy wet tail. Of coursethey said yes. The tent was crowdedso the Bedouins went outside in therain and the camel was nice and dry in


the tent. Both the Bedouins and thecamel were happy. Are we sometimeslike the Bedouins in this story? Whenwe give up our Christian beliefs toaccommodate others, that is exactlywhat we are like.

Reviewing cases of people whoget lost shows a series of choices thatwere made caused it to happen ratherthan one major mistake. In incremen-tal steps, usually starting even beforeentering the wilderness, the stage isset. The individual through ignoranceor over confidence starts out ill pre-pared. Then as they get further andfurther along they continue to makeincrementally poor choices. All of asudden, they realize they are lost andpanic sets in. At that point things canand often get really bad.

Once we start down the incremen-tal path, we then have to compensatefor our earlier choices by makingadjustments and excuses. Then wehave to justify those choices as they

become more obviously wrong. At anintellectual level we rationalize thosechoices by “putting ourselves in theirshoes” or excusing our own pooractions. We may simply go into astate of denial and believe that itwasn’t a series of bad choices thatgot us into the predicament in whichwe find ourselves.

We as Christians are vulnerable tothe same kind of incremental mistakesdiscussed here in our spiritual anddaily life. By being prepared throughprayer and knowledge of God’s teach-ing we can stay on the correct pathand avoid the fear and panic of beinglost. A verse we are using this year atAustin Brethren Church may be help-ful in avoiding incremental mistakes.It is Proverbs 3:4-6 and reads asfollows: “Trust in the Lord with allyour heart and lean not on your ownunderstanding, but in all your waysacknowledge Him and He shall directyour path.”


Recently I looked over the Unitywebsite and noticed that a lot of theinformation was outdaded and in somecases simply lacking. The web site iswhat people see when they look onlineto find out about our denomination.Accurately presenting what is cur-rently happening within the Unityshows a vibrant and active churchfamily. Old information or poorly pre-sented information does just theopposite.

Special Notice from the President..

Please look at the website to en-sure the organization you support isaccurately and currently representedon the web site. Just like the informa-tion in the Brethren Journal wherethe editor can’t make up what you aredoing, the web master can’t make itup either. Help Ben and the Unityupdate the Unity website by givinghim the information he needs.

Thanks, Claren Kotrla

ADERHOLDFUNERAL HOME, INC.“Thoughtful Service –

A Payne Family Tradition”West, Texas254/826-5321

Brighter VisionTammy Pechal, Joe & Christi Emerson

Bringing Glory to God in SongContact Pastor Joe Emerson(254) 931-1653 for booking

OCKER BRETHREN CHURCH17454 State Highway 53

Temple, Texas 76501Preaching the Word, Loving the People

Sunday School 9:00 AMWorship 10:15 AM

Pastor Elder Board PresidentRev. Ron Winsman Bill McGuire

3112 W. Ave. R 2418 South 49thTemple, TX 76504 Temple, TX 76504

(254) 742-0827 (254) [email protected]

Cemetery Youth DirectorSharon Marek Jennifer Chervenka

23383 Milam Road 9494 Big Elm Creek Rd.Burlington, TX 76519 Rogers, TX 76569

(254) 985-2457 (254) 983-1002


Dr. Jiri Carda, Pastor Emeritus ofthe Protestant Church of the CzechBrethren, died after a long illness atthe Diakonia home for the elderly inKrabcice, the Czech Republic. Dr. Cardahad visited some of the congrega-tions of the Brethren in Texas, includ-ing the historic Wesley BrethrenChurch. He and his wife, Marie, gra-ciously hosted and served as guidesfor many Texas Brethren who traveledto the Czech Republic over the years.

Surviving Dr. Carda is his wifeMarie, three children – Petr, Marta,

Dr. and Mrs. Carda with all their family.(Picture was taken in 1993 during the visit by the Janes family from Wesley.)

Dr. Jiri Carda…1922-2009

and Jan – and a sister and her children.He went to be with his Lord on

January 2nd of this year, and hismemorial service was on January 10thfrom the Protestant Czech BrethrenChurch in Horni Cermna, when he hadserved as pastor for 40 years.

Correspondance may be sent to:Marie CardovaDOS, Rovné 58, posta 411 87KrabciceThe Czech Republic

CNC & Manual Machining Welding – Fabricating – RepairCustom Manufacturing CNC Torch Cutting

Taylor Iron-Machine Works, Inc.208 Bland St. P.O. Box 188 Taylor, TX 76574

(512) 352-3646 Metro: (512) 365-3648 Fax: (512) 365-8845


Thoughts about giving…Remembering the Unity of the Brethrenor any of its ministries is a fittingtestimony of your belief. Your gift in awill can be a legacy that continues toaffect the Christian values, mission, andministry that is important to you.

You can give without restrictions and let us use thefunds for the most pressing needs or you can specifyhow, when, or where you want the funds used.

You can require that we hold the principle as anendowment and 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 ifthey survive you and if not, then to the Unity.

You can tell us now that you have named the Unity inyour will and allow us to express our gratitude…oryou can let it be known later.

There are many other ways to give. Contact anyBoard of Grants and Bequests member about whatyou can give and how you can give.

Guy Huffman . . [email protected] ph: (979) 567-4974

Frank McKay III . . [email protected] ph: (281) 424-5126

Ronald [email protected] ph: (979) 567-3732

Dewyan Weise . . . ph: (325) 651-8550


10/March 2009 BRETHREN JOURNAL BRETHREN JOURNAL March 2009/11


Thirty-one youth and 8 adults gath-ered at the Hus Encampment January17-18 for the winter youth retreat. Ourfocus for the weekend was “FaithAin’t Monkey Business.” God turnedthe cold weather into beautiful sun-shine, and we enjoyed every minuteof it!

We discovered that our faith is notsomething that should be taken lightlythrough games, Bible studies, andfellowship. Many good people go tochurch, participate in church activi-ties, and read the Bible, but the truemeasure of Christian faith is JesusChrist. He is the foundation of ourfaith, and our thoughts and actionsshould center on Him.

We were challenged to evaluateour lives. How are we spending ourtime? What activities are we partici-pating in? Are we giving God the timeHe deserves? Are we giving God

BYF Winter Retreat: January 17-18… a reportFaith Ain’t Monkey Business

honor in the things we do?We present you with the same chal-lenge. Have you given your life toChrist and made Him your founda-tion? How are you spending yourtime? What things are you seekingfulfillment in?

We pray that the Holy Spirit wouldtouch you. That God would openyour heart and your eyes. That youwould give Him your time, turn to Himin all things, and that you would seekwhat is most important: a true rela-tionship with Him through Jesus Christ.Amen.

We look forward to growing to-gether in our faith and growing stron-ger with the Lord.

In His Love,The Winter Retreat CoordinatorsJennifer Chervenka, Anna Wotipka,Brittany Coots, and Christina Kirby


Upcoming Youth Activities ScheduleMarch 7: State Children’s RallyApril 10: Fishing Retreat Registration DeadlineMay 1-3: State Youth Fishing Retreat*July 25-26: BYF Convention & Volleyball Tournament

Important Information…from Kimberly Stewart, Summer Encampment Director:

High school students may come to 1 week of senior high camp or to the 2-week Hus School program for leadership training OR they may come for all 3weeks combined. The two events will be planned in conjunction with oneanother, so that topics studied at the camp will carry over into the Hus Schoolprogram. The Hus School theme this year will be Missions and Ministries.

Remember as you discuss Hus School that students are encouraged to comefor 3 summers to gain the full realm of study. One year we address Personal andSpiritual Development, one year Prayer and Worship, and one year Missionsand Ministries. These are all aspects that were covered in the past when HusSchool was 4-6 weeks long. As it has been scaled back to 2 weeks, we have triedto still cover the topics, but now over a 3-year experience. From variousconversations, I understand that not all parents or all churches have under-stood this process in the past few years and have been reluctant to send youthto Hus School for more than one year. We encourage just that. To have the fullrealm of courses and leadership experiences, we want the students to comemultiple years. Now, that’s not to say it’s a requirement in any way. If someoneis available only one summer, then we encourage attendance for one year.

Summer Hus Encampment Camp ScheduleAlpha Camp (9-10 year olds): June 7-9 (Sun.-Tues.)Pioneer Camp (11-12 year olds): June 14-19 (Sun.-Fri.)Discovery Camp (13-14 year olds): June 21-26 (Sun.-Fri.)Senior High Camp (15 and up): June 28-July 3 (Sun.-Fri.)Hus School (15 and up) July 5-17 (2 weeks straight through, Sun.-Fri.)

B.Y.F. FISHING RETREATFriday, May 1-Sunday, May 3

Port O’Connor, TexasRetreat Fee: $50

The fee includes registration, food, and fishing supplies. You areresponsible for your food and snacks while traveling. Participants (ages

17 and older) must have a fishing license with a salt-water stamp.For information contact Jennifer Chervenka:[email protected]; 254-983-1002.


A Perfect Gift For Yourself or OthersIt’s Your Family Story

Invitation to Cat Spring: From European Tyranny to Freedom to Civil WarPrize-winning Historical Novel concerning the Moravian Brethren who

Immigrated to Texas in the mid 1850’sAutographed copies available from the author, Mary Frances Chupick Bennett

303 Riverhill Blvd. - Kerrville, Texas 78028 - [email protected] www.invitationtocatspring

Single copies $19.99 + mailing and handling.For priority mail anywhere in the US add $6.51, Total $26.50

Inquire about multiple copies, media mail, and parcel post to your addressAvailable online from book stores or from publisher AuthorHouse.

Dear friends, The Lord’s Supper does not usu-

ally come with dessert, but today itdid. Today, it came with a birthdaycake. Today, 9 of us women squishedinto a car and drove 20 minutes out oftown to celebrate the birthday of anold lady named Linda. Linda is notsure how old she is since her parentsnever filled out a birth certificate, butI place her somewhere near 90. Shesays definitely 74, but that’s not thepoint. For years now, Linda has lived

SPECIAL NOTICE… Needed: Short-term Elementary En-glish School Teachers in Ahuas, Honduras. Contact David

Miller, Unity Mission Board President

In Christ’s Love . . . from the Mission Field

Letters – from the Thiessens…

prone on a straw mat in a little tinshack with cows tied outside her doorand a goat pen across the yard. Shehas not sat upright for years. Shriv-eled and tiny, toothless and bedrid-den, she has a huge callous on herback and on her left elbow where shehas scrunched herself around theshack keeping herself, her clothes,and her room clean and tidy. Whenyou enter, there is no smell, no mess.She has a long bamboo stick that sheuses to reach into the corners. This issome lady.

Each of us in turn kneels down ona piece of newspaper she keeps byher mat, and we greet her Mexicanstyle, a hug and a kiss on the cheek.She is pleased to see us. It’s herbirthday.

Today she is going to be baptized.She has committed herself to God andwants to do all that she can do toshow that she is serious about this.Aide, who has visited her nearly


KUBENA Funeral Home507 South Main St.

Hallettsville, Texas 77946Pre-Arranged Funerals

Low Cost Funeral InsurancePhone 361-798-3271

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.

For information please contact one of the following:

Dorothy Hinson Larry King, SecretaryPresident Board of Elders

7331 Misty Morning Lane 1611 Palomino Ln.Humble, TX 77346 Kingwood, TX 77339

(281) 620-0480 (281) 358-3355

GRANGER NATIONALBANK

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

www.grangernationalbank.com

every week for over 4 years now,bringing her food, caring for her smallneeds, and leading her to God, lov-ingly kneels beside her, takes thebandana off her head (she has nohair), and with a simple prayer, pourswater over her head. Teresa leads usin a song. We pray. Linda prays...“God, I can’t see you. But I know youare always here...”

We share the Lord’s Supper theretogether in that shack. Tears glisten.Linda blesses us with her quiet, chirpyvoice. Her bright eyes cherish us. Myfriend Binisa says, “I’ve never expe-rienced the Lord’s Supper like thisbefore.” And that doesn’t even in-clude the cake.

Afterwards, we all take pictureswith Linda. She wants lots of copiesto give to all her relatives. She wantsa picture of the cake, and of her eatingit, too. We sing “Las Mañanitas” inour best voices and cheer at the end.

This is her day.When we leave, Soledad kills a

poisonous spider making its nest inone of the slats near the doorway.Death and life lurk so close, here inthis place.

As Aide has hoped in bringing ushere with her today, all of us in ourminds are wondering how to servethis beautiful woman better. We are allproud of her. She has won us. Hername, “Lovely” in Spanish, suits her.

We file out past the cows and thegoats to our car. The cake was good.The time was holy. Through a littlesquare hole in the tin behind her bedshe waves us all goodbye, and that isthe final image I see, a little shriveledhand vigorously bidding me goodbye,like a final benediction, like the icingon the cake.

Blessed, Anne


– from the Browns in Omolouc the Czech Republic

Greetings from frigid and snowyOlomouc, Czech Republic! We hopethis email finds each of you doingwell and growing in the grace of ourLord Jesus Christ. It has been quiteawhile since we have communicatedwith you all. We have exciting newsto share with you and thank you inadvance for your partnership throughprayer for us, Moravia, and God’sglory.

Here’s what is going on:

Family*April is walking. Praise the Lord.

She’s been through some gruelingphysical therapy, but all the pain,sweat and tears is paying off. It’s niceto see her walk and not have toomuch pain. April has befriended eachof the physical therapists and meetsweekly with one of them, Zuzanka.She is open to spiritual things and

interested in “God”. Pray for them.April also meets with Zuzanka’sroomate, Eva, weekly.

*The kids are doing well. Theylove going to school and are makingmany friends. It’s awesome to watcheach child develop and grow. It bringstears to our eyes to hear our kidsspeak fluent Czech. April wells upwith tears because they can speak sowell. I cry because it only reminds meof the fact that I can’t speak Czechvery well. ha! :) Chloe loves to talk toher friends about God, and her andVance often come home with manyquestions about why their friendsdon’t believe in God.

*Baby – we continue to wait eachmonth for a call from the Social Office.We recently heard that there are chil-dren available for adoption, but thereare no babies like we request. So wewait and pray.

*Natasha Simonenko – Natashajoined our team in early October and

AMOS ELECTRIC SUPPLYCOMPANY

LIGHT FIXTURES • APPLIANCESELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

(254) 778-42715120 S. General Bruce Dr., Temple, TX 76502

PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEEChairperson: Dr. Dawn Marie Baletka,[email protected] Committee Liaison: Dr. LarryKoslovskyMembers: Eugene Haisler, [email protected] Laza, [email protected] Ulmer, [email protected]

THE BUCKHOLTS BRETHREN CHURCH606 N. 4th Street

Buckholts, Texas 76518

Worship 9 AM Rev. Johnny KuekerStudy 10:30 AM P.O. Box 325(No service on Buckholts, Texas 76518fifth Sunday.) (254) 605-0434


is doing very well. She came throughthe International Mission Board’s jour-neyman program. We’re delighted tohave her join us. She will begin teach-ing English in January. She’s cur-rently taking Czech lessons and isdoing well.

*Philip and Lisa Bennett – TheBennetts, with their 2 small girls, willjoin our team in early January. Theyare currently at the IMB’s Interna-tional Learning Center for 8 weeksgoing through Field Personnel Orien-tation. Pray for them as they will facemany changes and have many adjust-ments in the coming months.

*Ivos and Elen Stanko – we havebeen partnering with Ivos and Elenon different levels for 4 years now.God has knit our hearts together withtheirs and we love working side byside with them. Pray for them as theyhave recently found out that Elen ispregnant!!!

Ministry*Praise God! Honza, who has been

attending our Bible discussion groupsfor about 2 years now, recently be-came a follower of Christ. You can seea dramatic change in his life and it’samazing. He truly has been trans-

formed. He’s devouring the Word ofGod and is hungry to learn and livefor Christ. It’s awesome!! Pray forhim. He is currently going throughsome VERY DIFFICULT family issuesand desperately needs your prayers.Please pray for wisdom for us andIvos and Elen as we guide and helphim through this time in his life.

*Franta is an 18-year-old studentin High School who has been comingto our group for over a year now.Recently he told us that he, too, is afollower of Jesus. He said that he nowbelieves there is one God and his SonJesus Christ. He can rattle off biblicalfacts about Jesus, but grace is miss-ing in his life. With all the knowledgethat he has, he is still working to gethis way to God. Pray for him. He isstruggling with some things that tookplace earlier in his life. He will not tellus what happened, but you can seethe hurt in his eyes. Pray for him.

*Tonda, Jarka, Mila – All 3 of themsaid they wanted to follow Christ lastMay. It’s been back and forth withthem ever since. All 3 are dealing withissues in their lives and there is hurtand pain. One day they are open andsay they believe, the next week they

Call 800-848-8472 or 512-352-2265


GUY E. HUFFMAN, CPATax & Financial Services Since 1981

979/567-4974108 N. Main St., Caldwell, TX 77836

Website: www.cpaguy.com*Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Servicessm,

Advisory services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory Servicessm,Non-bank subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company

say the do not or can not believe.Pray for all 3 of them. Thank you!Please pray for Mila’s husband, Mirek,who is a very hard man, yet has cometo our group. They invited us over totheir home recently and we had awonderful conversation about manydifferent things.

*Please pray for the others thatgreatly need your prayers that attendor have attended our groups: Terezka,Lucie, Marek, Adriana, Vlasta, Mirek,Rahel, Betty, Zuzka and Eva.

*Christmas booth – The annualChristmas Market is getting ready toopen in the main square of Olomouc.Once again we will be renting a boothand giving away free cookies, hotchocolate, crafts from America, Bibles,literature, and information about ourministry. Please pray for these 3 weeks.

We are going to freeze. Pray Godwould draw many people to Himselfthrough our efforts. We are going tofreeze. Pray for our health. We aregoing to freeze.

*International Worship Service –Last month we started a monthlyInternational Worship Service. We’vehad two worship times, and around 50people have attended each. Pray forthis time. We are partnering with thelocal Baptist Church. The Baptistchurch provides the praise and wor-ship, and I, Steve, preach. Pray forwisdom for us.

God constantly brings people tous and we are so grateful for it. Apriland I are meeting with people weeklyfor cappuccinos and conversation.We have had great opportunities toshare the Hope that lies within us. Welove to sit and talk with people forhours. They talk, we listen. We talk,they listen. We love living with andloving lost people in need of ourSavior.

How are you all doing? We’d loveto hear from each of you!!

We love you all, Steve, April, Chloe,Vance, and Sophie

Ephesians 6:19


Call us if you have questionsabout naming your churchor a Unity of the Brethrenagency as a beneficiary

in an existing or newSPJST insurance certificate.

SPJST520 NorthMain StreetTemple, Texas 76501

(800) 727-7578www.spjst.org

MembershipBenefits

• Life Insurance• Annuities• Home Loans• Family Activities• Community Involvement• Youth Activities and Camp• Scholarships• Vestnik weekly newspaper

Insuring & Enriching Lives

A fraternal benefit societyserving Texans

and their familiesfor 112 years.

– from the Woos... (February 2009)“For this reason you be ready

too; for the Son of Man is coming atan hour when you do not think Hewill.” (Matthew 24:44)Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Chinese New Year, it’s theyear of the bull and all of you born in’97,’85,’73,’61,’49,’37,’25,’13… it’s youryear! Last Sunday night was NewYears Eve, and we were woke up atmidnight by what sounded like a warzone roar of fireworks. Zach and Ianamazingly slept through it. We aregetting pretty good at dealing with allthe noise and smelly incense sincethis is our 5th time experiencing it.

Since we wrote you last we havecontinued to work on establishing anEnglish training center. It will be acompany, not a school. We praise theLord that He has helped us to rent anoffice, make signs and business cards,

advertise, and even teach one weekof classes. We had 6 students madeup of 3-6 year olds. By the end of theweek they could understand and sort-of say things like: “The man is jump-ing, the duck is yellow, I’m 4 yearsold.” Next week we will hold moreclasses for middle school youth andadults, too. We have been given per-mission to go ahead with our teach-ing, but the government paperwork isnot yet finished. Our co-worker hasgone to 2 of the 8 government officesthat we need permission from. Thegovernment really seems to want tomake it work for us as they feel thisprovince is behind in English. We arecurrently praying for some of you tocome teach English with us for a yearor so. If interested, just let us know.

This week we are back home inTarget City and we feel we are still


waiting… waiting on Him... waitingfor the new year break to be over,waiting for a house helper and lan-guage helper, waiting for a break-through, waiting to see what He willdo here. We again feel Him calling usto more prayer. This place is dark andthe enemy is alive and well.

We see the enemy all around us.Before we had our own apartment wewould stay in hotels and were awak-ened at night by the sights and soundsof prostitutes in the streets and oth-ers fighting and beating each otherup between 1 and 6 AM. Today wewent to the main bookstore of the cityand there were pornographic videoswith images out in the open for us tosee right beside the English booksection. On the highway betweenhere and our former city we havetwice come upon a traffic accidentthat has just taken place between ayoung Dai man on a motorcycle withno helmet and a truck or car. Theyoung boy is always dead in the

street when we pass by. Drugs, AIDS,violence, prostitution, idol worship...it’s all here, and people seem numb toit.

However, He is here, too! We feelHim in our family worship times, wefeel Him calling us to pray, we feel Himtelling us to seek Him, and we feel Himin the blessing of good neighborsand new friends. Hallelujah!

Today Samuel asked me when Jesuswill come back. I told him that no oneknows, but the Bible says that wemust be ready. He asked what itmeans to be ready. What a greatquestion. In this new year for China,please join us in seeking the Lord onbehalf of the Dai people that they maybe ready for the Lord’s return, Hisglorious coming. May we all be ready,even so, come, Lord Jesus.

In Him,Caroline, Michael,

Samuel, Ian, and Zach

CALDWELL BRETHREN CHURCH401 South Main Street

(979) 567-7203

Sunday School9:30 AM

Sunday Worship10:30 AM

Jim Heckman, Pastor(512) 446-6962

[email protected]

Welcome


Amor Fraternal, that is the name ofthe Hispanic congregation that sharesour church building with us. PastorsArmando Barros Sr. and Jr. were care-ful to name their congregation in away that would fit with our denomina-tion, just one of many ways they havebeen careful to fit as seamlessly aspossible with our congregation. Theyhave been with us for about 8 monthsnow and have kept their word andthem some. Amor Fraternal translatesto “Brotherly Love”. We have re-cently started doing things together,first our annual Christmas banquet,and most recently our Christmas Eveservice. Both events were a blessingto all in attendance.

I have to admit I have been puzzledas how to best serve this congrega-tion. I promised when I first came thatwe would somehow reach this com-munity, and the first three years werespent trying one outreach plan afteranother and seeing no results. AmorFraternal was the answer to prayer,

prayer that God would use our con-gregation and our facility to serve thegrowing population of Hispanics inthe area around our church. AmorFraternal has been able to connectwith a community that I had failed toconnect with. They have been able toconnect because they are Hispanic.There are areas where the populationis becoming or has become predomi-nantly Spanish speaking, I believethere is a place for The Unity in theseareas if we begin to open up andrecruit Hispanic pastors.

There is a tremendous home mis-sion oppourtunity in the Hispaniccommunity. I am in prayer about thisand I invite you to pray with me, Ihave witnessed changed lives andfamilies through my connection withAmor Fraternal, and to me that isproof that God is working in this area,and I want to be where God is.

In Christ,Bro.Keaton

Amor Fraternal…a New Outreach in Pasadena– by Pastor Scott Keaton

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

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

Sunday School – 9:30 AM; Worship – 10:45 AMBible Buddies – 2nd Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM

Pastor Board of Elders President Youth DirectorsRev. Joseph Polasek Rayfield Slovacek Randall & Jonna See4241 Blue Heron P.O. Box 267 P.O. Box 345Bryan, TX 77807 Snook, TX 77878 Snook, TX 77878

(979) 779-3634 (979) 272-8845


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 President Secretary

James D. Hejl Sidney Srnensky Mary Kokes512-365-6890 512-365-1142 M-Th 8:00 am-noon

MUTUAL AID SOCIETYGENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORTPeriod of July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008

Membership July 1, 2008 922Deaths 5Withdrawn 2Dropped 1 5Reinstated 0New Members 9

Membership December 31, 2008 909

Those members received since the last report:NAME LOCAL DATE JOINEDShelby Taylor Macha Rosenberg #21 August 10, 2008Jared Morgan Ulmer Taylor #3 August 23, 2008Adam Kyle DeWitt B/CS #34 August 23, 2008Justin Wayne Polasek Cadlwell #27 August 23, 2008Allison Suzanne Jackson West #4 August 23, 2008Elizabeth Jae Ripple Fayetteville #5 August 28, 2008Blaise Alexandria McKinzie* Fayetteville #5 August 28, 2008Scott Lee Coleman West #4 December 1, 2008Seth Paul Beal Taylor #3 December 1, 2008

*Not Junior Transfers

Those members for whom death benefits were paid since the last report:NAME LOCAL DATE OF DEATHLillie J. Skrabanek Seaton #16 June 20, 2008Ben H. Chlapek Temple #20 July 27, 2008Frances S. Storey New Tabor #13 October 4, 2008Joseph Daniel Holey At Large (Holland) September 21, 2008Jesse Hajdik Houston #23 December 11, 2008


The meeting was called to order byPresident Claren Kotrla. The Secre-tary reported that the 2008 question-naires were still due from the B/CS,Crosby, Faith Brethren, Granger, NewTabor, Pasadena, Snook, Taylor, andWest congregations. The 2009questionnaires will be sent out afterthe first of the year.

The devotional, led by Rev. LarryButcher, was entitled: “Measure WhatYou Do” and was based on Mark 4:21.

Items of business:• For a copy of the Revised Unity

By-Laws, see Rev. Jimmy Hejl.• The next Unity Convention would

be held at theTemple Brethren Church,July 9-11, 2009. For the Convention,the reports from all officers andorganizations will be due June 1, 2009.

• President Claren Kotrla noted thathe had visited the Granger, Caldwell,and Dime Box congregations. Also,that Dawn Marie Baletka was now thepresident of the Pastor RelationsCommittee, that Rev. Jimmy Hejl hadresigned as the Second Vice Presi-dent; Rev. Michael Groseclose wasappointed to take his place. He fur-

ther noted that he was looking for aUnity-Wide Pastor whose duty itwould be to work with and visit all theUnity ministers to help churches beunified and to work better as a de-nomination. Bro. Larry Koslovskydefined “stewards” and “stewardship”as involving the sharing of time, tal-ents, and treasure.

Reports were given by: FinancialSecretary, Dewyan Weise; Treasurer,James Marek; Credentialing Commit-tee, Rev. Larry Koslovsky. Presentedthe Seminary Courses for School Min-istry (incorporated outside of Unity)for five Ministerial Students asfollows. These are to be taught byMinisters within Unity: Jerry L. Terrill,D.Min., Houston; Larry Zabcik, Temple;Denise Mikeska, Seaton; Steven Davis,Seaton; Mark Sebek, Ocker.

Other Reports: The Mission Board,Joyce Baletka ; State Youth Coordina-tor, Rev. Mike Groseclose. A Newsearch committee was formed to re-process resumes for the State YouthCoordinator Position; Rev. MikeGroseclose will serve as Chairman;Pastoral Relations Committee, Dawn

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.

A Report on the Unity of the BrethrenSynodical Committee Meeting of October 4, 2008

A Summary Report


Marie Baletka; Hus School Board ofTrustees, Mike Emery; Hus SchoolLand Acquisition Committee, JimBaletka; Mutual Aid, Rev. JosephPolasek; Book Store Manager, Rev.Jim Heckman; Minister InsuranceCommittee, Tommy Tallas .

Other Discussion & Reports:• IRS Workshop, Rev. Jim Heckman

(“IRS Resources on Tax Exempt”). Itwas recommended that each Churchview online (contact Rev. JimHeckman for website information).

• “In Gods Hands Ministry”, byRev. Jim Heckman.

• Brethren Journal , by Rev. MiltonMaly & Rev. Joe Emerson(Financing).

• Combining of Christian Educa-tion and Sunday School UnionReport, by Kay Polasek.

• Southern Province Synod of theMoravian Church, by Rev.

Linda Chandler.• Liability issues, by Claren Kotrla.

The next Synodical CommitteeMeeting will be on March 28, 2009,beginning at 9:00 a.m, at the HusEncampment, Caldwell, Texas.

Submitted byKathy Harrison, Secretary,

Unity of the Brethren

“Love Practiced Here”The Rosenberg Brethren Church

5220 Reading RoadRosenberg, TX 77471

(281) 342-3060

Sunday School 9:00 AMWorship Service 10:30 AMWednesday Eve. 6:00 PM

Prayer Service and Bible Study

Bro. Larry Butcher3030 Prescott, Houston, TX 77025

(713) 669-9381 (Home)

Now Available from the Brethren Book Store401 South Main, Caldwell, TX 77836

(979) 567-7203

How It All BeganA History of the Unity of the Brethren

By Rev. Daniel J. Marek

A compilation of Rev. Marek’s articles and translations ofarticles written from 1986-2004. These articles appeared invarious issues of The Brethren Journal. Hard Cover, 159pages. Includes a section on the Unity’s beginnings in Texas anda section on the Unity’s European history.

$15 plus $2 shipping and handling


DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDEDaily Morsels for March 2009

Dorothy E. Kocian

Annual Christian Sisters Bazaar, 2nd Saturday in SeptemberThe Rosenberg Brethren Church

Christian Sisters5220 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas 77471

1. I will give them an undivided heartand put a new spirit in them.Ez. 11:19

2. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall notbe in want. Ps. 23:1

3. He is our God and we are the peopleof His pasture, the flock under Hiscare. Ps. 95:7

4. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.The good shepherd lays down his lifefor his sheep.” Jn. 10:11

5. For you were like sheep going astray,but now you have returned to theShepherd and Overseer of your souls.1 Pet. 2:25

6. When the Chief Shepherd appears,you will receive the crown of glorythat will never fade away. 1 Pet. 5:4

7. They will know that I, the Lord theirGod, am with them, and they are Mypeople. Ez. 34:30

8. You, my sheep, the sheep of mypasture, are people, and I am yourGod, declares the sovereign Lord.Ez. 34:31

9. You are great and do marvelousdeeds; you alone are God. Ps. 86:10

10. Sing to God, sing praise to Hisname; rejoice before Him. Ps. 69:4

11. Let the nations praise Your great andawesome name. Ps. 99:3

12. “Keep My commands and followthem. I am the Lord.” Lev. 22:31

13. “Do not profane My holy name. Imust be acknowledged as holy. I amholy.” Lev. 22:32

14. The name of the Lord is a strongtower; the righteous run to it and aresafe. Prov. 18:10

15. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I willwalk in Your truth. Ps. 86:11

16. You shall not misuse the name of theLord your God. Ex. 20:7

17. Because you, O God, are my help, Ising in the shadow of Your wings.Ps. 63:7

18. The Lord is the everlasting God, theCreator of the ends of the earth.Isa. 40:28

19. He gives strength to the weary andincreases the power of the weak.Isa. 40:29

20. The Lord is good to those whosehope is in Him, to the one who seekshim. Lam. 3:25

21. Jesus said to them, “Surely I am withyou always.” Matt. 28:20

22. Those whose hope is in the Lord willrenew their strength. Isa. 40:31a

23. Because of the Lord’s great love weare not consumed, for hiscompassions never fail. Lam. 3:22

24. God our Savior saved us, notbecause of righteous things we haddone, but because of his mercy.Titus 3:5

25. Blessed is the man who does notwalk in the counsel of the wicked orstand in the way of sinners. Ps. 1:1

26. He is like a tree planted by streams ofwater, which yields its fruit and whoseleaf does not wither. Ps. 1:3

27. It is good to wait quietly for thesalvation of the Lord. Lam. 3:26

28. If anyone is in Christ, he is a newcreation; the old has gone, the newhas come. 2 Cor. 5:17

29. God made Him who had no sin to besin for us, so that in Him we mightbecome the righteousness of God.2 Cor. 5:21

30. Every tongue should confess thatJesus Christ is Lord, to the glory ofGod the Father. Phil. 2:11

31. Jesus said, “Rejoice that your namesare written in heaven.” Lk. 10:20


PLEASE JOIN US AS WE“Bear ye one another’s burdens

And so fulfill the Law of Christ.”(Gal. 6:2)

THE MUTUAL AID SOCIETYRev. Joseph J. Polasek, President Guy E. Huffman,TreasurerCalvin J. Vojtek, Vice-President Stanley F. Mrnustik, Junior Dept.Natalie Outlaw, Gen. Secretary Dorothy Hinson, Board Member

Mutual Aid Society – Listing of Local Secretaries’Addresses and Phone Numbers

Granger #1: Angie Malicoat, PO Box86, Taylor, TX 76574, 512-859-2837

Shiner #2: **Natalie Outlaw, 7575Wixon Road, Bryan, TX 77808-8085,979-589-2012

Taylor #3: Marie Ann Ripple, 2302Heights Blvd, Taylor, TX 76574,512-365-6916, [email protected]

West #4: Dorothy Kocian, 107 SouthBarbara Street, Waco, TX 76705,254-799-5331,[email protected]

Dime Box #6: Olga Brinkman, 2302 E.Mercer’s Landing, Bryan, TX77808, 979-731-8681

Snook #7: Marie Shelfer, Box 138,Snook, TX 77878, 979-272-8100,[email protected]

Ocker #8: Doris Svoboda, 109Friendship Ln, Temple, TX76501-9614, 254-742-1405

Dallas #10: James A. Marek, 2511Wedglea, Apt 608, Dallas, TX 75211,214-942-5168, [email protected]

Cooks Point #12: Patsy Albright, 2105Rivendell, Bryan, TX 77807-4812,979-779-8463

New Tabor #13: Evelyn Henry, PO Box336, Caldwell, TX 77836-0336,979-567-4397

Nelsonville #14: Peggy Peschel, 8000Hwy 159 W, Bellville, TX 77418,979-865-5095

Seaton #16: Joyce Skrabanek, 7157FM 2086, Temple, TX 76501,254-984-2283

Sealy #17: Esther Breeden, 1505 E27th, Bryan, TX 77802-1318,979-779-3835

Wesley #18: Mary Surovik, 2530 SBerlin Rd, Brenham, TX77833-2048, 979-251-7485

Smithville #19: ** Natalie Outlaw, 7575Wixon Road, Bryan, TX 77808-8085,979-589-2012

Temple #20: Ed Marek, 2900 PecanValley Drive, Temple, TX 76502,254-778-2120

Rosenberg #21: Virginia Macik, 1209Tobola, Rosenberg, TX 77471,281-342-8802

Alief #22: Daniel W. Psencik, 1216Damon Street, Rosenberg, TX77471, 979-793-6783

Houston #23: Dorothy Hinson, 7331Misty Morning Dr., Humble, TX77346, 281-620-0480

Industry #24: **Natalie Outlaw, 7575Wixon Road, Bryan, TX 77808-8085,979-589-2012

Wall #25: Sharon J. Hohmann, 222Crestwood Drive, San Angelo, TX76903-9106, 325-651-5884

Caldwell #27: Guy Huffman, PO Box216, Caldwell, TX 77836,979-567-7089,[email protected]

Crosby #28: Gisela Gaeke, PO Box599, Crosby, TX 77532,281-426-5506

Buckholts #29: **Natalie Outlaw, 7575Wixon Road, Bryan, TX 77808-8085,979-589-2012,[email protected]

Placedo #30: Dorothy Elsik, PO Box1054, Victoria, TX 77902,361-575-2298

Robstown #31: Annette Korff, 1207Baker, Robstown, TX 78380,361-387-5241

Austin #32: Doris Boriski, 17111 OakCliff Circle, Dripping Springs, TX78620-2527, 512-264-2273

Pasadena #33: Betty Orsag, 5118Coventry Ct, Friendswood, TX77546-3001, 281-482-1501

B/CS #34: Mary Polasek, 4241 BlueHeron Road, Bryan, TX77807-9027, 979-779-3634,[email protected]

**Position currently filled by Administrative Board members


VITAL STATISTICS

MEMBERS RECEIVED

By Profession of Faith:DEBBIE GLORIA on August 24, 2008 at theRosenberg Brethren Church.

EVAN EICHENBERGER on November 2,2008 at the Rosenberg Brethren Church.

SHERI STEFFEK on November 16, 2008 atthe Rosenberg Brethren Church.

By Reaffirmation of Faith: TERRI PARKISON, at Wesley Brethren Churchon November 30, 2008.

By Letter of Transfer:LARRY and JACLYN ZABCIK, from FirstPresbyterian Church of Hillsboro toTemple Brethren Church, on October 19,2008.

RECENT WEDDINGS

RECENT WEDDINGS GANDY/MACIK. Alan Ray Macik and SandraGandy were joined in marriage at the RosenbergBrethren Church on Saturday, November 8.Minister: Larry Butcher.

GLORIA/EICHENBERGER. Debbie Ann Gloriaand Evan Arnold Eichenberger were joined inmarriage at the Rosenberg Brethren Churchon Wednesday, November 12. Minister: LarryButcher.

PIERCE/KIRKFIELD. Robert Keith Kirkfieldand Cheryl Loraine Pierce were joined inmarriage at their residence in Waco, Texas,on January 17, 2009. Minister: LawrenceJunek.

RECENT DEATHS

BOELSCHE, JOA W., 83, died on September4, 2008. He was born on July 8, 1925, andwas married to Gladys Mikeska on Novem-ber 20, 1948. He was a veteran of the U.S.Air Force and served in France and Ger-many, where he was a German interpreter.Mr. Blelsche was a faithful and servingmember of the Pasadena Brethren Church.Survivors include his wife, two sons, andthree grandchildren. Following visitation at

the Pasadena Funeral Chapel, burial was atthe Wesley Brethren Church Cemetery. Min-isters: Henry Beseda, Scott Keaton, and JimHeckman.

ZETTEL, VLASTA ANNIE (SISA), age 89 andfor years a member of the NelsonvilleBrethren Church, died November 29, 2008,at Houston, Texas. She was born April 13,1919, at Nelsonville, Texas, married October30, 1946, to Charlie Zettel. She was amember of the Nelsonville Christian Sisters,a BYF sponsor for over 20 years, and aSunday School teacher for over 50 years.She is survived by two children; five grand-children; four great grandchildren and onebrother. Services were held on December 2,2008, from the Nelsonville Brethren Churchwith burial in National Cemetery. Minister:Michael Groseclose.

MASSENGALE, YVONNE MARIE, age 50 anda member of the Rosenberg Brethren Church,died on Tuesday, December 2, 2008, inHouston. She was born on October 6, 1958,and is is survived by her husband, hermother, a daughter, and two brothers. Ser-vices were at the Rosenberg Brethren Churchon December 5, 2008. Minister: Larry Butcher.

ZAPALAC, JOYCE GENE (MACAT), age63and for years a member of the NelsonvilleBrethren Church, died on January 21, 2009,in Bellville. She was born Octoaber 6, 1945,in Houston and is survived by three children,six grandchildren, and two great-grandchil-dren. Services were on January 24, 2009,from the Knesek Bros. Funeral Chapel inBellville with burial in the National Cemetery.Minister: Michael Groseclose.

Knesek FamilyFuneral Chapels

“Neighbors helping NeighborsSince 1914”

• Service all Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans

• Share Plan Concept with Pre-Arranged Funerals

• Sponsor Mission Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Bellville Sealy Wallis865-3121 885-3535 478-6311


Schedule and Details of Upcoming Unity ActivitiesKeep these activities in your prayers.

March 28, 2009: Beginning at 9:00 AM at the Hus Encampment –Synodical Committee meeting.

July 9, 10, & 11, 2009: The 63rd Convention of the Unity of theBrethren in Texas . . . hosted by the Temple Brethren Church.

Seaton Brethren Church12561 State Highway 53

Temple, Texas 76501254-985-2694

Sunday Schedule Wednesday Schedule9:15 a.m. 6:30 p.m.

Prayer Gathering Kid’s NITE Out (ages 3-5th gr.)9:30 a.m. Priority ONE Youth (6th – 12th gr.)

Sunday School for ALL Ages Adult Bible Study10:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Worship Service Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Pastor Youth Director Board of EldersRev. Joe Emerson Steve Davis Chairperson

P.O. Box 4615 P.O. Box 658 Dolores SkrabanekTemple, TX 76505 Rogers, TX 76569 13107 State Highway 53(254) 791-0420 hm (254) 913-1214 Temple, TX 76501(254) 931-1653 cell (254) 985-2344

At SBC……We Are A True Community

We Do LIFE Together


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

– Rev. Milton Maly

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.– Rev. Ron Winsman

Pasadena – Sunday School at 9:30 AMand worship at 10:45 AM every Sunday.Bible Study at 7:30 PM on Wednesday.

– Scott Keaton

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 PM,Bible Study; 6:50 PM, Prayer Meeting.

– Bro. Larry Butcher

Seaton –Sunday, 9:15 AM – Sunday School, All Ages;

10:30 AM – Worship Celebration Service.Wednesday, 6:30 PM – Kid’s NITE Out

and Priority ONE Youth (BYF), AdultBible Study.

– Rev. Joe Emerson

Taylor – worship at 10:15 AM every Sunday.– Rev. James Hejl

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

– Pastor Larry Zabcik

Vsetin – worship at 10:00 AM every Sunday.1st, 2nd, & 4th Sunday – Dr. Mark Labaj3rd Sunday – Rev. Henry Beseda5th Sunday – Visiting Ministers

– Rev. Henry Beseda

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 2nd 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.

Snook – worship at 10:45 AM everySunday.

– Rev. Joseph Polasek

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

– Rev. John Kueker

Caldwell – Sunday School at 9:30 AM,worship at 10:30 AM every Sunday.Bible Study on Tuesday at 10:30 AM.

– Rev. Jim Heckman

Crosby –Sunday – 9:00 AM: Worship

10:00 AM: Faith Adventure11:00 AM: Celebration

– Dr. Larry Koslovsky

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

1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays – Rev. Rick Chandler2nd & 4th Sundays – Rev. Henry Beseda

– Rev. Henry Beseda

Dime Box – worship at 9:00 AM everySunday.

– Rev. Jim Heckman

Faith Brethren in Bryan –Bible Study - 9:30 AMWorship 10:45 AM

– Pastor Kay Polasek

Fayetteville – Sunday School at 9:30 AM,worship at 10:30 AM every Sunday.

– Rev. Milton Maly

Good News Fellowship Church of WestPalm Beaches – worship at 1:00 PMevery Sunday at Boynton SpringsPresbyterian Church, Boynton Springs,Florida.

– Rev. James Henry

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

– Rev. Adolfo Gonzalez

Granger – worship services every Sunday at9:00 AM; Sunday School at 10:15 AM.

1st, 2nd, & 3rd Sunday – Rev. Charles Amos4th & 5th Sunday – Mark Sebek

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

– Pastor Dr. Jerry L. Terrill

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES


SYNODICAL COMMITTEE

President: Claren Kotrla, (512) 491-7802;[email protected]

1st Vice President: Rev. Linda Chandler;[email protected]

2nd Vice President: Rev. Joe Emerson;[email protected]

3rd Vice President: Rev. Michael Groseclose,352 Nelsonville Church Rd, Bellville, TX 77418.(979) 865-3026

Secretary: Kathy Harrison, P.O. Box 593, LittleRiver-Academy, TX 76554. (254) 721-1815;[email protected];[email protected]

Financial Secretary: Dewyan Weise, 6006 FMHwy 765, San Angelo, TX 76905;[email protected]

Treasurer: James Marek, 1304 T.H. JohnsonDrive, Taylor, TX 76574. (512) 352-6165;[email protected]

Ministerial Alternate: Rev. Michael Groseclose

Pastor to Pastors: Dr. Larry Koslovsky

Lay Alternate: Marvin Chlapek, 11026 ElmBridge Court, Houston, TX 77065. (281) 469-7630; [email protected]

Lay Members:Austin – Claren KotrlaBCS – Jim Baletka; [email protected] – Dan BalusekCaldwell – Ron Dusek; [email protected] – Chris Armstrong;

[email protected] – Roger Runnels; [email protected] Box – Theresa Buchan;

[email protected]/Industry – Jerry Marshall;

[email protected] Shepherd – Alfredo WilsonGranger – Alvin Kubala; [email protected] – Marvin Chlapek;

[email protected] – Jerry Marshall;

[email protected] – Daniel MerzNew Tabor – Evelyn HenryOcker – Kathy Harrison;

[email protected] – Mickey Jones;

[email protected] – Alice Kocurek;

[email protected] – Leonard Mikeska;

[email protected] – Rayfield Slovacek;

[email protected] – James Marek; [email protected] – Jean Newby; [email protected] – Dewyan Weise;

[email protected] – Michael Koehn [email protected] – Dorothy Kocian; [email protected] – Daniel Psencik

DIRECTORY OF MISSIONARIES

Jill Miller (at home in San Angelo now)e-mail: [email protected]

Rob and Anne Thiessen25 E. Camino NacionalTlalixtac de CabreraOaxaca, MEXICO 68627(011) 52-1-951-145-8947e-mail: rvthiessen&yahoo.com

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

CHRISTIAN SISTERS’ UNIONOFFICERS

President: Patsy R. Blaha, 1002Delma Drive, Bryan, TX 77802.(979) 691-2149

Vice President: Janet Pomykal, P.O.Box 560, Brenham, TX 77834.(979) 836-3772

Secretary: Dorothy Hinson, 7331Misty Morning Lane, Humble, TX77346. (281) 620-0480

Financial Secretary: Ann Sebesta,P.O. Box 115, Snook, TX 77878.(979) 272-8786 or 292-8691

Treasurer: Evelyn Henry. P.O. Box336, Caldwell, TX 77836.(979) 567-4397

Unity Mission Board Representa-tives: Sharon Hohmann, 222Crestwood, San Angelo,TX 76903.(325) 651-5884Janet Pomykal (address above)

Hus Encampment Board Represen-tatives: Lillie Chafin, 800 CountyRoad 284, Caldwell, TX 77836.(979) 272-1136Anna Wotipka, 652 County Road 324,

Visit theUnity of the Brethren

Website:unityofthebrethren.org


FULL TIME PASTORSRev. Charles Amos, 618 N. 7th Street, Temple, TX

76501. (254) 742-2629Rev. Henry Beseda, P.O. Box 516, Caldwell, TX

77836. (979) 567-7033Bro. Larry Butcher, 3030 Prescott, Houston, TX

77025. (713) 669-9381 (h),(800) 941-4892 (pager)

Rev. Linda Von Chandler, 13108 North RidgeCircle, Leander, TX 78641.(512) 267-4826 (h), (512) 267-4655 (ch)

Rev. Joe Emerson, Seaton Brethren Church,P.O. Box 4615, Temple, TX 76505-4615.(254) 791-0420 (h), (254) 985-2694 (off)

Rev. Adolfo Gonzalez, 3913 Brinkman Drive,Port Arthur, TX 77642. (409) 982-4657

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

Rev. Jim Heckman, 9849 PR 1015, Rockdale, TX76567. (512) 446-6962(h), (979) 567-7203(off)

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

Rev. James Henry, 1726 15th Ave. N., LakeWorth, FL 33460. (561) 547-1626

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).Pastor Scott Keaton, 14048 Pin Oak Lane,

Crosby, TX 77532. (281) 328-6361Dr. Larry Koslovsky, 4311 Fir Valley Drive,

Kingwood, TX 77345.(281) 328-2442 (off), (713) 594-4518 (c)

Rev. John Kueker, P.O. Box 325,Buckholts, TX 76518. (254) 605-0434

Rev. Milton Maly, 6703 FM 2502, Brenham, TX77833. (979) 277-2619 (c)

Rev. Joseph Polasek, 4241 Blue Heron, Bryan,TX 77807. (979) 779-3634

Pastor Kay Polasek, 1112 Sul Ross, Bryan, TX77802. (979) 846-6561

Rev. Thomas Tallas, 3829 Sandstone, SanAngelo, TX 76904. (325) 949-7543

Associate Pastor Dr. Jerry L. Terril [email protected]

DIRECTORY OF MINISTERSPLEASE NOTE: In all future correspondence to Rev. Michael Groseclose and

the Nelsonville Brethren Church, please use the address352 Nelsonville Church Rd., Bellville, TX 77418.

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

Pastor Larry Zabcik [email protected]

SUPPLY OR INACTIVE PASTORSRev. Whitney Amos, 618 N. 7th Street, Temple,

TX 76501. (254) 742-2629Rev. W. John Baletka (retired), P.O. Box 614,

Caldwell, TX 77836. (979) 567-4563Rev. Gordon Hejl (retired), P.O. Box 426,

Granger, TX 76530. (512) 859-2652Rev. William J. Hodge, 528 N. Post Oak Lane,

Houston, TX 77024. (713) 957-8294Rev. Robert W. Janek, 261 Edinburg, San Angelo,

TX 76901. (325) 942-8515Rev. Lawrence Junek, 3316 Lyle, Waco, TX

76708. (254) 714-2622Rev. Eugene Kotrla, 4406 Antelope Trail, Temple,

TX 76504. (254) 774-7484Dr. Mark L. Labaj, 3410 Meadow Creek Lane,

Temple, TX 76504. (254) 774-8179;[email protected]

Rev. Albert Michalik (retired), 304 Thunder ValleyTrail, Georgetown, TX 78626. (512) 863-0832

Rev. Del Miller, 1710 West O.S.R., Caldwell, TX77836. (979) 567-7774 (h), (979) 220-0030 (c)

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

Rev. Bill Rinderknecht, 19 Brandenberry Crt., TheWoodlands, TX 77381.(281) 433-7704 (cell);email: [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 E. Husak 521 Elizabeth, Troy,

TX 76579. [email protected]

MINISTERIAL STUDENTSSteven Davis (Seaton)Denise Mikeska (Seaton)


POSTMASTER: Send address changes toThe Brethren Journal, 3635 CR 225, Caldwell, TX 77836.

PERIODICALPOSTAGE PAID

AT TAYLORTEXAS 76574

BIBLES FOR SALESize Version & Type Cover Price

3” x 6” KJ - Popularf Edition Hard Cover $10.005” x 7” RSV - Popular Edition Hard Cover 10.006” x 9” Good News Bible (Black) Hard Cover 15.004" x 6" Catechism Paperback 0.75

UNITY OF THE BRETHREN CERTIFICATES• Marriage• Adult Baptism• Child Baptism• Church Membership• Profession of Faith$3.00/dozen or $0.30 each

= = = = = = = = = =

MORAVIAN DAILY TEXTS (annual) – inquire

UNITY OF THE BRETHREN IN TEXAS, new ed. – $10.00Also available in CD ROM – $10.00

THE JESUS I NEVER KNEW, by Philip Yancey – $16.00

Books on Zinzendorf, Comenius, etc. – inquire

Also available: Some videos, CD’s, close-out fiction: inspirationalSpecial Orders Welcomed

ORDER YOUR COPY NOW BY MAIL, TELEPHONE, OR EMAIL.

BRETHREN BOOK STORE – Diane Heckman, Manager401 South Main (979) 567-7203Caldwell, TX 77836 [email protected]

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