THE BRETHREN JOURNALunityofthebrethren.org/wp-content/uploads/BJ201710.pdf2/October 2017 BRETHREN JOURNAL Visit the Unity of the Brethren Website: unityofthebrethren.org THE BRETHREN

BRETHREN JOURNAL October 2017/1

Caldwell Brethren Church Kids Choir(More about the choir inside this issue.)

THE BRETHRENJOURNAL

BRETHREN JOURNAL January-February, 2000/1

Vol. 116 October 2017 No. 8 40 Pages

IN THIS ISSUE . . .A Message to the Unity from the Synodical Exec CommitteeWhen Does God Give You Strength? . . . by Rev. Vanessa

MitchellBleak Prospects Indeed . . . by Jim PokornyHus Encampment Capital Building Campaign

. . . and so much more!40/October 2017 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.

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2/October 2017 BRETHREN JOURNAL

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Website:unityofthebrethren.org

THE BRETHREN JOURNAL

EDITOR –Cathleen Schlechte

3635 CR 225, Caldwell, TX [email protected]

BUSINESS MANAGER –Ben Polasek

705 Woodson Dr., Caldwell, TX 77836;[email protected]

BUSINESS COMMITTEE –President: Kayla MarekTreasurer: Dorothy Milberger, 312 N. Lantana

Cr., Sealy, TX 77474; [email protected];979-885-7129 (h), 979-472-5091 (c)

Secretary: 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 77879;[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].

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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.

The Christian Sisters of theWestheimer Community Church con-vened on Sunday, June 25, 2017, toreorganize its local chapter that wasoriginally organized on April 3, 2004.Eight women were present for thissalient occasion, including ChristianSister Union Executive CommitteeOfficers: President, Ms. Ann Sebesta;and Financial Secretary, Mrs. LydiaFaust.

Following an opening prayer byReverend Lisa Johnson, the singingof hymns led by Mrs. Betty Parthumaccompanied by pianist, Mrs. CarolynF. Beseda, was joyous and meaning-ful. A devotional focused on the Bookof Psalms was then presented to thegroup by Mrs. Beseda. PresidentSebesta conveyed the purpose andgoals of the Christian Sisters Societyand objectives were voiced and dis-cussed by the women.

Local officers for this chapter wereelected as follows: President, CarolynF. Beseda; Vice-President, JackieBlackmon; Treasurer, Betty Parthum;and Recording Secretary, BessemMfontem. The officers will be in-stalled by President Sebesta on Sun-day, September 17, 2017. A luncheonand fellowship was enjoyed by allprior to the meeting.

Westheimer ChristianSisters Re-Organize

- by Carolyn F. Beseda


FULL TIME PASTORSRev. Linda Von Chandler, 13108 North Ridge

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

76502. (254) 778-5954; [email protected]. Joe Emerson, 5404 Southern Crossing Dr.,

Temple, TX 76502. (254) 791-0420;[email protected]. Adolfo Gonzalez, 3913 Brinkman Drive,

Port Arthur, TX 77642. (409) 293-2065Rev. Michael Groseclose, 352 Nelsonville

Church 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]

Pastor Lisa Johnson, (281) 220-0280.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)

DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS

Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Terrill,[email protected]

Rev. Larry Zabcik, 2013 Burnie Bishop Place,Cedar Park, TX 78613. (512) 992-5824;[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. James Henry (retired), 1726 15th Ave.

N., Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 533-3893Rev. 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. 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

Rev. Ron Winsman, [email protected]

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

Street, DeRidder, LA [email protected]

MINISTERIAL STUDENTSBen Kruse – [email protected] (CCC of

Rosenberg)


To all Synodical Committeemembers and membership of theUnity at large,

As most of you know, several of ourchurches in Houston and Port Arthurhave members who were directly im-pacted by Hurricane Harvey. Theirhomes were severely damaged by flood-waters and they are in need of ourhelp. The Executive Committee is tak-ing actions to begin identifying spe-cific needs and offering assistance tothose who don’t have sufficient re-sources to make repairs on their own.

We are setting up a special ac-count that will be used to acceptdonations and disburse monies forrelief efforts. We are taking $25,000from our Contingency Fund to use asseed money for the account so thatmoney is available immediately. Ifyour congregation or any individualsfeel led to contribute, send your do-nations to our Financial Secretary –Liz Ripple, 311 W State Hwy 71,Fayetteville, TX 78940. Please makechecks payable to “Unity of the Breth-ren” and mark that it is for the Hurri-cane Harvey Relief Fund.

We have appointed Rev. Mark Sebekto serve as our point person to travelto the affected area, identify specificneeds, and direct resources (man-power & financial) where they areneeded most. David Miller will beresponsible for organizing, coordi-nating, and perhaps leading workcrews to help with demolition andreconstruction. He has already put

A Message to the UnityFrom the Synodical Board Executive Committee

out a call for volunteers who areneeded immediately. If you are inter-ested in helping, please contact BrotherMark at 254-931-2000. Information willbe sent out soon regarding whenwork crews will be going out andwhat is needed. In the future theremay be additional needs. Please watchfor emails sharing this informationand pass this along to other membersin your churches.

The Executive Committee has takenthe actions described above to addressthe emergency situation that has un-folded in the Houston and Port Arthurareas. I wanted to make each of youaware of our actions since it involvesa significant expenditure of funds out-side of a Synodical Committee meet-ing. We will provide more informationand discuss this in greater detail at ourFall Meeting on October 21st.

Please keep all those sufferingbecause of this horrible disaster inyour prayers and those in Floridawho were impacted by Irma.

Thank you, The Executive Committee

BOARD OFCHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Chair: Peggy Hejl – TaylorBrethren, (512) 365-6890,[email protected]

Debbie Clark – (2014) Crosby BrethrenAngie Hairrell – (2016) Snook BrethrenAngie Labaj (2016)Sandra Merz (2016) NelsonvilleJennifer Chervenka – Youth

Coordinator, Ocker BrethrenSynodical Liaison – Rev. Larry Zabcik,

3rd Vice-President


HOME MISSIONS BOARDMartha Dove, chair; 979-249-5591;

[email protected] Kruse (2010-2017);

[email protected] Ubanovsky (2011-2017);

[email protected] Hinson (2009-2017);

[email protected] Clark (2017); [email protected] Mikeska (2015-2017);

[email protected] Chlapek (2015-2017);

[email protected]

PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEEChairman: Dr. Ron Dusek;

(979) 567-3732; [email protected] Janac; [email protected];

(979) 587-0363Trish Groseclose; (979) 865-3026Anna Wotipka; (979) 218-9043Adviser: Rev. James D. Hejl;

[email protected]; (512) 365-6890Synodical Committee Liaison:

Dr. Larry Koslovsky

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 Woo462 Lockland AvenueWinston-Salem, NC 27103e-mail: [email protected] access their pictures, go tohttp://gallery.mac.com/woofamily

SYNODICAL COMMITTEEPresident: Rev. Larry Koslovsky, (713) 594-45181st Vice President: Rev. Mark Sebek,

(254) 931-2000; [email protected] Vice President: Kayla Marek,

(325) 651-8788; [email protected] Vice President: Rev. Whitney Amos,

(254) 742-2629Secretary: Angie Hairrell, 11482 FM 2155,

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

Treasurer: Lynette urbanovsky;[email protected]

Financial Secretary: Rev. Joe Emerson,(254) 931-1653

Ministerial Alternate: Rev. Tim ChaplinPastor to Pastors: Rev. James D. Hejl,

(512) 365-6890Non-Voting Lay Alternate:

Wiley Marx (Ocker), [email protected] Members:Austin – Eric Haynes;

[email protected] – Valerie SebekBCS – Kent Laza (President)Buckholts – Charlene Vogelsang;

[email protected] – Ron Dusek; [email protected] – Debbie Clark, [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] – Robert Berrie; [email protected] – Mark SurovikWest – Roy Janek; [email protected] – Leroy Par thum;

betty_par [email protected]


We hear this at weddings andother momentous occasions often,but what if we consider how it de-scribes God’s love for each one of us?

Love is patient; love is kind; loveis not envious or boastful or arro-gant or rude. It does not insist on itsown way; it is not irritable or resent-ful; it does not rejoice in wrongdo-ing, but rejoices in the truth. It bearsall things, believes all things, hopesall things, endures all things. Lovenever ends. But as for prophecies,they will come to an end; as fortongues, they will cease; as for knowl-edge, it will come to an end. For weknow only in part, and we prophesyonly in part; but when the completecomes, the partial will come to anend. When I was a child, I spoke likea child, I thought like a child, Ireasoned like a child; when I becamean adult, I put an end to childishways. For now we see in a mirror,dimly, but then we will see face toface. Now I know only in part; thenI will know fully, even as I have beenfully known. And now faith, hope,

When Does God Give You Strength?- by Rev. Vanessa Mitchell

and love abide, these three; and thegreatest of these is love.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-13, NRSV)

God gives you strength as you letHim love you. Just as a child feelsstronger and more confident when aloved one stands with open arms togive a hug.

God gives you strength as you letHim love you. Just as a friend feelsstronger when you’ve listened for aslong as it takes, without criticism, andprayed together.

When God gives you strength,you can stand forever.

Pick up those hands that feel weak.Lift your head to gaze at the per-

fection in the sky.Consider the never-ending ocean

of leaves outside your window.

Remember:When God gives you strength, you

can stand.It is true that we need one another

to lean on, for prayer support, forencouragement…

Yet we know,


New Tabor – Sunday School at 9:00 AM &Worship at 10:00 AM every Sunday,“Tune Up” on Wednesdays, 7:30 PM.

– Rev. Dave Johnson

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

Interim Pastor – Brad Herridge

Pasadena – Sunday School at 9:30 AMand worship at 10:45 AM every Sunday.

– Dr. Larry Koslovsky

Community Christian Church ofRosenberg –

Sundays: Adult Bible Stud y and SundaySchool 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.

– Rev. Tim Chaplin

Vsetin – A non-official membercongregation of the Unity of theBrethren – Worship at 10:00 AM everySunday.

– Dr. Mark Labaj5th Sunday – Visiting Ministers

Wall – Sunday School (for all ages) at9:30 AM; worship at 10:45 AM everySunday.

– 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,Christian Education; 10:30 AM,Worship, with Holy Communion every5th Sunday.

– Pastor Lisa Johnson

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 HeckmanCo-Pastor, Rev. Kay Polasek

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 @ FamilyGame Night, 6-7:30 PM! Check outlifeatcbc.org for spiritual resources,events, videos, & more! Friend us onFacebook!

– Rev. Vanessa Mitchell

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

– Dr. Larry Koslovsky

Dime Box – worship at 9:00 AM everySunday.

– Rev. Kay Polasek

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

– Rev. Joe Emerson

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. Joe Emerson

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

– Rev. Michael Groseclose

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES


It is God who strengthens us toendure all things.

To bear all thingsTo hopeTo believeTo rejoiceTo follow His wayTo be gratefulTo be humbleTo be sweetTo be kindTo loveTo do all these things when we feel

that we cannot.Even when enduring something

seems impossible.It is God who strengthens us to

endure all things.For with God nothing is impos-

sible. In Jesus, our hope is secure. InJesus, our peace has been made,period.

Will you ask Jesus to fill you withthe strength of His resurrection powerto endure this moment and whatevermoments lay ahead?

Will you let Jesus love you?Will you nourish your mind and

heart on the words of the Holy Bible?Will you ask the Holy Spirit to rule

your heart and mind?

Pick up those hands that feel weak.Lift your head to gaze at the per-

fection in the sky.Consider the never-ending ocean

of leaves outside your window.

Remember:God gives you strength as you let

Him love you.

Pray this prayer right now:“Jesus, pour your love and strength

over me. I trust You.”

Your life will change. Your heartwill change. Your strength will neverrun on empty as Jesus’ power is madeperfect in your weakness.

When does God give you strength?Right now.

Asking Jesus to give each one ofus His perfect tangible peace andstrength, right this moment, hour-by-hour, day-by-day.

In Jesus’ Hands,Right With You,

Sister Vanessa Mitchell

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


DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDEDaily Morsels for October 2017

Dorothy E. Kocianwith Mari-Anne Kocian Gordon

All Scripture from the New International Version

1. O man of God, …pursuerighteousness, godliness, faith,love, endurance and gentleness.I Tim. 6:11

2. A person’s steps are directed by theLord. Prov. 20:24

3. Do not let wisdom and understandingout of your sight; preserve soundjudgment and discretion. Prov. 3:21

4. Hold onto instruction and guard itwell, for it is your life. Prov. 4:13

5. Listen, my sons, to a father’sinstruction; pay attention and gainunderstanding. Prov. 4:1

6. Now reform your ways and youractions and obey the Lord your God.Jer. 26:13

7. To the man who pleases Him, Godgives wisdom, knowledge, andhappiness. Eccl. 2:26

8. I warned you when you felt secure,but you said, “I will not listen.”Jer. 22:21

9. The king renewed the covenant tofollow the Lord and to obey thewords of the covenant.II Chron. 34:31

10. For the Lord loves the just and willnot forsake His faithful ones.Ps. 37:28

11. He is the faithful God, keeping Hiscovenant of love to a thousandgenerations of those who love Himand keep His commandments.Deut. 7:9

12. Judge me, O Lord, according to myrighteousness, according to myintegrity. Ps. 7:8

13. It is because of God that you are inChrist Jesus, Who has become for uswisdom from God – that is ourrighteousness, holiness, andredemption. I Cor. 1:30

14. I will refresh the weary and satisfy thefaint. Jer. 31:25

15. The Lord says, “I will put my law intheir minds and write it on theirhearts.” Jer. 31:33

16. I will forgive their wickedness and willremember their sins no more. Jer. 31:34

17. All your children will be taught by theLord, and great will be their peace.Isa. 54:13

18. So Christ Himself gave the apostles,the prophets, the evangelists, thepastors and teachers, to equip Hispeople for works of service, so thatthe body of Christ may be built up.Eph 4:11-12

19. Just as He Who called you is holy, sobe holy in all you do. I Pet. 1:15

20. Let us draw near to God with asincere heart and with the fullassurance that faith brings.Heb. 10:22

21. I stand in awe of Your deeds, Lord.Hab. 3:2

22. Remember your leaders, whospoke the word of God to you.Heb. 13:7

23. Now to the King eternal, immortal,invisible, the only God, be honor andglory for ever and ever. Amen.I Tim. I:17

24. The Sovereign Lord is my strength.Hab. 3:19

25. He rewards those who earnestly seekHim. Heb. 11:6b

26. From the Lord comes deliverance.May Your blessing be on Your people.Psalm 3:8

27. Yet I will wait patiently for the day ofcalamity to come on the nationinvading us. Hab. 3:16

28. For no one is cast off by the Lordforever. Lam. 3:31

29. Let us examine our ways and testthem, and let us return to the Lord.Lam. 3:40

30. The Lord has done great things forus, and we are filled with joy.Ps. 126:3

31. The Lord’s love is with those whofear Him... with those who keep Hiscovenant and remember to obey Hisprecepts. Ps. 103:17-18


When it comes to books, movies,and television, I seem to gravitatetoward things British. One story withwhich I am quite taken is Bleak Houseby Charles Dickens. It was one of hismajor works and was originally pub-lished as a 67-chapter serial in 20installments between March 1852 andSeptember 1853. If asked to catego-rize it, I would have to classify it as amystery. Dickens populated the storywith numerous major and minor char-acters and successfully wove togethermany intricate subplots. In 2005 theBBC transformed the novel into an 8-hour miniseries starring Gillian Ander-son as the Lady Dedlock and CharlesDance as the ruthless attorney, Mr.Tulkinghorn. It has been many yearssince I have read the book, but I havethe BBC drama on DVD and havewatched it many times. My most re-cent viewing was in early July.

The story revolves around a Chan-cery case known as Jarndyce andJarndyce. Experts suspect this ficti-tious suit was inspired by an actualone involving Charles Day, WilliamJennens, and Richard Smith. In Bleak

Bleak Prospects Indeed- by Jim Pokorny

House, a man named John Jarndycehad amassed a sizable fortune. Fol-lowing his death, many wills andfragments of wills came to light andthe case dragged on for years. In amanner of speaking, Jarndyce andJarndyce can be considered a charac-ter in the tale as it seems to take on alife of its own impacting the lives ofothers often with disastrousconsequences.

The legal profession of the daycriticized this work of Dickens andclaimed it was purely satirical. Allcriticism aside, the novel did help thejudicial reform movement already un-derway which ultimately brought aboutbadly needed system reforms in the1870s.

Dickens wrote: “Jarndyce andJarndyce drones on. This scarecrowof a suit has, in course of time,become so complicated that no manalive knows what it means. The par-ties to it understand it least, but it hasbeen observed that no two Chancerylawyers can talk about it for fiveminutes without coming to total dis-agreement as to all the premises.

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

www.unityofthebrethren.org

Rev. Mark Sebek


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

Youth DirectorJennifer Chervenka

9494 Big Elm Creek RoadRogers, TX 76569

(254) 983-1002

CemeterySharon Marek

23383 Milam RoadBurlington, TX 76519

(254) 869-2845

January 6-7, 2018 – BYF Winter Retreat at the Hus Cncampment.Registration deadline December 15, 2017.

February 24, 2018 – State Children’s Rally at Hus Encampment.

For more information about the Hus School Encampment, go to:www.huscamp.org

Does your church/organization have an activity that you would like toinclude in this listing? Please send activity information including acontact name, phone number, and/or email address to the Brethren JournalEditor at: [email protected]. Information must be re-ceived by the first day of the month immediately preceding the month ofpublication.


Innumerable children have been borninto the cause; innumerable youngpeople have married into it; innumer-able old people have died out of it.Scores of persons have deliriouslyfound themselves made parties intoJarndyce and Jarndyce without know-ing how or why; whole families haveinherited legendary hatreds with thesuit. The little plaintiff or defendantwho was promised a new rockinghorse when Jarndyce and Jarndyceshould be settled has grown up, pos-sessed himself of a real horse, andtrotted away into the other world. Fairwards of court have faded into moth-ers and grandmothers; a long succes-sion of Chancellors has come in andgone out; the legions of bills in thesuit have been transformed into merebills of mortality… but Jarndyce andJarndyce still drags its dreary lengthbefore the court perennially hopeless.”

As the BBC drama opens, two newwards of the court turn up. They areboth orphans and distant cousins.One is Miss Ada Clare and the otheris Mr. Richard Carstone. They havean older cousin also named JohnJarndyce who currently resides atBleak House. This estate once be-longed to John’s great uncle Tom

Jarndyce. John is known as a man ofexcellent character and enjoys goodstanding in the community. Workingwith his attorney, Mr. Kenge, he ar-ranges for Ada and Richard to movein with him at Bleak House. As Johnis unmarried, a young lady by thename of Miss Esther Summerson, theheroine in Bleak House, is employedas Ada’s companion. making the newliving arrangements satisfactory withthe Chancery. Of the many subplots,it is the impact that Jarndyce andJarndyce has on these four that I findparticularly interesting. This is espe-cially true of young Richard, whichAndrew Davies masterfully bringsout in his screenplay.

Word of the new wards in Jarndyceand Jarndyce spreads quickly. A Lon-don landlord by the name of Krook istold of their youth and beauty. Hestates, “And they won’t have it long.That Jarndyce and Jarndyce eats themall up. It’s like being ground to bits ina slow mill. It’s being drowned bydrips and going mad by grains. Lookhow poor Tom Jarndyce ended up.”

Esther never knew her mother andwas raised by an aunt who never hada kind word for her. As a child born

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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


Schedule and Details of Upcoming Unity Activities

October 13-15, 2017 – Primetimers’ Retreat at the Hus Encamp-ment. Details and registration forms are in congregations and on Unitywebsite. Registration is $30 for Saturday or $45 for the weekend. Seeinvitation story in this issue for more info, or call Kimberly Marx at(254) 931-5657 for details.

October 21 – Fall Synodical Committee Meeting at the HusEncampment. 8:00 a.m. – Kolaches & coffee; 9:00 a.m. – Meetingbegins; Old business; Installation of new officers for 2017-2019; 2017Referendum results announced. Everyone welcome to attend. Lunchserved at noon. Agenda will be available soon. For more informationcontact Kent Laza, President, [email protected].

November 4, 2017 – Seaton Brethren Church Christian SistersBake Sale and Quilt Show, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church,12451 State Highway 53, Temple (Seaton Community). Open to thepublic with free admission. See invitation story in this issue for moreinfo.

November 5, 2017 – “Honor Our Veterans” Service presentedby Industry and Fayetteville Brethren Churches at 9:00 a.m. atIndustry Fireman’s Hall, Industry, TX. Contact Liz Treybig [email protected]; 512-217-2140, or Liz Ripple [email protected]; 979-378-2239, with any questions or veteransto be honored.

SAVE THE DATES . . .

December 16, 2017 – “Hey! Day” for College Students andYoung Adults. More details to come.

Brethren Book StoreP.O. Box 321

Caldwell, TX 77836(979) 200-0513

Diane Heckman, Manager


out of wedlock, Esther was repeat-edly told by her aunt that she was hermother’s shame and the family’s dis-grace. Richard, Ada. and Esther moveinto Bleak House. Upon their arrivalJohn Jarndyce greets them warmly.Once the trio settle themselves in,John’s housekeeper gives Esther atour of the house and presents herwith a set of keys to all the rooms towhich she will need access. Esther isnot accustomed to such treatmentand privately asks John why he isbeing so good to them.

After a brief explanation, he offerswhy he is determined not to let thecase change him. He states, “Jarndyceand Jarndyce has ruined better menthan me. The years go by, the claimsare passed through the generations,and we can’t get out of it, none of us,on any terms. My great uncle, TomJarndyce, was brought to despair byit.” He then tells Esther how this mantook his life. He continues, “I was hisheir. This was his home.” He addsthat the first time he laid eyes onBleak House was the day he broughtwhat remained of Tom home and thehouse was quite bleak indeed. Hestates that it was as if the house,being so shattered and ruined, had

taken its life as well. Although it stillgoes by the name Bleak House, Esthertells John that he has done an admi-rable job of restoring the house andturning it into a proper home.

John also tells Esther, “And I de-termined never to be drawn into thiscase with its false hopes and ruinedexpectations. I am fortunate that Ihave enough to live upon and to helpothers, too, without tormenting my-self with dreams of…” Overcome withemotion, John finds himself unable tocomplete the sentence.

One evening over dinner, the con-versation turns to the need for Rich-ard to take up a profession. Johnoffers several suggestions. At themention of medicine, Richard seizesupon it. The thought of being calleda respected surgeon has a definiteappeal. One day their attorney, Mr.Kenge, drops by Bleak House. Hestates that his cousin has a medicalpractice in Chelsea. He adds that thiscousin is willing to superintendRichard’s studies. The idea of leavingBleak House and moving to Londondoes not sit well with Richard. Un-known to anyone else, Richard hasdeveloped rather strong feelings forAda.

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


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!

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

BYF LEADERSHIP TEAM2017-2018

Youth:Allyson Cocker; [email protected] Eilers; [email protected] Hooker;[email protected] Jungmann;[email protected] Krcha; [email protected] McSorley;[email protected] Machu;[email protected] Olsen; [email protected] Raesz;[email protected] Woelfel;[email protected]

Adults:Taylor Brinkley;[email protected] Raesz; [email protected] Reithmayer;[email protected] Wotipka;[email protected]

Pastor:Rev. Whitney Amos;[email protected]

Unity Youth Coordinator:Jennifer Chervenka;[email protected]

MINISTERIAL CREDENTIALS BOARD(2017-2019)

Rev. James D. Hejl(Pastor to the Pastors)

Rev. Mark SebekRev. Whitney Amos

Rev. Joe Emerson


In a private moment, Richard tellsAda that he has fallen in love with her.Ada admits to having identical feel-ings. They build up their courage andreveal to John that they wish tobecome engaged. John discouragesthe idea because of their youth andthe fact that Richard does not yethave the means of supporting a wife.When Richard counters with his pend-ing inheritance, John gets extremelyfirm with him stating, “Don’t pin yourhopes on that Rick. Others have donethat before you and come to grief.”

Richard departs for London to beginhis study of medicine. His attempt ishalf-hearted at best. Finding himselfin London, Richard often leaves hisstudies and heads to the Chancerycourt whenever there appears to be ahint at any sort of development inJarndyce and Jarndyce. He spendsfar more time on news of the case thanon his studies. One day Esther, Ada,and John travel to London to visitRick. They are invited to dinner byKenge’s cousin. As the meal is served,Kenge’s cousin reveals that he feelsthat medicine is not the best careerchoice for Richard. John is quite sur-prised to hear Richard agree. Richardsuggests that he might be better

suited for a career in law, but one hasa feeling that he has an ulterior motive.

John makes the necessary arrange-ments, and soon Richard is taken onby Mr. Kenge’s London law firm tobegin his new career. As Mr. Kenge isaway on business, a certain Mr. Guppyis assigned the task of introducingRichard to his new profession. Guppyinquires if there is a specific case thatRichard might like to begin with. Notsurprisingly, Richard requests Jarndyceand Jarndyce. A short time later, manyboxes are brought to him. Richard isa bit dismayed and becomes more sowhen he discovers that there are anuntold number of boxes still in stor-age. Richard begins to read throughsome of the Chancery documentsconcerning the suit. He begins tolearn firsthand just how muddledJarndyce and Jarndyce has become.In practically no time Richard be-comes as weary with law as he waswith medicine.

Richard returns to Bleak House.With Ada at his side he informs Johnthat he has decided to abandon hispursuit of law. He announces that hehas decided to pursue a career in thearmy. Before John can say anything,

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 Study – Each Tuesday, 9:00-10:00 AM

Pastor Board of Elders President Youth DirectorsRev. Joseph Polasek Justin Lewis Randall & Jonna See

P.O. Box 54 P.O. Box 222 P.O. Box 345Snook, TX 77878 Snook, TX 77878 Snook, TX 77878

(979) 272-1624 (979) 220-4732 (979) 272-8179


Hus Encampment Capital Building CampaignPledge Form:

Please accept this joy-filled pledge.Name: ______________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________Phone _____________________ Email _____________________3-Year Pledge: [ ] $100,000 [ ] $50,000 [ ] $25,000 [ ] $15,000

[ ] $10,000 [ ] $7,500 [ ] $5,000 [ ] $2,500 [ ] $1,500[ ] Other ______________

Amount Enclosed: ___________ [ ] Check # ______ [ ] Cash(Please make checks payable to: “Hus Encampment Building Fund”)[ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard Credit Card #_____________________Exp. __________ Security #_____Remaining Amount:__________ to be paid over the next

[ ] 12 months [ ] 18 months [ ] 24 months [ ] 36 monthsMonthly Payment Amount: $__________[ ] Please charge my credit card monthly [ ] Please bill me monthly[ ] Please use electronic funds transfer from my bank acct. monthly:Bank Name ___________________________________Routing # ___________________ Account # ____________________

[ ] The Hus Encampment may list my name and pledge amount inwritten materials when giving thanks to donors.

Signature: _______________________________________________

Mail donation to:Todd Corporon, Hus Board Treasurer

210 Phillips StreetHutto, Texas 78634

Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.


Richard adds that he intends to pur-chase a commission in a good regi-ment. He also wishes John to formallyrecognize his and Ada’s engagement.

John firmly warns Richard that thearmy simply must be his final careerchoice. He cautions Richard that bythe time he outfits himself, his allot-ment will be all but spent. Once againRichard speaks of his pending inher-itance. An exasperated John shouts,“Rick, Rick, for the love of God, don’tfound your hope on that wretchedcase! Better to borrow, better to beg…better to die!” Turning to Ada headds, “I know these are strong words,Ada, but I’ve seen how that casedestroys lives.” He reminds the pairof the fate of his great uncle.

As time passes Richard becomeseven more obsessed with the caseand decides to fire Mr. Kenge and hiresomeone whom he believes will pur-sue his interests more aggressively.On the advice of a supposed friend hehires an attorney by the name ofVholes. Esther and Ada travel toLondon to visit Richard. Upon theirarrival, Richard and Ada confess toEsther that they have been meeting insecrecy. Richard also admits to “feel-ing unsettled” in the army because ofthe case. He informs Esther of hishiring of Mr. Vholes, who appears tobe doing a great deal more work than

did Mr. Kenge. Vholes, however, isaccomplishing nothing aside fromextracting money from Richard in theguise of legal services rendered.

In time, Vholes reveals to the friendwho recommended him that Richard’sallotment is practically spent. He statesthat Richard’s selling out of the armymight perhaps buy him a little moretime. Once the last of Richard’s re-sources have evaporated, Vholes pre-sents the remaining bills to John, whopays the balance. Esther and Adavisit Richard again shortly afterward.Ada states that she will sign some ofher allotment over to Richard so thathe might be able to remain in the army.Richard accepts; not to stay in thearmy, but rather to more actively pur-sue Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

Shortly thereafter Ada visits Rich-ard. She is appalled by the squalidaccommodations Richard has takenup in a poorer section of London.Richard has also developed a ratherpersistent cough which concerns Ada,as well.

On a later date, Esther and Adavisit Richard, whose health appearsto be declining. Ada surprises Estherwith the news that she and Richardhave married in secret. She adds thatshe will not be returning to BleakHouse. Esther returns alone and breaksthe news to John concerning the

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

Dawn Marie Baletka3501 Kanati Cove

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

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


Hus Encampment Capital Building CampaignThe Needs

Since its founding in 1914, the Hus Memorial School/Hus Encampment hassought to teach and encourage young people to become Christian leaders.Since that time, the programs have grown to include 6 different summer campexperiences for youth ages 7 - 19, and a variety of other Christian programs forpeople of all ages.

Due to continued growth and demand for our summer youth camp programs,and a desire to make the Hus Encampment more accessible for groups of allages, our current facilities are in need of renovation or replacement toaccommodate the needs of our mission. The Hus Planning/Building Committeehas determined that the most pressing needs are:

Main Building/Kitchen RenovationNew Dorm/Housing Construction

Outdoor Gym/Pavilion ConstructionParking & Walkway Construction

The SolutionThrough Prayerful consideration, the Hus Planning/Building Committee rec-

ommends the launch of a $4,000,000 Capital Building Campaign for the HusEncampment. Through a UNITED effort of support from our Unity Congregations,Friends of the Hus Encampment, Hus Camp Alumni, and fellow Christians likeyourself, it is our belief that the Lord will bless our efforts and continue to blessthe Hus Encampment and its programs for generations to come! Through Christ,all things are possible…won’t you join in the dream by making a pledge today!

The PlansIf you would like to see the details of each of the renovation/construction

plans presented at the Unity Convention in Temple, please visit the campwebsite on the internet at: www.huscamp.org

The WayIf you would like to join in the dream by making a pledge, here are some ways

you can do so:• Fill out the form in this issue and send to the address at the bottom of the

form – or –• Download form to mail from the camp website at www.huscamp.org, or• Donate online at www.huscamp.org

If you are not able to make a monetary gift, please keep the Hus Encampment,the Hus Planning/Building Committee and this campaign in your prayers.

We appreciate you and your support!


marriage of Richard and Ada. Johnstates that despite his warnings tothe pair, he will be happy for them.Inwardly, Esther is deeply concernedbecause of Richard’s declining healthand the conditions in which he andAda now live.

Esther decides to visit Richard andAda again. This time she finds Adaalone and in tears. Esther learns thatRichard is now quite ill and terriblyweak. Ada also admits that he eatsvery little. She confesses that Richardspends virtually all his time and en-ergy on Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Estherbelieves that things could not possi-bly be worse for the pair. She is quitemistaken. Ada reveals to Esther thatshe now carries Richard’s child anddoubts Richard will live long enoughto see it born. Esther tries her verybest to comfort Ada. Richard arrivesassisted by Dr. Woodcourt, who hasrather strong feelings for Esther.Woodcourt takes Esther aside andconfirms Ada’s fears. He reveals thathe has diagnosed Richard withconsumption.

In a strange and sudden turn ofevents, a new document is uncov-ered. Inspector Buckett pays an unex-pected call on a certain Mr. Smallweed.Smallweed is reading over the docu-ment that has come into his handsand is trying to determine which of

the many characters will pay the mostfor it. Smallweed tries unsuccessfullyto conceal it from the inspector. Withthe law on his side the inspectordemands that Smallweed relinquish it.This turns out to be yet another willthat is connected to Jarndyce andJarndyce. After the will is submittedto the Chancery, Mr. Kenge summonsJohn to his office. There he statesthat this is the most current will andonce recognized by the court it willreduce John’s inheritance significantly.He adds that the inheritance of Rich-ard and Ada will be greatly increased.Richard and Ada also learn of thesenew developments.

When John and Esther arrive atthe Chancery court, they find it in avirtual state of chaos. Order is even-tually restored. Richard and Ada arealso there, and they are named by theChancery as the primary beneficia-ries… but there is more. The Chancel-lor adds, “Unfortunately, this revela-tion has coincided with another, thatthe whole estate has been absorbedin costs. And thus, the whole suitlapses and melts away. Jarndyce is nomore.”

Richard collapses on the spot andis taken to his home. With his wifeAda, Esther, and John at his bedside,he awakens. He speaks with each of

In God’s Hands MinistryP. O. Box 321

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


Caldwell Brethren Kids Choir

Kids’ Choir members practicing for the worship service and enjoying Bibleclass at Caldwell Brethren Church! Thank you, Jesus, for the holy faith ofchildren.

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them in turn before the grim specter ofdeath silences him forever. Richarddies before his child is born. Ada’sgreatest fear has now become herreality.

Although Richard was but a fic-tional character that flowed from thepen of Charles Dickens, I cannot helpbut feel pity for him. He, like so manyothers, became so obsessed by thesuit that he allowed life to simply passhim by. While there is no doubt thathe and Ada loved each other, thatlove was never allowed to bloom intoits fullest potential. Then, there is thematter of the child born after hisdeath. A child living in a poor sectionof London deprived of ever havingknown a father. One cannot help butwonder if this small life might becomeyet another victim of Jarndyce andJarndyce. A life that might perhaps

become the inspiration of yet anothertragic character of Charles Dickens.

Of all the subplots, I am drawn intoRichard Carstone’s cautionary taleeach time I watch Bleak House; hisdownward spiral, his growing resent-ment toward John, who only had hisbest interest at heart, and his tragicfate. With each viewing, I cannot helpbut be reminded of two things ourLord said.

1 Timothy 6:10 (NET): For thelove of money is the root of all evils.Some people in reaching for it havestrayed from the faith and stabbedthemselves with many pains.

Matthew 6:24 (NET): No one canserve two masters, for either he willhate the one and love the other, or hewill be devoted to the one and de-spise the other. You cannot serve Godand money.

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

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

Insuring & Enriching Lives

A fraternal benefit societyserving Texans

and their familiessince 1897.



SHINE!Alpha Camp 2017

Alpha camp 2017 was all aboutletting our lives SHINE for Jesus.Campers learned about God’s om-nipotence, omniscience, and omni-presence, as well as about his greatplans for their lives. They dug intoscripture to see how God can use ourstrengths and weaknesses to sharehis message with those around us.We learned about the character traitsof humility, purity, honesty, content-

ment, obedience, courage, and love.We talked about our friendships andhow our friends should draw us nearerto the God who loves us rather thandrive us and others away. Our livesshould be to bring others to knowabout the saving grace of Jesus Christand when we love one another, Godlives in us and his love is madecomplete in us so that we can SHINE!

Directors: JP & Jenn Chervenka; Taylor BrinkleyDirector in Training: Krystal DusekPastor: Dr. Larry Koslovsky


14/October 2017 BRETHREN JOURNAL BRETHREN JOURNAL October 2017/27

The Seaton Brethren Church GoldenHearts was formed in 2010 and is stillgoing strong. This group of 50 andolder meets every fourth Thursday atSBC at 10:30.

We begin with a challenging devo-tional & scriptural reading, followedby birthday and anniversary celebra-tions. This gathering also includesvarious activities such as “show andtell”, where people always bring inter-esting items and antiques, funny vid-eos, food, of course, and Bingo and

Seaton Golden Heartsdominoes. We’ve even on occasionplayed Wii Bowling. We are nevershort on food or laughter.

Also, the group often takes daytrips (pictures enclosed from a recenttrip to Homestead Heritage in ElmMott). We also have a Christmasparty with an ornament exchange anda summer party in July (pictures en-closed). If you are ever in the Seatonarea on a fourth Thursday, pleasestop and see us and join in the fun.

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

www.grangernationalbank.com


The Summer BYF Retreat, Conven-tion, and Volleyball Tournament washeld July 22-23 at the Hus Encampment.

The business meeting began at8:30 a.m. Local youth groups reportedon their annual activities, and reportsfrom the State retreats were approved.Dates were set for this 2017-2018calendar year: Fall Retreat, September16-17; College/Young Adult “HeyDay!”, December 16; Winter Retreat,January 6-7; State Children’s Rally,February 24; Summer Retreat & Vol-leyball, July 14-15.

Everyone then gathered in the mainbuilding for worship and celebrationof the Lord’s Supper. Bro. MikeGroseclose brought the message. Ifwe want to live out loud, love out

Summer BYF Retreat, Convention,and Volleyball Tournament

loud, or do anything out loud for ourLord, we have to be willing to do andthink about things differently. Wehave to be able to stand out fromeveryone else and not only do thingsfor ourselves but for others. We haveto be able to love unconditionally andoffer forgiveness when needed. Wehave to be able to support and en-courage those around us withoutjudgement. We have to Love ourLord.

After worship, 12 teams competedin the tournament. It was seriouscompetition with many laughs andtons of joy. In the end, Ocker Skittles(MS/HS team) beat Wall for the cham-pionship. Taylor Bigs came in thirdover B/CS.

1st place team: Ocker Brethren


From the Woo’s . . .

August 22, 2017Dear Friends and family,

Let everything that has breathpraise the LORD. Praise the LORD.Psalm 150:6

Welcome to the beginning of anew school year. That means a lot to

people withkids or whoare teachers. Itmeans a ton tome as I justcame backfrom MA toprepare mykids forschool. Fivekids, four dif-ferent schools,two sportsteams, and

hopefully a lot of help from the rightpeople (think transportation needs). Iam also coming off a summer high asmy kids had the opportunity to go toa variety of camps: Christian camps,soccer camp, cooking camp, grief camp,basketball camp, ballet camp, familycamp, VBS, and swim team.

As I reflect, my life does revolvearound my kids for this season of life.People continually ask how they aredoing. I think they are well, but it is

hard to tell sometimes as we are oftensimply trying to survive.

Looking to the future, there seemsto be two different opportunities onthe horizon. One is to stay with OMFas a mobilizer. This would mean re-maining on a support-based salaryand some travel. The second wouldbe to a mission director/pastor at alocal church. I will currently be ex-ploring both opportunities this com-ing month, and I would greatly appre-ciate your prayers.

One thing is certain. I still desire toserve the Lord in a kingdom-buildingmission position. The thoughts in mymind are: How will the world have theopportunity to respond to our Savior?How are we His hands and feet? Howdo we carry the Good News in ourevery day life? I hope to continue touse my gifts and talents to help answerthese questions and facilitate the ful-fillment of the Great Commission, ofwhich we each play a critical role.

Pressing on and looking up,Michael and the Woo family


3rd place team: Taylor Brethren

2nd place team: Wall Brethren

ADERHOLDFUNERAL HOME, INC.“Thoughtful Service –

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

Unity ArchivistClint Machann

[email protected] or 979-845-4898


out what the “other half” thinks. Hehad mixed reactions.

I arrived at Gabino’s home afterten, in the raining dark. The next dayover breakfast the local pastors startedtrickling in, till all ten arrived and wewere ready. The purpose of the ses-sion was to lay a foundation for thepastoral training, as we did in Peru,but for a very different audience.Indigenous people, even leaders, don’treadily interact and answer questions,so it’s always hard to gauge howmuch I’m “getting through.” Theyonly had around five hours, afterwhich we were just beginning to lookat New Testamental leaders, so weagreed to meet in two weeks. I stayedan extra day, Gabino wanting to showme the sights. His town is called “TheCaves”, with many spread out throughthe cliffs all around. He took me intoone that is sometimes used for witch-craft, and we clambered around, look-ing at bats and endless tunnels, untilhe led me out through one of thosetwisting tunnels to another exit. He ishalf my size, so at some points I waspushing through fissures just a bitwider than me, scrambling for toeholds in the slippery rock. Can’t sayI’d enjoy doing this for hours.

I return there in two weeks, prob-ably again on the public van. Once Ihave the road memorized I’ll drive andAnne can go. Gabino has a store, butbecause of the distance, all the goodshe buys are expensive. Maybe I canmake back my gas money and takehim the things that sell better. Plus,we talked about him learning wood-turning, since they have many prettywoods out there. Gabino said one ofthe saddest things I’ve ever heard,“Sometimes I sit for days thinking

about what things I could do toimprove life here. I just can’t think ofanything.” This is what drives menlike Gabino away from their villages.Pray for an answer to his unspokenprayer that fits the Kingdom of God.

Saturday, Anne and I travel threehours to San Vicente Lachixio, a Zapotectown where I’ve been building rela-tionships for five years now. I’ll writemore next week, but for now, pleasepray as we have an audience with thetown leaders at noon, presenting ahand-made quilt as a gift of friendshipfrom a church in Texas. Please pray,too, for Gabino and the pastors inAmoltepec as they ponder the “newto them, but old” ideas they heard.

Thank you, Robert


Candy Corn is a seasonal favorite that can help illustratea very difficult topic – The Trinity.

For there are three that bear record inheaven, the Father, the Word, and theHoly Ghost: and these three are one.

1 John 5:7 (KJV)

Sunday School Helper


Gabino would sit on the sidelines,excluded through being so far fromany of the others. One of the mainleaders, Alejandro, kept trying to fig-ure out how we could cover that smallgroup of a dozen churches, too.

I finally volunteered to go outthere straight from Oaxaca City, asthat seemed like something I could doin the weeks that we are based there.Someone had said it was a bit closerto Oaxaca city than Tlaxiaco, whichencouraged me a bit, too.

So, Sunday morning, after waitingan extra hour (villages ignore daylightsaving’s time), I set off at 11 a.m. in a15-passenger van. I had set aside theseat that works the best for me, thefront one, by the window. Anothermiscommunication, because seat #1turns out to be the very small, crowdedone in the middle between what I hadwanted and the driver. By this time Iknew that I was in for at least tenhours, and wasn’t starting this trip in

the best of humor. The thought ofhaving my left knee jammed into theheater controls, my right foot scrab-bling for a surface that was flat, andhaving nothing to keep my upperbody braced for all the ruts of theroad was daunting. But I remembersomething I’ve been reading in NeilPeart’s travel book, Far and Wide,advice he learned years previouslyfrom a drumming teacher: “It is whatit is; deal with it.”

I started a conversation with thedriver, then eventually with the fellowthat did get the “preferred” seat. Theteacher wanted to know where I’mfrom, what I’m doing, stuff that inevi-tably leads to the deeper ones, aboutfaith, foreign involvement in placeslike this, and the meaning of life. I gotto spend quite a bit of time asking himabout his impression of both theChristians in the area and the differ-ent kinds of social development hehas seen. Always interesting to find


The TrinityUsing candy corn as an example, have the following discussion withchildren. You can also use the image below to help explain the Trinity.• How many colors are on one piece of candy corn? (3)• What colors are they?• Did you know that Candy Corn can teach us about God?• God is sweet and full of goodness.• Just like candy corn has three parts, God has parts too. The big word

we use in church is the “trinity”. As we grow and learn more about Godwe will discover that he is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Have yourchildren pick a color to represent each part of God.)

• God was always there.• He has a son named Jesus that he sent into the world to die for

our sins.• After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, he went back to

heaven. When Jesus went back to heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit,We have the Holy Spirit with us no.

• Why is God 3 in 1? Maybe it is to show us that no matter what Heis with us! That is how much He loves us! He is God (Father), Hecame to live like us (Jesus), He wants to live in our hearts (HolySpirit). Every time we munch on some sweet candy corn it canremind us just how much God loves us!

Here’s a fun video on how Candy Corn is made:https://youtu.be/DgTvgQfcllM

As there arethree colors in thecandy corn I see,

there are three personsin the Holy Trinity.

God, our loving Father,Jesus, the son, and

our helper, the Holy Spirit

All three are God,yet together they are

One.

As there are three colors in thecandy I see;

there are three persons in theHoly Trinity.

God our loving Father, Jesus,the son,

and our helper, the Holy Spirit.All three are God, yet together they

are one.

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Pray for wisdom for Robert, as he“proclaims the Kingdom of God,” andfor the pastors of Amoltepec, as theyseek to grow in their ability to equiptheir church for service to the King.

Thank you for your participation, Anne and Robert

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Dear friends,

I spent the last few days with asmall group of indigenous church

leaders in one of the remotest parts ofOaxaca state, Amoltepec. I got toknow Gabino, one of the main leadersthere, in the regional pastors’ meet-ings that happen in the Tlaxiaco re-gion every two months. For abouthalf a year now we have been tryingto help small geographically linkedgroups of pastors develop mentoringnetworks. This would allow them totrain themselves and bring in newleaders without having to go away orrely on means that don’t suit theirsituation. At each of these meetings


Check out the blog and for more ideas and links!

http://sundayschoolhelperbrethrenjournal.blogspot.com/

Here’s another way to illustrate the Trinity. You could color thedough orange, yellow, and white and make candy corns!

• Today we’re using this cup of common flour and this commontable salt to understand the Trinity.

• Hold up the cup of flour. Let’s pretend this is God the Father.White is a symbol of purity, and we know that God is purestof the pure. Turn the flour over into your bowl.

• Hold up the half cup of salt. Let’s pretend this salt is Jesus.Jesus told us, “You are the salt of the earth” in Matthew 5:13,meaning we Christians “flavor” the earth by sharing God’sword. And Jesus would certainly know about that; he was theoriginal salt. Turn the salt over into your bowl.

• Hold up your half cup of water. Let’s pretend this is the HolySpirit. Water is often associated with “spirit” in the Bible. InJohn 3:5, Jesus says “no one can enter the kingdom of Godwithout being born of water and the spirit.”

• Mix all ingredients with your mixer.

• We’re mixing all three ingredients together. Is the salt still inhere? Yes. Is the flour still in here? Yes. Is the water still inhere? Yes.

• All three are still here. Stop mixing. Yet now we have onesubstance. Can anyone guess what it is? Hold up some doughand squish it around in your hand.

• It’s one thing now – it’s homemade play dough. And yet, allthree ingredients are still there.

• That’s one of the ways we can understand the Trinity – threein one. Definitely three; definitely one. Let’s make something!

BRETHREN JOURNAL October 2017/1922/October 2017 BRETHREN JOURNAL

This is what we taught, claimingthat leadership in the church derivesits authority from a thorn-crownedChrist. “Make disciples,” He orders,“and teach them to obey all that Ihave commanded…” What is this all,exactly? The commands of Jesus areroughly forty or so in the gospels, butthey can be summarized in sevenoutrageous orders, which take a life-time and beyond to fulfill. The groupof two or three or a thousand thatseeks to obey Jesus’ commands inworship is truly a church, and theleaders (or elders or pastors) whoequip a group to obey His commandsare true leaders. Effective pastoraltraining equips pastors (leaders, el-ders) to guide their churches towardgreater allegiance, obedience, andworship of the King. And as followersof the King, we join His purpose onearth, His task force, to establish Hisreign, through love, in every cornerand aspect of human experience. Ourgoal, our hope, our prayer, is that Hebe king of the cosmos. “Your King-dom come! On earth! As it already isin heaven!”

The Peruvian pastors can do this.They can lead their congregations

toward greater submission to Christ.They can not only lead with confi-dence, but train others to do so, nolonger looking for outsiders to do thisfor them. Our hope is that the simpleactivities and corresponding studiesthat they will follow in their ExtensionBible Institute will be a useful tool inequipping them for this holy job.They are all in different places ofapplying these ideas and studies, butthis way of training leaders adapts tothat reality easily.

The day after returning from Peru,we drove to Tlaxiaco, and then toChalcatongo, to meet with pastorsdirecting two regional branches ofthe Extension Bible Institute in Oaxaca.Marcos had invited another pastorfrom San Miguel to join the program,and we listened to him explain, “Yousee, the Kingdom of God is like amustard seed, a weed that can’t bestopped, not even by the lack ofcredentials…”

This Sunday Robert takes a 9-hourbus trip to spend three days witheleven pastors, helping them under-stand these same ideas and organizea fifth Oaxacan regional branch of theExtension Bible Institute in Amoltepec.


Denominational Mission Givingas of August 31, 2017

Given (where we are) YTD Budget (where we should be)

Deficit (still needed by year end)

$73,000

Foreign Missions Home Missions Total Mission Giving($10,000 increase to budget

approved April 1, 2017)

$48,666.72

$44,303

$28,697

$58,000

$38,666.72

$43,341

$14,659

$87,333.44

$87,644

$43,356

$131,000

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.


In Christ’s Love . . . from the Foreign Mission FieldFrom the Thiessen’s . . .

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Dear friends,

We went to Peru last week to helpthe MB churches there open up threeregional branches of an ExtensionBible Institute. The group has beenplagued by models of pastoral train-ing that not only left their pulpitsempty, but handicapped local leader-ship as well. This is a familiar story inall the Majority World. We had beeninvited on our last trip to address a“leadership vacuum” in the Peruvianchurches, but we never found a lead-ership vacuum. What we found were“lay” leaders (not a biblical term)serving faithfully but without muchconfidence, because they didn’t have“proper” credentials. Somewherealong the way well-intentioned out-siders had left the impression thatthis type of leader wasn’t the ideal,biblical basis of healthy churches.

Who gets to decide what “proper”credentials are? What makes a leadera “pastor”? These questions bedevil

the mission world as we wake up tothe weaknesses that accompany thespread of the gospel from one cultureto another.

We spent two days in each regionlaying the foundation for Christianleadership. Where does our authoritycome from? The statutes or traditionsof our denomination? A credentialingbody or association? Our seminaries?

Jesus claims all authority in heavenand on earth, but He earned Hisauthority the hard way. While Hehung on the cross, He could haveused divine power to step down.After all, he was our rightful king andcould have forced us to accept Him.But He did not. He refused to useforce. His crown was one of thorns,and He died rather than abuse Hispower. He was the only human everuncorrupted by power. And in Hisrefusal to force love, He became ourking. Worship! We worship this king!And may nothing come between usand our all-out loyalty to Him.

In these times of confusion abouthuman power and authority and poli-tics, may we as a holy church hold tothis above all!

Documents

THE BRETHREN JOURNALunityofthebrethren.org/wp-content/uploads/BJ201710.pdf2/October 2017 BRETHREN JOURNAL Visit the Unity of the Brethren Website: unityofthebrethren.org THE BRETHREN