is Him.

Jesus teaches us how to find Him in a similar way. He is living mysteriously and yet in total abundance, in your heart, if you have asked Him to save you, if you have acknowledged Him as God, the King of your very being, Master over your life. While Jesus walked the earth, just before the 1st century, he set in motion what we celebrate today as Easter or Resurrection Day. Going about his daily life, fulfilling His heavenly Father’s will, Jesus always kept His eye on the ball. One day, He visited a family that He had been reaching out to, the family of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Here we meet Jesus at the hour of this family’s greatest anguish, the death of Lazarus. The Apostle John draws the curtain for us to see Jesus’ encounter with them in the book of the Gospel of John, chapter 11, verses 18-28, of the Holy Bible:

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you

Caldwell Brethren Connection April 2014

Church10:30 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Caldwell Brethren Church401 South Main

Caldwell, TX 77836(979) 567-7203lifeatcbc.org

Minister – Rev. Vanessa MitchellContact Info: Cell (979) 574-0268E-mail - lajoiededieu@gmail.comAddress: 2070 Carter Lake Drive

College Station, TX 77845

Information Deadline for May Newsletter: April 20, 2014

Contact Information or Suggestions for Newsletter:Connie Maresh – Phone Number (979) 567-3138E-mail - cfmaresh49@yahoo.com

One of my favorite childhood memories was the hunt, not for Easter eggs, but for Easter egg baskets my mother had prepared for my two sisters, my brother, and myself. Every year, through the end of high school, mom would carefully assemble baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, little “peeps,” and of course spiritual keepsakes, like a Cross necklace, Bible study devotional, or other meaningful treasure. Mom would help us track down the baskets. She would say, “Getting warm…cold…getting colder…warmer…hot…very hot!” Finally, we would find the baskets. Mine was always wrapped in pink cellophane and was a little heavy on the chocolate side!

"God's Vision for Us for 2014"Hebrews 12:1-2a "1Therefore, since we are  surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us 2fixing our eyes on Jesus."

believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world." 28 When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you."

Jesus is calling you and everyone in the world to believe in Him- even when believing seems the hardest thing to do.

What is Jesus whispering to you these days about your faith? Are you “getting warm…cold…getting colder…warmer…hot…very hot?”

This Easter, celebrate the Resurrection Jesus has done in you!Celebrate what He has done through the life of all those you love!Celebrate the reality that Easter happens every day as Jesus renews you with all that you could ever need for each moment that you are alive!Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow! We are blessed!

I love you with the holy love of our Savior, Jesus.

In Jesus’ Resurrection Power,Sister Vanessa

 March 12th Board of Elders Meeting

Meeting was called to order by President Anna Wotipka. Items of Interest of Meeting –

7 members present and Sister Vanessa Mitchell Devotion volunteer for April – Leo Maresh Reports were presented and accepted. Money for Missions - Dec., Jan., & Feb., $1,576 less $200 to Christian Sisters, $1,376 to

Missions. Pastors’ Report – Caldwell Ministerial Alliance will meet at our church on April 1st. SOS

Ministries, J.J. Ramirez will speak on March 16. CBC Coffeehouse gathering going well. Motion made, seconded and approved for Matt Hyvl to purchase Video Camera for $250. Leo Maresh will contact someone to look at piano in church. Bro. Heckman asked permission to use Fellowship Hall on Sat., March 29th for a chili

fundraiser for Cade Lake Community Chapel Youth. Rose Autrey (new PR Secretary) will put out publishing info for

Church functions. Spring congregational meeting set for May 4th. Motion made, seconded and approved to donate $100 to Hus School

100 Year Anniversary on April 26th.

Submitted by Secretary, Rose Autrey

The Caldwell Christian Sisters held their meeting on Sunday, March 9, 2014. 9 members and Sister Vanessa were in attendance.

Anna Wotipka presented devotional. All reports were given and approved. Salad Supper will be Monday, April 7th at 6:30 pm. Anna will send out invitations to ladies

of other churches. Two members of the CBC Coffeehouse Study Group will be our speakers for the evening.

Will host Birthday Party at Copperas Hollow Nursing Facility in October. Made a donation of $50 to Brazos Valley Young Life.

Our next meeting will be after the Sunday Noon Church Luncheon onApril 13th. We welcome one and all to come and join us.

Our Church FamilyPastor VanessaOur Country

Brandon FamilyHubert HaislerFred HavelDoris HovorakFrances LambrechtAnnie PolasekCharles PolasekKevin PolasekCBC Coffeehouse

Alvin BormannDennis BrinkmanFrank DegeliaDelia GarciaMickey GroceTaylor HoneaKaren KostohryzJoe MartinezBro. Dell MillerTony & Giselle MoralesDanny OrtizJeremy PazRose’s friend CherylFrieda SchoppeB.J. SebestaMary Ann SpitlerLivia SolizDon & Marilyn SuttonRiver TaylorSitera WarrenDoug WesleyRankin Williams

Kayla WilliamsSOS MinistriesBrazos Valley Young Life Ministry

Our MissionariesCarolyn Groseclose – Northern AfricaPastor Pavel & Stanya Kozak- Czech Republic Phil & Eunice Raiford - Eastern Nicaragua Robert & Anne Thiessen- Southern MexicoMichael & Caroline Woo- ChinaAll Military Personnel Serving & Protecting Our CountryLaw Enforcement Police Officers & 1st Responders

Caldwell Christian Sisters News

We will observe Holy Communion

on April 20th .

We serve God by sharing His Word

with Others.

The Caldwell Brethren Christian Sisters Society cordially invite all ladies to our annual SaladSupper on Monday, April 7 at 6:30 PM. Two members of the CBC Coffeehouse Study Groupwill be our guest speakers. Bring a friend and a salad or desert and come join us for a fun time.

Special Invitation

Attendance February Average – 29 March 2 – 30 March 9 – 35 March 16 – 42 March 23 – 27

Church Statistics

Birthdays 28 – Ray Valigura Anniversaries - None

If you haven’t tried our Family Night, you are missing some great fellowship, food, fun and games. We have “42” dominoes, Chickenfoot dominoes, Uno, and other games and are open to any ideas. We will have Family Night on Wednesdays, Apr.2nd and Apr. 16th from 6-7:30 PM. IF YOU HAVE TIME, BRING A FRIEND

AND COME CHECK IT OUT!

To: The Caldwell Brethren Church Board of Elders

What's New?“CBC Coffeehouse!”  

A young women's group meets for great conversation and prayer through

Bible study! Come as you are and go deep

with us into the Bible as we  move through a Bible study by Beth Moore titled:  "A Women's Heart, God's Dwelling Place."

You can join at any time!

We gather at 2070 Carter Lake Drive in College StationEvery Tuesday 6:30-8:00 pm.

Contact Pastor Vanessa at: 979-574-0268 or lifeatcbc@gmail.com

April Birthdays &Anniversaries

Month of April

6 – Matthew Hyvl 13 – Ben Trcalek 20 – Vickie Brandon 27 – Leo Maresh

Ushers & Greeters

Ruth will be greatly missed by her family, church family, friends and all that knew her.

Life Is A Gift!Celebrate It.

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - think of someone who can’t speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food - think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife - think of someone, who is crying out to God for a companion. Today before you complain about life - think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before you complain about your children – think of someone who desires children, but they’re barren. Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn’t clean or sweep - think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive - think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And, when you are tired and complain about your job - think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wished they had your job. But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another – remember that not one of us are without sin, and we all answer to one maker. And, when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around. Life is a gift. Live it. Enjoy it. Celebrate it. Fulfill it.

(This poem was shared with us by the Family of Ruth Baasen.)

Our deepest and sincerest

sympathies are sent to the family

ofRuth Baasen.

for the thoughts, prayers, calls, cards and food. We would also like to thank everyone that helped in the kitchen organize the meal served after the funeral. It was a warming comfort to see so many. Our family is blessed to have such a loving and caring church family.

We would also like to thank the Church for the beautiful cut flower arrangement that was sent in Ruth’s memory.

God Bless Each of You.The Family of Ruth Baasen

The family of Ruth Baasen would like to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy. Also, we would like to thank everyone

We send our deepest sympathies to Mary Owens who recently lost her sister, Alice Piwonka. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.We also send condolences to Taylor and Austin Grimes who recently lost their father. Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? By Betty Maresh

I was asked by my sister-in-law Connie to write an article for the newsletter, and this topic was the first to come to mind. I recently was watching TV & saw the commercial from St. Jude’s Hospital showing the little children that are fighting to survive cancer. That commercial will rip your heart out. It was enough to make everyone ask this question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

We have to stop and consider our purpose in being put here on earth. Are we here to just exist. To live out a quiet life, being “good” and doing what is expected of us, assuming that if we do so, our life will be blessed with no problems of any kind? Maybe we should expect to just suffer through with a bruise or broken nail & leave the really severe stuff to those whose faith isn’t as strong? Maybe we think that because we go to church on a regular basis, participate in church activities, or teach a class on Sunday or preach a sermon that that makes us “good”, and we will then be immune to all diseases.

The fact is, that in God’s eyes we are all equal. We are human, with human weaknesses. We will all suffer from some illness or problem. This is allowed for the sole purpose of drawing us closer to God. If we are never tested, we become comfortable & lazy Christians. We forget that God is in control. Going back to the children at St. Jude’s for a minute, think of all the prayers that are being lifted up for them. The parents that pray in their hearts every minute for healing. The rest of their family, and all the millions of people seeing this commercial & praying for these little ones. Would they pray if this child was well & healthy? Maybe, but how often do we pray to give thanks for our “good” health? Doesn’t it take a problem for us to be brought down to our knees?

As for why God heals some and not others, is a question that only He can answer. All we can do is remember to give Him our prayer and our problem, then turn loose of it and trust that He will do what is best for us. Letting go of that problem is one of the hardest tests that we will be given. You just have to remember Psalms 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” He is all powerful, all knowing, and loving, and all merciful.

If there is an answer to this question, it is that God wants us to grow as Christians, and to do so, we need to be humble and in need of Him. Give Him your problems. You may not like the answer, but you can trust that He knows what’s best, and you will feel the peace and comfort of relief from no longer having to carry the burden alone. I would suggest that you read the book of Job, if you want to see how one man dealt with anguish and see what God had to say to him.

The Caldwell Brethren Sunday School will host our annual Easter Breakfast on Easter Sunday, April 20 at 9:15 AM. Please come and join us and be part of our fellowship.

You’reInvited!

The Caldwell Brethren Sunday School will have its Spring meeting on Sunday, Apr. 6 at 9:30 am. One of the items on our agenda will be our 2014 Vacation Bible School. Please plan to attend and give us your input!

The Caldwell Brethren Sunday School with have an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19. The time will be announced later. Bring your basket and let’s have some fun!

Greatest Story Ever Told

It’s the greatest story ever told. Jesus was born. Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus was buried. Jesus rose again! He’s alive! How huge is that! To answer that question, let me tell you a story. The late Frank Harrington was the senior minister for more than 30 years of the largest Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the nation, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Every Lent he and his wife arranged to have a massive cross planted on the front lawn of the church that grabbed the attention of even the most hurried driver on the busy Atlanta streets. The cross was draped in purple cloths or banners until Easter Sunday, when the Harringtons had a florist, by special prior arrangement, festoon the giant cross in flowers of every color and hue. Harrington wrote about it, saying: “A little drama played itself out on one of our buses two or three weeks ago. There was a new bus driver who was not familiar with us. It was his first Sunday, and he was in animated conversation with someone who was riding the bus. When he drove in, he suddenly saw this huge cross we erected out front. Right in the middle of his conversation, he interrupted his train of thought and exclaimed: ‘My God, somebody BIG must have died.’ “He was thinking about one of those little white roadside crosses that we put up, sad to say, when somebody’s been killed. “Let me tell you, friends, somebody big did die for you and for me. But he came back.”

Saturday, April 26, the Hus School Encampment will be the site of the 100th Anniversary celebration of Hus School, which was first held in Granger in 1914.

Plan now to attend and invite others from your Hus School class and from your church to join for a time of reminiscing, fellowship, singing and food including a catered lunch. The oldest Hussite and the largest class present will be recognized.

For more information, contact Marvin and Alice Chlapek, at 979/272-9102 or e-mail at mjcarc@airplexus.com.

Hus School100th Anniversary Celebration

The Caldwell Area Ministerial Alliance with have worship services during Holy Week at 12:00 Noon. A light lunch will be served from 12:30-1:00 PM.

Monday, April 14 – First Assembly of God Church

Tuesday, April 15 – First United Methodist Church

Wednesday, April 16 – First Baptist Church

Caldwell Brethren Church401 South Main StreetCaldwell, TX 77836(979) 567-7203 lifeatcbc.org

Minister – Rev. Vanessa MitchellCell (979) 574-0268E-mail - lajoiededieu@gmail.com

April 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

     1Caldwell Area

Ministerial Alliance 9 AM

Fellowship HallCBC Coffeehouse

6:30PM

 2Family Game Night 6 PM

 3  4  5

 6Sunday School Meeting 9:15

Installation SundayUsher –Matthew Hyvl

 7CaldwellChristian

Sisters Salad Supper6:30 PM

 8New Tabor Christian

Sisters Salad Supper6:30 PM

CBC Coffeehouse6:30PM

 9Board of Elders Meeting 7 PM

 10  11  12

 13Noon Fellowship Meal & Christian Sisters Meeting Palm SundayUsher –Ben Trcalek

 14CAMA Service

First Assemblyof God Church

12:00Noon

 15CAMA Service

First United Methodist Church

12:00Noon

CBC Coffeehouse6:30PM

 16CAMA ServiceFirst Baptist

Church 12:00Noon

Family Game Night 6 PM

 17Maundy Service6:30 PM

 18Good Friday

 19Easter Egg

Hunt

Easter 20Easter Breakfast 9:00 am

Holy CommunionUsher –Vickie Brandon

 21  22

CBC Coffeehouse6:30PM

 23  24  25  26Hus School

100th

Anniversary Celebration8:30 AM -

ending with supper and a

vesper service

 27

Usher –Leo Maresh

 28Ray Valigura

 29

CBC Coffeehouse6:30PM

 30