Christmas 2013 is a fond memory and we accomplished many great things in that celebration. We now are in a New Year with new goals and ambitions. The same God that was faithful last year is the same God that will be more faithful to us than we will be to Him! We received several “thank you’s” from those we caroled. We remember the great laughter that filled the Chapel at our Christmas Party. The food baskets were well received and greatly appreciated. But, we must embrace this new opportunity of a New Year and see what we can accomplish for our Lord this year!
Already this year, Joane and I have celebrated our wedding anniversary; as a congregation we have honored Pastor Joane’s birthday with a Soup Social; and participated in several area events.
We continue offering a special Bible Study each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. It is an interactive class and provides one with deep insight into God’s Word. We are presently studying Philippians in our adult class, and everyone is invited. Our children are involved in “Super Church” each Sunday morning and enjoy time together from 10:00 until noon. all children are welcomed.
Our service times remain at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for Morning Service; 6:00 p.m. for the Evening Service; and 7:00 p.m. for our Midweek Service on Wednesday. We do not want to be a “Sunday morning church”, so many activities are planned during each week.
Each Tuesday, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., we offer Fisherman’s Bible Institute for this community. These classes are patterned after the Bible Institutes of days gone by, where in three years of study, one will gain an excellent overview of the Bible. Our instructor is Pastor Joane, who has begun her doctorial work. Anyone willing to spend time with a workbook and teaching time will want to be a part of FBI.
Each Friday, from 7:00-10:00 p.m., except for the first Friday of each month, is our Friday Night Youth. Julian and Alissa Garcia, with many helpers, lead this event. There are games to play, food to eat, and always a devotional to help provided guidance for our kids. All kids are welcome and the Chapel is always open for parents who want to come and share or just observe.
All of our children (ages 6-12) are planning to participate in the Victorious Mini Kids Camp on January 31 and February 1. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and end about noon Saturday. It will feature the ministry of Vicki Evans and be at First Assembly, Victoria. Those teenagers who wish to participate can do so as workers and should be getting registered as soon as possible. There will be two new bicycles given away at this event. See Julian or Alissa for further information.
The last Sunday of January, we will be saying “farewell” to Patrick Overton. Most of you know Patrick since he has been raised in Port O’Connor. He believes that the Lord has burdened him for San Marcos, so he is relocating there. He will be ministering in the evening service (6:00 p.m.) that day (Jan. 26). Everyone will want to come and say, “God bless you,” as Patrick leaves Port O’Connor.
Several times each year, the Chapel hosts the Sea Academy and its instructor, Captain Robert Meza. The next class will be offered beginning January 31 and continue until February 7 here at the Chapel. Those interested in successfully completing the Coast Guard approved “Captain’s Class” should call the Sea Academy at 361/758-6184 or Captain Robert at 361/816-3010. Captain Robert has been providing classes at the Chapel since 2000 and many have been employed in the fishing charter business as a result.
The chapel will be noting February 9 at the 19th Anniversary of existence. There were a few meetings concerning forming a church prior to February, but it was on the second Sunday of February, 2005, when I (Pastor Erny) came to Port O’Connor. Many great things have happened in these years, but many more are anticipated!
The first weekend in February, there will be a team of men from Houston coming to put a fresh coat of paint on the Chapel. It is headed by Leo Martinez, who helped us put tile down in our Youth Room last year.
We truly appreciate those who are coming and welcome any one of this community to come by, help and also befriend those Houstonians. The ladies are planning a great meal for our guests on Satruday noon. Hermana Angie is leading this effort, but all helpers are invited to particiapte.
As one can tell, the Chapel is an active congregation. It is an interdenominational group whose goal is to help sojourners reach Heaven safely. We have special activities for all interests, including the children, youth, women, and men. You will always receive a warm welcome at the Chapel and are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”
