I remember on New Year’s Eve, 1968-69, preaching at three churches’ “Watch Night Services”. I preached at Haskell, Jenks, and Okmulgee, which are all in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. What is most memorable about that evening was that I said with full conviction, “I do not believe we will see 1970 before the return of Jesus!” I was wrong, but I know that His Second Coming is 45 years closer than it was that evening. Also, I remember that my 1962 Rambler required more oil that evening than it did gasoline! I have not remembered these events for a long time – guess that means I am maturing!

We are so sad to learn that our friend Verna Prebilske did not join us for our New Year’s celebration, as she left us on December 30. Mrs. Verna, as I called her, was quite a lady. At one time she could have been the poster girl for “Rosie the Riveter”! During the War, she worked in ship building. Moving to Port O’Connor with her husband Steve, they built Verna’s Motel across 14th Street from where they lived. I could tell you a lot of stories about Mrs. Verna, but the most important thing to me was that she loved me and was always wanting me to come by to help her with something so she could share something she had fixed from her garden. Debbie, along with her husband George and their daughter Melissa will totally miss her and this community has lost one of its leading citizens. Mrs. Verna, we will miss you!

Christmas at the Chapel was superb! We had 29 people stacked on our hay wagon that went around town caroling. Our Christmas Party was second to none with many of us laughing until our sides hurt. Our Family Communion time was very special as individual families came and remembered why we have a Christmas Celebration: Jesus was born to die for our sins!

We passed out 30 Christmas Food Baskets on December 22 and spent all but about $40.00 in the POC Benevolence Fund. The way we accomplished our goal was that hunters have brought in hogs and deer; we had some chicken quarters in our pantry; and canned goods were brought by the sacks full! We will be raising funds to replenish our Fund in order to be ready for 2016 and our community’s needs at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. People in this area always respond to a genuine need and I am certain that this need will be met.

Now that we are in the New Year, we wish to thank members of the Chapel who have made it possible for Pastor Joane and me to take a week off. We left on Saturday, January 2, and returned on Saturday, January 9 after traveling to Van Buren, Arkansas for an “ACTS Conference”. It was a great time of spiritual renewal and an opportunity for Joane and me to celebrate our anniversary. Also, we appreciate Pastor Jesse who filled our responsibilities in our absence. It is always necessary for pastors to have those who will fill-in when they are needed.

Our first All Church Fellowship of 2016 will be on Sunday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) at 6:00 p.m. This will be our annual Chili Cook Off and we are expecting at least 10 pots of chili to be sampled. Personally, I have decided to find a better recipe so I will not take last place again. I have done so at every one of our Chili Cook Offs. I used to think it was our judges, but now I believe it is a wrong recipe! If you have an award-winning chili recipe, please forward it to me – I truly need help!

Now that school has resumed, it is time for all of us to get back to taking care of business. Our business starts on the first day of the week – Sunday – with Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.; Morning Service at 11:00 a.m.; Corporate Prayer at 5:00 p.m.; and Evening Service at 6:00 p.m. On Tuesdays, we host a Spanish Service at 6:00 p.m. and Fisherman’s Bible Institute meets from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, we enjoy Midweek Service at 7:00 p.m. Each Friday, except the first one of the month, is set aside for Friday Night Youth. We have a lot of activities and all are welcome ti be a part of them.

The Chapel is an interdenominational congregation which extends a warm welcome to all. You are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”