Excitement is in the air for a lot of great things to happen in 2017! We are trusting that before year’s end, we will all be in Heaven with our Lord, but if He prolongs His return, we plan to be busy doing His bidding!
Christmas was extra special this year. The Come and Go Communion Service on Christmas Eve was exceptional and the Christmas Day service was special. With my feelings about Christmas, every month could be December!
January began with a special service and Pastor Joane ministering, but the evening was a sad occasion as we helped lay to rest one of our local ministers. Reverend David Ennis gave a great part of his life to the Lord through what he called, “Cornerstone Assembly”. Being close friends, Joane and I were on the scene as we watched the building burn. Having experienced that personally, we had a unique understanding for each other. Then came the joy of dedicating the new building and all the things involved in that endeavor. Retirement came and I am not sure that any of us preachers are ever ready for that event! But graciously, Pastor Ennis and his wife continued the faithful pathway they had enjoyed for many years. Pastor Ennis’ influence will however continue through the ministry of his two preacher sons and his daughter and their spouses and children. Heaven will be sweeter as we reunite with faithful soldiers who have blazed a trail for us to follow!
Pastor Joane and I celebrated our 21st Anniversary and remembered her walking down the aisle of the Chapel to meet me at the wedding altar! It was a very special day in my life and God has been extra good to us. We are looking forward to at least 21 more years together!
On January 11, we celebrated Pastor Joane’s birthday with cake and ice cream. I tell her that I planned that way so I could get her anniversary presents and birthday presents in the after Christmas sales! Thank you for loving her and your many expressions through texting, phoning, cards, personal visits, etc. This community is our family and we love you dearly!
Our ladies have been busy. On January 19, they enjoyed an “art class” together and on the following Saturday, they joined each other and other church ladies for a special rally in Victoria. There are many activities for ladies on our church calendar of events that all are welcomed to get involved with.
Our men met for a work day in Nixon this month. Our “Partner” church began remodeling their facilities without extra funds – so they are paying for it as they go and doing the work themselves. With all the extra holiday activities, the remodeling has been greatly slowed. But our men, together with men from other “Partner” congregations, have given them a real shot in the arm and the work is almost completed. All men are invited to be a part of our many activities.
If all these celebrations were not enough, on February 12, we will celebrate 22 years as a congregation. Preliminary meetings had been held with a small group of people desiring to build an interdenominational congregation in Port O’Connor. Three couples contacted me to come and help them in this effort. Initially, I committed to 52 weeks to see if the Lord wanted to build a church and now, after all these years and the many people who have come along side us, we believe this is the Lord’s Church and He is building it well! Thank you for welcoming us here and allowing us to become a part of the Port O’Connor family.
Fisherman’s Chapel is committed to help everyone in their individual journey from here to Eternity. One will always find a welcome here and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”
