The Calhoun Republican Club will meet on Monday, March 3, 2014, at the Grace Episcopal Church Community Room, Corner of Austin St (Hwy238) and Guadalupe. Chris Cobler, Editor, Victoria Advocate is the featured speaker.

Dinner ($5) is served from 5pm-5:45pm by reservation. Please call 552-0917 for reservations. Meeting is 6pm – 7:30pm.

Public is invited.

Occasionally you are blessed with being able to review once again a film that made a heavy impression upon you. And so it was with the film LILLIES OF THE FIELD starring Sidney Poitier and Lilia Skala. A film that renews individual faith, hope and lots of charity; one that restores strength and lots of humor plus showing the hardheadedness of the Mother Superior. But Sidney Poitier once again showed his incredible acting ability.

And frequently you have the opportunity to renew acquaintance with a previously enjoyed book and its author, although it is one you’ve read before. But this time around, by rereading it, you learn more than was captured in the beginning. And this is what I recently discovered when I read David Baldacci’s first book, ABSOLUTE POWER. The plot is very unusual; his characters are extremely well drawn; bit by bit of each with even facial expressions or just the general attitude and posture. These are people you would be drawn to; either because you really want to know them more, or because you don’t want to be anywhere near them. However, I found in his second book a change of writing; his sentences are somewhat shorter, but still very descriptive; thereby making each paragraph possibly somewhat easier to read. But Baldacci will remain an incredible author and one you can enjoy for many years to come.

Three books by Jill Churchill next captured my attention; I found these extremely informative about a period of time I know very little about, and also what would be classified as light reading, but thoroughly enjoyable. The books are set in the 1930’s following the result of the stock market crash and the Depression. They’re set in a small town in upstate New York State near Hyde Park, the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The two protagonists, brother and sister, Robert and Lily Brewster, find themselves in their late uncle’s mansion, Grace & Favor, totally penniless, but apparently living quite well. Their father had played on the stock market earlier, as had many, and lost everything; to save himself, he jumped out the many storied window of his stockbroker, thereby ending his problems but creating those for his children who had grown up in the lap of luxury.

Each book, SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME; IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT; and WHO’S SORRY NOW? details their life in their Uncle’s mansion, but are complicated by somehow becoming involved in the discovery of a murder, whether on their property (in one book), or in town.

Robert and Lily are fun folks; they’re people you’d like to know; and there’s more than a little humor apparent on each page. What is really interesting is their take on the other characters in each book.

These books are fun to read; but definitely do give you the idea of life in a previous generation, battling the economy to feed themselves and their families.

“When an old person dies, A Library burns down.”
Karin Gillespie

Officially, we have been in Port O’Connor nineteen years! We came the second Sunday of February, 1995, at the invitation of six people who wanted to start a church in this community. What changes we have seen in this community and at the Chapel. We began in a 35’ by 35’ Morgan building on Adams Street. Before 1995 came to a close, we had purchased the present building on Main, which had been the Intercoastal Lumber Company, from Joe Bright. The only person still around that was present those first days is Joyce Rhyne. This building has had a build-up metal roof installed and a youth room with two bathrooms added. The many out-buildings that served as “lumber racks” have been destroyed and Papaw’s wood-working shop, a storage room, a fish cleaning station and the parsonage have replaced them. The former “dry storage building” has been almost completely refurbished. It now houses two efficiency apartments and a “Retreat Center” that is 99% completed! When finished, the Retreat Center will allow 24 people to come to Port O’Connor for a time of relaxation, and it will add additional space for our Bible Classes to expand. In the words of an old song: “Just look what the Lord has done!”

But, our major achievement is not meant to be measured in buildings restored or replaced or re-purposed. Our goal was not to come “build a church BUILDING,” BUT TO “build a Church!” The Chapel is here because there are many people who attend and find their Christian community here. We are a congregation that is multi-cultured and multi-ethnic, but who is bonded together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our goal is simple – to be a congregation of loving individuals who will work together to build the Lord’s Kingdom here in Port O’Connor. We could not accomplish what we have without the support of this community. We would not be what we are if people from Seadrift, Port Lavaca, and the surrounding communities did not come. We would not be what we are if people from Seadrift, Port Lavaca, and the surrounding communities did not come. We would be missing a lot if it were not for our “winter” sojourners – not just numbers, but friendships and fellowship..

Our activities over the years have increased as we have sought new ways to impact people’s lives. Our Sunday Bible Study is continuing to expand as we grow. Our Morning Service features more special music, and we trust the preaching has improved. The Sunday Evening Service is a testimony of God’s grace that we love to share with others. The Tuesday evening Fisherman’s Bible Institute (FBI) has given well over 100 people a solid introduction to the whole Bible. The Wednesday midweek service is the refueling station to help us continue the “good fight of faith”. Friday Nigh Youth is providing the youth of our community a wholesome atmosphere and a safe place for them to come and enjoy being with their friends. Our special ladies’ meetings and men’s fellowships provide a basis for us to mature as adults and find friendships that help mold us into better people.

We are not resting on our past accomplishments, but are always learning and seeking better ways to serve this community. We provide opportunities for not only English speaking, but also Spanish speaking congregants.

Our annual Meeting of the Members will be on Sunday evening, February 23. At that meeting, we will be sharing our financial report with all interested. We will be electing our Board of Directors and looking at new opportunities for growth. Everyone is welcomed.

The Chapel has always been and remains an interdenominational congregation whose goal is to see Jesus Christ exalted in our individual lives. We seek to be a friendly place where everyone can come and praise the Lord in their own unique way. We believe the Bible to be the pattern for our daily living and contain the answers to life’s problems. You will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel, and are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

The Calhoun County Democrats Club will meet on Thursday, February 27, at the G.I. Forum, 2738 West Main (HWY 87), next to REXCO, Port Lavaca, with a social at 5:30 pm, followed by a meeting at 6 pm. The meeting will be a political forum for all candidates in the March 4 Democratic Party Primary. Everyone is invited. For information, please call Evelyn Burleson, 552.2791.

Preparations for our 19th. Annual “Sweetheart Banquet” has been moving very smoothly and we hope to have a Great Banquet this year. By the time you read this article, it will be over. See page 10 of this issue for a full report.

God has been extremely good to our Church this year. Last Sunday was a very good day with many of our members and guest attending the morning worship service. Bro. Raymond Grant led the congregation in singing “Trusting Jesus”, “Like A River Glorious”, “Lord Send A Revival” and “Pentecostal Power”. Bro. Raymond gave the Children’s Sermon and it was centered around “Jesus Gave Us Light”. The Choir sang “I’ve Passed Over Into Canaanland” before Bro. Donnie Martin delivered an inspirational message.

The Children and Church Youth are enjoying the new Wednesday Evening Time. Both Groups meet each Wednesday Evening from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Children in the 1st to the 5th grade are called “TEAMKIDS” and at present they are experiencing a program called “Jumping The Hurdles”. Mrs. Renee Hawes is in charge of the “TEAMKIDS” and Candice Stryker is the Youth Leader. The Youth will again be the “Waiters and Waitresses” at the “Sweetheart Banquet”.

See You In Church Sunday!!