Members of Port O’Connor First Baptist Church at the recent Senior Adult Retreat at Camp Zephyr in Sandia, Texas. Left to right: Doyle Adams, Kenneth Clark, Brenda Smith, Tommy Smith, Shirley Martin, and Donnie Martin.

The Church just completed the “Reach Texas” Missionary Fund Drive for Texas Missionaries. The Church set a goal of $600 and it was exceeded. All of this money goes to establish new churches in Texas, for disaster relief and assistance to all Texas missionaries.

“Operation Christmas Child” Shoe Box Campaign is now in full swing. Shoe boxes will be picked up from the church on November 12. This year marks an important milestone for “Operation Christmas Child” as they surpass reaching 100 million children with God’s love since the start of the project in 1993. Through gift-filled shoe boxes and evangelistic materials, hurting children across the globe are hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many of our church people are filling shoe boxes for boys and girls, ages 2 to 4, 5 to 9, and 10 to 14, with shirts, socks, shorts, small toys, flashlights, toy jewelry, toothbrushes, toothpaste, balls, dolls, school supplies and hard candy. Last Christmas we shipped out 28 shoe boxes to smiling faces around the world.

On Sunday, October 28, the Church will observe its annual “Great Day in the Morning” during Sunday School and the morning worship service. The attendance goal has been set at 100. The 11:00 a.m. worship service will have Gospel singing, special music, choir specials, and an informative, spiritual message by our Pastor, Rev. Donnie Martin. Immediately following the morning worship service, everyone is invited to the Church Fellowship Hall for a great meal and a dessert table of pies, cakes and cobblers prepared by the Church Fellowship Committee.

On October 15-16, several of our people will travel to Palacios for a Senior Adult Retreat at Palacios Baptist Encampment. This great camp is hosted by Sam Craig and is always an enjoyable Christian camp.

The Annual Port O’Connor Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday evening, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Fisherman’s Chapel. Make your plans to attend this outstanding service sponsored by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fisherman’s Chapel and First Baptist Church. Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to thank God for all He has done for you and ask for His Blessings throughout the year.

See you in church Sunday!

On Sunday mornings, we have been working our way through 1 Peter 2:9, preaching about being a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This past week, we looked at what it means to be a people belonging to God. As Christians, we are a private possession of the Creator; we occupy a place of privilege; and we enjoy a powerful protection because we are surrounded by God’s presence and love. What a special people we are! If you are looking for a Church family to belong to, we invite you to consider becoming a part of the ministry of the Chapel, where you will be loved for who God has made you to be!

This past Sunday evening, we were honored to host the Reverend and Mrs. Gayle Grisbee, who are missionaries to Latin America. The Reverend Grisbee is the Academic Dean for the Latin America Advanced School of Theology. He has served in some area of missionary endeavor for the past 31 years. The school has 2,500 students in many countries, including Cuba, Central America, and South America. They have asked that we “pray the Lord of Harvest that He will send laborers into the fields that are ready.”

Our Fisherman’s Bible Institute (FBI) is in session. Each Tuesday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., students will be bringing their workbooks to class for two hours of teaching and a time of fellowship. Everyone is invited to be a part of this intense study of God’s Word. Those who wish additional information can call the instructor, Pastor Joane at 983-2619.

Friday Night Youth (FNY) is going strong with new faces with new ideas each Friday evening from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (except the first Friday of each month). Now that school is going strong, many kids are finding a way to enjoy meeting informally with their classmates for a time of fun, food, and fellowship. All area youth are invited.

Next Sunday, October 14, the Chapel will host the former South Texas Superintendent, the Reverend Howard Burroughs. The Reverend Burroughs, along with his wife Margie, will be ministering in the morning service only. They have preached here several times before and their message is always well received. This opportunity to hear Brother Burroughs does not happen very often, so make plans to be present for this special service – Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m.

This month of October is filled with activities for most everyone. We have ladies who will be attending the Women’s Retreat in Kerrville. We have those who will be in LaVernia for the Church Life training. I will be in San Antonio to help interview those seeking Ordination, and Joane and I will be attending the Minister’s Retreat in Kerrville later this month. Are we busy? Yes, but we are trying to find ways of being a blessing to others! Be a part and/or pray for those who are involved in these activities.

Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation, who strives to make Jesus Christ real to people in this community. We attempt to reach everyone in this area, including people of all ages and those who speak both English and Spanish. We are learning a new song, whose chorus reads, “We’re the people of God, called by His name, called from the dark and delivered from shame. One holy race, saints everyone, because of the blood of Christ, Jesus, the Son.” (Wayne Watson) This is who we try to be! You will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel and are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

Jennifer Rehme from Texas Association of Counties, Candice Faltesek, Susan Riley, Sonia Downs, and Rita Miller. Other Healthy/Fit Committee members not pictured are Lesa Jurek, Lisa Musgrave, Maria Pina, and Lori Kuhlman.

Calhoun County employees recently competed in a Pilot Wellness program called “Sonic Boom” in which the employees signed up and committed to walking at least 3500 steps, or 42 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 10 weeks. We were issued a high-tech device called a Sonic Ped, or accelerometer. Of the counties enrolled, Calhoun had the highest number signed up AND completing the challenge, with a total number of 91 completing the 10 week challenge. On September 27, the Texas Association of Counties attended Commissioners’ Court and congratulated Calhoun County on our achievement.

 Memorial

 Scotty Wenzel

47 years old

Drowned Monday, October 1, 2012 Port O’Connor, TX at the little jetties

We want to THANK the Coast Guard, Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire – EMS Dept., Calhoun County Sheriff, Game Wardens

Thomas M. King – Charles Ray King – Mary & Norman Posey

I Go

by Margaret Rogers
Feb. 25, 1917 – Oct. 18, 2010

Are there times in each life
When Death’s silent footsteps are heard?

He was there, he started to knock –
Ah, me, it was only a bird.

And yet….there he is again
I see his shadow on the floor.

I idly wonder…
Who is he seeking?
Why at my door?

Me? I shall surely live forever!
This surely isn’t the end?

Why, I have all my Loves,
And then there are my friends.

I shall go on and on…
Shoot beyond the Moon,
Explore the whole universe!

Singing my life’s happy tune…
Love is the beginning,
Love is the end!

Bonnie

Bonnie is a husky/heeler mix about 1 1/2 yearsold with one brown eye, one “bright bonnie blue” one. She gets along with everyone including other dogs. Young and playful, she’s also the perfect inside companion as she’s calm and well behaved in the house AND is house and crate trained. Friendly and affectionate, Bonnie is currently being fostered so please call ahead for an appointment.

Tinkerbell

Tinkerbell, a Chihuahua/terrier mix, is a LOT of dog even though she’s a tiny mite. At about 5-6 months old, she is motion personified, perpetually happy and everyone is her immediate friend. She will be a loving companion that can lift the spirits of even the Grinch.

Come see Bonnie, Tinkerbell and all the other animals at the Port Lavaca Animal Shelter, 201 Stringham Drive (across from the rodeo arena), Monday through Saturday, 10 to 2, or call the Calhoun County Humane Society, 553-8916.

You can also view them and other animals ready for adoption on line at: www.calhouncountyhumanesociety.org

Thanks and we’ll be waiting for you!