What a great Thanksgiving “Holy Day” we had. That is exactly what “holiday” means! We had family and friends gather with us for a time of thanksgiving to the Lord for His blessings and for a time of feasting from the Lord’s generous provisions. We are such a blessed people! The Community Thanksgiving Service was well attended and we appreciated the special offering that was received to help with the Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets. We did a little calculating and realized that each basket that we gave had a value of over $75.00. I know that it has been reported that the costs of this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner was $47.82, but we always try to give more than enough! Our community Benevolence Committee works hard all year long raising the needed funds to provide for the less blessed folks among us, and we appreciate their efforts. Later we will be providing a list of those who gave special gifts to help us this year.

Fisherman’s Bible Institute (FBI) is going strong with people who are hungry to study God’s Word and have committed to taking these classes. There are workbooks to complete before the Tuesday evening classes (7-9 p.m.). Joane teaches the class and provides a lot of additional study materials for her students. It is never too late to begin studying with the FBI. For further information, please call Joane at 983-2619.

This past Friday Night Youth (FNY) activities brought out a lot of kids I had not seen in a while. It was so good to see them and know that we have done in the past has not been forgotten! Annette is doing a wonderful joy organizing the volunteer staff that is required for this special activity. Due to the Thanksgiving holidays and Christmas activities, our next FNY will gather from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16. But, we have three other activities that FNY are a part of – our All Church Christmas Party on Sunday evening (6:00), December 18; our annual Christmas Caroling and hayride on Wednesday (7:00 p.m.), December 21; and our special Christmas Day Service at 10:30 a.m. Our FNY always enjoys these activities, so be sure to get them on the calendar of events.

Captain Robert has scheduled another Sea Academy Class from December 2-11. This class is Coast Guard approved and will help one become a “boat captain”. The classes meet at the Chapel. For further information, please call Captain Robert at 361/816-3010 or the Sea Academy at 361/758-6184.

Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation, helping to bring praise to the Lord for His many blessings. We believe Jesus is the way to Heaven and are trying to assist people in making that journey successfully. One will always find a warm welcome at the Chapel, and you are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

Brandon Cole Powell, 20, of Seadrift, passed away Friday, November 18, 2011. He was born September 11, 1991 in San Antonio to Terri Powell and Jeff Kubena of Seadrift.

He is survived by his parents; brothers, Jeffrey and Scott Kubena of Seadrift; grandparents, Dolores and Julian Rodriquez of Seadrift, Margaret and Edwin Kubena of San Antonio; great-grandfather, Roy Powell of Seguin; aunts, Tami Powell of San Antonio, Kim Westbrook of Dallas, and Karen and Craig Bagwell of Adkins; uncles, Eddie Kubena of Snyder, Keith Kubena of Stockdale, Michael Kubena of Prague, Czechoslovakia; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and his best friend, Dominic Rodriguez.

Funeral services were held November 23 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seadrift, with Fr. Peter Dery officiating. Burial followed at Seadrift Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dominic Rodriguez, Jeffrey Kubena, Patrick Kubena, Dan Cervanka, Chase Amason, Nicholas Bagwell, Travis Bagwell, and Albert Uresti.

Do you know much about our four major land-use agencies? “Our Public Lands” program on December 17, 2011 will describe the history and mission of each agency and what they mean for America. These protected lands include some of our most precious natural treasures and are gifts from the American people for the American people.

All programs are free to the public and will start at the Visitor Center at 12:00 pm. They will last approximately one hour. For more information, please contact park ranger David True or other staff at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge at 361-286-3559 or email david_true@fws.gov between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Thursday thru Monday.

Record drought is taking its toll in Texas on everything from wildlife to water bills and that has many people seeking new ways of coping with nature. In an effort to help, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department this week converted its main water resource website to feature an online Drought Survival Kit.

The new online resource comes in three sets of web pages.

The Help Wildlife section explains how Texas critters handle drought and advises when and whether to intervene with Mother Nature. The Save Your Yard web section recognizes that trying to keep St. Augustine grass and other non-native “water hogs” alive during the drought can be expensive and frustrating, and advises how convert to “wildscaping”. The Cut Your Water Bill section covers a few simple ways to save water and money, and links to more information on the Texas Water Development Board’s Water IQ website.

The survival kit main page also links to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine water resource special issues from the past 10 years. And, it showcases video documentaries TPWD has produced in partnership with Texas PBS stations. On the net: http://www.texasthestateofwater.org/

Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, 8am – 7pm TOUR: Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharoahs at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts with the Museum of the Coastal Bend. View spectacular treasures from the tomb of King Tut — golden sandals, coffinette and statues; King Tut’s rings, ear ornaments and gold collar. $65/person museum members; $75/person non-members. Registration required by 12/16/11.

Tour fee includes your admittance to MFAH/Tutankhamun exhibition, audio tour and round-trip transportation. Meals not included. MCB reserves the right to cancel the tour if minimum participation requirements are not met.

Museum of the Coastal Bend
361-582-2436
www.museumofthecoastalbend.org