An “Ugly Pickup Truck” Contest is being held this year in conjunction with the Calhoun County Fair. In addition to the pride of showing just how ugly your pick up is, you might win a prize of $75, $50 or $25. The contest will be held in front of the Commercial Building at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required, with a deadline of October 10th. Call 361-552-2959 for more information.

The celebration is over, and Indianola is not forgotten. However, there are many things in history to remember. One of the more interesting points to ponder over time is the evolution of certain things. If one is old enough they might remember times like the 1930’s. Those were the years of the depression and hot winds. One might remember the dust bowl stories, especially in the upper plains areas. Given the persistent drought we are in those times may be coming back.

That is related to what we are going to explore. Many of you may know of the Bodark tree or as they called it over in Louisiana the Bois D’arc tree. It has a fancy scientific name that is too hard to spell. Some called it a Hedge Apple. The most common name is the Osage Orange. That Tree is native to the Red River region up along the Texas, Oklahoma border. The Osage Indians probably didn’t plant it but they recognized its value as a wood to make bows and clubs. The Comanche Indians also used it for those purposes. They may even have used it in the raid on Lynnville, who knows.

It was also used to make hedge rows for fences. The tree has thorns. That makes it a good fence. In fact the tree was planted close together and trimmed to make it bushy. Old timers said it was horse high, bull strong and hog tight. So high a horse couldn’t jump it, so strong a bull couldn’t push through and so tight a hog couldn’t squeeze through. Not many of today’s fences can make that claim.

FDR used it in his “Great Plains Shelterbelt WPA Project”. They planted over 200 million trees to make over 18,000 mile’s of windbreaks. No wonder it is one of the most often planted trees in the USA.

Barbed wire had been invented. Some think it was a copy of the thorns in the Bos D’ark trees. It might stop bulls or horses but it is not a windbreak. The only thing between here and the North Pole are barbed wire fences between here and there and they don’t stop “Northers”. Even so, barbed wire has mostly replaced the hedge fences.

That didn’t stop the use of the trees. They are in demand because they make the best fence posts. Even termites are not successful in eating dried Osage Orange posts. It must hurt their teeth. Might be we should make houses out of it. However, when dried it is hard to cut or saw.

They say the “apples” it makes repel spiders and other insects. If you had one in your hand and saw a spider, chances are you could squash the spider. I guess that doesn’t count.

Even Lewis and Clark ran into uses for the tree. It is just plain useful. The point is that as times change the uses have changed and probably will continue.

Run or walk P.O.C. Style 5k (open to all ages) and Dolphin Run Kids K benefiting the POC Chamber of Commerce. Meet us bright n’ early at King Fisher Beach Pavilion, Saturday October 8 th, 2011.
Don’t forget to register your kiddos for the Dolphin Run Kids K. It will be an exciting event bringing families and friends together P.O.C. Style!  Contact http://www.wix.com/pocstyle5k/5k-web1 for more details!

• 5K Race Day $25

• Kids K Race Day $15

• *Drink Ticket and T-shirt for every participant

• Late Registration begins 7:00am

• Kids K (12 and under) begins 8:15am

• 5k begins 8:45

-Natasha Helm, Race Director
pocstyle5k@gmail.com

This Sunday, September 11, is “Patriot Day” in memory of the 2,993 killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. On this day, the President directs that the American Flag be flown at half-staff at individual American Homes, at the White House and on all U.S. Government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time of the first plane crash on 9/11/01. In observance of Patriot Day, please also remember our Veterans who have put their lives on the line for our freedom and security.

This Sunday, September 11, our Church is having a BIG FELLOWSHIP in Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. We will have a devotion by Bro. George Yarbrough followed by ice cream, cookies, finger foods and other delicacies. Everyone is invited to attend.

This past Sunday, Debbie Michalek led the congregational music in the absence of Bro. Raymond Grant, who was visiting his relatives. Bro. George Yarbrough delivered an inspirational message and Debbie Michalek sang a beautiful solo before the sermon.

Men of the Church continue their early Tuesday morning “Prayer and Coffee” at 7:30 a.m. The men pray for the Church and the Church Pastor Search Committee.

The Annual World-wide “See You at the Pole” is Wednesday, September 28. This student-led participation in praying around the school flag pole occurs here at 8:00 a.m. and local time around the world. Adults, pray for our children as they pray for our Nation, our leaders, our schools, our teachers and all our students. We need to bring our nation closer to God.

See you in church Sunday!

Many things have been happening around the chapel recently! I got a chance to go to central Arkansas (Morrilton) to be with my dad and while I was gone Joane had to have emergency gall bladder surgery. But, “you can’t keep a good man down” is our motto, and we appreciate all the prayers that have gone up for us. We missed Dad’s 87th birthday celebration that his church threw in his honor on Sept. 4, but are thrilled that he is loved by so many people.

I appreciate Patrick Overton’s ministry in my absence. Patrick, being from Port O’Connor, has a real burden for this community and is praying continually for blessings upon it. His passion for this community truly shines when he preaches at the Chapel.

The Chapel was honored to be a part of “Miss Ruby’s” Memorial service, which was officiated by our friend Bill Reeves. Our prayers continue to be with that family, especially Rosie Williams, who attends the Chapel.

Hermano Jessie Alderete filled the pulpit on the Sunday of my absence. He preaches bilingually and truly is a blessing to our Spanish speaking congregants, as well as our English speaking folks. He ministered concerning water baptism and then, following the evening activities at the Chapel, Hermano Jessie led the congregation to the front beach where he baptized Adella and Francis. It was a very special time, for the Chapel and especially for those following the Lord’s example.

This past Sunday, I ministered concerning “Running on empty” and talked about those who have been expending more than they have been re-filling. Several people responded to the altar call to allow the Lord to “fill up their tanks” and left refreshed in the Lord. In the evening service, Brother Jessie ministered concerning “Determination”.

Joane will be the guest speaker at 6-Mile Assembly, 6440 FM 1090, five miles north of the Port Lavaca HEB, on Sept. 17, at a Celebration of Friendship. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and there will be door prizes.

On Sunday morning, Sept. 18, the Chapel will host the ministry of David Stewart, who has been involved in many phases of the Lord’s work in both Oklahoma and Texas.

Our Fisherman’s Bible Institute (FBI) classes will begin very soon. This is a three-year course designed to provide an overview of the Bible that will help students better understand God’s Word.

Please contact Joane at 983-2619 if you’d like to be a part of FBI.

Friday Night Youth continues each Friday from 7-10 p.m. for all our local youth to have an activity in a fun, safe place. As always, there will be food and fellowship. Everyone is invited – parents are welcome to come see what is happening here.

Sea Academy classes, to prepare a person will be held at the Chapel beginning Sept. 30. These classes will prepare a person to be a boat captain and take fishing charters. All who are interested should call Captain Robert at 361/816-3010 or the Sea Academy at 361/758-6184.

One will always find a warm welcome here at the Chapel. You are urged to, “Come, grow with us.”