I am not sure if I like Christmas or Easter better! Christmas is decorations, gifts, family, but it is all to remember to celebrate Jesus’ Birthday. Easter, or Resurrection Sunday as many wish to call it, is a day for decorations – different from the Christmas ones; gifts, especially new outfits but not “Christmasy”; and family gatherings but with a totally different feel. This “Holy Day” is to help us remember to celebrate the Empty Tomb and Jesus’ defeat of “death, hell, and the grave”!

In Port O’Connor, we celebrate Christmas accompanied by Thanksgiving. I have said for years that no one can get to Christmas until they have been to Thanksgiving and realize the necessity of having grateful hearts. Christ in coming to Earth as Jesus was a gift that keeps on giving into “eternity” – whatever that means! We pass out Food Baskets and enjoy singing in the cold. Easter begins with our Sunrise Service (7:00 a.m. – Front Beach) where hundreds gather and sing, “He Lives, He Lives, Christ Jesus lives today…” That service is followed by our Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.; Morning Service at 11:00 a.m.; an Egg Hunt following Morning Service; and our Sunday Evening gathering at 6:00 p.m. Yes, it is a full day, but it is the one special day that we celebrate Jesus’ victory! Pastor Joane will be bringing the Easter Sunrise Service Message, First Baptist will set up the chairs and sound system, and the Chapel will have gallons of hot coffee!

The Women’s Service Club will be having their Spring Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 6 at the Community Center. This group of hard working ladies have raised the money to renew the Community Building and is working toward raising the funds for enlarging and refurbishing the Pavilion. They do many special projects all year long, one of which is providing food for the Community Pantry that is in the Chapel. Monthly they collect items that will go on our shelves to be distributed to the families who get in a bind and need a little help with food. We are honored to partner with them and others in this community to provide. Right now, we are averaging about three families each week who are in need of a little help – and thankfully, help has always been available!

On Wednesday we gather at 7:00 p.m. and share a fellowship meal together before we enjoy a message from God’s Word. Our menu is always changing, Wednesday, March 6 we enjoyed baked potatoes and on March 13 we had a “Chili Cookoff” in honor of our departed sister Pat Prather.

Years ago, when one of our family members would reach the age of 80, we would have a dinner in their honor. In March, we always honored Sister Pat Prather with the chili contest. As most of you know, Sister Pat passed from this life on February 10 of this year. To honor her many gifts to our Chapel Family, we had a “Chili Cookoff” in her sweet memory. (We’ll let you know next issue who was the cookoff winner.)

I have always appreciated the challenge, although I am not a good cook. I remember that one year I was disqualified because someone went snooping through the trash and discovered my empty cans of Hormel! It became so normal for me to take the last place trophy that I figured out a path to insuring a better standing – I started entering two different chili pots, so only one of them could be “last place”. The Chapel is a place of great fun as well as a great place to learn God’s Word and benefit from our association with like-minded followers of Christ!

As an interdenominational congregation, everyone will find a warm welcome at the Chapel and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us”!

As I write, I’m looking at a painting of a single tree upon which all four seasons of the year are depicted. On the far-left side of the tree the new life of spring is evident on the tips of the branches. On the next quarter of the tree and to the center of its trunk through its lush green foliage the fullness of summer is on display. Just past the center of the trunk and to the right, the next quarter of the tree is covered in the multicolored beauty of fall and finally, upon the last quarter of the tree lies the cold witness of winter as snow rests on the branches – where life was once on display in all its fullness and glory rests a few clinging leaves as a reminder of the life that was.

The seasons on display in that artwork strike a chord with me – as human life goes, each of those seasons occur only once. Of course, we are going to have our ups and downs; our joys and our sorrows in life – seasons if you will and of course we’ll experience (by God’s mercy) many seasonal cycles in our lives. But in our human existence (at best) we will experience only one spring (birth and childhood), one summer (teen to early middle age), fall (late middle age), and winter (our twilight years).

Maybe.

The thing I loved about spring when I was a child is that winter ALWAYS gives way to spring. The death of winter cannot stop the Tulips and Hyacinth from shooting up from the snow-covered ground and the fragrance of that season of new life is like nothing else! Its why I loved winters in Buffalo, New York as brutal as they may be – they ALWAYS gave way to spring! Just when you think you’ve had enough of the cold, new life breaks through.

The season of Spring not only ushers in new life in nature, the season of spring marks a spiritual transition from death to life as well. Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, whose incarnation (or birth) we just remembered a week after winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) on Christmas was born for our sakes – yours and mine. The work He did, the things that He suffered, and the cross that He was executed on were to pay the price for our sins. As I told someone recently, Jesus jumped in front of the bullet that was meant for me so that I could live on.

He took your bullet too.

But Jesus Christ did not stay dead. His death on the cross would have meant nothing and accomplished nothing if He had not also risen again from the tomb in which His dead body had been laid. Because He lives (as the hymnist wrote) I not only “can face tomorrow” but one day, my winter (my death) will give way to an eternal spring. I didn’t earn it (neither can you) and I don’t deserve it (neither do you) but by faith in Jesus Christ – forgiveness of sin and eternal life can be had by anyone who is led to ask God for them.

There is an expression that I’ve heard many times which goes like this: “Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once.” In the third chapter of John, Jesus says to a certain man who came to Him (John 3:3) “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Simply stated, the man had already been born naturally just as you and I have been; what he needed is what some of you may still need – a spiritual birth.

My hope is that as you enjoy the sounds and aromas of springtime, you would awaken from your spiritual winter to the new life awaiting you in Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter! He is risen! He is risen indeed!

We’ll talk again soon!
Brother Rich

The April meeting for Calhoun County Democratic Club will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Calhoun County Library, in the community room, 200 W Mahan St., Port Lavaca. Social/potluck is at 5.30 pm and the meeting starts at 6 pm.
Got questions? Come and join us.
You can RSVP for our monthly meetings here:
mobilize.us/calhouncountydemocrats/event/457242/
The May Monthly meeting will be on May 7, 2024.
More info: CalhounTXDemocrats.org

“Beacon of Light…Anchor of the Community”

Library News:
POC Library Hours: Phone Number: 361-983-4365
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
*Note special closures and holidays: March 29th and 30th for Good Friday

March into the library and let the magic of literature guide your month! Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and remember: Every book is a journey waiting to be explored. While there, get to know the faces behind the shelves! Meet our dedicated librarians, learn about their favorite books, and discover the gems they recommend for your reading pleasure.

THANK YOU to Our February Donors

Many thanks to Friends of the Library Directors, Ursula Price, Cindy Hanson, Linda Orrick and Alane Haardt for their generosity and participation in Food for Fines. They brought canned foods to the library, and their donations cleared several children’s overdue accounts. The donation will be sent to the Calhoun County Food Bank. With more community help like these, fourteen accounts were cleared of fines. How amazing!

Another HUGE thank you to Mary Jo Walker and Beacon 44 Seafood Market Port O’Connor for donating $100 in gift certificates for Coffee & Conversation, Bingo and Loteria.

Wednesdays:
8:00-9:00 AM – Coffee & Conversation – “Beans together, steam forever” – our Coffee & Conversation get-togethers are a blend of laughter and “latte” love. Join us! Better “latte” than never!
9:30–10:30 AM – Bingo – The fun follows the 8 AM coffee event every Wednesday! Many thanks for the generosity and commitment to the above sponsors for playing a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Your continued support contributes significantly to our community.
March 6: sponsored by Trinity Shores
March 13: sponsored by Bethany Senior Living
March 20: sponsored by Harbor Hospice
March 27: sponsored by Victoria Hospice
Note: LOTERIA (Mexican Bingo) to follow bingo.
1:00-3:30 PM – Mah Jongg – Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend forgot about Mah Jongg.
Thursdays: 1:00-3:30 PM – Bridge – No need for a passport, just a deck of cards – join our bridge expedition for a playtime voyage!

Friends of the POC Library: How do The Friends of the Port O’Connor Library Branch, a non-profit service organization, enhance our community? Some of the methods are securing materials that are beyond the ordinary budget of the library and recruiting volunteers to supplement paid staff for special events or programs at the library. We welcome all who share our goals and vision to become a member or volunteer at any time of the year.

February’s Children’s Program was such a heartwarming event! It’s wonderful to see children expressing their creativity and love for their library branch. And big kudos to the volunteers and the Friends group for their dedication in making the program a success. It’s through their support and efforts that these community events thrive and bring joy to everyone involved. Fun Fact: February is “I Love My Library Month.”


Super Saturdays Children’s Program on March 2nd was also very exciting! It offered games and fun for the children who attended. They had a fabulous time with crafts, snacks and games.
Mark your calendar for the next Super Saturdays Children’s Program – April 6, Planting & Butterflies, 10:00 – 11:30

The folks who attended the Adult Program at the Port O’Connor Library Branch joined Daniel Emery for an evening of discussion about beekeeping.They well understood the meaning of “bee” there or “bee” square. Mr. Emery shared fascinating and incredibly important information about how bees contributed to our ecosystem. He related much about his vast knowledge about bee behavior, hive management, and the intricate workings of these remarkable insects.

His six beehives contribute to pollination and he harvests honey. Some lucky people won sweet door prizes – honey! Many thanks to Daniel Emery for presenting an interesting and informative program on Beekeeping as a Hobby. Our community is certainly enriched by such programs.

Mark your calendar for the next Adult Program:

Monday, March 25, at 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Powderhorn Wildlife Management by Tori Hayes (Important notice: This program is required for those that would like to be included in the next program, Behind the Gates of Powderhorn Ranch.)

Submitted by Darla Miles, Friends of the Port O’Connor Library Publicity Committee Historian. www.friendsofportoconnorlibrary.org
Facebook Page: Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc.

In Loving Memory:
Marcus (Mark) Peterson
(1958-2024)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mark (Marcus) Peterson, a cherished member of our community and a beacon of light to all who knew him. Mark departed this life peacefully on February 29th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Throughout his 66 years of life, Mark touched countless hearts and inspired those around with his gentle spirit and boundless generosity.

Mark was a devoted husband to Kay Peterson, he exemplified the true meaning of partnership and unwavering support. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Mark’s impact extended far beyond his immediate family. As a friend, neighbor, and community member, he enjoyed contributing to the local establishments all while radiating warmth and kindness. His genuine smile, compassionate heart, and listening ear brought comfort and solace to those in need. Mark’s presence illuminated the lives of many, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on April 13th at Sharkie’s at 2 pm. May we gather together to honor his memory, share stories of his extraordinary life, and find solace in the love and light he brought into our world.
Mark’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Rest in peace, dear Mark. Your beautiful spirit will forever shine bright in our hearts.