Oh, the joy of getting older! My calendar has not been as full as it is now! I use a purple highlighter to note doctor’s appointments, and someone saw me with my calendar open, and said that I must really like the color purple! I told them I was simply adding to my “Friendship List”! Of course, these are friends who expect me to pay them for a visit -some friends- right! But, on the other side of the coin, they are keeping me upright, mobile, and breathing, so I guess it is not right to complain!

We had a group of workers travel to LaVernia to serve a fish fry for their congregation. We fed 111 people fried fish and fried potatoes. The fish were caught and cleaned by our neighbor, Daryl Lesak. The Chapel prepared the seasoning, oil, and fryers. One of the many compliments we received was several people who asked for the secret to our fried potatoes. We told them they were simply HEB frozen potatoes, cooked in peanut oil, and salted while they were just out of the oil. According to the package, we had enough potatoes for 130 servings, but there were two fries left when we closed down. It was a great opportunity to serve outside our present sphere of influence and friends.

Our youth are really getting into cooking for the Chapel’s fellowship meals. A couple of weeks ago, they fixed tacos for everyone. then the menu changed to spaghetti with meat sauce. Then they began making cakes for those having birthdays and their talents truly shine. They came to Pastor Joane with a brilliant idea – let’s call this place “The Kids’ Kitchen”! While the Chapel is not planning to change its name, we continue thinking we have some of the best youth in the area. All youth are invited to attend and get involved.

We continue seeing people come to the Chapel for food assistance. We have been blessed by the other churches in our community who send non-perishables to us. With the fish donations, we are honored to help people make their food dollars go further! We are committed as Christians in this area to do everything we can to help in every way possible. Thank you for allowing the Chapel to serve you!

We are experiencing growth in those booking our Retreat Center. On September 15 and 16, our men are going on a Dove Hunt. On September 22 through 25, Coastal Camp Ministries is hosting a Retreat here. On October 19-21, C.T. Church from San Antonio is coming for a few days of Rest and Relaxation. We have others who are making plans; their schedules have not been set as yet.

The Fisherman’s Chapel is an interdenominational congregation who is reaching out to this community with the Good News that Jesus transforms lives. We seek to serve all those who are in need of assistance with anything we can possibly accomplish. We gather on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for Bible Study; 11:00 a.m. for Morning Service; and 6:00 p.m. for Evening Service. We also meet at 7:00 p.m. for a fellowship meal and a spiritual meal on Wednesday. Everyone will find a warm welcome at the Chapel and all are urged to, “Come, grow with us!”

The first day of fall will be here soon! Where has the year gone? The calendar is already filling up for the rest of the year. Our new pastor, Brother Rich Schaller (see separate article introducing him to POC) is ready to welcome you to FBC. Come and hear what God is leading him to say each week.

Team Kids is off to a great start. We are averaging about 25 youth per week for dinner, Bible study and recreation. We will be starting a new tradition on Wednesday, September 13. All Team Kids and Youth participants will be inviting adults of their choice to come for dinner on the second Wednesday of each month. Also included in the invitation will be any siblings too young to be enrolled in either activity.

Team Kids will entertain the adults with songs and Bible verses they are learning. We hope for a big turn out. Our first meal will be hot dogs, baked beans, watermelon and chips. Come support your youngsters in this very important activity. They like to show off how much they are learning!

On October 1, at noon, there will be a lunch and business meeting after church. This will start another new tradition of quarterly meals and business meetings. Our first meal will be sandwiches, sides and desserts . Please plan on attending this important opportunity to learn about and be part of the ongoing workings of FBC. Your voice and opinion are important to FBC.

The ladies have a new Bible study starting on September 12, at 4:00 p.m. It is entitled Encountering GOD by Kelly Minter. This study will be an encouragement to practice spiritual discipline, essential for a more vibrant spiritual life. Any woman interested in being part of this exciting study can call the FBC office at 361-983-2727.

One more new tradition FBC has started is moving Wednesday night prayer meetings to Thursday nights at 6:00 p.m. Because of the big response to our children and youth programs on Wednesdays, most church members are involved in working with that program and could not attend Prayer Services. Now everyone is able to do both.

POC Community Thanksgiving will be held at FBC this year on November 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. Mark your calendars to attend this very important and special event in our wonderful town. It’s the one time each year when the whole town comes together in praise and thanksgiving, thanking God for all He has done for us. If your have never experienced a community get together, now is the time to see what you have been missing! We’ll be waiting for you.

FBC has several services and activities each week besides those already mentioned. Sunday School is at 10:00 for all ages. Church services are at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Another new opportunity to worship and pray has been started on Monday mornings at FBC at 10:00 a.m. You can come to the sanctuary to pray with others or you can pray wherever you are at that time. Pray for our country, our town, personal issues or whatever God lays on your heart. Tuesdays is ladies Bible study at 4:00. Wednesday is Team Kids and Youth activities at 5:30 until 7:00. Thursday at 6:00 is prayer meeting . We’re waiting to welcome you with open arms. As you step in the door, you will see our extraordinary and special greeter, Evelyn Kitchens. She’s always ready with a hug or a handshake!

Hostesses Nancy Ladshaw, Darla Miles, Judy Overton, and Sherri Judice held September’s Book Club Meeting on September 12, 2023 at Nancy’s home. September’s book was Thunder Dog: The True Story of A Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the True Meaning of Trust by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory.

The meeting was held the day after “Patriot Day,” the National Day of Observance that honors the memory of those who were killed in the 9/11 attacks, about which this book is written. Patriot Day was first observed on 9/11/2002, a year after the attacks. Out of respect for this somber time in history, and to honor those lost and the resilience and patriotism of our great Nation, the hostesses used red, white, and blue décor throughout, and dressed accordingly.

As usual, the hostesses prepared food mentioned in the book, such as egg rolls and ham and cheese croissant sandwiches. Chicken salad sandwiches were served as standard staple for parties. Banana splits and Klondike ice cream bars were served for desserts.

Our October book club meeting will be held on October 10th. We will review The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. If you are interested in joining “Hooked On Books”, please email your contact information to alanehaardt@yhoo.com. All Ladies are welcome.

PORT O’CONNOR — Ronnie Eugene Elkins, 75, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023. Ronnie was born to Billie and Helen Elkins on October 20,1947, in Bryan, Texas, where he spent his childhood years. He graduated from Stephen F Austin High School in 1966, then attended Sam Houston State University. In 1969 Ronnie completed Texas DPS Academy in Austin and became a Texas State Highway Patrolman, stationed in Victoria, Texas, where he trained under “Dutch” Meyer and spent countless hours with his partner Joe Coleman. Later, Ronnie worked in the trucking industry for 18 years before taking early retirement to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional fishing guide in Port O’Connor, an adventure he relished for more than 35 years.

Ronnie recently received his fifty – year pin as a Master Mason in the Victoria Lodge. His steadfast commitment to faith, family, friends, fishing and fun was remarkable. He was the consummate outdoorsman who not only loved to fish, hunt and garden, but was also an avid reader. He believed in, and practiced conservation in hopes that his son and granddaughters would be able to enjoy fishing, as he taught them, for many years to come. “Captain Ron” was well-known in Port O’Connor, always seen around town with his constant companion Jack, his beloved Portuguese rescue dog. Ronnie felt his greatest accomplishments in life were his son, Josh, and his two amazing granddaughters. His reward in life was the many, many friendships he nurtured over the years. His friends describe him as the one who would know how to help without being asked. There was never a favor undone.

Ronnie is survived by the love of his life and wife of 34 years, Patti, his son, Josh and his wife Tammy of Franklin, Texas; and granddaughters, Bailey and Brooke Elkins of College Station. His many close friends are left with nothing less than a lifetime of fantastic and fun memories of “Captain Ron”.

The family wishes to thank the first responders, law enforcement, Mike and Beverly Clifton, Reid Wagner and Harry Bates for their heroic efforts, kindness and respect. Also, sincere thanks to the POC CCA and the entire Port O’Connor community and friends for their love and support.

A celebration of Life will be held in Port O’Connor at a later date.

Scott was born Feburary 22, 1960 to John and Patricia Weller of Houston, Texas. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and St. Thomas University in Houston, Texas.

By profession, Scotty was a surveyor who ran systemic and dynamite in an airboat up and down the Texas Gulf Coast. He was an avid outdoorsman who love to fish and hunt, but most importantly Scotty was a steward of the water and land. He always did things the right way. Scotty was a hunting and fishing guide in Port O’Connor and took great pride in running the Saltwater Lodge, Seadrift, Texas. He also ran a few ranches in Texas. His favorite was the Mcray Ranch in Kerrville, Texas. The Mcray family had his heart, just like their beautiful 500 acres of exotics roaming God’s Hill Country.

If you knew Scotty, you knew he was a man’s man with a loyal heart and a strong work ethic. I (Heather) watched him climb up on Johnny and Joyce’s roof trying to tarp it as I held the ladder. He thrived on the waters of POC. After fishing all over the world, POC waters were his Paradise. His other passion was people. Scotty had this aura that surrounded him, a gift from God to serve and make others feel important, no matter what the stature of any person he came into contact with. Scotty made you feel special, important and heard, with his shy half-cocked smile. He had extra patience as he enjoyed teaching and taking inexperienced folks fishing. He participated in several tournaments over the years, winning the first Sharp Tooth Shootout with Will Smith, the Bombshell Blowout, and many others. One person I would like to mention is Cancace Hogan of Cedar Park, Texas. After her husband tragically died, Scotty would pull up in front of her POC trailer, load her up and take her fishing for years. That was our Sonny boy!

Scotty fought an admiral battle against his cancer, never giving up until his very last breath. He went to be with his Lord and Savior at 4:11 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Patsy and Big Johnny, and his beloved brother Don Weiler. Scotty is survived by his soul mate and lil’ mama, Heather Christing Weiler of POC; sister Challie McCord (James); Trey, Keleigh and John McCord of Houston; his two daughters Ashley of Deer Park, TX, Kristin (3 grandchildren); former son-in-law Shaun Schexnider and fiance Maddie Hooper, (4 grandchildren) Brady Paul Schexnider-15, Beau Schexnider-13, Beckett Schexnider -11, and Brinley Elizabeth Schexnider-9) of Friendswood, TX, and nephew Mason Weiler of Katy, Texas.

There will not be a formal service per Scotty’s wishes. He will be cremated and his ashes, along with his faithful duck dog Pearl, will be taken to Costa Rica at a later date.