Pearl News

We are so sorry to have learned of the passing of one of our dear friends at the Pearl Cottage Bookstore. Bob Johnson passed last week after a long battle with severe health conditions. Please keep his wife, Ruth Ann, and his children and grandchildren in your prayers. We will greatly miss Bob who was a wealth of knowledge and a dear friend, and we hope Ruth Ann will continue to visit us at the Bookstore. We love you, Ruth Ann!

Kay Pruett has finished moving to Gatesville as of Saturday, Aug. 27. Pearl just won’t be the same without her, but we wish her happiness, health, and lots of good times in her new home. She and Linda have been movers and shakers in this community. As a matter of fact, Linda went “dumpster diving” at Kay’s house during the move. She reports finding treasures that Kay thought was trash. I’m telling you, Linda really can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Kay said that now that she is in Gatesville, Linda will have tons more dumpster diving opportunities when she visits. However, Kay is concerned that Linda do so discreetly as she does not want to upset Judge McDonald in any way. Besides, Linda would not do well in jail. She must have her water-pik and a constant supply of hot coffee at all times. I don’t think the deputies would oblige her, and that would not be good.

We thank Israel and Sandra Lozano for rescuing the Honor Guard that was stuck in the Beehouse Cemetery after an interment last week. The Honor Guard’s vehicle would not start, and their phones had no signal. Thankfully, Sandra and Israel came along just in time to save them. It was hot out there, and there is no water or facilities. I’m sure the Honor Guard was so thankful to see the Lozanos.

It was so good to see Buddy Lewis last week when he dropped by the Pearl Church of Christ for a visit. Buddy was one of our VBS students for many years. This church hopes that Buddy and the other VBS alumni always feel free to drop by. We love seeing “our kiddos” and learning what they are up to these days.

The following is background information about the beginning of the Labor Day Weekend Silent Auction and Fish Fry at the Pearl Church of Christ since this day is coming up on Sept. 4. All proceeds go toward the Scholarship Fund for local seniors and His Kids seniors.  Everyone is invited to attend. Church begins at 10:30 a.m. The bidding closes at 1 p.m., and lunch is ready right after the church service. You are always welcome at Pearl Church of Christ. The auction items (over 1,500 of them) are out and ready to bid on, so stop by the church and find just the thing you have been looking for and contribute to a very worthy cause at the same time.

“Mary Jane and J. D. Atchley started the Pearl Labor Day Weekend Fish Fry 30 years ago. Their mission was scholarships for children. At first, their family caught the fish and fried it at church themselves. Through the years as Mr. Atchley grew older, our men took over the operation and still continue to do so to this day. Ronald and Chris Ray, Doug Atchley (J. D. and Mary Jane's son), Ron McDonald, Roy Harris, Trent Ray, Garrett Dickey and many others continue to prepare the fish and fry them, although the church now purchases the fish to cook.

The preparation is a time-consuming, tedious, and often very hot operation, and we greatly appreciate our men for donating their time and talents so generously. This church has continued this endeavor in memory of J. D. and Mary Jane and their love for the kids and there are no plans to stop in the forecast. The number of auction items has grown through the years, and Linda Ray continues to store and then prepare the items all year long. It takes weeks and hard work to set up the auction, and it is done so beautifully. It is hard to say how many dollars have been gleaned from the silent auctions, but we do know that God has blessed countless kiddos who have received college scholarships from Pearl Church of Christ, many of whom would have received nothing if it weren't for this special day begun by the Atchley's.

This auction has been blessed by very generous people throughout the community and surrounding areas who truly enjoy the fun of (sometimes competitive) bidding and the fellowship the event fosters. Every cent collected from the auction goes into the Scholarship Fund. The Pearl Church of Christ thanks everyone involved in keeping The Annual Atchley Labor Day Weekend Fish Fry and Auction a treasured tradition. We think J. D. and Mary Jane would be pleased to see how their love of children and their generosity in helping them prepare for a successful future has flourished through the years.

This week’s Bible verse comes from Titus 2:7,8—“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Contact me at betsyclark47@yahoo.com to submit any Pearl news.

Check out Jennifer Rushton’s Facebook page, Pearl Community Center, Texas.