Recurring Events
To Submit Calendar Items The Community Calendar is a brief, free listing to inform readers of programs and special meetings that are nonprofit or community service events. Events should be open to the public and free to attend. For maximum exposure, information should be submitted two weeks prior to the event. Email the who, what, when and where, including a street address and a contact for more information. Calendar items are not taken on the phone to ensure accuracy. Email to news@lightandchampion. com. Calendar information runs in date order as space is available.
------FIRDAY March 24
• Operation Allied Forces VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center at 10:00 a.m. in honor of those who served in Kosovo during Operation Allied Forces. The public is invited to honor their fellow Americans. For more information, contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or email chiefhume95@gmail.com for more information.
FRIDAY March 24
• Center P.D. blood drive Help Center P.D. save lives. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be at the Center Police Department parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All donors will receive a $10 Tango digital gift card. One donation can help save three lives. Contact Amy at the Center P.D. at 936-598-2450 to sign up for scheduled times, or go to www.giveblood.org to schedule a time.
SATURDAY March 25
• The Southern Plainsmen Quartet The Southern Plainsmen Quartet, ‘Louisiana’s Goodwill Ambassador,’ will be performing at the Center Bible Fellowship Church Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. A love offering will be taken. Refreshments will follow. The Center Bible Fellowship Church is located at 925 Tenaha Steet in Center. For more information, call 936-572-4446.
SATURDAY March 25
• Mt. Zion C.M.E. Women’s Conference The Mt. Zion C.M.E. Women’s Conference, “Man in the Mirror” from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 921 Martin Luther King Drive in Center. The scripture will be James 1:22-27. Speakers Sister Pearlie Nash, Apostle William E. Nash, Jr., and Sister Stephanie Hicks. Registration fee is $20.
SUNDAY March 26
• Abundant Love Ministries Abundant Love Ministries 14th Annual Church Anniversary and 2nd Annual Minister Mike Sparks Building Fund Day at 2:00 p.m. Minister Robert L. Edwards, Senior Pastor of True Faith Tabernacle Church in Orange, guest speakers. Regular 10:00 a.m. service canceled. Celebration will be the only service. Located at 1426 Shelbyville St. in Center. Marlin Cloudy, Sr., Senior Pastor.
SUNDAY, March 26 through 29
• Clever Creek meetings Clever Creek Baptist Church meetings Sunday through Wednesday featuring Dwayne Williams, evangelist and gospel singer known as “the Texas Teddy Bear.” Sunday School at 10 a.m. March 26; worship time 10:55 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY Match 29
• Honoring Vietnam War Veterans Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will host a wreath laying honoring those who served in the Vietnam War at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse, Center, Texas on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The names of the ten Army Soldiers and one Navy Sailor from Shelby County that were lost in the Vietnam War will be read.
FRIDAY March 31
• Somolian Intervention Veterans Shelby County VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will honor those who served during the Somolian Intervention with a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to honor their fellow Americans. For more information, call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-332-0349 or email chiefhume95@gmail.com THROUGH March 31
• Girls Scout Cookies available from Felicity Champion Troop 102175. Call 936-572-1453.
FRIDAY, March 31
• 2023 Grill Fest barbecue cook-off Grill Fest sanctioned barbecue cook-off March 31 through Saturday, April 1 at the Shelby County Expo Center/Rodeo Arena. Public is invited. Entry is free. Registration is open until the day of the event and is $200. Registration forms and additional information at www.shelbycountychamber.com or at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office at 936-598-3682. Email questions to info@shelbycountychamber.com.
SUNDAY April 2
• Mount Calvary Easter Program The Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church invites everyone to attend Sunday April 2 at 6 p.m. for the Easter story “like you’ve never heard it before” by Mount Calvary Praise and Worship Team and children. Refreshments will be served. Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church is located at 5527 FM 417 East in Shelbyville. For more information call 936-591-1886 or 936-590-1040.
SATURDAY April 8
• First Baptist Church Center Easter Egg Block Party at Portacool Park in Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fun includes Easter egg hunt, hot dogs and bounce houses. Everyone is invited.
Weekly–Commissioners Court
• Shelby County Commissioners Court meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Shelby County Courthouse.
• NA/AA - We can help. Meetings Fridays and Saturdays 6:30 to7:30 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Highway 96 South across from High Rollers in Center.
• Youth Wednesday night services at Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church located at 5527 FM 417 East, Shelbyville, will begin at 6:30 each evening. Come enjoy the fun inside and outside games and Bible study.
Weekly - Tuesdays DivorceCare, weekly divorce recovery and support group, meets from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at New Life Church in Center at 822 Hurst St. Find help, discover hope, and experience healing. For more info call 210-215-2602.
Monthly – First Monday
• Sabine County Beekeepers meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce on the square, downtown Hemphill. Call James at 409-625-4787 for information.
Monthly - Third Monday
• Shelby County Veterans of Foreign War Post 8904 meets at the Post Home 617 Highway 96 North at 6:30 p.m. Prospective members welcome to sit in on the meeting. For more info call 936-332-0349.
Monthly – First Tuesday
• Christian Motorcyclists Association meets at T&R Steaks and More restaurant at 6:00 p.m. for greet, meet and eat. Business meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Monthly – Third Monday
• Golden Harvest Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Cora Street for a potluck luncheon. Join us for music, food, fellowship and a guest speaker. For more info call 598-5605.
Monthly – Third Tuesday
• Shelby County Cruisers car club cruise night 5:30 p.m. in Center varies location. Whataburger on Hurst Street or the Sonic on Tenaha Street.
Monthly – Third Saturday
• Piney Woods Photographic Society meets 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
Monthly – Second and Fourth Monday
• Center City Council meets at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.
Monthly – Second and Fourth Thursday
• Center ISD School Board meets at noon at the ISD administration building on Hwy 96 north.