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6A WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Saturday, November 24, 2012Less for moreOrdinanceallowssmallerhomesBy ERIKA PEDROZARUNAWAY BAYWith less, the city of RunawayBay hopes to get more.More tax revenue, that is.At the request of the Planningand Zoning Commissionand after extensive research,the council Tuesday approveda building ordinanceamendment allowing theconstruction of 1,300-squarefoothomes (down from theprevious 1,600-square-footminimum) in designated areas.The particular zones are inthe Tryall and Lanai drivesarea, south of U.S. 380, andthe back side of Flozell AdamsDrive, north of 380 onthe far west edge of town.They were selected by a twopersonteam of P&Z chairmanRoland Ray and PatPravitz, who initiated the effort.“The only way we’re goingto get more taxes in the cityof the Bay, we’ve got to getbusiness here or we’ve got tobuild houses. And right now,businesses are not bangingthe door down to get in, soour best bet is probably in thehousing area,” Ray said.But the two recognized therequired 1,600-square-footminimum home size was notaccommodating.“Like Pat said when shefirst approached me withthis, we need to look at buildinga smaller home — justas good a home, but let’s go alittle smaller,” Ray continued.“We are a retirement community.In doing so, we need tomaybe open the door to moreaffordable homes.“We want the same type ofhousing we’re building now,”he added. “We don’t want toput in a less-desired structure.We just want to make ita little smaller.”The two talked with localIF YOU DIED TODAY, WHO WOULDTAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY?Don’t wait another day to protect your family.Kim PeytonProperty, Casualty Specialist104 N. Trinity • Decatur, TX 76234Tel: 817-729-5703Fax: 940-626-4114kbrookspeyton@metlife.comGuarantees for the if in life ®Call Metlife Auto, Home & Life ®Superior Products • Superb Service • Sound AdviceUnderstandingWhat We ReadTHANKSGIVINGThanksgiving is the most legitimate scriptural holiday we celebrate. Our history bookstell us that the fi rst Thanksgiving occurred in 1621 with the Plymouth Colonists andNative Americans giving thanks to God for a bountiful harvest that helped them surviveafter a brutal fi rst winter. It was also an opportunity for the Colonists to show gratitudeto the Native Americans. The fi rst offi cial Presidential proclamation issued in theUnited States was for a day of national public thanksgiving and prayer by PresidentGeorge Washington, in 1789. In part it reads: “recommend to the people of theUnited States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed byacknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.” In1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation, “The year thatis drawing toward its close has been fi lled with blessings of fruitful years and healthfulskies. To these bounties, which are constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget theSource from which they come . . . the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”Could these leaders be elected in today’s “political correctness” for acknowledging theblessings of Almighty God? These men must have read their Bible and known thescripture. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God” (Eph 5:20). “Offer untoGod thanksgiving” (Ps 50:14). “Continue in prayer, and watch in same withthanksgiving” (Col 4:2). Can we be thankful enough? Just look at all the food it takes tofeed this nation in just one day. Thank God for those that plant and harvest it, and forenough sunlight and moisture for it to grow and those that prepare it.Second Advent Christian Church615 S. Owen Dr. Mustang OK 73064405-624-3334 Call for Bible study timeb.ryan1@juno.comcontractors and developers,who supported the change.They presented their findingsto the rest of the committee,who gave them agreen light. Notices were sentto the individuals who wouldbe impacted, requesting theirinput through phone callsand a public hearing.“We had some phone calls,but nobody came to our publichearing,” Ray said. “In myopinion, the feedback is OK.I don’t see anybody that hasa tremendous feeling againstdoing this particular thing.”In addition to allowingsmaller homes, the new ordinancealso eliminates therequirement of “one coveredparking spot with 60 feet ofstorage area and a secondparking area.”“According to the individualwe talked to, resale ofhomes with a one-car garageis very difficult,” Pravitz said.“Although he was in favor ofa two-car garage, you haveto think of our single citizenswho don’t have a need for twospaces.”In addition, one less requirementgives builders andpotential new residents “a littlemore leeway,” CouncilmanBerry White said.“The homes would not takeaway or detract from the communityof Runaway Bay,” Raysaid. “We didn’t want to reduceany of the building codesprevious councils have put inplace to ensure that we getattractive homes in the community... This opportunity isgood for the community. It’sabout growth. It’s about buildingaffordable homes that fitour community.”The council unanimouslyapproved the motion, madeby White, seconded by JerrySt. John.“I was a building inspectoraround here for aboutfour years, and I turneddown more houses here thananywhere because peoplewanted to build 1,400- and1,300-square-foot homes,”Councilman Dan Ticer said.“So I think it’s an absolutemust that we do this.”Email Erika at epedroza@wcmessenger.com.Steve RyanWISE COUNTY DIRECTORYOFFIRST BAPTISTCHURCHESOF ALVORD,DECATUR &PARADISESaturday, December 1Decatur Courthouse • 7 pmSunday, December 2First Baptist ChurchDecatur • 6 pm1200 W. PreskittSunday 10:30 a.m.Thursday 7:30 p.m.Pastor Heath Flowers940-577-4135Corner of Business 380 & N. Newark St.Decatur, Tx 76234www.cornerstonedecatur.comTree ofLife ChurchhWisdom is a Tree of Life to those who embrace her;happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18 NLTPastorsDr. Francisco J & Karen L ValenzuelaHere at Tree of Life Church, we endeavor to makeour conversation gracious and attractive so thatwe will have the right response for everyone. Forwe want everything we say and do, to be worthyof being kept in the memory of others.We invite you to join us for Sunday Services at 11 a.m.888 CR 4213 • Decatur940-273-9014www.fjvm.org • doctor@fjvm.orgAREACHURCHESChurchBriefsWISE COUNTYCOWBOYCHURCHA COWBOYCHRISTMASSTORYDecember 1, 2, 8, 96 – 9 p.m.Hear theReal Story as youRide Along the TrailMule Drawn Wagons2070 Old DentonRoad, DecaturFIRST BAPTISTCHURCH OFBRIDGEPORTA REASONTO SINGSunday, Dec 9 • 7 pm1204 12th St.,Bridgeportwww.fbcbridgeport.comPARADISEUNITEDMETHODISTCHURCHPastor Patti MahaffeyBistro: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.Worship: 10:45 a.m.Wed: Bible Study/Choir 6 p.m.Active Women’s Group - Nursery Available301 Oak St., Paradise940.969.2069“A Historic Church for every Generation”Sunday School ............................. 8:45 a.m.Worship ........................................... 10 a.m.1st & 3rd Thur. Bible Study ........ 6:30 p.m.Rev.Gerald Eppersonwww.trinitylutheranbridgeport.org940-683-56041307 10th St., BridgeportWhere Faith and Adventure Meet!140 N. FM 730 - Boyd940-433-2607Visit our website at www.fbcboyd.org orFind us on Facebook - First Baptist Church of BoydSunday School - 10 a.m. Sunday Worship - 11 a.m.Pastor, Mark AutryNursery Available all servicesVICTORYFAMILY CHURCHCHRISTMASWITH VICTORYSunday,December 169 am & 11 amWednesday,Dec 19 • 7 pm400 W. Hwy 380,DECATURwww.VictoryFamilyChurch.comBring Your FamilySunday School ...........9:45 a.m.Morning Worship .... 10:45 a.m.Children’s Church .........11 a.m.Evening Prayer ............... 6 p.m.Evening Worship .......6:30 p.m.Wednesday Night .......... 7 p.m.IMMANUEL BAP TIST106 S. Lane, DecaturOffice 627-5248 • Bus Ride 627-3980Bro. Louis Horton* Fundamental * Old-Fash ioned * Missionary *Teaching & Preaching The King James BibleFirst Pres by te ri anChurch1307 Newby St. • Bridgeport, TX940-683-4779Rev. Lucia McKee KremzarSunday Fellowship... 9:30 a.m.Sunday School…10 a.m.Sunday Worship…11 a.m.Come & Share The Joy“A Warm Welcome Awaits Youat First Presbyterian.”Sycamore Baptist ChurchGlorifying God Through His WordSunday School 9:45amWorship Service 11:00amSee website for Sunday Evening activitiesWednesday Night 7:00pmBible Study, Children In Action, Youth133 CR 2425Decatur, Texas940-627-2400Bus Ministry, Christian School(From US 380 in Decatur, gonorth on FM 51 for 8 miles.Turn left on CR 2535, thechurch is 1/2 mile on the left)www.sycamoredecatur.comSundayClass9:30 a.m.Worship Celebration10:30 a.m.WednesdayBible Classes6:45 p.m.Hwy. 380, 1 mile west ofHwy. 287, Decatur940-627-6131www.centralfellowship.comPastorsChris &Linda Brown940-626-0006or 940-300-17712revs@cfaith.comCome Check Us Out!Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.Sunday Evenings 6 p.m.Wednesday Evenings 7 p.m.3483 S. FM 51 • DecaturDecatur Church of Christ"Where Your Family Will Find A Home"• Family Bible Study For All Ages• The Childrens Place (A Mother's Day Out) 2 days a weekFM 51 South and Preskitt Rd.Decatur, TexasPhone 940-627-1912www.decaturchurchofchrist.comFirst UnitedMethodistChurch of BoydSunday School 10 a.m. (All Ages)Sunday Worship 11 a.m.Wednesday Youth 6 p.m.Rev. Sara Hardaway940-433-5334540 S. Allen St. (FM 730 S.) BoydFellowshipBible ChurchBible Based Christ CenteredBible Study 9 a.m.Sunday Service 10 amJohn 15: 8-9 By this my Father is glorified,that you bear much fruit and so prove to bemy disciples. As the Father has loved me, sohave I loved you. Abide in my love.Directions: We are located on the north side ofHwy 380 just west of CR1110; 4 miles west ofDecatur, 4 miles east of BridgeportYou will be welcomed!940-626-1575www.fellowshipbiblentx.orgNEW SA LEMFREEWILLBAPTISTCHURCHSUNDAY10 a.m.…Sunday School11 a.m.……Morning Wor shipWed. Evening 6 p.m.940-627-5413carwom@embarqmail.comHwy. 51 SouthDecatur, Texas 76234Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m.Sunday Worship 10 a.m.Sunday Evening. Small groups including a5 p.m. meeting at the churchWednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.The Voices of Christmaspresented by The Combined Choirsof the First Baptist Churches ofAlvord, Decatur and ParadiseTwo Great Opportunities:December 1Decatur Courthouseimmediatelyfollowing ChristmasParade (7 p.m.)December 2 -First Baptist ChurchDecatur (6 p.m.)1200 W. Preskitt