Brownstown-Sefton

WEEK OF APRIl 16
Bucky Burro Welcomes Spring

Buckwheat “Bucky” Burro has been kicking up his heels and running around in his pen, apparently happy to see the sunshine and warmer temperatures (sometimes).
He doesn’t like the colder winds, however, and chooses to stay in the snug little barn that he shares with his mentor, Lady, the little senior mini-horse.
Lady seems to be doing well. We were a little concerned that she would make it through the winter, but she did fine.
Announcements
Helping Hands Food Ministry Give-away …
… is May 5, 9:30 a.m.-noon.
Be Kind To Animals Month …
… is April, and although it is good that people remind us of this, it is my belief  that we should all be kind to all living creatures (including humans) all of the time.
We do raise cattle and pigs and chickens, etc., for food, but they should be taken care of with thoughtfulness and kindness and not made to suffer and be badly treated while they are alive.
We have been given charge over them by our Creator, and to me, being in charge of, means to take care of them, not mistreat, abandon or cause them to suffer.
I like to think that even Jesus had a little dog when he was a young boy.
The Fayette County HCE Units …
… Had a great attendance and a good time at their annual Get-Acquainted Day, which is their main fundraiser for the club and enables them to present informational programs and other events and services for the Fayette County communities.
The annual Make It Bake It, Sew It, Grow It annual meeting was held Thursday, April 12, at the new Golden Years Building in Brownstown, with more than 30 ladies a and guests attending.
The brunch began at 9:30 am, with many varieties brought by members and guests. Panzi Blackwell asked the blessing.
The Sefton Unit provided the table centerpieces, which followed the theme of the    Illinois Association of Health and Community Education’s patriotic red, white and blue of this year, honoring Illinois’ 200th birthday,
The long tables were covered with white cloths, with bright red placemats and decorated with large “Uncle Sam” hats of the flag’s stars and stripes, filled with corresponding tissue papers and small American flags. 
The Fayette HCE president, Flo Allen, welcomed all and expressed appreciation  for their attendance.
She also announced that Fayette County HCE’s nomination for the   Great American Family Award was won by the Fayette nominee, the Steve and Sally Zimmer family, with their children Rachel and David, all of whom have, individually and collectively, contributed to the education of others, actually living, day by day, in adherence to the HCE  “Aims of A Homemaker.”
Allen displayed a photo of the Zimmerman family and the board members who were present for the presentation.
Following the meal, Danna Blair, Community Outreach/Family Issues /CVU officer, called the following member’s names for CVU awards: Anna Jean Rhodes, LaVonne Kramer, Joyce Mueller, Sally Behrends, DeeDee Diveley, Connie Green, Ashley Davis, Debbie Segrest and Donna  Blair.
After the brunch, the long, anticipated HCE auction began, with Elizabeth returning as the HCE auctioneer, opening the lively bidding for the many lovely items baked, made, sewn and grown by members and guests.
Lots of fun was had, as many of the items were wanted by more than just one person, so the auctioneer kept trying to get a better price.
Dee Dee Diveley and  Delores Dukeman helped the auctioneer by showing the items and delivering them to the buyer.
Lots of good laughs and a very successful auction, as the brought the county just over $600 to be used as needed for the county.
The ladies thought it was very successful and will likely have another one next year.
Members attended from the six  Fayette County units and guests were Betty  Miller, Shelly Rook and Virginia Rigdon.
First Christian Church
of Brownstown
Terry and Susan Smith greeted the congregation of First Christian Church for the Sunday morning worship services.
Songs of praise were by Cathy Smith, accompanied by Susan Smith-pianist; Chuck Enlow, Kelsey Brands-guitars; and Walt Kinney-drums.
Cameron Callaway contributed special music, followed by the morning message, delivered by Nathan Brands.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery, Liz Oberlink; a.m. nursery, Tena Gould; Quest-4-Christ, Q-4-C Team; and shut-ins, Duane Willms and Don Willms.
Announcements
• Fifth Sunday offering is April 29. The goal-$15,000.
• Card Ministry for Treston Wall. Give stamped and addressed cards to Karen Morrison.
• Help the church stock the pantry. It is collecting 109 rolls of paper towels and 134 rolls of toilet paper for Bond Christian Camp.
• May 3-5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.-Work days at Bond Christian Service Camp to get the camp ready for the summer. Camp rally will be Sunday, May 6, at the Campo.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday worship services.
Junior Williams and Gary Watson served as ushers and Tara Schnarre lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the prayer list and requests and led in prayer.
Following the Scripture lesson, Thomas delivered the morning message.
Flo Allen led the adult class. Pam Orr was in charge of children’s worship.
Announcements
• Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.-Bible study at the Golden Years Building; studying Matthew.
• Thursday at 1 p.m.- Methodist women will meet at Emmanuel Church, with a special speaker.
• May 29 at 5:30 p.m.-Potluck supper at Emmanuel. Meat will be provided.

Recipients of awards at the Home and Community Education Get-Acquainted Day are pictured above. In front is Anna Jean Rhodes. In back, from left, are Sally Behrends, Lavonne Kramer, DeeDee Diveley, Connie Green, Joyce Mueller, Ashley Davis, Donna Blair and Debbie Segrest.