Brownstown-Sefton News

Spring Is Just Around The Corner…
…time to get out the seed catalogues (which always makes me think of the late Charlie and Gladys Fisher, and plan this summer’s garden.

Panzi Blackwell

A sure cure for the winter doldrums is to go look at the colorful vegetable and flower seed packets in the stores.
Another glimpse of spring is the many birds at the feeders. It won’t be long until we should throw out some materials for their nest building.
I like to throw out bits and pieces of pretty-colored yarns. They make such cheerful nursery nests for the baby birds.
Lucille Fisher said she has seen a lot of different birds at the feeders this year. She has counted 50-75 Cardinals, along with blue jays, snowbirds, sparrows, woodpeckers, etc.
She has also had a pair of bluebirds at the feeder. Has anyone seen a Robin yet? Sometimes they stay around through the winter, but we haven’t seen any this year. Maybe they knew it was going to be so cold and they flew a little farther south.
A Word of Appreciation
for Brownstown VFW
Post No. 9770
Bill Haller, representing the Brownstown VFW Post No. 9770, visited the WPMB radio station’s Panzi’s Partyline Show Monday morning, bearing a treasured and valued gift for me – a pretty pink hat embossed with the letters VFW on it.
Bill presented it as a token of appreciation from the Post No. 9770 Post Commander Dan Fruitger, Quartermaster Jim Rine and Robyn Pontious, director of the Honor Flights to Washington.
Our own heartfelt appreciation goes to all the members of the Brownstown VFW Post No. 9770 for what it has given to insure our freedom and rights.
The post has contributed so much to our community, including the beautiful Veterans’ Memorial, the attractive area with the American flags flying over all and the yearly programs that have attracted and drawn people from other towns to join us in honoring our service men and women.
I feel very honored to receive the hat and I will wear it, and I’ll wear it proudly, with thanks to our veterans from my heart.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays: Hubert Williams, Judy Watson, Marybelle Ledbetter, Dick Lentz, Junior Gelsinger, Lanze Garza, Tim Dunahee, Renna Kelly, Betty Miller, Jean Whitford, Bradley Schwarms and Bill Haller. Anniversaries: Bill and Bette Stolte, and Argyle and Pam Orr.
Coming & Going
Baby Gwen and Kelsey Visit Great Great-Grandma Lucille
Lucille Fisher enjoyed visiting with her great-great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Kort and her mother, great-granddaughter Kelsey Kort of Arnold, Mo., Feb. 5 - 9.
Daddy Josh had to go to Washington, D.C., for training, so  he was unable to join the family get-together.
The family gathered at the homes of Mike and Maria Klitzing and Helen Klitzing for visiting and meals.
Present for the get-togethers were Helen Klitzing, Kathy Klitzing, Andy Klitzing, Bill Klitzing, Haley Klitzing, Mike and Maria Klitzing and children Kyle, Logan, and Emma and Lucille.
Shirley Enjoys Valentine Dinner
Chris and Carol Klitzing of Vandalia took his mother, Shirley Klitzing, out for a Valentine dinner Sunday, Feb. 13.
Shirley said she has been staying in pretty close to home because of the ice in her driveway.
Sefton Unit HCE Hold
Valentine Party/Meeting
Baby Shower and Food
Pantry Collection
Sixteen members and one guest attended the Sefton Unit HCE meeting Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Golden Years Club building for its annual Valentine party/meeting/potluck.
Due to recent inclement weather, and meeting cancellations, the unit combined the party with their traditional Lighthouse Pregnancy Center baby shower and their monthly Food Pantry collections.
President Flo Allen called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. A brief time of business was held. She then invited everyone to share the potluck meal following the asking of the blessing.
Following the meal, a Valentine exchange was held. The members had brought many nice unwrapped gifts for the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center Baby Shower. They also brought many non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry.
Also collected were 22 teddy bears for the Fayette County Hospital Emergency Room to be given to children.
An interesting bit of Sefton HCE history in old records was brought by Lucille Fisher. Elizabeth Kasten said that she also had some of the old records kept by her mother when she was a member of Sefton Unit HCE many years ago.
Flo Allen gave a humorous reading.
Allen also gave a humorous reading about growing older.
Phyllis Pryor gave a special feature lesson, “Make A Family Tree.” She began the lesson stating that while many people are interested in tracing their family histories and family trees, they are reluctant to begin because they are unsure how to begin.  
She suggested several uses of recording the family tree chart. And shared several tips and suggestions of making the tree. She gave handouts which further explained the project.
Elizabeth Kasten gave the major lesson, “Planning For What If.”
A lesson supplied by the University of Illinois Extension and presented by Kasten that could benefit all receiving it.
Flo Allen presented a special feature, “The Incredible Lemon,” listing the many uses of this citrus fruit.
Answering the roll call question, “If you could choose, would you rather receive chocolates or flowers?” were: Marge Weiss, Bonnie Kramer, Lucille Fisher, Shirley Klitzing, Sharon Wilhelm, Debbie Swain, Normalee Terry, Elizabeth Kasten, Sally Behrends, Flo Allen, Betty Williams, Phyllis Pryor, Lora Foutch, Annettia Von Valey, Delores Dukeman and Shirley Mattes, and a guest, Helen Klitzing.
The next Sefton Unit HCE meeting will be the one of “The Wearin’ of the Green” on March 10 at the Golden Years Building at 1 p.m.
Hostesses will be Shirley Klitzing and Panzi Blackwell. Lessons by Phyllis Pryor and Shirley Klitzing. Roll call – “The best thing about Spring.”
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by John and Jacy Schaub. Rosalie Cox led the congregation in song. David Hill gave an update from Gideons. Jim Dann delivered the morning sermon.
Vernon Brazle led the Communion meditation and prayer. Josh Robison led the offering prayer. Rick Wiese served as youth minister.
Also serving: welcome center-Brian Smith; prayer-Kyle Anderson; at the table-Vernon Brazle, Bill Robison; assistants-Matt Stonecipher, Tom Mayes; ushers-Mark Schaub, Rick Smith; servers-Ken Lamb, Bob Buzzard, Charlie Moore, Josh Robison, Frank Stringfield, John Grames; sound-Dan Largent; Power Point-Josh Robison; nursery-Holly Grames, Chloe Carson; Communion preparation-Barb Morrison; youth snacks-Chrystal Stewart; worship leaders-Teresa Mayes, Paula Brunk, Kathy Willms; and Communion rounds-Ken Lamb.
Announcements
•Feb. 26, from 1-3 p.m.-Open house baby shower for Jacy Schaub and baby boy, RR 1, Box 151, Brownstown.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church
The congregation of Brownstown United Methodist Church met for morning worship following Sunday school classes.
Pianist Bette Stolte opened with an inspirational selection as Bradley Schwarms lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Bigley greeted the congregation and reviewed announcements, birthdays and anniversaries.
Birthday blessings were sung to Renna Kelly. Bigley led the opening prayer. Carol Severns served as liturgist. Hubert Williams and Bradley Schwarms presented the tithes and offerings.
Bigley delivered the sermon and served Holy Communion, assisted by Jeffrey Kelly and Bradley Schwarms.
Jenna Townsend and Renna Kelly led the children’s Sunday school fellowship and worship held prior to their classes. Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcements
•Wednesday, 7 p.m.-Bible study led by Jim Green at Brownstown UMC.
•Thursday, 10 a.m.-Bible study led by Jim Green at BUMC.
•Thursday, 2 p.m. Brownstown UMW will meet at the church for its February meeting.
•Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m – Garage sale for Missions at FUMC, Altamont. Proceeds will be used for various mission needs of the church.
•March 7: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Embarras River District UMW Personal Growth Seminar at Watson UMC. Theme “Joy of Mission-from Our Door to the World.” Lunch-$6. Reservations needed by Feb. 23.
•Margaret Durbin sent a thank-you card from Florida for all the cards, etc., remembering her birthday.
Brownstown First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by the Palecek family and led in songs of praise by Cathy Smith and Jenny Tackett, accompanied by Robin Lovett, pianist; Mitchell Smith-drums; Kaitlyn Enlow-flute; and Rick Cox, Walt Kinney, Chuck Enlow and James Schaible, guitarists.
Charlie Warren contributed special music, followed by the message, delivered by John Robinson.
Jack Shelton led the Communion meditation. Jack Robinson led the meditation for the gifts and offerings.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Liz Oberlink; a.m. nursery-Deb Hunter, toddler worship-Joann Strobel and Ashton Smith; and Communion to shut-ins-John Robinson, Toby Tackett.
Announcements
•Thursday, 7 p.m.-Ladies “Beth Moore” Bible study - “The Life and Ministry of Paul,” at the church.
• Sunday, Feb. 20-Youth-hosted Valentine Banquet.
•Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.-Ladies Fellowship Meeting.