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Brownstown-Sefton News

It is a Full Moon!
The truth is, when there is a full moon, some of the critters’ behavior changes– really!
For example, Callie, the kitty, has been under our feet almost constantly the last few days. She follows us from room to room, which aggravates Josie, the doggie, to no end.
She will then lie down across the hallway, which bars Josie from the room. Josie then sits and barks for us to rescue her.
This seemed funny at first, but after about three days of being really busy in the house, making a lot of trips up and down the hallway, and continually backtracking to rescue the doggie from the cat blockade at the pass, it wasn’t quite as funny.
Josie seems nervous and restless, which may be from the full moon or, most likely, from Callie’s behavior. She even acted like she was going to attack Katy, Bill’s black Lab/blue heeler (?). Fortunately, Katy is good-natured and merely looked at Josie with curiosity.
The Barn Critters
Smoky, the (adorable) little donkey, Lady, the mini-mare, and Sugar, the mini-stallion, do not seem to be affected by the moon changes, but they are outside and maybe not so noticeable.
Lady was watching us from the barn window as we were working out in the yard today. She has the softest, sweetest, little nicker, just loud enough to hear her. Sugar, on the other hand, makes a loud, shrill call when he wants attention.
Of course, Smoky has the ability to bray loud enough to be heard around the county, but it sounds cute. (Bill does not really appreciate Smoky’s little sound, especially if it is 5 o’clock in the morning on his days off.)
Remember that the little donkey played an important part in the Christmas story.
Food Pantry Items Needed for December …
… are four cans vegetables and four cans of fruit. Anything would be appreciated.
Caring & Sharing …
… is again preparing Christmas baskets in the Brownstown community, to provide Christmas dinner with the trimmings, plus gifts. Needed are non-perishable food items, socks, teen items, Christmas decorations, dinnerware and monetary gifts to purchase perishable foods and special gifts.
Items need to be at the designated sites for delivery to the collection site. Local sites include the Liberty Christian Church Fellowship Hal, which is serving as the collection and distribution site.
All collections should be completed by Dec. 13.
The Brownstown United Methodist Church is also a collection site, and items should be turned in there by Dec. 9 in order to be delivered.
For more information, or if you want to help, contact Paul or Deb Parkinson.    
Dedication Ceremony in Memory of Melvin Willms
The Brownstown High School Class of 1965 will hold a dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the ball diamond at the elementary school.
The class will dedicate three trees that were planted in memory of Melvin Willms and other deceased classmates. Family, friends and classmates are invited to attend. Melvin loved trees and what better way to remember him than the trees that have been planted that will take root to provide shade and beauty for years to come.
Petitions for Brownstown Village Board and Park District
Robin Lovett, Brownstown village clerk, announced that petitions for Brownstown Village Board and Brownstown Park District are now available at the clerk’s office at 114 East Main St.
The village board offices that will be voted on at the April 9, 2013, election are: three trustees and the village president; park board offices up for election are three park commissioner seats.
The Annual Golden Years Club Christmas Potluck …
… will be held next Tuesday at the club building in Brownstown. Ham will be provided; take side dishes and desserts.
There will be no gift exchange this year, but it is rumored that Santa may be on hand, along with teacher, Mrs. Klitzing and the Crackerbarrel School Kids telling the Christmas story and leading in Christmas carols.
Sefton Unit HCE Annual Christmas Party…
… will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at The Hitchin’ Post on U.S. Route 40 in Brownstown.
A room will be reserved for HCE and we will order from the menu.
There will be a $5 gift exchange. Take completed HCE volunteer hour sheet to the party.
Local Christmas Celebrations
• United Methodist Church-Sunday at 6 p.m.: All-church Christmas potluck and program at the Brownstown United Methodist Church.
Sponsored by UMW. The offering goes to UM Village at Lawrenceville and to UM Children’s Home in Mt. Vernon. Plates will be taken to shut-ins at 5:00 p.m. Emmanuel Church is invited. Meat, potatoes and vegetables will be provided; take salad or dessert.
• First Christian Church-Sunday at 6 pm.: All-church Christmas caroling; Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.; and Christmas Program-“A Hometown Christmas.”
• Liberty Christian Church-Sunday: “Wonderful World of Joy,” presented by the Liberty Adult Choir.
• Dec. 16-“Christmas Show Tree” with the Rainbow Kids.
• Liberty Christian Church-Combined Christmas Eve service with First Christian Church: Dec. 24 at p.m. at Liberty. Kevin Bonifacius will be the speaker.
To Our Readers
Please send in your Christmas announcements and news for this, your column. Thank you to all who contributed this week.
Coming & Going
Attends Baptism of Great-Granddaughter
Esther Stine travelled to Knoxville, Tenn., over the Thanksgiving weekend for the Baptism of her newest great-granddaughter, Chloe Marie Lastarza. Chloe’s grandparents are Charles and Tina Stine of LenoirCity, Tenn. Great-grandmother Betty Smith of Fort Myers, Fla., was also able to attend the event.
Other family and friends who attended from the area were: Amy Denton of  Brownstown, and Sandra Stine and Dorothy Sargent Auer, both of Vandalia.
Christmas Brunch
The First Christian Church Ladies Fellowship Christmas Brunch was held Saturday.
The event was planned and decorated by Jamie Smith, with the help of Karen Morrison and Susan Smith.
A brunch was enjoyed, with the Secret Sisters revealed. Tina Gould, president of the Ladies Fellowship, led the devotion.
Homesteaders Visit Happy Hollow Country Christmas …
… and Bill and Panzi enjoyed it very much. Travel on U.S. Route 40 in St. Elmo, turn south onto Interstate Road, over the overpass and (almost immediately) turn east into Brewbaker Road (old frontage road) and follow the signs decorated with Christmas trees to Happy Hollow Country Christmas.
There, you will find Santa’s Workshop, a large building with straw bales for walls, cozy and colorful, with long red-cloth-covered tables and benches; delightful Christmas decorations, children’s games, hot chocolate and cookies, a Christmas tree and, of course, Santa and one of the elves.
There is also an old building, chocked full of homemade cookies and breads which can be purchased. Decorated Christmas trees stand about the grounds, which can be bought or bid on. Each one has a sign that gives information on the organization that decorated the tree.
There are also fresh, undecorated trees that can be purchased. All of this was created by Ryan and Lindsay Lash. It will be open next Saturday and Sunday, also.
A great trip for the kids and parents or grandparents, too.
First Christian Church
The congregation of the First Christian Church was greeted by Joann Strobel and led in songs of praise by Cathy Smith, Judy Pilger and Mallory Wise.
They were accompanied by Robin Lovett-pianist; Walt Kinney and rick Cox-guitarists; and Mitchell Smith on the drums.
Matthew Smith led the Communion meditation and prayer. Kevin Bonifacious delivered the message.
Also serving: Faye Schwarm-Sunday school nursery; Deb Hunter-a.m. nursery; Rae Lynn Koehler and Abby Enlow-toddler worship; and Terry Smith and Morgan Pryor-Communion to the shut-ins.
Upcoming Christmas Events
• Sunday at 6 p.m.-All-church Christmas caroling
• Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.-“A Hometown Christmas” program.
• Dec. 24 –Combined Christmas Eve service at Liberty Christian Church.
United Methodist Church
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship. Acolytes Nicholas Gould and Dillion Elam lighted the altar candles. The worship hour was opened by Pastor Don Thomas, who shared the announcements and prayer concerns. Thomas shared that due to his upcoming knee surgery, Jim Green would deliver the message next Sunday.
Zack and Jenna Townsend lighted the Advent candle. Hubert and Betty Williams served as ushers, and presented the tithes and offerings.
Thomas gave the sacrament of Holy Communion. The pastor closed the service with prayer.
Zack and Jenna Townsend served the youth breakfast pizza and led their worship. Flo Allen led the adult worship class.
Christmas Events
• Sunday at 6 p.m.-All-church Christmas potluck and program at the Brownstown church, sponsored by UMW. Plates will be taken to shut-ins at 5 p.m. Emmanuel Church is invited guests. Meat, potatoes and vegetables will be provided; take salads or desserts.
• Dec. 16-March to the Manager, a special Christmas offering over and above the regular offering.

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