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Brownstown-Sefton News

Unwelcome & Inconvenient Visitor at Homestead
The infamous flu bug dropped in for a visit at the Homestead this week at an inconvenient time, when we were trying to catch up after being absent and/or busy with family for the past three months … and still counting.
Bill woke up very early Friday with the uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms and effects thereof, which got worse as the day went on.
He survived on a diet of beef broth, chicken soup (noodleless), and other compatible liquids and upset stomach-helps.
He felt better Sunday and things were looking brighter, then, in the wee morning hours of Monday, it became clear that “the bug” had only moved on over to me and caused havoc with this week’s schedule, both at home, and otherwise.
Thus, Bill made hot tea and toast  for me all day Monday
And, yes, we did both get our flu shots, but as everyone knows, there are still other little “cousin flu bugs” that slip in under the wire and these renegade bugs rove around and attack indiscriminately, with no respect for persons’ schedules, plans, commitments, etc.
And, thus, this Tuesday morning, as I write, I am sipping on a cup of tea and crunching (but not too loud) on toast (but without the delicious basil peach jelly made, with love, by cousin Jenny Grimsley).
So, rather than being “back in the saddle again,” as I usually say,  I guess a better description would be “a side-saddle” and hanging on, until we can once again, hit the trail in full force.
We appreciate our newspaper editors, our preacher and our church family, our fellow Golden Years Club members, our readers, friends, and any and all others who have understood the past months when our love for our families and commitments have been the foremost concerns.
And Now, a Reminder That …
… spring is just around the corner!
Local Celebrations
Birthdays-Zandra Sidwell, Earl O’Kukly, Charles Reece, Jarin Evans, Rita Grull, Marge Marre, Koelter Fulk, Glenn Gurtner, Manny Orr, Connie Green and Gerry Goldsboro. Anniversary-David and Gerry Goldsboro.
Announcements
Helping Hands Appreciation Dinner …
… will be held at the United Methodist Church in Brownstown at 5 p.m. this Saturday for all who have helped with the Helping Hands program this past year. For anyone who has given to or worked with this ministry, take a dish to share. The meat will be furnished.
Candidates for April 2017 Election
Thanks to our village clerk, Robin Lovett, and her efficient office, the following information was sent to us:
The candidates for the village seats are as follows:
• Village president-Virginia Wilber
• Village trustee, two-year unexpired term-William Lytle III
• Village trustee, four-year term-Billie Enlow
Don’t forget, the election will be held on April 4.
Items for January Food Pantry
Needed are one can of chicken or one can of chicken and dumplings, one box stuffing mix. Anything would be appreciated.
If You Have Extra Jars …
… with lids, and quart and gallon plastic bags, Helping Hands Food Ministry could use some.
Special Note
The last Sunday of each month, each church is asked to donate some canned goods for the food pantry, as they are greatly needed.
Roses to …
… Betty Miller (who will be surprised by this), who served as the first lady of our village when her husband, Jesse Miller, served as our village president. Betty has continued her interest in our community through the years to contribute to it and to its individuals in many ways, quietly, behind the scenes.  
Another Bouquet of Roses for …
… Katie Carson, who is a member of the traveling worship band for St. Louis Christian College. She is a worship leader for a part of this crew that seeks to glorify God and lead others through worship.   
Katie was recently featured in the news, as she had written to President Obama and expressed her concern for the future of the smaller towns, farmers and agriculture, and received a letter from the president in response to her concerns.
Our Heartfelt Sympathy ….
…to the family and friends of Lindell Schwarm, who died on Saturday, Dec. 31. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.    
Need Your News of …
… announcements for clubs, baby or wedding showers, births, special programs, etc.  Call 427-5347(have answering machine for your name & number) or leave in black box under our standard (pink) mailbox or e-mail your items.
Thanks to all who contributed this week.                
Liberty Christian Church
Jessica Sefton greeted the congregation of the Liberty Christian Church as they arrived for Sunday morning worship services. Gary and Diana Smith were at the welcome table, and John Schaub and Mark Schaub served as ushers.
Dave Morrison led the prayer. Pastor Jim Dann welcomed all present, shared the prayer list, and delivered the morning message.
Paula Brunk, Barb Morrison, Brittany White and Kim Miller led the congregation in song, accompanied by Tammy Carson.
Also serving: John Willms and Kyle Anderson served at the table, and Tom Mayes, Aaron Miller, Brad Smilt, Brian Smith, Taylor Ring and Matt Stonecipher served the congregation, assisted by Jon Washburn and Sheldon Satterthwaite; Erin Schaub-nursery; Connie Largent-pre-K teacher, assisted by Tyler Stonecipher; Brittany White-Kids W teacher, assisted by Kyla Haslett; Dana Dann-projection; and Tom Mayes-sound system.
The Coins War began …
… on Jan.1, with jars labeled with the names of the Sunday school classes on them. The goal is to have more “points” in your jar than all of the other classes. It will end on Youth Sunday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m.
Youth Sunday
The ASAPH Project – the Liberty high school youth and leaders have been working to plan the upcoming Youth Sunday in January.
The church will welcome the ASAPH Project to lead worship on Sunday, January 29.
The ASAPH Project is the traveling worship band for St. Louis Christian College.
Let the games begin!
The games that CTY offers an opportunity for the church youth to meet Jesus and explore what it is that He wants for them in this life.
Superstart-Third- and fifth-grade students, March 17-18, Napervile.
Believe-Sixth- and eighth-grade students, March 2 and 4, Springfield.
Move-High school students, July 23-28-Cleveland, Tenn.
Ice Skating
Liberty Christian Youth are going ice skating on Sunday, Jan. 22.
They will leave Sunday afternoon at 12:45 p.m. and plan to return about7 pm. Skating times at Granite City are 1:55-3:55 p.m., then have pizza and head home. Parents are invited. The cost is $7 per person.
Brownstown First Christian Church-Jan. 8
The congregation of Brownstown Christian Church was greeted by Mitch and Rae Lynn Koehler as they gathered for Sunday morning worship.   
Songs were contributed by Susan Smith, Jack Shelton and Matthew Smith, accompanied by pianist Robin Lovett and guitarists Chuck Enlow, Walt Kinney.
Don Willms led the Communion meditation, and Robin Lovett contributed special music, followed by the message, delivered by Gary Barnes.
Barnes will speak again this Sunday.  
Also serving: Laura Willms-Sunday school nursery; Ashton Smith-a.m. nursery; Ron and Tena Gould-toddler worship; Quest-4-Christ team, Q-4-C; and Duane Willms, Aaron Prins and Terry Smith-shut-ins.
Announcements
• Bond Christian Service Camp on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m. “A Camp Story” – Dinner and MAD Camp reprisal performance.  A look at Bond Camp: past, present and a plan for the future. At First Christian Church in Greenville.  
• Fifth Sunday Offering-Sunday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m.
• Wendy’s Give Back – Wendy’s in Vandalia and Effingham are giving 20 percent of your purchases from this year back to the church. Vouchers are available.   
Brownstown United Methodist Church-Jan. 8
Bette Stolte, pianist, played the prelude as the congregation of the Brownstown United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship.
Junior Williams and Jeff Kelly served as ushers.  Bradley Schwarm and Tara Scharre lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted and welcomed all present. He recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared announcements and the prayer list, and led in prayer.
Following the prayer hymn and Scripture lesson, the morning message was delivered by Pastor Thomas. Flo Allen led the adult class.  
Announcements
• Jan. 22 at 2 pm-Wolf Creek Cluster representatives will meet at Brownstown UMC to make plans for the 2017 Lenten services.
• Jan. 22-28 is GRC Week of Prayer for Way Forward Commission.
This is also the week of call to prayer and self-denial.  
 

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