Brownstown-Sefton News
A New Year with New Opportunities
I have always liked to kind of clean clutter on the first day or two of January, whether it be on my desk or in the kitchen cabinets, drawers and closets, etc.
But I don’t always get those tasks accomplished as I wish I could!
I don’t really make new year’s resolutions any more, but I do like to try to learn at least one new thing every year. (Don’t always get that done, either, at least not the things I want to learn.)
Another goal of my “house cleaning” is to think back over the year, and if I have any “clutter” in my mind, such as a grievance or grudge about unkind or unfair remarks/comments or thoughtlessness in actions or words, (I do not like gossip) I try to cast them out of my mind, as unworthy thoughts, and replace them with good memories of the past year … and they far outnumber the less-worthy ones.
However, I am human, and sometimes I get a little upset and aggravated, but if I think on things long enough, I can kind of see their point of view (which is why I would probably not make a good lawyer (although that used to be an ambition of mine), and I also am prone to think that maybe that person had a difficult day or some bad news or a sad happening that morning.
If someone would be unkind to her, or make fun of her, Cora used to pray for them to be happier, so they would feel better and be nicer to others.
Anyway, just like cleaning out my closets, drawers, desk and other house cleaning done, I don’t always get every little “dust bunny thoughts and clutter” cleared out of my mind, either.
Hope all our readers, friends, and their loved ones, have a blessed and happy new year.
Our Heartfelt Sympathies …
… to with the family and friends of Martin Behrends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Announcements
Helping Hands Food Ministry Distribution…
January 7 and 9, 10 a.m.-noon at the Brownstown United Methodist Church. One box per household. Sponsored by the Brownstown Ministerial Alliance.
Appreciation Dinner for Helping Hands’ Workers
January 14 at 5 p.m. at the UM Church. It is a meal for all who have been helping with the food pantry. Meat will be furnished and the rest will be a carry-in dish by everyone.
Extra Jars with Lids
If you have any jars with lids or quart or gallon Ziploc bags, the Helping Hands Ministry Food Pantry could use some.
The April 4 Consolidated Election
The Brownstown Village Board has the following seats available in the April 4, 2017 Election:
Village Trustee (3) 4-year terms
Village Trustee (1) 2-year unexpired term
Village President (1) 4-year term
The deadline for the petitions to be filed at the Village Hall was Dec. 19. The names of those filing was not yet available for printing.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Christmas Day
Pianist Betty Miller played the prelude as the congregation of the Brownstown United Methodist Church gathered for the Christmas morning service. Jeff Kelly and Junior Williams served as ushers. Gavin Schnarre lighted the altar candles. Liturgists were Carol Henna, Jim Green, Bill Haller.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all present, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the announcements and prayer list, and led in prayer.
Don and Marlys Thomas lighted the Advent candle.
Special music was contributed by Marlys Tomas and Brenda Klein, as they sang “Joy to the World,” followed by the Scripture lesson and the morning message, delivered by Thomas.
Announcements
• Jan. 7 and 9-Helping Hands Ministry food give-away, 10 a.m.-noon.
• Jan. 14 at 5 pm.-Appreciation meal at the Brownstown UM for all Helping Hands Food Pantry workers.
Brownstown First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Aaron and Samantha Prinns, and led in songs of praise by Susan Smith; piano-Robin Lovett; and guitars- Walt Kinney and Chuck Enlow.
Terry Smith led the Communion meditation, followed by the message, delivered by Mark Hardin.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery- Ellen Willms; a.m. nursery-Cathy Smith; toddler worship-Amanda Koehler and Bonnie Shelton; Quest-4-Christ, Q-4-C Team; and shut-Ins-Don Lovett and Brent Keyes,
Poinsettias were donated in memory for: Pauline Hunter by Marcia and Earl Pemberton; Earl Hovious by Deanna Hovious; Adreann Harre by Nikki Sidwell; Alberta, Virgil and Kenneth Craig by Ervin and Joyce Garrison; Otha, Fern and Sammie Garrison, by Ervin and Joyce Garrison; Phil Wells by Evelyn Wells; Rose Enlow by Evelyn Wells; Hubert and Fern Mahon by Joann Strobel, also Virgil Strobel; Matt Luden by Daisy Hipsher; Thureal and Anna Harre by Helen Holman.
Announcements
• Leadership meeting-Monday at 7 p.m.
• Extreme Zone will resume on Tuesday, 3:30-5 p.m.
• Fifth Sunday offering-Sunday, Jan. 29.
• Bond Camp “A Camp Story”-Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. at Greenville Christian Church. Dinner and MAD Camp Reprisal Performance. A look at Bond Camp: Past, Present & A Plan for the Future.
• “Wendy’s Gives Back”-Wendy’s in Vandalia and Effingham are giving 20 percent of purchases this year back to the church. Vouchers were available on Sunday.
Leadership Approval …
… Bill Smith, Aaron Prins and Ron Gould were all approved.
Liberty Christian Church
The congregation of Liberty Christian Church was greeted by Lance and Krystn Buzzard. Frank and Marge Stringfield were at the welcome center, and Delmar Miller led in prayer. The morning message was delivered by Pastor Jim Dann.
Dave Morrison and Bill Robison served at the table and the congregation was served by the following: Tom Mayes, Aaron miller, Brad Smith, Brian Smith, Taylor Ring and Matt Stonecipher, assisted by Tony Beardon and Gary Smith. Vernon Brazle and Junior Carson served as ushers. The Praise Team led in songs, accompanied by Kim Miller and Tammy Carson,
Also serving: nursery 0-3-Bayli Mason and Olivia Anderson; pre-K teacher and assistant: Cindy White and Ann Chandler; Kids W: Erin Klug and Emmett Chandler; projection-Dana Dann; sound-Dan Largent; and Communion prep: Leah Washburn.
Ice Skating
The youth is going ice skating on Sunday, Jan. 22. They will leave at 12:45 p.m. and plan to return at about 7 p.m.
Skating times at Granite City are from 1:55 to 3:55 p.m. Then, they will grab some pizza and head home. Parents are invited to join. The cost is $7 per person.