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Brownstown-Sefton News

Life on the Homestead …
… is getting back to normal and coping with the hot weather. Although the head homesteader (namely Bill) is still recuperating from his recent bout with pneumonia in the hospital, he is taking his medicine and following doctor’s orders and trying to stay in out of the hot sun, helped a great deal by “the kids” with the mowing, trimming and a special weed-killer sprayer-wielder.
The critters are coping also, in spite of their furry or hairy coats.
Katie, the blueheeler/lab mix, gets in her “spa” (kids’ wading pool) with all four feet.
The barn critters – Madricka and her son, Bucky burro; and Lady, the senior mini-horse – all share the window barn-window fan, and usually stay in the barn during the heat of the day.
The cows like to nap out in the sun, but they can also be seen heading for the shade trees, always in a group.  
Golden Years Club …
… is doing an online benefit to help them get a new home. You can donate by making a donation by going to RedBasket.org/983 or at First National Bank of Brownstown.
Help is needed for Helping Hands Ministry…
… on Aug. 4, 6 and 8. On Aug. 4, help is needed to unload the food brought back from the Food Bank in Bloomington at about 3 p.m.
On Aug. 6 and 8, help is needed to distribute the food to those who need it from 10 a.m.-noon at the Methodist Church in Brownstown.
This food is for anyone in Brownstown area who needs it.
Fayette County HCE Board Meets
Nine members were present for the Fayette County Home and Community Education Board held at the Extension office in Vandalia on Monday. The president, Flo Allen, called the meeting to order and led the pledge to the American flag.
Ashley Davis, in the absence of club secretary, Joyce Mueller, took roll call and read the minutes of the June meeting.
Carol Bridges, club treasurer, gave the financial report, giving a copy to each member present. Bridges also shared a thank you note had been received from the Tools for School program for the club’s donation.
Bridges also announced that Anita Smith is a “super saleslady,” as she has sold many of the club’s fundraiser items, micro-cleaning cloths, and was taking 20 more from the meeting.
Debbie Segrest, first vice president, said she had no report, but had questions.
Segrest asked Donna Blair, who is to be the speaker at the club’s upcoming ovarian cancer awareness public program how much time she would need for her talk, and it was determined she would need only 10 minutes. Segrest asked Rhodes for information regarding the HCE units.
Segrest also displayed 10 ribbons she won in assorted categories at the Fayette County Fair: five firsts (applesauce, pickles, chutney, map-decorated shoes and clown charcoal drawing): three seconds (snowman wreath, spiced pears, salsa and  applesauce); and two fourths (sweet relish and photo).
Blair, Segrest and Rhodes mentioned several events to be held to benefit the Fayette County Museum building restoration: Stan’s What’s It’s at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 25; Barbara Kay as “Annie Oakley” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 6; and Kevin Kaegy presenting “The Lincoln Boys” at 2 p.m.
All events will be held in the Vandalia First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall. It is handicapped accessible, with no steps, at the west door entrance at the parking lot.  
Anita Smith, international officer, said that Ed O’Kuley will speak at the International Dinner in October.
Panzi Blackwell, public relations, showed HCE articles that had been in newspapers and again suggested that the units give news and photos of their  activities for publication.
Also briefly discussed were the following awareness programs which will be presented to the public:
• Ovarian cancer awareness on Sept. 17 at Fayette County Hospital in the old conference room, from 1-2 p.m.
Speakers will be Dr. Dawn McDaid and Donna Blair. Refreshments will be served.
• Alzheimer’s awareness on Nov. 5, from noon-4 p.m. Speakers will be Lyn Gartke and Jessie Scott, who will speak on caregiving.
More  information on these programs will follow.
Resignation Received, Unit Disbanded
It was with sincere regrets and graciousness that Karen Hyde, chairman of Wheatland Unit, tendered her resignation as chairman of that unit, and also announced that due to serious health problems within her family, and other families of the members, the Wheatland Unit will be disbanded.
Hyde’s husband has just been been diagnosed with cancer. Her sister, Joyce Moore, who is secretary for Wheatland, also recently learned that her husband also has a diagnosis of cancer.   
Karen’s resignation and the unit disbandment announcement were met with heartfelt sadness and regrets from the board, but were accepted with compassionate understanding.
Wheatland consisted of five members, including Hyde and Moore, which leaves only three members. They would be welcomed into another unit, if they wish to do so.  
The meeting adjourned at 11 a.m. and the following went to lunch at Denny’s Restaurant in Vandalia: Flo Allen, Anita Smith, Anna Jean Rhodes, Carol Bridges, Karen Hyde, Ashley Davis and Debbie Segrest.
Liberty Christian Church
The Serve Team worked together last weekend to serve three families from Liberty. The goal of the team is to be like Jesus by serving orphans, widows and others.
Diana Smith just returned from Africa on a 13-day trip with Kid to Kid International. Some of their time was spent at the Children’s Garden Home as they worked with children there.
The church youth and sponsors are in new Orleans. This week, they gave the opportunity to engage with the community through acts of service, evangelism and support to churches in New Orleans.
Monterrey Christian Mission, Mexico
Antonia and Jenny Gomez will be at Liberty on Aug. 21. They are in the states this summer sharing their ministry at Prairie Christian Service camp. They are also visiting supporting churches on the weekends.
Antonio and Jenny will speak during Sunday school about the ministry, and he will preach during the church service.
Everyone is invited to stay after church for a potluck meal to spend a little more time with Antonia and Jenny.
Coming up at Liberty
• Sept. 18-Gary Barnes will talk about the World Changers ministry.
• October 22-Steve Ladd will be at Liberty for a concert.
Brownstown First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Matthew and Jamie Smith and led in songs of praise by Susan Smith, Jack Shelton and Matthew Smith, accompanied by pianist Robin Lovett and guitarists Chuck Enlow and Walt Kinney.
Don Lovett led the Communion meditation. Cathy Smith contributed special music, followed by the message, delivered by Tom Plog.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery- Laura Willms; a.m. nursery-
Cathy Smith; toddler worship-Ron and Tena Gould; Quest-4-Christ-Q-4-C Team; and shut-ins-Duane Willms and Terry Smith.
Announcement
• Leadership meeting-Monday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday services. Mannie Orr and Junior Williams served as ushers. Emma Lovao and Bradley Schwarm lighted the alter candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, and shared the announcements and prayer requests and led in prayer.
Following the Scripture lesson, the message was delivered by Thomas.
Pam Orr led the children’s worship and served juice and cakes. Flo Allen led the adult class and served coffee.
Announcements
• Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.-Bible study will meet at Brownstown UMC. Jim Green will be the leader.
• July 29-Aug 3-UMW “Mission U” at Springfield.
 

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