Brownstown-Sefton News

Looking For a Mouse…
Usually, when one is looking for a mouse, it is with dire and formidable thoughts and an intent to remove said mouse from the premises, permanently. In fact, the word, “terminate” even comes to mind.
Not so in this case. The particular “mouse” I am looking for seems to almost be extinct, worn out, gone bad, etc. It is the “mouse” with which to operate my computer.
It suddenly quit working last week in the middle of writing a feature story and a new one could not be found in the stores. They just carry wireless ones now, which will not work on my computer. Trying some old used ones (more than one mouse) did not work either. They are probably also worn out.
I finally salvaged one from an old computer that seems to be working now, but it too, takes spells when it doesn’t want to move the text.
You may notice the word “mouse” is being used only in singular form. Somehow, “mice” just doesn’t seem appropriate in this case of having more than one mouse on hand.
Critters Like the Cool Weather
All of the outdoor critters seem to be enjoying the cool weather. Smoky, the (adorable) little donkey was running, jumping and playing this week.
The three “girls,” Fuzzy, Blackie and Anita, are enjoying wandering around the yard and scratching in the grass. The bugs are probably all heading for hibernation now, but they must be getting a few. However, they are all right around their pen or in it in the evening to go to roost.
They are so friendly. When I go out in the yard, they follow me around. They even accompanied me to the trash barrel one day, singing and talking along the way. The egg production is really down now, but they deserve a rest.
Coming Up In Our
Community
Golden Years Club Annual Ham ‘n Beans Dinner
Saturday at the Golden Years building, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or until sold out. Menu-ham and beans, cornbread, cole slaw, dessert and drink (iced tea, coffee, water). Adults-$5; under age 12-$2.
Scouts Fundraiser
Whole-Hog Roast
Sunday at the Brownstown Fire House, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Menu-sandwich, baked beans, chips and drinks. Adults- $6, children-$4. Desserts extra for $1. The young people want to purchase a bulletproof vest for our city policeman. If enough money is raised, they also want to purchase a computer for a deputy sheriff’s car. They are to be commended for wanting to help the law officers in their efforts to protect and serve the communities and, hopefully, prevent crime. The Scout troops are the Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and Webelos.
Flu Shots Clinic in
Brownstown…
…next Tuesday, from 1-3 p.m., at the Golden Years Club building.
Reminder to Sefton HCE…
Note: Sefton HCE has been asked to provide desserts for the Scout whole-hog roast fundraiser this Sunday.
…Busy meeting day next Thursday. It will be their “Hobo Stew” dinner meeting. So, ladies, wear your “hobo” clothes, just for the fun of it.
The plan is to eat at noon, so be there earlier with two cans of vegetables-one for the stew pot and one for the food pantry.
Also, take your Christmas cards/letters/greetings, etc.,  for the military men and women. Take items for the Vandalia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for bingo prizes, country store, etc. Desirable items include figurines, jewelry, knick-knacks, books, toiletries, etc.
They will also be filling out their new books with the new circus theme, so everyone possible needs to be there.
Also, a reminder of the Bond County HCE “Buy a craft and get a free meal” next Monday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Bond County HEA food stand at the Fairgrounds. Call the Extension Office at 664-3665 if you plan to attend.
Remember, the VFW Post 9770 (new) clothes drive for our veterans in the Marion and Jefferson Barracks VA Hospitals.  Especially needed are new socks, underwear, T-shirts, undershirts, sweatpants and sweatshirts, for men and women.
Monetary donations also accepted and appreciated.
All donations needed by Nov. 13. For more information cal: Dan at 322-8945; Jim at 267-5142; or Robyn at 292-8824.
Our Sympathy…
…to the family and friends of Oreatha “Reatha” Gatewood a former resident of Brownstown. Several members of First Christian Church attended the visitation and funeral in Beecher City. She was a resident of the Lutheran Care Center. She and her late husband, Ray Gatewood, had been faithful members of the church in years past.
Local Celebrations
Birthdays-Kendra Denton, Sherry Dunahee, Pam Orr, Don Koonce, Marilyn Francis, Lucille Christensen, Kay Henna, Martin Behrends, Carol Calhoun, Pam Gurtner, Raychael Voelker, Mannie Grames and Zachary Townsend.
Anniversaries-Junior and Joann Gelsinger, Dale and Kay Henna, Tim and Sherry Dunahee, and Charles and Marilyn Francis.
Coming & Going
Lucille and Family Attend
Little Gwendolyn’s Baptism
Little Gwendolyn Kort, daughter of Josh and Kelsey (Klitzing) Kort, was baptized on Sunday, Sept. 26, with her greatgreat-grandmother, Lucille Fisher, present for the ceremony.
The baptism took place in the Catholic Church in Arnold, Mo., about a two-hour drive from Brownstown.
The family left for Arnold on Saturday, and Lucille traveled with Mike and Maria Klitzing (Gwendolyn’s grandparents) and their children. Helen Klitzing (Gwendolyn’s great-grandmother), Bill Klitzing, Kathy Klitzing and Andy Klitzing traveled in another car.
Lucille described their stay in a brand new establishment just opened that Tuesday, the Drury Inn. Every thing was new and they received a lot of extra attention as it had just opened.
The journey, baptismal ceremony and visiting were all much enjoyed by the family. However, little Gwendolyn had a long, tiring day visiting with so many of her large family and will probably enjoy reading about it someday more than she enjoyed the day itself.
She will be happy to know she had a grandmother, a great-grandmother and a great-great grandmother present at this very important event in her life.
Golden Years Club Meet, Discuss Upcoming Events
Twenty-six names were entered on the register for the Sept. 28 meeting.
Club President Charlie Reece extended the welcome; recognized the September birthday people, Winona Childress, Lenora Parkison and Dale Richardson; and introduced the visitors, Dave and Barb Morrison, and the Liberty Christian Church pastor, Jim Dann, who asked the blessing for the potluck meal. Reece invited the guests and the birthday people to be served first.
Following the meal, and Donny Smail’s cleanup crew’s completion of kitchen duty (all volunteer), Reece opened the club’s business meeting.
•A reminder was given of the Fayette County Health Department Flu Clinic to be held at the club building on Oct. 12 from 1-3 p.m.
•The club discussed the club’s annual ham and beans dinner to be held this Saturday.  The menu was discussed and the sources for all items needed were discussed and decided.
•The club’s annual soup dinner and bazaar will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, at which time the drawing for the quilt will be drawn. Raffle tickets are available.
•Treasurer Don Smail gave the financial report for September. He reported the bills received by the club, bills paid and balance left. He also reported receiving a generous “dues” check for the club from Bill Voisin, which drew appreciative applause.
•Flo Allen announced to any HCE members present that the HCE had been requested to provide desserts for the Boy Scouts’ fundraiser whole-hog roast.
•It was announced that Forrest Jackson, a former resident of Brownstown, had died and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Allen gave humorous readings, “Attitude” and “Only a Mother would know.”
Barb Morrison, sang inspirational songs,  “Help Is On the Way,” “I Thirst” and “The Long Black Train,” in honor of her mother, Lenora Parkison’s birthday.
Shirley Klitzing gave a reading, “A Good-Looking Horse.” Donnie Smail told a true tale on “Shirley, the Waitress” (who in reality, was Shirley Klitzing).
Shirley, in turn, told a true story about the mysterious appearance of a bunch of frogs being released by some boys in the restaurant’s restroom, to the consternation of the restaurant customers.
The next meeting will be held next Tuesday, with a potluck meal at noon.

More than 175 women attended and an offering of more than $1,000 was given for missions. The theme was, “Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.”
Devotions and services of Communion were led by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. His wife, Cynthia B. Palmer, was the featured speaker as she shared experiences of her ministry as a helpmate and encourager to her husband as a pastor, later as a Bishop, and mother of their children.
She served as director of Christian education for a cluster of inner-city United Methodist Churches in Cleveland, Ohio. She currently teaches a Bible study. In life, she believes she is “blessed to be a blessing,” relying on Luke 12:48.
Embarras River District UMW members were involved in assembling sewing kits in the action workshops, Mission in Motion.
Other districts assembled UMCOR school kits or school bags, MMDC Haiti/Liberia Teacher or Student School Bags for Midwest Distribution Center.
2011 Officers were installed by Mary Renfro, past officer. Officers for Embarras River District UMW elected and installed were: secretary-Kaye Kimpling, Effingham; and Margie Eisenbarth of Nokomis to the Committee on Nominations.
ERD Representatives for Cunningham Children’s Home are Margie Eisenbarth of Nokomis, and Rhonda Whitaker of Neoga, for the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House.
Ben and Billyanna Forbis, and Priscella Roeder of Vandalia UMW, also attended. Billyanna is a member of the Vandalia UMW, as well as a member of the Brownstown UMW.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church
The congregation of the United Methodist Church was greeted by Bill Stolte as they met for Sunday morning worship. Bette Stolte shared the words and played the prelude as the altar candles were lit by Bradley Schwarms.
Pastor Bigley reviewed the announcements and prayer requests and led in prayer, especially remembering those who are ill.
Louella Christensen served as liturgist, and Jeffrey Kelly and Bradley Schwarms received the offering. Bigley led the children’s time.
Following reading the scripture, he delivered the message. The service concluded with the closing hymn and benediction by Pastor Bigley.
Jenna Townsend, assisted by Kayla Summann, led the children’s 9 a.m. Sunday school fellowship and worship held prior to their classes. Flo Allen and Louella Christensen led the adult classes.
Announcements
•Thursday, 10 a.m.-Bible study, led by Jim Green at the church.
•First Thursday prayer and fasting with the focus for October on Ministry, Pastor Appreciation month and Latty Sunday.
•Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.-The lay nominating committee (nominations) will meet with the pastor to nominate 2011 officers in preparation for Charge Conference November 21 at 2 p.m., at Altamont UMC.
Liberty Christian Church
Junior and Catherine Carson greeted the congregation of the Liberty Christian Church. They were called to worship by the praise team and welcomed by Jim Dann.
The praise team, Kim Tammy, Buffy, Erin P., Paula, Kathy, Kara, Erin S., Katie and Teresa, accompanied by Eddie Carson on drums, Connie Largent-piano, and keyboard-Tammy Carson, led in songs of praise.
Dorothy Durbin shared the praises and prayer requests. Jim Dann delivered the message.
Delmar Miller led the Communion meditation and prayer. Rich and Jim shared the announcements.
Also serving: welcome center-Kim Miller; serving at the table: Delmar Miller, Jim Dann; serving the congregation: Bob Buzzard, Junior Carson, Charles Moore, Brad Smith, John Schaub, Frank Stringfield; assistants: Jack Durbin, Tom Mayes; ushers: John Schaub, Brian Smith; nursery: Vernon Brazle, Kylee Brown; Communion preparation: Linda Doehring; Communion rounds: John Willms, Josh Robison;andyouth refreshments: Linda Doehring.
Announcements
New Staff at Liberty
The leadership decided unanimously to hire Erin Klug as part-time director of children’s ministries and to hire Richard Weese as part-time youth minister. The congregation voted to affirm the leadership’s decision.
•Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.-Senior Adult Fellowship-chicken and noodles, etc., for lunch, and a presentation on basket-making by Charlie and Noma Moore.  
•Brownstown VFW Post No. 9770 is collecting clothes for our veterans in VA hospitals. A box is in the foyer for new socks, underwear, under shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and T-shirts.
First Christian Church
Betty Feezel greeted the members of First Christian Church they arrived for Sunday morning worship. Joann Strobel and Jenny Tackett led the song service, accompanied by Robin Lovett-pianist; Chuck Enlow and Rick Cox-guitarists; Gretchen Schaible-string bass; Mitchell Smith-drummer. John Robinson delivered the message. Jack Shelton led the Communion meditation.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; a.m. Nursery-Cathy Smith; toddler worship-Rae Lynn Koehler and Ashton Smith; and Communion to shut-ins-Don Willms and Matthew Smith.
Announcements
•Several people from First Christian Church made the Stand for Life in the Life Chain in Vandalia Sunday afternoon to pray for the end of abortion.
•Youth sponsors’ meeting is Sunday at 2 p.m. to plan the fall festival. All youth sponsors are encouraged to be here. Meet in the lookout classroom.
•Youth-led fall festival is Sunday, Oct. 24, at 4:30 p.m. in the church parking lot.

Panzi Blackwell