Brownstown-Sefton News

“Missouri Pete” Eating, Doing Good …
… but we think he is missing his buddy and pal, “Joe.”
Pete is very sociable – he wags his tail and jumps around when he sees us, comes to the car for petting when we are leaving or returning, does not bark or “whine.” He is the perfect doggie guest, but where are times when he just seems to be looking a little lonely.
He is probably thinking of his Missouri home, with the timber around, the pond where wildlife comes to drink, and the neighbor dogs who come to visit him at times.
Brother Joe is due to come back for him soon, and we will miss Pete. Joe’s only advice to us when he left was, ‘Don’t spoil my dog.” Who, us?
We have reassured Joe during the phone visits, that Pete is enjoying the air conditioning in the house, he has been taking baths in the bathroom, and we discovered that Pete likes his after-bath towels heated for drying off.
Pete enjoys his carry-out steak meals from Denny’s also. We told Joe that Pete likes his steak cooked to medium-rare.  (Joe was then heard muttering indistinctly over the phone.)
Special mention …
… and words of appreciation for our Brownstown VFW Post  9770 for its 22nd annual Memorial Day program at the Brownstown Memorial Wall. Again, the scene was beautiful, with the many flags billowing in the breeze against the blue, cloudless sky.
The Brownstown Community Choir, under the direction of Angela Strobel, gave a resounding, beautiful concert of patriotic songs, including the national anthem, with all joining in,    
Jebidiah Smail, Post 9770 commander, gave the Commander’s Address. Donnie Smail gave the reading of the deceased members of Post 9770, followed by Mackenzie Walk, the post winner of the Voice of Democracy contest, reading her winning essay.
Linda Hanabarger of the Fayette County Genealogical and Historical Society, gave the Memorial Day address.  
She began with an expression of gratitude for the opportunity to speak on the program and introduced herself as the granddaughter, daughter and sister of veterans.
It was a time of remembrance and of honoring those who have sacrificed and of honoring of those who continue on in these uncertain times of world unrest. We are also reminded through the songs of our Community Choir and the prayer opening the program that we live in a Christian nation and have the freedom  to worship without fear.
Those who we honor on this especially designated day, and which we should on all days, gave and sacrificed so that we do have this freedom, not as a free gift, but a privilege that many paid for dearly, and one we must preserve and keep, so they who fought, suffered and many died, will not have sacrificed in vain.
Announcements
From the Village Hall …
Community-wide garage sales this Friday and Saturday.
June Cancer Fund Public Meeting …
… is next Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the Fayette County Hospital in the large conference room.
Cancer Fund’s ‘Carnival in the Park’
Janet Elam, Fayette County Cancer Fund secretary, said that their event, “Carnival in the Park,” will be held in the Rogier Park and will be geared to kids. If children want to come to the carnival, a grown-up will have to bring them.
“We plan to have vendors, popcorn, cotton candy, face-painting, pony rides, cake walk, balloon animals, bounce houses and, maybe, a dunk tank. There will also be live entertainment.
Elam said, “We are excited about this event, but we will need help manning all these activities. For all of you that have wanted to help, but don’t know what to do, here is your opportunity.
“We also discussed doing something at the Grande Levée, as well as well as entering several parades. We are excited about the rest of the year and hope the public is, too.
“The total of people we have given assistance to is up to 16. Everyone we help has been so appreciative of what we can do for them, It is usually emotional for everyone involved.”
Village Clean-up Day …
… is Friday, June 9. Residents are encouraged to place unwanted items with their regular trash for pickup next Friday.
Puppet Show …
… is Saturday, June 17, at Brownstown United Methodist Church. There will be a potluck meal at 4:30 p.m., followed by the “Puppets for Jesus” presentation that is brought by the First Methodist Church from Peoria .The program is relevant for all age groups, from children to adults. The public is invited.
Fayette HCE Annual Potluck /Meeting …
… is next Thursday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at Vandalia. Registration is at 11 a.m. and potluck at 11:30 a.m.
Notice to Sefton HCE
Due to the annual meeting on June 8, the Sefton Unit meting will be next Wednesday at Emmanuel Church, at 1 p.m.
Helping Hands Distribution …
… is June 10 and 12 at United Methodist Church.
Vacation Bible School
• First Christian Church-Carnival kick-off is Sunday, from 4-6 p.m.; VBS-Monday-Friday, from 6-8:15 p.m. Special activities for grades 6-8. Contact Ashton Smith for more info at 367-5185.
First Christian Church
The congregation of Brownstown First Christian Church was greeted by Duane and Laura Willms, and led in song by Cathy Smith, Mallory Wise and Adrienne Kinney, accompanied by pianist Robin Lovett and guitarists Chuck Enlow and Walt Kinney.
Terry Smith led the Communion meditation. Cameron Callaway contributed special music, and the message was delivered by Robert Keen.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery-Laura Willms; a.m. nursery-Marcia Pemberton-Toddler worship-Ron and Tena Gould; Quest-4 Christ-team; and shut-ins-Duane Willms and Terry Smith.
Announcements
• Leadership meeting is Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m.
•Family BBQ-Friday, June 23, at 6 p.m. at Good Old Days Catering Hall .
• Become a Bond Fire Booster to help support Bond Christian Service Camp. Pick up a packet at the welcome table. The church is collecting 30 bags of chocolate chips. Donations can be left at the welcome table.