Brownstown-Sefton News

The Critters are Well …
… at this time, so the column will begin with this important …
Announcement …
… which was in the Brownstown First Christian Church news. I feel this should be shared by all of the village community, so I moved it from their announcements to the beginning of the column. I feel the church will not mind the liberty taken to share this with all in the spirit of Christmas and in honor of our Savior’s birth – the reason for the season.
Card Ministry Treats for Treston …
Treston Wall has begun chemo treatments and will be receiving them up for to nine months. Let’s show him some support by coming together as a community and show him with cards of encouragement. Give your stamped cards to Karen Morrison.    
Christmas on Main Street in Brownstown with
Lighting of the Village Christmas Tree…
… is Saturday at 6 p.m. Santa will be on hand to visit with the children (young and young at heart); Christmas carols will fill the air, with all invited to join in the caroling; and refreshments of hot chocolate and other Christmas goodies. It is a time to make special memories.
The tree will be across from the village hall, with special decorations made by Mrs. Jenkins’ fifth-grade class.
Helping hands Food Pantry Give-Away …
… Dec. 9 and 11, 10 a.m.-noon, at the new location-
1725 North and 1550 East, at the west end of Brownstown.
One box per household. Sponsored by the Brownstown Ministerial Alliance.
December Pantry Needs …
… four cans of vegetables, four cans of fruit. Anything would be appreciated.
Caring & Sharing …
…will again distribute Christmas baskets in the Brownstown community to provide a Christmas Dinner complete with all the trimmings, plus gifts for the children. Items include non-perishable food items, new or like-new toys, puzzles, games, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, teen items, Christmas decorations and disposable dinnerware and monetary gifts to purchase perishable food and gifts;
All needs for Caring & Sharing must be met by the Dec. 14 delivery date.
Card Shower Requested for Tresten Wall
You may send a card to Treston Wall, 433 S. Cherokee Strip, Brownstown, Ill. 62418.
Fayette County HCE Board met …
… on Monday at the Extension office in Vandalia, with eight members present.
Board President Flo Allen called the meeting to order and led the pledge to the American flag.
First Vice Debbie Segrest read the October minutes in the absence of Secretary Joyce Mueller and made corrections as suggested.
The financial report was given by the club treasurer, Connie Green, which included the amount earned by the club’s recent vendor market held at Unity Baptist Church.
Anna Jean Rhodes, second vice, reported on the present membership.
Allen passed a sample invitation around and suggested a possibility of using a similar one for the Fayette club to use in the future.
Donna Blair, Community Outreach/Family Issues/CVH, reminded all of the need and importance of mutual respect among people; and reminded members of the approaching date to enter the IAHCE Illinois Great American Family, and gave the needed informational and application  papers to Panzi Blackwell.
A reminder was given by Blair that the CVU/volunteer hours report forms need to be turned in by Dec. 15, with the member’s the full name and other needed information plainly printed on the CVU  report form.   
Blair also introduced a possible project regarding a military man deployed in a foreign country who is creating a rock garden honoring soldiers serving in that country. She has further information for those who are interested.
Allen announced there was a request for recipes for left-overs.
Following discussion, it was decided the Fayette HCE Board Christmas dinner will be held Dec. 18 at
11 a.m. at Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Vandalia.
In lieu of a gift exchange, each member is to donate $5, which will be given to Lighthouse Pregnancy in Vandalia.
Discussed was the possibility of a speaker for the January board meeting. More information will follow.
Attending were Flo Allen, Debbie Segrest, Ashley Davis, Connie Green, Donna Blair, Anna Jean Rhodes, Rachel Graves and Panzi Blackwell, and a guest, Ashley Davis’ baby granddaughter, Addilynne.
Brownstown First Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Terry and Susan Smith, and led in song by Cathy Smith, Adrienne Kinney and Mallory Wise, accompanied by pianist Robin Lovett and guitarists Walt Kinney and Chuck Enlow. Special music was contributed by Kristina Larimer. Duane Willms led the Communion meditation.
The morning message was delivered by Jim Quick, manager of Bond Christian Service Camp in Mulberry Grove.
Also serving: Sunday school nursery, Faye Schwarm; a.m. nursery, Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship, Amanda Koehler and Shannon Claycomb; Quest-4-Christ, Q-4-C team; and shut-ins-Don Willms and Duane Willms.
Announcements
• Revival-Dec. 1-2 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mike Smith from Mt. Auburn will be preaching.
• Leadership meeting-Monday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
• Ladies’ Christmas supper & Secret Sister reveal will be Friday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. More info to follow.
• Love packages-If you have Bibles or devotional material that are unused, the church will take them to Love packages. Put them in the clear plastic tote in the library.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianists Bette Stolte and Betty Miller played the prelude as the congregation of United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning services.
Carol Henna served as liturguist, and Mannie Orr and Junior Williams as ushers.
Emma Lwao and Zacyden Pierson lighted the altar candles.
Pastor Don Thomas greeted all, recognized the birthdays and anniversaries, shared the announcements and prayer list and led in prayer.
The anniversary song was sung to Betty and Junior Williams.
Thomas delivered the morning message following the Scripture lesson.
The adult class was led by Flo Allen. The children’s   worship was led by Jarin Evans.  
Announcements
• Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.-All-church Christmas potluck at Brownstown Church. Emmanuel Church invited.
Plates will be taken to shut-ins at 5 pm. Offerings go to United Methodist Building at Lawrenceville and Spero Family Services in Mt. Vernon.
Special request
The last Sunday of each month, each church is asked to donate some canned foods to the food pantry. They are greatly needed.