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Brownstown-Sefton News

Settling In & Settling Down
Josie, the going-on-14-year-old “puppy” is becoming accustomed to her new home (as we humans also are), and often just goes and naps on her little bed under the kitchen window and near the AC vent. She has also reclaimed her couch corner, which had not been moved here for a few days. With the furniture here, she seems to be more contented and “at home.”

As for us Homestead humans, we are still working on it. As we are getting our pictures and other mementoes in place, we, too, are getting more settled in and we are comfortable and relaxed.
We are HOME TOGETHER and that says it all.
With pictures on the walls and items placed here and there in the bedroom, Bill doesn’t feel like he is in a motel room any more.
Smoky and his “stable mates” the mini-horses, Lady and Sugarfoot, have not made the move yet, as we need to build them a shelter first.
Callie, the Kitty, has yet to come to our new home, but we want to be home for her all day when she makes the move. We have been so busy and having to leave so much, we haven’t brought her yet.
I have always heard that cats are difficult to move to a different home and sometimes will not stay there, but as we are still on the same property, just a quarter mile up the lane, we think she will adapt OK.
Rhonda and Blackie hens are laying eggs as usual, so they must not realize yet what is going on. We will be glad when all the critters are with here with us.
New Horizons (of a Different Kind)
We are encountering more new horizons, other than the view out our windows, that is. “Dave” from DISH arrived to hook our television up, so we have a very clear picture now.
There are too many trees around our “house in the woods,” so this is our first experience with anything other than a TV antenna and (for the last year or two) the “little black box.” Dave was very nice, and he showed and explained everything to us, but all we heard seemed to go out the door with him. He did leave literature and an 1-800 trouble number, so we will conquer this new horizon.
He was really very nice and helpful and we offered to adopt him. (He declined; he probably suspected we had a barn that needed cleaned out).
There is also the dishwasher to figure out and use, hopefully without flooding the kitchen floor. As I had included a dishwasher on my “want” list when I was in rebellion about leaving the woods, I guess I better use it.
There are still cartons and boxes here and there to unpack and place, and I haven’t even begun to bring my treasured books here yet, but the bottom line is … we do really like our new-to-us home, and the view here is great, from most all angles, even the septic tank is new …but we kind of feel like the Clampetts of the Beverly Hillbillies.
We appreciate …
… the patience of all (editors, readers, callers and contributors) during this time of the illnesses, accident and loss of members of our families and of moving, as phone calls were missed, notes misplaced, etc. etc. and etc!
Company Came Calling …
Visitors to the: Little House on the Prairie/Pasture were: Phillip and Mendi Snow and daughter Bailey from Indiana; Jim and Sarah Depew of Springfield; Bill’s sisters, Jane and husband, Earl Pipes of Versailles, Mo., and Ava Taylor of Mulberry Grove; Stephanie Blackwell of Vandalia; and our “Merry Movers” from Decatur-Don and Jill Jenkins, Jeremy and Lindsey Gatewood and Destiny, Gage and Emily.
Announcements
By the time you read this, NADINE will be packing her suitcase … to come to the Vandalia American Legion Home on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 and 7 p.m. Nadine, from RFD-TV’s Larry’s Country Diner, is bringing Nashville Country Music and Grand Ole Opry stars Joey and Rory.
Nadine is a good friend of the Friends of the Brownstown Branch Library and is traveling here to help out. Tickets may be purchased at the library, 120 Main St., Brownstown, or call 427-3853 or fax 427-3088.
Brownstown/St. Elmo Sports Boosters Fourth Annual Fish Fry
Friday, Sept. 13 – 4-7 p.m. at the Brownstown Elementary cafeteria. All-you can-eat walleye, popcorn shrimp, chicken strips, potato salad, cole slaw, apple sauce, baked beans, steak fries, hush puppies and drinks. The cost is: adults-$9; kids 12 and under-$5. Also carry-outs will be available for $9. There will also be homemade desserts,  50/50 drawing and raffle.
Brownstown First Christian Church Afterschool Program
Extreme Zone – The after-school program for Elementary School children grades K-5, meets each Wednesday after school. The church van will pick up those attending at the school and take them to the church building.
A snack, recreation, singing and a Bible lesson will be enjoyed by the students. Parents will need to pick up their children at 5 p.m.
If anyone wishes their child to attend, they may do so by signing a consent form at the school office.
This program lasts throughout the school year on Wednesdays when there is school.
Annual Baptist Association to Meet at Brownstown Baptist Church
The annual Baptist Association meeting for all Baptist Churches in the Rehobath Association will be this Saturday at Brownstown Baptist Church at 4 p.m. A meal will be served.
Golden Years Club Potluck Meeting Tuesday at Noon
All seniors are welcome to join in for good food, conversation and a good time.
• Sefton HCE Meeting is next Thursday at the Golden Years Club building.
• Revival at Wren Bridge, under the Cross on September 20-22, at 7 p.m. Pastor Don Thomas will deliver the messages.
Roundup on U.S. Route 40 & A Tip of the Hat to Darren Lurkins …
… who pulled his car over along the shoulder of U.S. Route 40 recently to herd an escaped cow back into its fence. Three other drivers stopped to offer assistance.
It was still light enough that other motorists could be warned of the cow until it went back through the fence and into its pasture.
The name, Darren Lurkins, is familiar to any who have participated in, or followed the cattle shows and competitions at the county fairs, as he has successfully showed cattle in the 4-H competitions for several years.
A tip of the hat also to the other motorists who also stopped to help.  
Local Celebrations
Birthdays-Deb Evans, Tammy Barker and Matt Howard.
Golden Years Club Meets
Twenty-four members and friends were present at the Golden Years Club meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The club president, Pastor Don Thomas, greeted all present,  recognized the September birthdays and anniversaries, and invited them to be served first following the blessing for the potluck meal, which he led.
Among the bountiful meal dishes were cucumbers from the community garden, corn donated by Glen and Pam Gurtner (picked by Pastor Don) and bell peppers donated by Jeff and Renee Kelly.
Following the meal, Thomas called the meeting to order. Treasurer Don Smail gave the financial report. Pat Wojnan read two pages of church bulletin bloopers.
A photograph was taken of Robbie Durbin and DeeDee Diveley, members of the Sefton Home and Community Education Unit who had collected 57 telephone books for an HCE project.
From Brownstown Christian Church
The Ladies Bible Study which meets on Thursday nights, from 7-8 p.m., is starting a new Beth Moore study, entitled “Breaking Free.”
She uses the Book of Isaiah.
Church News
Brownstown Christian Church
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Walt and Adrienne Kelly as they gathered for the Sunday morning worship hour.
Following the greetings and announcements, the congregation was led in songs of praise by Cathy Smith, Judy Pilger, and Karen Underwood. Instrumentalists were: pianist Robin Lovett, guitarist Walt Kinney and drummer Mitchell Smith.
Terry Smith led the Communion meditation. Special music was contributed by a mixed quartet: Jack Shelton, Don Lovett, Susan Smith and Cathy Smith. Pastor Kevin Bonifacius delivered the message.
Also serving: Faye Schwarm-Sunday school nursery; Billie Enlow and Abby Enlow-toddler nursery; and Brent Keyes and Kevin Bonifacius-shut-ins.
Announcements
• Men’s Group study-Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the church.
• Ladies Bible study-Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the church.
• Baby shower for Gretchen Smith-Sunday, 2-4 p.m., in the church basement.
• Ladies fellowship-Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. in church basement.
• Palecek/Jachino Wedding-Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Nokomis. Reception to follow at the Hillsboro Knights of Columbus Hall.
• Bridal shower for Lauren Crocks (Travis Gould’s fiancée) will be Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-4 p.m., in the church basement.
• Baby bottle campaign will now run through Oct. 6.
• Moms and kids: Stop by the Library & see what is available for all ages.
But, especially, we want kids to come back in and check out the beautiful picture books. The library has been cleaned and moved around, so that it is easier for kids to look at the books.
First Baptist Church of Brownstown
Dr. Olen M. Evans extended the welcome to the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Brownstown, and led in the opening prayer. Pierce Strobel shared the announcements. The youngest children’s Sunday school presented the children’s sign offering. The offering was taken by ushers Joe Kelly, Rodney Deal, Jim Moore and Chris Moore.
The congregation was led in songs of praise by Rhonda Howard, Deanna Kestner, Rammy Barker, Sara Portz, Maisy Howard, accompanied by instrumentalistsAnn Robertson-keyboard; Nick Robertson-drums; Pierce Strobel-trumpet and Earl Crothers and Ed Wiekert-guitarists.
Announcements
Sunday at 4:45 p.m. is the kick-off party for the children’s Christmas program. Practice will be each Sunday.
• September items being picked up for the Baptist Children’s Home are cleaning products.
Place items in the basket in the foyer. There is a box in the library for the non-perishable items.
• Sunday School Teachers’ meeting-Sunday, Sept. 22, 5:30 p.m.
• Baptist Women meeting-Monday, 6-8 p.m.
• Practices for the children’s Christmas musical start next Sunday, Sept. 8 from 4:45-5:45 p.m.
• The Baptist Children’s Home Fall Festival is Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If interested in going to Carmi the night before, let Joyce Behrends know, so hotel accommodations can be made.
• September is State Missions Month. The BFBC goal this year is $900.
The annual State Missions Coffee House will be Sunday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. Various drinks pies and cookies will be served.
All donations go toward our goal.

 

Sefton Unit HCE members DeeDee Diveley, left, and Jeremy Durbin are shown with 57 telephone books they collected for an HCE project.

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