Brownstown-Sefton News

‘The Power of the Pen’
(or the keyboard, in this case)
“A funny thing happened on the way” out of a store in Effingham Friday. I was getting checked out at the cash register when a customer in line behind me asked if I was Panzi Blackwell. Surprised, (this was in Effingham) I said “yes.”
She said she never misses reading the column and began talking about the critters and mentioned the recent loss of Anita hen. She was very sympathetic as we discussed “the incident.”
She asked about Blackie (hen), and I shared that she wasn’t doing well, as she seemed so lonely and traumatized.
The cashier, an attractive and friendly young lady, spoke up and said her boyfriend’s dad had a lot of chickens and she was sure we could get one from him to keep Blackie company.
She didn’t know the man’s telephone number, so she wrote down her boyfriend’s telephone number.
We haven’t called him yet, but we really appreciate the interest and compassion shown to us by strangers in Effingham.
The nice lady who reads our column is named Sheila, and we appreciate her kind and really encouraging comments, and her interest in the column.
A Visit in Ellen’s Kitchen
We (the old Homesteaders, Bill & Panzi) visited with Don and Ellen Willms on Saturday.
Sitting at their kitchen table, we drank Ellen’s cappuccino coffee and talked. During the conversation, Don told us some interesting history about the homeplace on which they live.
His father was born in a log cabin that still stands on the grounds, preserved and protected within the barn. Don’s father, Harry Willms, was born and lived in the log house as a young boy, until Don’s grandparents built the present house in 1897. Don was born and reared in the present house.
The Willms family are well known for the grade A milk their dairy farm produced for many years and is still producing. Don and Ellen’s son, Duane, now manages the dairy farm, but Don still gets up early and helps with the chores.
Don and Duane named the farm the HarFan Dairy farm for Harry and Fannie Willms, Don’s parents.
Coming Up in Our Community
Brownstown Elementary Music Program
… Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., grades K-6 at the high school gym.
• Sefton HCE Christmas Party-Dec. 8, 11 a.m. at Ponderosa in Vandalia. $5.00 gift exchange.
• Golden Years Christmas Potluck Dinner –Dec. 13, at the G.Y. building. Take a $5 uni-gift (for both man or woman ) if wish to participate.
• Also, Free Blood Pressure Readings from 11 a.m.-noon, at the G.Y club building, prior to the Golden Years Christmas dinner on Dec. 13.
Coming & Going
Yakel and Christensen Attend Celebration
Marilyn Yakel’s brother, Joe Miller, and her daughter, Louella Christensen, attended a day of real celebration for his 80th birthday on Nov. 16 and for Thanksgiving at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, where he is a resident.
A bountiful Thanksgiving dinner was held at noon for the residents and their families. Joining Joe were his wife, Wanda; son, Terry; sister, Marilyn Yakel; and niece, Louella Christensen.
In the afternoon, Wanda held a birthday party there for Joe, serving birthday cake and drinks. It was attended by residents and family.
Joe grew up in Avena and attended high school in Brownstown.
They moved back to Charleston a few years ago after retiring from the ministry with the Church of God.
Tuesday, Louella Christensen and Marilyn Yakel enjoyed visiting Tuesday in the home of cousins Bobby Joe and Deloris Carroll of Ramsey to catch up on family history and pictures. Deloris served lunch when a break was taken at noon.
Catching Up with the Puleos & Debbie
Wednesday evening, Ken and Wanda Puleo and Debbie went to Findlay to see Ken’s grandnephew Jared Bunfill, play on the Okaw Valley junior high basketball team in a game against Mt. Zion. Okaw Valley won, 38-26. Jared made 13 of those points.
Brownstown First
Christian Church
Nov. 13
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Jack and Bonnie Shelton, and led in songs of praise by Joann Strobel, and Don and Robin Lovett, accompanied by pianist Susan Smith, drummer Tucker Willms and guitarists Chuck Enlow, James Schaible and Cody Cox.
Special music was presented by Jack Shelton, Susan Smith, Don Lovett and Cathy Smith. John Robinson delivered the message. Brent Keyes led the Communion meditation.
Also serving: Ellen Willms-Sunday school nursery; toddler worship-Ron and Tena Gould; Quest-4-Christ-Steve Storm and team; and Communion to shut-ins-Duane Willms and Steve Storm.
 Brownstown First
Christian Church
Nov. 20
The congregation of First Christian Church was greeted by Duane and Laura Willms, and led in songs of praise by Joann Strobel and Adrienne Kinney.
Musicans were drummer Tucker Willms, pianist Robin Lovett, flutist Kaitlyn Enlow and on guitars, Rick Cox, James Schaible, Walt Kinney.
Joann Strobel read scripture and Don Lovett led the opening prayer.
Kaitlyn Enlow contributed special music. John Robinson delivered the message entitled
Delbert Miller led the Communion meditation and prayer. John Robinson led the offering prayer and the closing prayer.
Also serving: Sunday school  nursery-Laura Willms; a.m. nursery-Marcia Pemberton; toddler worship-Karen Willms and  Bonnie Shelton; Quest-4-Christ-Brent and Janet Keyes, and team; Communion to shut-ins-Mitch Koehler and John Robinson; serving at the table-Brent Keyes, Delbert Miller, Bill Smith, James Schaible and Terry Smith; Communion prep-Ervin and Joyce Garrison; usher-Morgan Ptyor; librarian-Joann Strobel; PowerPoint –Penny Cox; and sound tech-Don Lovett.
Announcements
• Ladies Ministry will be  making a donation to Friendship Manor in St. Elmo for residents there who have no family nor friends that visit. The facility is open to any type of donations: monetary, afghans, flowers, etc. On Dec. 1, the women will collect names to purchase Christmas gifts for those who otherwise would not receive anything.
• Ladies Fellowship  Christmas brunch will be Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. Secret Sisters will be revealed at that time.
Brownstown United Methodist Church
Pianist Bette Stolte read the words and played the song, “I Ask The Lord,” for the prelude Sunday morning as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for worship.
A pamphlet, “The First Thanksgiving Proclamation,” was given out by Noah and Flint Reece, guests of Renna Kelly.
The birthday blessings song was sung for Bette Stolte and Flo Allen.
Don Thomas led in prayer. Hubert Williams and Betty Williams presented the tithes and offerings. Don Thomas delivered the sermon.
Jenna Townsend and Renna Kelly led the children’s 9 a.m. worship and Sunday school. Flo Allen led the adult class.
Announcement
• Nov. 27-Advent season begins. United Methodist Student Day. 4 p.m.-Wolf Cluster Creek Advent service at Fairview UMC.
Take finger foods to share. Ed Wojnar will bring the message. The offering goes to Cunningham Children’s Home.
• Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m.-Ladies are invited to the annual Christmas tea at First United Methodist Church in Vandalia, sponsored by the Vandalia UMW.
• Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.-Emmanuel Church Christmas dinner at their fellowship hall. Brownstown church members are invited; RSVP to Connie at 347-2203 by Nov. 27.
• Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.-All-church Christmas dinner and program at Brownstown Church. Meat will be furnished; take a dish or two to share. Sponsored by UMW.
Emmanuel Church is invited. Offering goes to UM Village Lawrenceville and UM Children’s Home, Mt. Vernon. Plates will be taken to shut-ins.