Brownstown-Sefton News-Nov. 25, 2010

By Panzi Blackwell

A Voice Welcomed Into Heaven
On Monday morning, word was received of the passing of Lawrence Brown, a man who had shared his beautiful singing voice with others for most of his life.
He had sung with several different quartets over the years, and he and son, Dewayne formed a singing group in 1992, which became the Fourgiven Quartet and is still one of the favorite inspirational groups in this and surrounding areas.
Last fall, at the urging of many fans, the Fourgiven Quartet made a CD entitled “Thank Him for the Miracle.” The members of the Fourgiven are Lawrence, Dewayne, son-in-law, Russ Stewart, and friend, Bob Culbertson.
Several months ago, Lawrence approached me and asked if I had heard the song he sang at church the proceeding Sunday. Regretfully, we had missed that Sunday. Later, he told me he was going to sing the song again and hoped that I would hear it. I did that time and was touched by the words.
The name of the song was “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet.”
As he was ill at the time, the song had special meaning, and was included on their CD.
In a recent conversation Lawrence said, “We have been to a lot of wonderful places, but what I like about it is you meet so many wonderful people. We have never set a price on our concerts.”
Through the loss of his wife, Barb, and the loneliness, his own illnesses and hospitalizations, he never missed a concert and he continued to be an inspiration to all that knew him.
His signature song at their concerts was “The Lighthouse”…I feel “Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet,” was his “good-bye” to his beloved family and his many friends.
There is no doubt Lawrence is now singing his praises of Jesus in Heaven, as he did here on earth, at Jesus’ feet.
Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with his son, Dewayne; his daughter, Julie and husband, Russ; and his grandchildren.
He left you a legacy to carry on.  “Thank Him for the Miracle”…and for our precious memories.
Thanksgiving Day Thoughts On The Homestead…
…As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we are looking forward to being with our families and loved ones, with feelings of joy and thankfulness, but also with feelings of poignancy as some beloved faces are missing from some gatherings.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are facing this, their first Thanksgiving without a special loved one(s).
We are thankful for the memories we have of those no longer with us, and have faith that we will one day see them again in the beautiful place of no tears.
To our readers and contributors, thank you and have a blessed Thanksgiving.
UMC Announcements
Wolf Creek Cluster Advent Service will be held at the Brownstown United Methodist Church on Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. Rev. John Eisfelder of St. Elmo UMC will bring the message.
The offering will go to the United Methodist Children’s Home in Mt. Vernon. Fellowship and finger foods will follow in the fellowship room.
Brownstown UMC All-Church Christmas Dinner & Program…
…will be held Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., at the Brownstown United Methodist Church. Offering will be given to the United Methodist Village in Lawrenceville, and the United Methodist Children’s Home in Mt. Vernon. Emmanuel Church members are invited guests. Plates will be taken to shut-ins.
“Remnant Fairy” Mystery Solved
None other than the very nice lady, Elizabeth Kasten, left the mysterious sack of material on Flo Allen’s doorknob last week.
She was helping out with the “Little Dresses for Africa” project by the Fayette County HCE units, by donating material.
Reported Home Delivery…
…(likely a result of a visit to the  turnip patch) by Donnie Smail to local residents.
Brownstown Area
Community Thanksgiving Service
Approximately 100 were in attendance for the Community Thanksgiving Service held at the Brownstown United Methodist Church Sunday evening.
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude, and Dr. David Bigley extended the welcome and led the opening prayer.
All joined in singing songs of praise. Special music was contributed by the following churches: First Christian Church featuring a solo by Matthew Smith; the children’s choir of First Baptist Church of Brownstown; the adult choir of Liberty Christian Church; and a Thanksgiving reading by Flo Allen of the United Methodist Church.
The offertory son, “What Gift Can We Bring,” was played as an offering was taken for the ministerial alliance to be used in the community where needed. Dr. Olen Evans read scripture and delivered the message. Two Thanksgiving Prayer poems were included in the printed programs.
Brownstown Residents
Attend Charge Conference
Several from the Brownstown-Sefton area attended the Charge Conference held at the Altamont United Methodist Church on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m.
These attending included Dr. David Bigley, Jim and Connie Green, Phyllis Bruno, Carol Severns, Flo Allen, Louella Christensen, Marilyn Yakel, and Ben and Billyanna Forbis.
Fayette County HCE Board Meets
Eleven members attended the Fayette County Health and Community Education Board meeting on Nov. 12 at the Extension Office in Vandalia.  
President Flo Allen called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. and led the pledge to the American flag. Roll called by secretary, Mary Smith, was answered by: Flo Allen-president; Phyllis Pryor-first vicepresident, Joyce Moore- co-second vice-president; Irene Reed-Family Issues; Dorothy Harpster-treasurer; Shirley Klitzing-International and Cultural Enrichment; Panzi Blackwell-Public Relations; and members at-large, Karen Denning Karen Hyde and Evelyn Probst.
Anita Smith, Community Outreach director, made an early appearance, but had to leave due to an appointment.
Following the roll call, secretary Smith read the board notes from the October board meeting. Treasurer Dorothy Harpster gave the treasurer’s report and gave a copy of it to each one present.
The first vice president, Phyllis Pryor, reported on attending the Bond County HCE Craft Fair, and brought a sample Christmas tree ornament she made at the fair.
She explained the construction of the fabric Christmas tree and gave a copy of the pattern and instructions to each member.
The co-second vice president, Joyce Moore, reported the death of St. Elmo Unit member Jean Frieder.
Shirley Klitzing, Cultural Enrichment, reminded the members of the “Get Acquainted Day” date of April 14. Panzi Blackwell is to contact Susanne Koberczkey to do a presentation.
Klitzing also reported on favorable comments she has heard about the International Dinner speaker, the Rev. John Eisfelder, who spoke on Israel.
Irene Reed, Family Issues director, suggested a possible project for the FC HCE, of sending supplies to the military troops. Reed is going to seek more information on the program.
Mary Smith mentioned a project her unit is involved in with the Friendly Neighbors club ladies making lap robes.
Allen reported that she received a telephone call from 50-year HCE member, Ruby Grandfield Thompson’s nephew, stating that she had suffered a stroke on Halloween evening while attending a party.
A former long-time active resident of Fayette County, she moved to Texas several years ago. She retained her HCE membership and kept up with the activities through the newspaper items. She can also be remembered as a 4-H leader.
An update was given on the status of the HCE fundraiser, the $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate raffle. The drawing will be held on Dec. 20 at the board Christmas party.
The Christmas party will be held at the Ponderosa in Vandalia. A $5 donation to the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center will be given in lieu of a gift exchange. Panzi Blackwell is to contact the Pregnancy Center.
Allen reminded the members of the deadline for turning in the CVU hours on the forms provided by Dec.31.
Allen read two original poems about Thanksgiving.
The meeting adjourned at 11 a.m.
Brownstown UMW Meet
The Brownstown Unit of United Women met November 18, at 7 p.m. in the United Methodist Church. Carol Severns called the meeting to order, gave the mission report and led in prayer.
Business discussed included upcoming events and signing birthday and get well cards for friends and neighbors. A Christmas card was sent to missionary Miquel Arenas Herrea in Uruguay.
Severns attended the officers’ update in Newton on Nov.13. She reported it was an informative meeting. Browmstown Unit achieved Rainbow status this year.
World Thank Offering was observed. Marilyn Yakel led a Devotional with Carol Henna reading a narration based on Mark 14:3 0 8. The offering was taken for the Cunningham Children’s Home.
Sheperadist Shirley Hardner was present to present a program on the Cunningham Children’s Home.
The home for children, owned and funded by the United Methodist Children, has come a long way since 1894, when Judge Joseph and Mary Cunningham donated their expansive country home in Urbana to the United Methodist Women with the stipulation it would always be used to give a home to children.
Today, along with a residential home, Cunningham offers many programs and services to many troubled children and youth.
The operation has the approval of the Illinois Department of Children Services and the State Board of Education. Much of the funding comes from United Methodist Churches and UMW units, such as Brownstown’s, and the generosity and work of their members. It is truly a work to be proud of.
All present enjoyed pumpkin cake and apple cider in the Fall décor atmosphere of red and yellow leaves and pumpkins. Thanks to Billyanna Forbis for the decorations and cider, and to Connie Green for the delicious cake.
Members attending the meeting were Carol Severns, Marilyn Yakel, Phyllis Bruno, Luella Christensen, Flo Allen, Connie Green, Carol Henna, Betty Miller and Billyanna Forbis.
The next meeting will be the church Christmas potluck held at the Brownstown United Methodist Church on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Winters is New Assistant Coach
During the Nov. 15 Brownstown Board of Education regular session. Jared Winters was hired as the new assistant high school boys fall basketball coach.
The board also approved, discussed, or acted on the following:
•Approved a resolution requesting the county board to place the 1-percent sales tax on the April ballot;
•Discussed the proposes 2010 tax levy, and set a public hearing on the tax levy on Monday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
•First reading was conducted on the School Board Policy Updates.
Brownstown United
Methodist Church
Pianist Bette Stolte played the prelude as the congregation of the United Methodist Church gathered for Sunday morning worship.
Bradley Schwarms lighted altar candles. Pastor Bigley welcomed those present and reviewed the announcements, prayer concerns, and led the opening prayer.
He announced the birthdays and anniversaries and birthday greetings were sung to Flo Allen. Allen served as liturgist, and Hubert Williams and Bradley Schwarms presented the offering.
Bigley led the children’s time, delivered the sermon and closed with the benediction. Jenna Townsend led the children’s worship and fellowship. Flo Allen and Louella Christensen led the adult classes.