Opinion

Activities continue despite winter weather

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Ed McDaniel have returned from a trip to the Chicago area where they attended the funeral of Ed's sister-in-law Jeanne McDaniel. Also attending the funeral were Eddie McDaniel and Cindy Remingler.

Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Brown have returned from a trip to Reno, Nev., where they attended the National Convention of Soil Conservation Districts.

Mr. and Mrs. David Foster have returned from a trip to Minneapolis, Minn. where they attended the National Convention of Young Farmers and Ranchers.

Due to the ice storm on Feb. 11, U.M.W. ladies held their meeting on Feb. 13. President Beverly Davis presided. The meeting opened by all repeating the "Purpose." Nine members answered roll call by telling about their first friend.

Mabel Miller gave the treasurer's report. Devotions were given by Lorna Slater on Patience based on Romans 15:15. The "Response" moment was given by Dora Page about the U.M.W. work in Cameroon.

The lesson was presented by Clara Brewer. The Worship Center featured an open Bible, a small cross and a lighted candle placed on a colorful cloth. Several magazines and newspapers were scattered around the table. Each member was invited to go to select a magazine or a newspaper and look at the headlines.

Later, they were asked to read their headline and tell where they thought it was "good news or bad news" and why. This activity brought about much discussion.

It was decided at the end of the lesson that the best "good news" was the sharing of the love of Jesus with others.

The report from the prayer calendar was given by Clara Brewer. Mission work in Africa was the focus for prayer this month. Clara also shared a letter from Jared Witt, the chairman of The Beacon board, telling about the activities of Beacon for the past year.

The unit received an invitation to Mound City for March 4 for a brunch at 10 a.m. Several ladies indicated they would like to attend.

Plans were made for a Leap Year Party to be held at the church at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29. Everyone is invited to attend. Bring finger foods and enjoy fun and fellowship.

Many were listed for Prayer Concerns. the meeting closed with Prayer by Mrs. Davis. Lorna Slater was refreshment host for the evening and served sandwiches, apples, grapes and dip and cookies.

Ten valentine bags were put together for various members of the community and several in the nursing homes.

Ideal Chapter 369 O.E.S. met Feb. 14 with Effie and Dean Mitchell presiding in the East as worthy matron and worthy patron.

Mrs. Mitchell welcomed the 10 officers present with a Valentine poem. The charter was draped in memory of Past Grand Matron Patricia Hansen after the secretary read the memoriam for her.

The degrees of the Order were exemplified with Lynda Foster as acting candidate.

The treasurer's report was made by Margaret McDermed, who also gave the sunshine report. Get well cards had been sent to Agnes Armstrong, Betty Farmer, Marge Lewis and Ruth Lewis.

Beverly Davis reported that she and Lynda Foster had attended the funeral of Dale Wilson, husband of Glenna Wilson, Grand Matron in 2006-07.

During the Good of the Order, the worthy matron read interesting facts about Valentines Day.

The worthy patron had these words of wisdom to leave with the group. "The way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing."

As the conductresses collected the coin march, they passed valentine treats to each member, compliments of the worthy matron and worthy patron. The next meeting will be Feb. 28. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell will provide refreshments and also honor their officers that evening.

Delicious refreshments of apple crisp and ice cream were served by Gayla Croan. Matlie Nell Dixon gave her birthday offering. Feb. 14 is her birthday.

Visitors at worship Feb. 17 were Barbara Ludlum, Alex Miller and Chaffin Leggett. Don Gauthier, Ken Keeney and Matlie Nell Dixon gave birthday offerings. David and Cindy Schwalm gave their anniversary offering.

Pastor Andy Smith based his sermon on John 3:1-17.

Immediately following Sunday school, the monthly administrative board meeting was held with Ronnie Brown presiding. Reports of various committees were made by the chairmen of the committees.

Mr. and Mrs. John Slater enjoyed having two of their young FFA friends visit them over the weekend. Chaffin Leggett spent both Saturday and Sunday night with them and Randi came on Sunday and spent the night. On Monday, all enjoyed eating lunch in Girard and the young people returned to their homes.

Your correspondent is really enjoying seeing all the lovely red birds in her yard as well as several other kinds of birds.

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