By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333
My Christmas wish to one and all this holiday season is that you and your families have a very Blessed Christmas, please remember, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
Looks like the Christmas parties have started. On Monday evening, A.J.’s Bar and Grill held their annual party. Of course there was lots of good food and liquid refreshments.
Tuesday night, the Village of Brussels held their Christmas dinner and party at A.J.’s. More great food and drinks and it was a wonderful evening together.
On Wednesday, John and Florence Horman drove down from Quincy to Calhoun. From there, they were joined by Marietta and Rod Nolte and Marie Held of Brussels; Lucille (Horman) Sork’s daughter and husband, Mary Lou and Vernon of Fairfield; and Rita Wyatt of Alton. They all enjoyed a delicious meal at the Roundtable in Godrey, followed by a wonderful afternoon of visiting.
On Saturday, a Christmas get-together with dinner, visiting, and photo-taking was held at the home of Marietta Nolte, with 25 people present. Among those attending were Rod and Margaret Nolte and their family, and Cliff and Yvonne Nolte and their families.
Bernadine Hillen’s family were all together on Saturday for a great time. Lots of delicious food, opening of gifts, photo taking, and visiting took place. So happy they were all able to be together for an early Christmas party.
Sunday church service at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Brussels also included the Children’s Program. Each child participating told the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth and also sang many Christmas Carols. They also portrayed a live Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angels, Wise Men, and shepherds. Thanks to their teachers, Linda Halemeyer and Paula Wieneke. Olivia Brodbeck also sang a solo. Many thanks to all who participated, it was a wonderful service with Rev. Randy Fischer and thanks to his wife, Beth, for providing the music.
On Sunday, after church, I drove to Wright City, MO, to attend an early Christmas dinner and party at the home of my daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Dennis Scherer. Also present were Ashley Kirn, Noah and Adelaide of Wentzville; Ashley’s friend, Ben Ketcherside; Jamie and Joanie of Warrenton; Brittney and Daniel Holdinghausen and Sam of Festus; and Cyndi Axford of Chesterfield (whose hubby was out of town). Appetizers and beverages were served, then games were played, followed by the opening of gifts. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner, lots of desserts, and an evening of visiting. I stayed overnight and returned home late Monday morning. Many thanks to the Scherers for a great time!
Congratulations to Katherine Simon, who was crowned Queen at the Miss Illinois Queen of Crowns Pageant, Inc., held over the weekend. Katherine is the daughter of Carmen Simon of Brussels and Kevin Simon of Hardin. She is presently an intern at Midwest Employers Casualty Insurance and in her senior year of college, earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She plans to continue her education and earn her doctorate in physical therapy.
The county has been saddened lately by so many deaths; Mark Bowers, Raymond Brundies, and Steve Tepen of Hardin; Jane Pohlman formerly of Brussels; and Hugh Kinder of Godfrey (also has a home and farm in Golden Eagle). Deepest sympathy to all these families on the loss of their loved ones.
Birthday Blessings this week go to Angie Willman, Camden Bonner, Madison Willman, Samantha Macauley, Jayleigh Droege, Owen Macauley, Ruby Hagem, Barb Sperlo, Kris Hagen, Lea Miller, Ben Hanneken, Holly Swan, Joan Bonner, and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Derrick and Jan Bick, Bob and Liz Banghart, and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries this week.
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Christmas Prayer:
On this joyous day, oh Lord, let the light of Your gracious presence be seen to commemorate the wondrous birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph followed Your will that led them to Bethlehem, and now leads us to Your house of prayer to receive Him who comes to us in body and blood. May the joy of Christmas Day fill our hearts, minds, and souls through all our earthly days.
Amen.
