UMW, 4-H, OES keep Hiattville area residents busy

Payton Vogelbacher spent the weekend with her grandparents Charles and Paula Brewer.

The 4-H club presented a Christmas program of music and reading at the Fire Station Wednesday evening, Dec. 12.

Thursday Dec. 13, the ladies of the church served lunch at the church for the family of Goldie Koppa.

Ideal Chapter 369 Order of the Eastern Star met Dec. 13 with Effie and Dean Mitchell presiding in the east as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. Mrs. Mitchell welcomed the members with a December poem.

A Memoriam was read for Burford Strader, past Grand Patron, and the Worthy Matron read the poem in memory of Ethel Smith, a 50 year member. The Charter was then draped in memory of both people.

Regular business was conducted. Beverly Davis reported on the school of instruction held at Galena on Dec. 1. Seven members had attended the school. Margaret McDermed gave the treasurer's report.

Correspondence included at letter in the form of a poem from the Worthy Grand Matron Isabel Adams and Worthy Grand Patron Mike Towner. An invitation to Coffeyville Chapter for the official visit of the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron on Jan. 3, 2008. A thank you letter from Judy Quick at the Masonic Home was read for the contribution the chapter had sent for the Good Deeds Fund.

During the Good of the Order, the group sang Christmas Carols.

Following the meeting, a variety of finger food was enjoyed. Bingo was played with Gayla Croan calling the numbers. Prizes were selected from the big selection of white elephant gifts brought by the members.

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brewer, Payton Vogelbacher and Clara Brewer attended the Christmas program at the Fort Scott Christian Heights school Friday evening, Dec. 14. The Charles Brewers took Clara out to eat before the program in honor of her birthday.

The Hiattville congregation enjoyed having the Community Christmas Cantata presented at worship Dec. 16. Cassie Schwalm and Nick O-Dell had solos during the performance. Morgan Whitaker was a welcome visitor.

The Schwalm family was in charge of lighting the third Advent candle, which was the patience candle.

That evening the youth of the church presented the Christmas program directed by Cindy Schwalm assisted by Loran Slater, Julie Fry and Ann Ludlum at the piano. The program, closed with a candle lighting service and prayer by Pastor Smith. On behalf of the church, gifts were presented to the pastor by the Schwalms. A time of fellowship was enjoyed after the program.

Jessica Schwalm is home form college for the Christmas vacation.

Beverly Davis and Clara Brewer delivered the Christmas packages for the five adopted families to the Community Christian Church Monday afternoon. Thanks to all who gave do generously to help make Christmas a little better for these families.

Hiattville United Methodist Women met Monday evening Dec. 17 with Glenda Miller presiding. The ladies were glad to welcome Mrs.Miller back after a few months being absent due to family illness and the death of her mother.

The meeting opened with all repeating the Purpose.

Roll call was answered with everyone telling their favorite hymn.

Minutes of the November meeting were approved as read. Mabel Miller gave the treasurer's report. A total of $63.62 had been collected at the World Thank Offering at the November meeting. Annual reports have been sent to the district officers.

Beverly Davis reported that the Koppa family had given a contribution to the unit in appreciation for the kindness to the family a the death of their mother. They also donated several things to the church for use in the kitchen.

Mabel Miller gave a brief report from the Response magazine in the absence of Dora Page.

Clara Brewer asked the unit to especially keep all of our missionaries in their prayers as so many are serving in places where they are really not very welcome.

A letter was read from Camp Chippewa asking for support. Christmas cards were signed by all for former members Oma Mitchell and Rose Page, also for Herman Werholtz, who is in the hospital at Pittsburg with pneumonia. Several soldiers will receive Christmas cars from the unit as will a couple of families in the community. The president stated that she would mail the cards.

Glenda and Mabel Miller were in charge of the program for the evening. The worship center had a tall lighted candle centered in a lovely Christmas wreath with an open Bible on an ivory place mat. The group listened to a recording for a Christmas program that had been presented at the church in 1994. The lesson closed with remarks by Glenda Miller and prayer.

Glenda Miller installed the 2008 officers, Beverly Davis, president; Patty Gauthier, vice-president; Lavone Page, secretary; Mabel Miller. Treasurer and Lorna Slater agreed to be the Spirit Growth Leader.

Many were listed for prayer concerns. A gift exchange was held with each one receiving her gift by playing Merry Christmas Bingo. Refreshment were finger foods brought by those attending. Mrs. Miller presented each one present with a 2008 pocket calendar. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14.