“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Psalm 91-1

The annual community Thanksgiving service was an unforgettable worship service of thanks to the Lord. The local pastors, Lane and Deborah Gooden of the Praise Community Church, and Pastor Mark Imel of the First Christian Church, led the service where lay leader, Gail Voss, of the United Methodist Church, also attended with folk from several communities and other church families. I have been attending these services for 50 years or more, but what made this one more outstanding was hearing four adults give their testimony of what they were most thankful for. Those who shared were Karl Eikenberg, Pam (Brown) Weirich, Kevin Brown, and Cheryl (Simmons) Wyatt. They were followed by about 18 children and youth who stated a sentence of what they were thankful for. The medley of beautiful thanksgiving hymns and songs played on the piano and organ by Jimmy Brown was so gorgeous to us. The worship song leaders were Ashley Gooden, Cheryl Wyatt, and Brenda Fickenscher. After prayer, the families and friends enjoyed a bountiful Thanksgiving supper.

Saturday, December 3, the Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center is sponsoring the exciting opening of Christmas festivities in Eads. It runs from noon to 3:00 p.m. with fun activities in the KidsZone, plus vendors, and the local stores. Santa will arrive in Eads about noon, and that is always so colorful at the railroad crossing. Then Santa will leave the train or rail car to the greet children by the beautiful pine tree that the Southeast Colorado Power Association employees and students decorated. This is a great opportunity for photos and, at 7:00 p.m., for tree lighting and caroling. At 2:00 p.m., Corn Hole tournaments begin, and at 3:00 p.m., the talent show will begin in the Plains Theatre. Let’s make happy memories for the children.

Eads town employees, along with Jake Barnes and Jose Ramos from Southeast Colorado Power Association, hung the pretty Christmas lights on the Maine Street poles. Chris Sorensen took a photo of these lights in the snow last week, which made a wonderful cover for the Kiowa County Press. There will be a Parade of Lights after the lighting of the Maine Street pine tree. This is an entertaining chance to follow the Parade of Lights to see the homes lighted around town. People can even enter the contest by calling Dennis Pearson’s office or the Town of Eads office.

Jimmy Brown, local recording artist, rancher, and mortician at his three businesses in Eads, Cheyenne Wells, and Burlington, has a new plan. For about 80 years, the United Methodist Church hosted the Community Cantata. The singers practiced for about five weeks. The COVID epidemic and the deaths of key musicians caused us not to get to enjoy those concerts on the second week of December. However, Jimmy Brown has invited everyone to come to the Praise Community Church December 11, where he is arranging a night of Christmas music for everyone to sing, and we don’t need practice.

Zelpha (Woelk) Dienes called me to share that she and Barbara Wilson of the East End Senior Center in Towner, are selling pecans for their annual fund raiser for $13 per pound. One can call Zelpha at 719-729-3536 and Barbara at 719-691-5747. Both ladies have grandchildren in Eads, so they can bring them over for your cooking or snacking.

Karl and Sara Eikenberg have purchased the Haswell Gas and Propane Station. The local farm and ranch people and travelers are so happy to know that they won’t have to continue this worry of the lack of fuel for their vehicles and homes. We express our best wishes to the Eikenbergs, and prayers for a successful business venture in Haswell.

As we come near the end of our “Come to the Table” Bible study groups in our community, I have noticed that new and closer friendships are growing. This is such a blessing. And we have our own dear Lori Beth (Weirich) Elder and her friend from Tribune, Kansas, who came to introduce us to this concept and get us “organized into groups.” That is another thing the ladies and families are thankful for in this community.

About town, and at farm and ranch homes, there were many family gatherings last weekend, where people were thankful for their blessings and families. The large Watts families had their meal and fellowship at the Eads Senior Citizens Center. Many of the Jacobs families gathered at the Baptist Church. Cardon and Joyce Berry hosted a large family Thanksgiving dinner at the United Methodist fellowship hall. There was a big family gathering over at the Lessenden Ranch north of Arlington. They missed Paul, Glenda, and Colby Stoker, who were in Kentucky with Blake, Kodie, and new baby, Stetson. The dietary departments at Weisbrod Hospital and Prairie Pines Assisted Living Center had more special meals also. 

Thursday, December 1, at 10:00 a.m. is the Eads senior citizen brunch. One may bring a breakfast-lunch dish, or donate about $3, to enjoy visiting with others.

Thanks to artist Shelly Myers, who paints seasonal designs and messages on store fronts monthly. We like them!

Basketball and wrestling are in full swing at area schools, so do check the schedules to support your local school teams.

Enjoy your life. Happy Holidays!