“If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

Saturday late afternoon, many friends of Ken and Judy Jacobs began arriving at their home in upper north Prairie Queen Community for a surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration. These friends were among those who for many years came to their New Year’s Eve parties. Some came from out of state and cities to greet their dear friends Ken and Judy. Their daughter and husband, Tracy and Monty Weeks, and son and wife, Wade and Jasmine Jacobs, arranged the surprise party. Guests brought food like they do for those New Year’s Eve potluck dinner parties of many years. Chuck Niquette came from Tennessee, and Mike Foley and Dave Krueger came down from the mountains for the party. Best wishes to this dear couple, Ken and Judy.

Saturday in the town of Kit Carson was the fifth year of the “Junkin’ and Jivin’” annual celebration. It was sponsored by the Kit Carson Chamber, with yard sales in homes or outside or along the streets. The map of these events and games was organized by several ladies and maybe some media. I heard the names of Patsy States, Tracy Weeks, Jasmine Jacobs, and Marla Darnell.

Monday morning in Kit Carson, parents or caretakers took children to Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church at the south end of Main Street for four days of joyful singing and Bible stories. They enjoyed doing crafts and playing games at break and having yummy refreshments. My experience with this Bible school extends from the 1950s. I know that it is very important for children and youth. It is educational for children in the sixth or upper grades and college age to assist the teachers in the Bible story room, craft room, singing, and games, as well as kitchen for snacks. There will be a closing program Friday morning after 11:00 a.m.

Here in Eads, Vacation Bible School was scheduled at Praise Community Church under the leadership of Deborah Gooden and her support helpers, who have a good VBS for Eads and the area youth.

John Leon of Tribune, Kansas, was the afternoon highlight at Weisbrod Health Facility last week. We started out with the residents and guests under the nice umbrellas in the courtyard, looking up to the balcony. Seventh grade student Decca Brown began to sing a pretty song when it began to sprinkle rain. Thus, the lovely setting was moved inside so we could continue to listen to John.

Donna (Watts) Parker of Missouri visited relatives around Eads and the nursing home last week. She was accompanied by her niece, Mona, from Illinois. They planned to attend the wedding of Shelly (Watts) and Scott Pearcey’s son, Luke, to Erin. Many other relatives from the areas that are related to this family traveled to attend this large wedding. One of our dear nurses, Connie, and her husband, Neil Richardson, went up to watch their son, Wes, as a groomsman at the wedding and to visit relatives.

We have had an interesting weekend here at Weisbrod because several teenage or college girls have been hired for the summer. Some of the girls we knew casually, but now it is fun to really get to know their personalities. One attractive girl is from Lincoln, Nebraska, named Lilly. She has a grandmother who works here.

There are so many children’s ball games this month that it is seemingly impossible for me to tell you dates of playtimes, so I suggest that you ask their parents what town they are playing in, which night, and at what time.

Friends of Barbara Seay and Mike Arth were so glad to see them when they came down from Colorado Springs to place flowers on her husband’s grave and to visit friends around Eads.

It was nice to have Ron Mannering from Lamar come to Eads to Weisbrod Health and Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community Sunday afternoon to share God’s word and songs with us.

These are the weeks across the state that most members of the 4-H clubs are beginning to work on their 4-H projects.

Molly and Jonathan Rosler of Limon were given a nice baby shower Sunday afternoon. Molly’s mother, Jodi Stolzenberger, and her grandmother, Gail Voss, were pleased with the lovely gifts the couple received for the little girl, who is expected to come in July or before.

Eads senior citizens, do remember these dates for good food and times at the senior center on Maine Street: June 4, for brunch and fellowship at 10:00 a.m. Monday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. are the coffee hours for men and women. Every Tuesday night there is card playing at the center also. Sometimes there are meetings of interest groups or lessons. Our community is blessed to have such a nice meeting place compared to our history.

In the meantime, I observe that most citizens in southeast Colorado are enjoying rather peaceful, happy lives. For that I am so thankful to God.

Peace be with you all.