Kelley and Nick Bunting hosted a birthday party honoring Cheryl Hillman at their Burr Oak home last Tuesday evening. Attending for cake and visiting were Jessica Barnes, Greg and Brynlee Manning, Tabitha, Braiden and Makaya Juarez, Walt and Peggy Wilson and Cliff and Glenny Barnes.

The Burr Oak Fire Department held its monthly meeting last Wednesday at the Fire Hall. A supper of chili and potato soups and grilled cheese sandwiches was served before the meeting. Attending were Cody Volker, Bryan Boyles, Kurt Warrelmann, Jarett Yelken, David Belden, Walt Wilson, Tim Warner, Doug Boyles, Gene Underwood, Mike Harris, Scott Yelken, Steve Cosand, Tammy Cosand, Tom Harris, John Tucker and Jim Harris.

Wanda Frasier visited Josh Frasier and family on Friday evening in Hastings.

Cliff and Glenny Barnes attended the final youth basketball games of the season at the Red Cloud High School on Saturday. Jerzie Ord, a sixth grader, played in two games, both of which the Red Cloud team won. Remington Ord, a third grader, played in two games, with one win and one loss. Thomas Ord, a fifth grader, played in one game that the team lost.

Lora Lerhling, Mankato, was a recent visitor at Wanda Frasier’s home. Lora and Wanda were both graduates of Lebanon High School.

Saturday evening. Braiden Juarez was the honored guest at the home of Nick and Kelley Bunting to celebrate his ninth birthday. Attending, besides Braiden, Nick and Kelley, were Tabitha and Makaya Juarez, Cheryl Hillman, Peggy Wilson, Jessica Barnes, Cliff and Glenny Barnes, Brynlee Manning, Morgan McMains, Savannah Warrelmann, and Nolan Harris. After Braiden opened his gifts, two kinds of birthday cakes and ice cream were served.

The Nazarene Church service opened with Gary Garman giving announcements, prayer requests and praises, one being that Wilma Roesti welcomed another great-grandson. Gary also led singing choosing the songs "Victory in Jesus,” "What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and "Gentle Shepherd.” After playing the piano for the song service, Lola Wilson had the special, playing the CD, "The Love of God". The ushers were Marion Belden and Dale Park.

After praying for the requests, Pastor Tom Korb chose the subject of love for his sermon in honor of Valentine’s Day. He took the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians, the love chapter, for his text. He read the words of the song, " I've Found a Friend in Jesus.” What a wonderful thing to have Jesus for your friend. He also mentioned the song, "Why Does He Love Me So?" Pastor Tom presented three facts about love. God loves us; we return love to Him; and we love others, including those who despitefully use us and those who are mean and unkind to us. Love conquers all. Service was closed in prayer.

Opening the Sunday morning worship service at the United Methodist Church with announcements and the Call to Worship was Pastor Les Ellis. Those included in prayer concerns were Shelly and Bernice Harris and Vern and Shirley Snyder. Joys shared were fun times at the football party.

Chosen for the message was At the Beautiful Gate of the Temple” with Acts 3:1-19 as scripture. This scripture tells us of the man who was born lame and brought to the temple daily hoping to receive gifts. One day he encountered Peter and John going in the Temple. When they gave him their attention, the man expected to receive a gift. However, Peter told him that silver and gold he did not possess but he would give him what he did have. Whereupon Peter told the man to get up and walk. The man’s ankles and knees became strong and he began dancing about and praising God. If we were to possess many riches, it would not compare to what God freely has to offer us through his son, Jesus Christ. Matt Boyles served as an usher with Dee Reed at the piano. Fellowship time was hosted by Larry Gillett.

“L-O-V-E Is a Four-Letter Word” was the title of Richard Cox’s message at the Burr Oak Christian Church on Sunday morning. His selected scripture reading was 1 John 4:7-10, 17-19. Unconditional love comes only from God. We may find temporary love through the people around us or through favorite possessions but true unconditional love comes only from God. We all grow and change as human beings and sometimes our love comes and goes, but God never changes in his love for us. He loves us and his grace is toward us. He is the constant that we can depend on. Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us. Everywhere, every moment, he is loving us, even when we are unlovable. Even those people who have never experienced God’s love are loved by God and He is just waiting for them to seek Him so He can pour that love out on them and into their lives. Two great commandments were given by Jesus. Those two commandments were to love God and to love others as ourselves. Jesus knows everything about us and he still loves us through His amazing grace.

The Burr Oak Community Library winter concert series continues from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. This series features Savanna Chestnut and Casey Dailey.

The annual Pancake-Sausage Supper sponsored by the Burr Oak Community Club will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday evening. This will be a community appreciation supper with no offering taken. Come out and enjoy some good food and fellowship time.