Bethel/Eastside FCE Chapter Focuses on Service, ‘Joy Spotting’ at April Meeting

The Bethel/Eastside Family and Community Education (FCE) club held its April meeting on April 9, gathering at the home of Pennye and Mary Mays with six members and their agent in attendance. President Gail Eubanks called the meeting to order, opening with the reading of the Club Creed.

Hostess Jean Wininger led the monthly devotion, discussing the topic of “No judging” and citing Matthew 7:1. For roll call, members shared their favorite movies. The treasury report was given and accepted, showing no change in the balance.

Community Service and Cluster Meeting Prep

The club reviewed recent community service success in old business: “Booboo bunnies” were delivered to the nursing home in time for Easter. Seventeen “meals in a bag” have been provided to the Carl Perkins Center this year.

A major topic of discussion was the upcoming cluster meeting, for which the Bethel/Eastside FCE is responsible for the breakfast. Plans are underway to feed approximately sixty people, with Gail Eubanks coordinating the coffee, tea, sugar, creamer, and artificial sweetener. The breakfast spread will also include a large fruit tray, bite-sized muffins, cheese sticks, and orange juice. Members were asked to arrive at the church by 9:30 a.m. to set up.

In the new business, the club voted to approve a $50 donation to the National Association to assist with their convention.

Educational Program: A Guide to Joy

Following the business session, Jean Wininger presented an educational program titled “A Joy Spotters Guide”. The guide encouraged members to find happiness in their surroundings by engaging their senses and perspective. Key tips included:

• Look up and look down: Notice things around you and see what is hiding at your feet.
• Find color: Identify what colors bring joy.
• Follow the curve: Remember that not everything is in a straight line.
• Seek out symmetry and abundance: Harmony brings joy, as do signs of plenty.
• Appreciate the tiny joys and the invisible: Examples include ladybugs, butterflies, wind, and light.
• Have an adventure: Go where the wild things are.
• Use all your senses and take the scenic route.
• Look for weirdness: Being unique can bring happiness.

Wininger concluded with the advice, “The more you look the more you will see. And always be kind”. The meeting’s conversation starter was, “What did you do that was naughty?”

Members are reminded of the following dates:

• May 1 — Cluster meeting in McKenzie.
• May 14 — Picnic at the lake (Next meeting, hosted by Gail Eubanks).
• May 28 — Spring Rally, where members should bring cultural arts.
• August 8–16 — Carroll County Fair. August 12 — Mini Conference.