Groundhog Day 2026

Punxsutawney Phil, the world's most famous furry forecaster, popped out of his burrow this morning and predicted six more weeks of winter, much to the disappointment of some of his legions of adoring fans.

See the Groundhog Hymn being sung at Stevensville UMC - Stevensville, MT at this link (Charles was pastor there, 2013-2019).

The Groundhog Hymn (to the tune "Praise the Lord" by Natalie Sleeth, The Faith We Sing, #2020):

1. Praise the Lord for the woodland creatures,

praise the Lord for the garden guests,

praise the Lord! for by them our lives are blest.

Praise the Lord for the scamp'ring squirrels,

praise the Lord for the graceful deer,

praise the Lord for the sounds of nature we hear.

Praise the Lord for the humble woodchuck,

praise the Lord for the mouse and mole,

praise the Lord for the backyard visits that sustain our soul.

Praise the Lord for the wildlife near us,

praise the Lord as we watch them play

praise the Lord; always send a smile their way.

2. Praise the Lord for the change of seasons,

praise the Lord for the gifts they bring,

praise the Lord for the loveliness of spring.

Praise the Lord for the warmth of summer,

praise the Lord for the colors of fall,

praise the Lord for the beauty of it all.

Praise the Lord for the cold of winter,

praise the Lord every Groundhog Day.

Praise the Lord! It won't last forever!

That's what the shadows say!

Praise the Lord for the gift of laughter,

praise the Lord for a silly song,

praise the Lord, always try to sing along.

©2008 F. Richard Garland. Published by The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203.

Two pieces for Belinda's Office

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Carnevale Mystique

6" flowerpot

Using colors that were used for the light/outlet covers (for the Chamber of Commerce offices), Charles created a colorful planter and a painting for Belinda's office.

Art Center Project

Getting the word out to the community

Liquid acrylic

First step in a Mondrian-theme

Charles is taking part in an Art Center project that will hopefully bring more awareness to the Center's activities. These disks are being painted by the Art Center board members and will placed around the town.

A sign of the times

Belinda has her own office with a chair, computer, phone, and a door! And now, she has a name plate to tell people just who she is!

Boxes in the basement

Charles has begun the organization of buttons not currently on the button display panels. Wesley was checking on Charles' progress and seemed to be showing some concerns about the sudden appearance of moving boxes! For the record, we are NOT moving!!

More art on display

Vårförnimmelser (green painting by window)

"On Green Mountain" (to the left by woman's head)

The Silent City (multi-colored piece)

Charles is among several dozen members of the Albert Lea Art Center who have pieces in the current Annual Members Show. He has three pieces in this show plus another seven in the Featured Artist exhibition.

Underway in Glenville

We began the New Year with the Glenville UMC family with worship on a very cold and windy day!