A busy week in Albert Lea

Lots of fun at the Chamber After-hours

Belinda is on the job!

Legion Post #56 

Charles' Legion cap

It's been a busy week for us with three worship services on Sunday, American Legion meeting on Monday, Chamber of Commerce After-hours on Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and more to come!

The warm weather we enjoyed earlier in the week has given way to blustery, even snowy weather.

Lenten season is underway

Glenville UMC

 

Thorne Crest chapel

We got the season of Lent underway last Sunday with the Imposition of Ashes at Glenville UMC and then today, Charles offered an Ash Wednesday service at Thorne Crest.

Another painting completed

Dominica in Palmis De Passione Domini
(Palm Sunday on the Passion of the Lord)

Charles completed a new painting today which will be used during the upcoming Lenten Season at Glenville UMC.

It's a "false spring" in Albert Lea

With the long, cold, winter we've had in southern Minnesota this year, this week has seen a steady increase in temperatures. This weekend will see temperatures in the mid-50s! It's what locals call a "false spring" because winter isn't finished with us yet. Today, Charles spotted a pickup truck on Fountain Lake, the ice is at least 10" thick!!!

Studio time

Charles spent some time in the studio this morning, making early moves on what will be the first in a new series of liturgical paintings.

Big Island Rendezvous fundraising dinner

Tonight's fundraising dinner in support of this year's Big Island Rendezvous was a lot of fun, and the silent auction saw us leave with two items!

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.