Making Others Smile!

Click on this sentence to see a video about this man's wonderful gift to others!  He says that dying has taught him how to live.  He says that "you have to do what you can to make people smile ... while you still have the chance."

Groundhog Day 2014

Punxsutawney Phil, the world's most famous fuzzy forecaster, popped out of his burrow Sunday morning and predicted six more weeks of winter, much to the disappointment for the crowd gathered at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania. 

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 the 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 for ever!
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.


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

Memorial Service for Margaret McElroy

The memorial service for Margaret Darlene McElroy was held today in the SUMC sanctuary.

The obituary for Margaret can be found at the Missoulian link.

Thanks to Julie Ludington for lending her talents by playing the piano.  Thanks to Paul Ludington for clearing the sidewalks following last night's snow. 

Thanks also goes to everyone who pitched in and helped with the reception today or have provided food for the family during this difficult time.

Another Video from Last Week's Church-wide Retreat!



A 2-minute explanation by Jeff Maguire (and friends) of what is a "missional church."
Click on this sentence to see it!

The missional church recognizes that every believer embodies the life of the church in his/her respective neighborhood.... at home, school, work, play.

Another Video Shown at Last Week's Church-wide Retreat

A modern day monologue version of the what the Woman at the well said to Jesus. This story can be found in John 4:3-30 in the Holy Bible. 
Click on this sentence, and you will see this great video:  "The Woman at the Well."

This was shown to highlight how important it is for each of us to get to know our neighbors!

What if church was like a NFL game?

Yes, it is Super Bowl weekend, so we thought we would share a video that was shown at last week's church-wide retreat... just for fun! 
Click on this sentence to see the video "What if church was like a NFL game?"

Prayer Request

Olivia Sherry asks for prayers for her partner Jeff's mother, Judy.  Early this morning, Judy and all family members living with her safely escaped a fire that engulfed their farmhouse in Ashtabula, Ohio.  Praise be to God that everyone escaped the fire.  However the home was completely destroyed.  Request prayers for needed restitution and healing.