Hymn for Groundhog’s Day

Last night I came across a tweet posted by The Rev. Dean McIntyre of The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship  which said simply

 “The Woodchuck Hymn,” a hymn  for Groundhog Day (Feb 2) by Dick Garland

I was intrigued, and clicked on the attached link; and to my delight, I discovered that this charming new lyric was inspired by my friend, and former parishioner, The Rev. Anne Robertson.  The story related on Anne’s website about her humorously prophetic action at a meeting of the St. John’s United Methodist Board of Trustees is guaranteed to make you laugh.  Effective prophetic actions are often tinged with a dose of mean-spirited anger. Anne proves that does not always need to be the case.

I don’t know the author of this hymn, but I like the lyrics. The lyrics convey a sense of delight that is all too rare in worship. If I were still involved in worship planning, I would find a way to use it.  This hymn and it’s backstory could be the basis for an entire worship experience in the right situation–perhaps at a retreat, on Earth Day,  a Service for a Blessing of the Animals, or Creation Sunday. Let me know if  YOU use it. I think this hymn deserves to become known.