Benld United Methodist Church - Groundhog's Day Celebration

A "Groundhog's Day Story" by E. Arthur Hurry, who served Benld Church 1957-1993.
Written 1995

"Groundhog's Day came about by accident. Its roots go to the early 1960's. When I was discussing the waste of the
Christmas season as we celebrate it, the comment was made that giving through the "exchange system" lacked the real
love that Jesus exemplified. The giving of Christmas was through seasonal and societal pressure. To give a gift in the
true spirit of Christ would be to give on Groundhog's Day when there was no expectation or pressure. We give because
we care.

...In the fall of 1976 while wondering how we could raise money for World Hunger, a strange thought came to me. Why
couldn't we celebrate Groundhog's Day? I thought the novelty of it would bring in a good offering.

We began in November 1976 to ask people to save part of their Christmas money for a higher cause - to feed hungry in
far off lands. To help someone that could not help us in return was the right Spirit. February 1977 the first observance
was held. It was tremendously successful; nearly $700 was raised that night. The congregation was taken by its success
and it was decided that we should make it an annual occurrence.

...Aside from what this observance has done for the hungry, two other lessons have been learned. Several times during
the past eighteen years we have wondered if our budget problems would hurt the offering or if we should cancel until we
were caught up with the budget. We have never cancelled! If we are willing to do what is right in God's sight, He will
reward us richly. Each time the money came for the hungry and the local budget prospered.

Secondly, we have destroyed the myth, that is, that people do not like to be asked to give large sums of money to the
church. We have always asked for BIG money on Groundhog's Day. The people have always responded in a BIG way,
and when asked to suggest one thing that makes our church unique and best describes us, we repeatedly reply,
"GROUNDHOG'S DAY". One of the most vital parts of worship is the "offering".

Looking back at the history of the event, questions come to my mind. How could I think of such a foolish thing? Why
would the congregation endorse it? Why was it successful? It was God at work within us that made it grow and
prosper. To Him be all glory and praise.

Thank you Lord, you've been good to us."

Reverend Hurry's dream is still alive. We continue to celebrate Groundhog's Day year after year. With the
help of our friends, we have donated $52,962.69 in aid since we began our fight against world hunger.