Updates from the Gnome News

REMINDER from Mano:

I like for Barbara to read the stories in Gnome News. It is important to have her recognize there are people around the world that interact with gnomes on a daily basis in their lives. It may be story books, garden statues, or simply a stuffed toy. Whatever the source I like Barbara to realize how dear gnomes are to people of all ages.

REMARKS from Barbara:

I realize how happy I feel when I read The Gnome News. To hear someone has created a Gnome Church and someone else encouraging her community to “Gnome your neighbor.”

A favorite memory of mine from my first Gnome News years ago was when an old English man shared his fond memory when he was 8 years old, he told us, “My mum was so good to me. On my 8^th birthday she took me to spend the day in the Gnome Gardens a short train ride from our home.”

REMEMBERING Mary Jane:

Mary Jane told me the pleasure she had interacting with her grandson, watching for Gnomes in the Garden.

---

Updates from the Gnome News

Blog #154

I have received the sweet newsletter, GNOME NEWS, for many years. Today I want to share some of the stories in the latest issue:

Gnomes Merry Meet

by Danielle Paul of NatureSpiritCreations.com
Editor’s Note: Danielle is an artist and channel to the nature spirit kingdoms. She kindly submitted this short gnome story, “Gnomes Merry Meet” to share with our group.

I was nudged out the door to go take a stroll,
And look what I found up over the knoll!
It was a troop of gnomes
and they followed me home!

There were 4 in all and oh such a treat,
We came out to meet you and say merry meet!
We’d like you to take us to the gnomes down below
We came over to meet them and say hello!

So I took them out yonder and gave out a shout,
We waited a moment and they finally came out!
They said merry meet! We came down to see you!
The others said Welcome, Welcome, it’s so nice to meet you!

It’s time, it’s time, let’s all gather round and join together our magic and spread it around!

---

The Surprisingly Artful History of Gnomes

By J Cabelle Ahn October 26, 2024 (Submitted by Liz Spera)

Gnomes in their contemporary, impish form originated in 19th-century Germany. Although the town of Gräfenroda in Thuringia was once home to numerous gnome factories, only one, owned by Philip Griebel, survives to this day. Adapted from the practice of placing wood or porcelain figurines in gardens to promote abundance, these playful figures continued the long tradition of watching over green spaces.

Artists have continued to take inspiration from these small decorative figurines in the decades since. For instance, Elliott Arkin’s series A Peaceable Kingdom (2012) imagines artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe as garden gnomes, reducing august artistic icons to small- scale kitsch figurines.

Elsewhere, Thomas Schütte’s Gartenzwerge (2017), translates icons of mass production— including the garden gnome—into sleek Murano glass models, showing how a sculpture’s method of production can alter the public’s perception of its value.This perennial appeal of garden gnomes as a meta-commentary on contemporary consumerism is ultimately indebted to their historical origins, as they transformed from symbols of ancient spirituality to emblems of excesses.

---

Gnomes’ Influence on Sports, Stuffies, and Recipes

by Jan McCarthy

Editor’s Note: Our beloved gnome club member, Jan, shared an update with us about all the rain she’s been having in the UK, making it nearly impossible to do anything on her allotment. However, her gnomes have still been enjoying themselves out at Peaky Blinder Birmingham!

Our gnomes have been teaching our teddy bear Little Blue Bear to flit, as he has joined our local football team as a secret weapon. He goes back and forth to the stadium and the training ground, always returning home for cheese crackers and a glass of whisky. He has formed a very affectionate bond with Birmingham City FC’s wonderful American director, Tom Wagner, and the great Tom Brady, who makes sure all the players are up to the mark. At least our bear gets out and has a life!

The gnomes are also giving us dietary advice, and the odd recipe. No worm fritters with or without gooseberry jam, but there is one recipe I love. You roast peeled chestnuts and parsnips with olive oil, honey and rosemary and serve them on a bed of rocket in a few drops of vinaigrette. Delicious!

---

National “Gnome Your Neighbor” Challenge Invites Families to Spark Kindness and Community This Spring

by Anne Armstrong of My Gnome on the Roam Recognized on the National Calendar of Non-Traditional Holidays

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At a time when many Americans report feeling disconnected from their neighbors, a playful national movement is inviting families to change that — one small act of kindness at a time.

The Gnome Your Neighbor Challenge, created by Nashville-based founder Anne Armstrong of My Gnome on the Roam, encourages families, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces to surprise others with small acts of connection using a printable paper gnome named Gustav.

Recently recognized on the National Calendar of Non-Traditional Holidays
, the challenge blends creativity, generosity, and lighthearted fun — often around April Fools’ Day — to help communities reconnect in meaningful ways.

“Right now, the world could use a little more kindness and imagination,” said Armstrong. “This challenge inspires people to step outside their comfort zones and turn neighbors into friends. We’ve added a sprinkle of magic and a whole lot of heart.”

How It Works

Participants download and print a gnome, then complete simple daily connection challenges such as:

• Leaving a handwritten note or small surprise on a neighbor’s porch
• Hiding a gnome in a public place with a “pass it on” message
• Delivering a random act of kindness and leaving Gustav as a calling card
• Taking a selfie with the gnome and sharing it with #GnomeYourNeighbor

The challenge is designed to be simple, family-friendly, and customizable. Some neighborhoods organize scavenger hunts. Others create kindness chains that travel across town. Workplaces use it as a team-building activity.

“It’s like Easter and St. Patrick’s Day had a baby,” Armstrong joked in early campaign messaging. “Gnomes and magic and smiles galore.”

Why It Matters

Research continues to show that Americans know fewer of their neighbors than in previous generations. The Gnome Your Neighbor Challenge offers a low-cost, low- pressure way to rebuild social bonds — especially for families seeking positive traditions.

Participants have reported:

• Meeting neighbors for the first time
• Creating neighborhood traditions
• Bringing joy to delivery drivers, teachers, and frontline workers
• Turning April Fools’ Day into a celebration of kindness

“This isn’t about pranks that embarrass people,” Armstrong explained. “It’s about playful connection. It’s about showing up for the people who live right across the street.”

Join the Movement

Families and communities can download their free printable gnome and sign up for the challenge at:

www.mygnomeontheroam.com/neighbor

Participants are encouraged to share photos and stories using #GnomeYourNeighbor and #GnomesOnTheRoam.

---

I Am Now a Member of the Church of Gnome

by Alyssa L. Ochs

One night while scrolling social media before bed, I came across an ad for the Church of Gnome. Obviously, I was intrigued and curious to learn more. As someone who was raised Catholic and is now a practicing Buddhist, I wasn’t looking for a new religion. However, I’m always open to learning about new ways to explore my spirituality and to connect with gnome-loving communities.

Brett Larsen founded the Church of Gnome on January 15, 2024, along with his co- leader/dog, Phantom. The idea to start a gnome-based religion started as a light- hearted concept but developed into a legitimate 501(c)(3) non-profit with its own principles and doctrine.

“The goal was to create a space that doesn’t push people away but instead gathers them together, setting aside differences to collaborate on common goods,” Brett wrote. “Among our ambitions are community clean-ups and other initiatives beneficial to the world and those in need.”

According to the Church of Gnome’s website, “We believe that gnomes, as symbols, hold profound lessons for humanity. They remind us to protect what matters, to live lightly on the earth, and to embrace both playfulness and craftsmanship in all that we do. Their presence teaches us that wisdom can be found in the small and the overlooked, and their enduring hats—yes, the hats—are a reminder to celebrate individuality and joy.”

All this sounded pretty sweet to me, so I looked into how to join the Church of Gnome. It’s free and easy to join online, and when you do, you receive ordination as a Gnomean Minister. This means that you can actually officiate weddings and ceremonies in alignment with Gnomean principles! Visit the How to Officiate Weddings page to learn more.

Free membership also comes with the opportunity to ordain your pet (!) and connect with yet another gnome-loving community online.

There’s also an exclusive Church of Gnome online store where you can order a copy of your ordainment certificate and merchandise to show your love for the group. There are now members of the Church of Gnome in at least 108 countries.

I personally reached out to Brett to introduce myself and our club, and I’m hoping he responds soon to connect and perhaps share more with us. I may also share updates from the church’s podcast or social media in the future to keep up with what this fascinating group is doing. Welcome to the gnome community, Brett and Phantom!