At the Church O’ The Pines we have, of course, pines.They are our deacons, and add a sense of dignity and decorum to the entire enterprise. Their green robes are beautiful in all seasons. They sigh in breezes and sometimes brush the sky free of clouds. Their cones, distributed freely, provide for many a squirrel. A particular white pine, of great height and girth, is home to a returning, nesting family of eagles. It would be a fine thing if more humans managed their affairs as well, were as useful, worthwhile, and beneficent as a pine. But pines are not our only arboreal friends.

Along the river bank dwell the silver maples and willows, their roots holding the soil in place, their soft woods making fine tree holes and homes for chickadees and others. Nearby are the ubiquitous box elders, similarly useful, and even–like the silver maples–a source of sweet syrup. Our relatively few red maples and sugar maples are better at that task, but who’s to judge. We have oaks–mostly of the ‘white’ and ‘burr’ varieties–stout and strong and long lived, providers of food for many a woodland creature. We have tall and graceful ashes and lovely hackberries, a few great walnuts, they of the fabulous and valuable wood. Aspens rustle in he slightest breeze, and birches bend and arch in grace and symmetry. Balsam firs rise like church steeples into the sky, reminding us of spiritual matters. Black cherries and the tough little ironwoods fill in other spaces, and a couple of apple trees provide the sweetest of fragrances in the spring.

There are more, as well. I think I know–and love–them all. And every day–or night–no matter the season–it is always a pleasure, and a source of great comfort, to step outside the old cabin and greet them. Or to walk among them. And thank them for their good company. Wherever you find the most excellent of friends, and companions for the journey of life, we wish you Good Sabbath…