AT THE CHURCH O THE PINES the sun rises on another winter day. But change is in the air. Although the church moat (Mississippi River) is still frozen, the eagle pair has remodeled their nest and eggs are being tended. The music of geese and swans echoes through the river valley. The sun climbs a little higher each day and those days grow longer.

Meanwhile our faithful congregation gathers to sing hymns and to gossip. Today there are rumors of more snow coming, and the arrival of green grass and blooming flowers seems far away. But we have faith, deep and abiding, and as the deacon pines brush the sky and the chickadees sing, “Spring’s here,” we smile. And the eagles chirp and holler in celebration.