I have favorite things. I’m sure you do, too. They are not the same kind of things, but they are favorite things. Some of my favorite things are seasonal. In the spring, I like to see the snow melt, and to wait for the appearance of crocus and daffodils. I look for the sight of the first robin hopping along the lawn. Later in the season, I enjoy the color and aroma of lilacs. I enjoy watching the different kinds of buds open up. I like to walk across fresh mown grass, too.
In the summer, I enjoy seeing sweet corn growing in the fields. I really like to see the billowing clouds of summer against a blue sky. I take pleasure in watching the sound and fury of a thunderstorm from the safety of indoors, and going out after the storm has passed and looking for the rainbow.
In the fall, I like watching Canadian Geese form their long V shaped formations as they head off for parts unknown to me. I enjoy fresh apples and cider. I like the color of swamp maple leaves, and the cool, clear evenings. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.
In the winter season, I enjoy the first snowfall, although that usually takes place in late autumn. I like to have a fire in the wood stove. I enjoy singing a few Christmas carols. I enjoy seeing the trees covered with snow.
There are other things I enjoy as well. For those of you who have not noticed, real, live people can sometimes be more interesting
than books, more interesting than the newspaper, more interesting than television
or the Internet. My father used to say, “The greatest show on earth is going on all around you. Enjoy it.” In this country, lots of folks live much of their lives in isolation. If you shut yourself off from people for too long, you begin to miss them. There is a vacancy in life that can only be filled with people.
Church is a great place to see people that you might or might not know and yet participate in their lives. For example, I love to baptize babies. You can participate when you see the baby being held in the arms of the parents, or when I walk around the sanctuary to show you the baby.. I like to see the look on the face of a bride as she walks down the aisle of the church in her wedding dress. Perhaps you do, too. I love to watch the kids decorate the Christmas tree that we have set up in the sanctuary when we have our Hanging of the Greens service. I enjoy it when the brass instruments play at that same service.
We are working for the future of Pilgrim Church with our Capital Campaign, “Securing Pilgrim’s Future – Enhancing Pilgrim’s Past.” We want Pilgrim Church to be here in years to come so that future babies can be baptized, future brides can walk down the aisle, and future kids and adults can learn about God and make new friends for life. Please do what you can to help Pilgrim Church when you are contacted. The future is only ours if we make it happen. Life is too short to go it alone.
Faithfully,

The Rev. Dr. Keith C. Alderman