Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Those of you who are married and have been married a long time would, I think, agree that over time each spouse gets to know the characteristics of each other, and come to know how to respond to the other in situations that reoccur over and over again.  My mother, for instance, was prepared when asking my dad something to hear him usually say "no" immediately, but realized that given time (and sometimes persistence by my mom), he would say, yes.  I must admit that I can be like my dad in this regard when someone asks me something.

Awhile back, Reverend Neil Kaminski, of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs Village, asked if I would consider participating in an ecumenmical liturgy that will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  He indicated that a few bishops from the Episcopal and Lutheran churches were participating, and that he had asked our bishop to come and participate as well.  Since Bishop Taylor was unavailable, he wanted me to participate in the service.  Although, my first response was NOT "no" I must admit that I wanted to touch base with Bishop Taylor before saying yes.  I came later to find out that Bishop Taylor is participating in a similar service with Protestant clergy at the Cathedral of St. Andrew sometime this month.  I ended up saying "yes" and look forward to this service which will take place on Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the Coronado Center.  I will also tell you that some of our choir members will be part of an ecumenical choir that will sing at this service.  I now ask you to consider joining fellow Christians in this service as we "commemorate" the Reformation and "celebrate" the ways that Christians work together in the name of Jesus Christ, and the efforts that have been made and continue to bring us more and more together in belief and in practice while praying that we will one day be "One" as Jesus desires.  I look forward to being there and I hope you will say "yes" to being there as well.