On Sunday September 10 we had our annual Jazz Mass.  I know a number of clergy do not think it is appropriate to do such a thing.  I am not among them.  The service was the most joyful Sunday morning service I have ever officiated.  I look forward to next year to do it again.  Oh, by the way, we had a full house.  I suppose I’m not the only one to like the Jazz Mass.

Things are starting to happen around St. Luke’s.  I am in conversation with Dr. Henry Carse of Jerusalem about him coming to Hot Springs this winter.  We are simply working on dates at this point.  He will be coming.  Henry will talk to our parishioners about two things.  First, he will talk about the pilgrimage to the Holy Land we are planning for next fall in conjunction with St. George’s College, Jerusalem.  Second, and closer to Henry’s heart, he will discuss our participation in Kids 4 Peace.  Kids 4 Peace is a program Henry has developed that helps build relationships among Israeli Jews and Palestinian Muslims and Christians.  The program works with 11 & 12 year old children and pairs four from each category noted above with four of each from the United States.  In the summer there is a camp for all 24 children.  I have been a part of one of the summer camps in the Atlanta area and it can be a marvelous experience for the children.  It can be great for the adults too.  I hope we can find a way to participate.  We’ll see.

Second, next February we will bring Al Staggs to Hot Springs to perform his one man play about Dietrich Bonhoffer and his last days in a German prison in 1945.  Staggs does a wonderful job and the story of Bonhoffer is a powerful one.  Bonhoffer was, and his memory is a strong Christian witness to how one can struggle with living the Gospel in a corrupt and violent world.

I ride my bicycle early in the mornings and for the past week it has been a little cool on my rides.  Can fall be far behind?  No it cannot and I am ready for some cool weather.  How about you?

Speaking of fall.  At this time of year baseball is winding down and moving toward the World Series, football is in the early part of its season, both professional and otherwise, and in October the NBA will kick off its preseason.  That is a lot of sports, and I didn’t even mention the PGA.  Do you think God cares who wins on Saturdays and Sundays?  Not very likely, but many of us do.  Many of care so much that we stop going to church in order to watch a football game.  Hmmm.

There seems to be a small window of opportunity for peace negotiations in the Middle East.  Ohlmert has agreed to meet with Abbas.  At least that is a start.  And, I am told by my friends in the Holy Land that tourists and pilgrims are returning to that part of the world.  This is good news for everybody.  I hope it stays calm so we will indeed be able to make our St. Luke’s pilgrimage next fall.

I think that is about as random as I can be for now.  Till next time; may God be with you.