Easter is next Sunday, which is what prompts me to write this.

I don’t get to church much any more and I miss it.

We were always regular church-goers but now I have no way to get there.

I have lived here at Brookdale Littleton three years now. Soon after I came here, I was told there was a communion service here every Thursday, so I went that next Thursday.

What happened that day shocked and saddened me.

Probably the majority of residents are Catholic, but I did not know this then.

The service was lovely. The lady, a lay person, read different passages and a story and played beautiful music.

But when she came around to give communion to me, she asked if I am Catholic. I told her I was Presbyterian. Then she said she was sorry but I could not partake.

I was stunned.

I have always believed the God I adore loved every one.

The fact there are so many different religions and denominations separating us has always bothered me. I never went back to the Thursday service.

Then, just last week, a friend of mine here who always attends and is a Catholic asked me to come.

I explained to her why I do not go but but wish I could. She said, “Oh Jean, that rule has been changed. The lay person will serve communion to everyone. We have a number of people who are not Catholic.”

Frankly, I was a little nervous but I attended with my friend. To my deep relief and joy, when she came around to me, she served me and blessed me.

The whole day changed for me. It felt so good to be included. As I listened to her read the story of Christ on the cross, my heart bled. I knew again that God loves and forgives us.

Still, I wonder if there were no separate churches and we were all of one, His people, trying to pattern our lives as Jesus lived. I know this is not the case, but it is my fervent prayer.

The view from the mountains is wondrous.

Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in the Sun for more than 25 years.