Last Wednesday I talked with the school-age children at CtC while they waited for their school bus. They are part of our before and after care program. I told them about a time I learned to say, “I’m sorry.”

I was six years old and my brother had caught me doing something I wasn’t supposed to do. It was one of those things Mom had told me not to do a million times. Paul threatened to tattle on me, so I decided to beat him to the punch and “tattle” on myself. Now I’m not sure I was as smart as I thought I was. But hold your judgement until the end.

Before my brother could get to her, I went to Mom and asked, “What do we do when we keep doing things we know we’re not supposed to do?” I expected her to shout, “What did you do now!” But she didn’t. She told me to go upstairs, kneel beside my bed and pray. She said, “Tell Jesus you are sorry. Ask him to forgive you for what you’ve done to help you remember to do what you are supposed to do.”

I did what she said. When I returned to her, I said, “I did it.” She was washing dishes at the time but she pulled her hands out of the water and wrapped her arms around me with a big, wet, loving hug. I’ve never forgotten what it feels like to say, “I’m sorry.” Even Calvin and Hobbes recognize it's the most obvious solution. 

When we admit our wrongs to God, he does not cast us away because Jesus took the punishment for our sins. Instead, God wraps us in his love, care, and strength so that we can continue to live Holy lives, pleasing to him. Then we will live abundant lives full of the joy of Jesus Christ. I hope you experience that every moment. If not, please, let’s talk. I’ll pray with you.

Here are a couple ways we can love God and others:

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Please bring non-perishable food items to share through our food pantries. 

Oct. 31 5 - 8 pm

Can you share God's love by 
 Donating a large bag of great candy?

  Decorate your trunk and join the fun?

I offer this prayer for you:
Jesus, thank you for taking the punishment for our wrong-doings. All of them. As we trust in you, fill us with your Holy Spirit who teaches us all things you want us to learn and strengthens us to live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

- Pastor Roger