Where can we go when we’ve made a mess of our lives? How can we discover forgiveness, cleansing and a fresh new hope – a new beginning -- in God’s amazing grace? As I mentioned in Sunday’s sermon, Psalm 51 is where I go! And I meet Jesus there in a mighty, healing way! Come with me as we go there!

I can still remember that cry echoing out of my black and white TV set way back in the 60's, as yet another set of courageous astronauts blasted off into space! And I could almost hear it this Sunday, as another team of equally courageous folks helped with the successful launch of an amazing new ministry in our midst: Children's Worship! Streaming up from downstairs after the first service were a host of vibrant, enthusiastic faces! And here I mean both the adult leaders as well as the kids! One child loved it so much at 9:00 a.m. that he pleaded to be able to "do it again" at 11:00 a.m.!

It was some six years ago that Robert came into our lives like a firebolt. Here was a man who (as the phrase goes) was radically saved. Robert was never shy about sharing the story of his life, including his years battling drugs, alcohol – and other people! For these battles he served time in prison. But God was not finished with Robert – He was just beginning! Robert came into a desperate, powerful personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The feistiness that was Robert turned from a life of anger and hostility to lively witnessing for his Savior, Lord, and best friend Jesus Christ. So many of you were such an encouragement to Robert and his wife Nancy: I know you’ve built up their lives in Christ in ways they have appreciated SO much. They, in turn, in their years in Rochelle blessed us so richly with their open passion for Jesus and their total commitment to His amazing Lordship.

Ah, how four letters contain such power! “Abba”! No, I’m not thinking of the famous foursome Swedish folk/rock group, either! I’m thinking of Someone far more famous: our Abba in heaven… “Abba” being a Hebrew child’s word for “father” – think “Daddy”! When Jesus called on His Father, he cried out “Abba”. Such is the intimate bond that we are invited to enter with Jesus!