Author Archives: Sue Kelcey

Kids’ News – Trusting God When Life Is Hard

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After Jesus was baptized, the Bible tells us that he spent forty days in the wilderness. He was alone, hungry, and tired. During that time, the devil tried to tempt Jesus to make the wrong choices. But each time, Jesus answered by remembering what God’s Word teaches. Even when things were difficult, Jesus trusted God and stayed faithful.

What makes this story special is that it reminds us that Jesus truly understands what it is like to be human. Just like us, he faced moments when it would have been easier to take the wrong path. Instead of giving in, Jesus remembered the truth of Scripture and used it to guide his decisions.

We face choices every day, too. Sometimes it can be hard to know what the right thing is. But when we learn about God’s Word and keep it in our hearts, it helps guide us. Just as Jesus trusted God in the wilderness, we can trust that God will help us make good choices and stay strong in our faith.

What We Learned

  • Even Jesus faced temptation, but he trusted God and stayed faithful.
  • God’s Word helps guide us when we are unsure what to do.
  • When life is hard, we can trust God to help us make good choices.

Kids’ News – The Easy Way or God’s Way?

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After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. For forty long days He fasted. No crowds. No miracles. Just rocks, wind, and hunger. Jesus was preparing for the work God had given Him to do.

That is when the devil came. He had a plan. If he could get Jesus to doubt who He was, or take the easy way, he might stop God’s work before it even began.

“You’re hungry,” the devil said. “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: One does not live by bread alone.”

Then the devil took Him higher. “Throw yourself down. God will protect you.”
Jesus replied, “It is written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

One more time the devil tried. “All the kingdoms of the world can be yours.”
Jesus said firmly, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him” (Matthew 4:1–11).

Jesus could have chosen the easy way. He could have shown His power. But He chose trust instead. And when the devil realized he could not turn Jesus away, he left.

During Lent, we remember that the easy way is not always God’s way. What will you choose when the shortcut looks easier than the right path?

What We Learned

  • Temptation often offers an easy way out.
  • God’s Word helps us make wise choices.
  • Trust is stronger than shortcuts.
  • Lent is a time to practice choosing God’s way.

Kids’ News – Good News for Everyone

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After Jesus was baptized and began teaching, He returned to His hometown of Nazareth. The people there had known Him since He was a child. They had watched Him grow up. On the Sabbath, He went into the synagogue, as He always did, and stood up to read.

He was handed the scroll of the prophet Book of Isaiah. Jesus unrolled the scroll and read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news to the poor… release to the captives… recovery of sight to the blind.” Then He sat down. Everyone was watching Him closely.

Jesus said, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” He was saying that God’s promise was happening right then, through Him. At first, the people were amazed. But when Jesus made it clear that God’s good news was not just for them, not just for Nazareth, but for everyone, they became angry. They wanted special treatment. Jesus would not limit God’s love. The crowd grew so upset that they drove Him out of town, but Jesus walked away safely (Luke 4:16–30).

The people who knew Jesus best struggled to understand that God’s love was bigger than their town.

What We Learned

  • Jesus came to bring good news to those who are hurting.
  • God’s love is not limited to one group of people.
  • Sometimes people resist when grace feels too wide.
  • We are called to share good news with everyone.

Kids’ News – When God’s Glory Shines Through

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Jesus and his disciples had been walking and teaching for a long time when one day Jesus invited three of them—Peter, James, and John—to climb a mountain with him. They didn’t know why, but they trusted Jesus and followed him up the steep path. Mountains were often places where people felt close to God, even if they didn’t always understand what might happen there.

While they were on the mountain, something amazing happened. Jesus was changed right before their eyes. His face began to shine like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. The disciples were terrified and confused. Peter blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” (Matthew 17:4), not really knowing what else to say.

Then a bright cloud covered them, and a voice spoke from the cloud: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). The disciples fell to the ground in fear. But Jesus came to them, touched them gently, and said, “Get up and do not be afraid.” When they looked up again, Moses and Elijah were gone. It was just Jesus—still the same Jesus they knew and loved—walking with them back down the mountain.

Jesus didn’t stay shining like that forever. He came down the mountain to keep teaching, healing, and loving people. But the disciples never forgot what they saw. They learned that Jesus was more than a teacher or friend—he was God’s beloved Son, full of God’s glory, even when it wasn’t easy to see.

What We Learned

  • God sometimes shows us who Jesus really is in surprising ways.
  • Even when we are scared or confused, Jesus stays close and tells us not to be afraid.
  • God asks us to listen to Jesus and trust him.
  • Jesus’ love and glory are always with us, even when they aren’t shining like the sun.

Kids’ News – Nocodemus Learns about New Life

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One night, a man named Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus. Nicodemus was a teacher who knew God’s laws very well, but he had questions he couldn’t answer on his own. Jesus told him something surprising: to enter God’s kingdom, a person must be “born anew.” Nicodemus was confused—how could someone be born again? Jesus explained that He wasn’t talking about a second physical birth, but about a new life that begins with faith.

Jesus taught Nicodemus that following rules perfectly isn’t what saves us. Instead, salvation comes from believing in Jesus and trusting the hope He brings to the world. Jesus reminded him that God’s love isn’t only for certain people or those with special status—it is for everyone. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to bring light, life, and forgiveness to all.

At first, Nicodemus didn’t fully understand, but Jesus welcomed his questions and invited him to keep learning and growing. In the same way, everyone is welcome to come to Jesus, ask questions, and grow in faith—no matter where they are starting from. We hope to see you this Sunday so we can grow in faith together as we learn more about Jesus and God’s great love for us all.

What We Learned

  • Being “born anew” means starting a new life by believing in Jesus.
  • God’s love and salvation are for everyone, no matter who they are.
  • It’s okay to ask questions as we learn more about God.
  • Jesus invites all of us to grow in faith and follow Him with hope.