This Sunday, we learned about Zacchaeus! Do you remember the song about him? Vickie and I sure did, and we sang it with the kids!

But Zacchaeus wasn’t just a fun song—he was a real person with a big problem. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, which meant he collected money from people to give to the Roman government. But in those days, tax collectors were allowed to take extra money for themselves, and many of them did—including Zacchaeus. Because of this, most people didn’t like him.

One day, Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ town. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but there was a problem—he was too short to see over the crowd! So he did something unusual for a grown man—he ran ahead and climbed a tree. In those times, it wasn’t considered very dignified for an important man like Zacchaeus to run or climb trees, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to see Jesus!

Then something amazing happened. When Jesus reached the tree, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down right now. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5) Everyone was shocked! Why would Jesus want to visit a tax collector?

But Jesus’ kindness changed Zacchaeus’ heart. Zacchaeus promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated—four times what he had taken!

At first, Zacchaeus seemed like the story’s hero because he made things right. But the real hero is Jesus. Jesus saw Zacchaeus for who he could be, not just who he had been. He reminded everyone that God’s love is for everyone—even those who have made mistakes.

What We Learned

• Jesus loves and accepts everyone, no matter their past.
• When we truly follow Jesus, it changes us for the better.
• We should treat others with kindness and fairness.

Challenge for the Week: Find a way to show kindness to someone who may feel left out, just like Jesus did with Zacchaeus!

See you in church on Sunday!

We had a busy week! Miss Vickie talked to our class about different ways people can be baptized and what baptism means. Some churches baptize by sprinkling water, while others practice full immersion. After learning about these different traditions, our kids decided they liked the Methodist way best and are giving it serious thought!

This week’s Bible story was about Levi (also known as Matthew), the tax collector. In Jesus’ time, tax collectors were disliked because they often took more money than required and kept the extra for themselves. Most people wanted nothing to do with them.

But then something amazing happened. Jesus saw Levi sitting at his tax booth and said, “Follow me.” (Luke 5:27)

That’s it—just two simple words! And do you know what Levi did? He got up, left everything behind, and followed Jesus!

Imagine how shocking that must have been. Jesus, a respected teacher, invited someone that most people thought was dishonest and unworthy. But Jesus doesn’t just call those who seem perfect—He calls everyone, including people who have made mistakes. Levi knew that following Jesus would change his life completely, and he didn’t hesitate. He even threw a big dinner at his house to celebrate, inviting Jesus and his disciples to eat with other tax collectors and outsiders.

Some religious leaders saw this and weren’t happy. They asked, “Why does Jesus eat with sinners?” (Mark 2:16)

Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)

That’s the good news for us! Jesus doesn’t wait for us to be perfect before He calls us—He calls us just as we are.

What We Learned

✔ Jesus invites everyone—even those who feel unworthy or left out.

✔ Following Jesus means leaving behind the things that hold us back. Levi didn’t hesitate; he got up and followed!

✔ We are called to welcome others, just like Jesus did. No one is too far gone for God’s love.

See you in church on Sunday!

This Sunday, we met Tabitha, a woman known for her kindness and generosity. She had a ministry of sewing clothes for others, using her skills to serve her community. But one day, Tabitha became very ill and passed away.

The disciples in Joppa had heard of Peter’s reputation as a healer, so they sent two people to a nearby town to ask for his help. When Peter arrived, he saw how much the community loved Tabitha—many people were mourning her loss. He sent everyone out of the room, knelt, and prayed. Then he turned to Tabitha and said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and got up! The news of her healing spread quickly throughout Joppa.

What We Learned

Through faith and community, Tabitha was healed. Her life reminds us that kindness is powerful and that serving others is a way to show God’s love.

When we work together to help those in need, we fulfill the role God has given us in His greater plan.

How can we share kindness and serve others like Tabitha did? Think about it, and we’ll discuss your answers this Sunday in church!

See you then!

The temple was busy that day. People were coming and going, placing their offerings into the large collection box. Some of the wealthiest men stepped forward, making sure everyone could see them as they dropped in large amounts of money. Their fine robes shimmered in the sunlight as they stood tall, proud of their gifts.

Then, a woman stepped forward. She wasn’t dressed in fancy clothes, and no one paid much attention to her. She was a widow, and she had very little to give. Carefully, she reached into her pocket and pulled out two tiny coins—all she had left. Without hesitation, she dropped them into the offering box and quietly walked away.

Jesus had been watching. Turning to His disciples, He said, “This poor widow has given more than all the others. They gave from their extra money, but she, in her poverty, gave everything she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4)

Jesus wasn’t focused on how much she gave—He saw her heart. Worshiping God isn’t just about money. We can give our time, our kindness, our talents, and our love. When we give from the heart, even the smallest gift becomes something great.

What We Learned

God cares more about how we give than what we give. Even the smallest gift, when given with love, matters to Him. We can worship God not just with money, but by sharing our time, talents, kindness, and faith with others.

See you in church on Sunday!

Last week, we learned about a time when Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary.

When Jesus arrived, Martha welcomed Him as a guest and got busy preparing everything. Hospitality was important in biblical times, and she wanted everything to be just right. But her sister Mary did something unexpected—she sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching instead of helping.

Martha became frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently told Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:42).

What We Learned

This story reminds us that sometimes what is expected and what is truly important are not the same. Martha was busy doing good things, but Mary chose the best thing—spending time with Jesus.

How do you spend time with Jesus? Do you read the Bible, pray, or sing songs about Him? This week, let’s remember to take time to listen to Jesus and grow closer to Him.

Hope to see you in church on Sunday!