March 2, 2008

Dear Parents,

It’s finally March, Spring is coming!!! We have had a wonderful time in Sunday school this winter, warming up together as we experience God’s stories. Today your children heard the story of “Jesus and Zacchaeus” (from Luke 19:1-10). They learned that this is the season of Lent, the time we get ready to celebrate the mystery of Easter, the time we are all on our way to Jerusalem. They’re beginning to understand that Jesus shows us the way in our journey. This story in particular reminds us that Jesus said, “I, the special Son of God, have come to find and to save everyone who is lost.”

After the story was presented, children were given the option of responding to God’s word by either working with the story or working with art materials. If they chose to work with the art materials, they were asked simply, “What was important to you in God's story for today?" They then responded freely to this question, creating their own significance and meaning from today’s presentation.

To help your children remember and reflect on the story and their response to it, I would encourage you to ask them some of the following questions: Show me or tell me how you responded to God’s word today. I wonder how Zacchaeus felt when Jesus called him by name? I wonder if it was hard for Zacchaeus to give back what didn’t belong to him? I wonder how Zacchaeus felt when he was right with God and right with people? I wonder what Jesus meant when he said he came to find the lost?

There are a few things to keep in mind this month. First, students will be receiving palm branches in 9am church on Palm Sunday (3/16/08). They will then process down the church isles and to Sunday school with them. There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL on Easter Sunday (3/23/08). Please join us in our worship services that morning! Finally, if your family has been participating in the Heifer International “Fill the Ark” campaign, please remember that collection of the filled arks will begin on March 16^th, and must be completed by March 30^th!

As always, if you would like to learn more about this amazing program, or you have any questions about something in this letter, I would be pleased to hear from you!

Many Blessings,

Jill Geurts

734-2677 ext. 317

jgeurts@appfumc.org

This Month’s Stories: “Jesus the King” (from Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, and John 12:12-19), and “Jesus’ Last Passover” (from Matthew 26: 26-28), and “Jesus is Risen: Appearance to Mary Magdalene” (from Matthew 27: 57-58 and John 20: 1-18).

Save the Dates:

This summer’s Vacation Bible School, “Friendship Trek”, will be held July 28 – August 1. Hope to see you all there! Mark your calendars today, and watch for more information soon!