It took me a while to catch on, growing up:

If there was a holiday or special occasion that had a themed meal connected to it, my family was there for it.

The traditions that came with each of those meals caused for excitement and anticipation. Each year's build-up led to memories of the celebrations of the past.

On this St. Patrick's Day, the plan is to have Corned Beef tonight for dinner - the cabbage, which I could do without, may be left at the supermarket for others to "enjoy". But it is those traditions that bring warmth and fondness as I think about it - and my family that brought the traditions to light each year.

As we continue on in our Lenten journey, we continue on in our sermon series, Losses and Gains: A Lenten Journey through Grief, I am reminded that traditions and rituals are things that can bring joy and melancholy - particularly when thinking about friends, family, and loved ones who have died and left us here to carry on the traditions while also making new ones. When we grieve, I think the traditions are important because the memories bring joy while thinking about - and missing those people - can bring sadness.

But those traditions and rituals are sometimes those things that help carry us through. You see, many times when someone is grieving, there may be a sense of wandering and uncertainty about what to do next. I think that these traditions are rituals can help to anchor us to something and remind us that we can, indeed, continue on with that loved one carried in our hearts.

As we make our way to Sunday, I offer this four-leafed clover (pictured above). May it bring you luck on this St. Patrick's Day - and perhaps you can take a moment to enjoy God's Creation while looking for one of your own while on a walk this weekend.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, whether in-person or online, and pray that you continue to find God's love and peace in all you say and do - and remind you to help others recognize it in you as well.

With grace and gratitude,

Sunday worship is in-person, but will continue to be available through Facebook Live, Zoom, and YouTube.

Worshipping via Zoom allows for worship participants to, at the least, see each other during worship, should a participant join through computer. Zoom also allows for worship participants to join by phone, should they not have access to a computer.

When you dial in you will be asked for a meeting ID number: enter 847 7231 7808. The password is: 658602. Depending on the time you dial in, you may not hear anything to start with. When the Prelude begins, you will hear audio.

To access worship by Zoom via computer, please click here.

(If you'd prefer to access the worship service through the Zoom website, please enter Meeting ID 847 7231 7808 - the password is: 658602.)

To access worship by Facebook Live, please click here.

To access worship by YouTube, please click here.

Don't forget - you can access this week's bulletin via the church's website.

To place your lily order online, please click here.

The Crochet Experts will be in the Parlor this Sunday after worship during the Education Hour to help with any questions you may have. Please bring your own supplies. If you have questions, please ask Joy Savage or Barbara Walters.

On behalf of the Missions Ministry Team, we would like to thank everyone who came out to support the Sunday Service benefitting Greensboro's homeless population by donating to, and stuffing, Mary’s Blessing Bags. We plan to distribute the bags Sunday Morning March 19. Our sweet Mary Howe would be so proud of our commitment to this worthwhile cause. If you would like to join us on Sunday morning at 7:30 am let Judy Meyler know at [email protected]

The Missions Ministry Team is gearing up for our Easter Meal Program. FPC will be providing the ingredients for a complete Holiday Meal for 10 Immigrant Families, our newest Greensboro neighbors. If you would like to help we have a couple of ways you can do so…

Contact Judy Meyler at [email protected] if you want to sign up.

Fellowship Presbyterian has online giving available through the Presbyterian Foundation. Click here to be taken to the online donations page.

Adrienne (Judy Meyler’s friend’s daughter)

Adrienne & Tim Shelton (friends of Susan Harman)

Amy Proctor (Peggy Koppel’s friend)

Carla Clifford (John Archambault’s cousin)

Carole Loflin (Marilyn Delafield’s sister-in-law)

Danny (Amy DiTomasso’s brother)

David (Patrick Harman’s brother)

Deeon (Melissa Kirstner’s sister-in-law)

Dena Campbell (Yanique McLeod’s mother)

Frances & Gerald Cabe and Family (Donna Steele’s friend & family)

Gwen Flowers & her family (Linda Ueland’s sister)

Jason Allen (friend of Walt & Sue Nichols & Pastor Kathryn)

Jeannie Harris (Nora Burleson’s sister)

Jeff Jacot (Joy Savage’s brother-in-law)

John & Cindy Cantrell (Lesa Layno’s brother-in-law & sister)

Johnny Ziegler (Terry Anderson’s uncle)

Joyce and Don Berger (Kandee Spain’s parents)

Judi Morse (Sister of Sue Nichols, Aunt of Pastor Kathryn)

Judy Valencik (Aimee Stevens’ mother)

Julie Rogers (Beth Reynolds’ brother’s mother-in-law)

Katherine & Donald Bennett (Barbara Smith’s sister & brother-in-law)

Libby Ansel (Lesa Layno’s sister)

Lucy Robbins (Betty Crutchfield’s friend)

Lynn Bagley (mother of Katie Todd’s sister-in-law)

Mandy (Judy Meyler’s aunt)

Monica James’s 3 y/o daughter (Matt Meckley’s coworker)

Monique & Melody (Yanique’s friends)

Ron Hamilton (Peggy Koppel’s friend) 

Ron Hamilton (Hubert Lathan’s friend) and his wife

Sony, the uncle of Yanique McLeod’s neighbor, Cheryl Basey

Steve (Barbara Walters cousin’s son-in-law)

Suzanne (Judy Meyler’s sister-in-law)

Tanya (Melissa Kirstner’s friend)

Thad McLauren (Joy and David Savage’s friend)

Tim King (Phyllis King’s son)

Tim Swiggett (Melissa Kirstner’s uncle)

Todd Southard (John Archambault’s friend)

Vicky (Beth Reynolds’ friend)