Dear Families,

I hope your week is going well! I’m starting this week’s e-news with a heartfelt message . . . .

I read THIS ARTICLE last week and realized that I probably have not done the best of job of intentionally inviting families to return to church. I know many of you still have concerns regarding the ever changing Covid situation and I totally respect that – really, I do. However, I also know that many of you have gone mostly back to life as normal with kids in school, sports, travel, and social events. During the pandemic, you simply got out of the habit of coming to church. Honestly, I get that, too. If you are in that boat, this is me, intentionally, warmly, and enthusiastically inviting you to COME BACK. With today being Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, it is the perfect time to take the leap, flip the switch, make the commitment and get back in the habit of church on Sunday. We need you. We love you. We miss you. 

If you are still truly concerned about Covid, please know that we also need you, love you, and miss you, too. We respect the decisions you are making for your family. We are doing everything we can to make church a healthy, safe place for everyone and look forward to a time when you feel comfortable returning. In the meantime, you are held and prayed for. If you have any questions about our Covid protocols, please feel free to reach out! 

I have LOTS of information this week, so, now, on with the e-news!!

**Ash Wednesday service at 6pm TONIGHT in the sanctuary. If you cannot attend, there is an “Ash Wednesday At Home” service document LINKED HERE. 

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This Sunday

Starting this Sunday, Kindergarten-5th grade will begin together in CORL 306 at 10am. After working together on a prayer practice and experiencing the bible story, we will split up into two smaller groups – K-2nd & 3rd-5th – for more activities. This is a great way to build relationships across ages!

  • March 6th – Jesus Visits Jerusalem
  • March 13 – Remember to Love!
  • March 20 – Seeing Jesus
  • March 27 – A Passover Meal
  • April 3 – Jesus Dies

Preschoolers will meet in MLC 101 and will be studying these same lessons.

Join us in worship at 9am in Rejoice or 11am in the Sanctuary! Reminder:

**Nursery care is available on the first floor of the Life Center for infants, toddlers, & preschoolers during both worship services and Sunday School. Our nursery staff are all full time elementary and preschool teachers who have received our Child Protection Training. They would love to welcome your little ones to our wonderful nursery spaces! 

If you are looking for a Sunday school class for yourself, join other parents in the Life Center during the Sunday School hour.

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LENT AT HOME

During Lent, I’ll be adding this section to the E-News to share some easy ways you can experience Lent at home with your family.

In her book, Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection, Rev. Traci Smith says that we are all givers AND receivers. One of the keystones of Lent is almsgiving and when we give to others the BEST of what we have, instead of our discards or whatever is the cheapest option, we show them respect. We give with integrity so they can receive with dignity. During Lent, I encourage you to create a “Favorite Things Box” and fill it with some of your family’s favorite things. Fill it each week with the items listed below and bring it to FPC on Palm Sunday  or Easter Sunday to add to our collection of canned good for Greensboro Urban Ministry. (**Check out this printable to put up on your fridge as a reminder!!)

  • Week One (Week of March 6) – Favorite soup or canned pasta (like Chef Boyardee) 
  • Week Two (Week of March 13) – Favorite Breakfast item (cereal, granola bars, pop-tarts, etc.) 
  • Week Three (Week of March 20) – Favorite cookies or treats 
  • Week Four (Week of March 27) – Favorite pasta shape and pasta sauce 
  • Week Five (Week of April 3) – Favorite canned fruit or non-perishable fruit treat 
  • Week Six – (Week of April 10) – Favorite crunchy snack (chips, graham crackers, goldfish, etc.)

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Coming Up

  • April 10 – Palm Sunday & Resurrection Egg Hunt! Families are invited to join us at 10 am on the Elm Street/Labyrinth Playground for a resurrection egg hunt. After the hunt, we’ll have some treats and fellowship. **Children are invited to join the Pal Processional in either Rejoice or Sanctuary! 
  • April 17 – Easter Sunday – Children & Parents are invited to join us at 10am on the Elm Street/Labyrinth Playground for bells, bubbles, music, parachute games and fellowship! 
  • April 24 – No Sunday School for children & youth

**SAVE THE DATE for Vacation Bible School & Summer Kids Disciple Club! August 1-4 from 9am-noon! Registration coming soon!

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Other Notes and Info

Originally, I was going to use this space for Lent topics. In light of global events, I move that above and want to use this space for something different. How do we talk to our children about war and what is happening in the Ukraine? I don’t have answers, but I can offer a few suggestions and resources. 

  1. Keep it simple. Do not overexplain or go into significant details. Children need basic information and, often, a very simple explanation will be enough to satisfy them.
  2. You know your children best! You know what will be most comforting OR most frightening. Tailor your conversations based on their age, maturity, and personalities.
  3. It is okay if you don’t know the answers! You can look them up together (if age appropriate) or tell children you will find out and get back to them – then, be sure you actually do follow up. We are parents – not experts! Being honest when you aren’t sure about something lets children know that it is alright to ask questions and sets an example of seeking answers from reliable sources. 
  4. Reassure children. When children hear about war or bombs, when they see some of the images on the news, it can be very frightening, partially because they do have have a mature global reference. They may not understand where these event are taking place and may even fear that they, themselves, are in immediate danger. We need to let them know that what is happening is far away and reassure them that they are safe. 
  5. Help them find ways to act. It may feel overwhelming and as if there is nothing we can do, but giving children an action helps them focus their energy away from anxiousness and gives them at least a small sense of control. Encourage your children to pray for the people of Ukraine and for government leaders who are making decisions. HERE is an outline of Ukraine that children could trace with their finger while praying.
  • Lastly, here are a couple additional articles that I thought had some good suggestions and information.

– Article from TODAY

– Article from Save the Children

– Article from American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

– an easy infographic post via Diversity Kids on Facebook


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Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns! 

Blessings,
Lisa Witherspoon
Director of Children’s Ministry
First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC
(336) 478-4726