First Edition
FPC September 2020
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First Presbyterian Church
Post Office Box 1069
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone (252)637-3270
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9 - Noon
Worship Service 10:00 Sunday & Online
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First Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives: through worship, as we praise and glorify God; through outreach, as we embody God's love in service to the world; through education, as we listen for God's Word; through giving, as we express gratitude to God; through caring, as we invite all to join in God's work; through fellowship as we share our lives and faith together. |
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Building Community * Transforming Lives * Engaging the World |
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Trusting that God's grace embraces and makes covenant with all believers,
First Presbyterian Church intends to be an inclusive place of spiritual growth for all people. All persons are welcomed into this fellowship and membership regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic or racial identity, economic or educational status, or political affiliation.
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In 1983 at New Bern Senior High School, Coach Vogel was my driving instructor and taught me the art of driving. From the moment I sat down inside the car, he insisted I keep my eyes moving. Before starting the car, he would say, “Eddie, you must be aware of your surroundings. Look at what’s ahead of you and beside you. Remember to check your mirrors! Remember to check your gauges! Always check your blind spots to make sure they are clear.” As a beginning driver, I was overloaded, yet his calm reassurance was really a life lesson.
At first, I was unsure how I would ever process all the information I was taking into my frame of reference and more importantly remember what I was supposed to do. After many years of driving, I find the process is much faster and easier to carry out. Today, I sit in the car and do all the checks quickly before I drive off. I even added a few more to my mental checklist. I am grateful to Coach Vogel for his lessons. This month, our church activities start off in a different way, and I find myself going through the mental checklist. We are quickly closing upon the date when the program year will begin and things may feel overloaded.
On September 13, we begin our Christian Education and other programs as we hit the ground running. For the teachers and leaders involved in our FPC ministry, this Sunday feels like merging a car onto a busy highway. Between the social, family, and church commitments how will we get it all done in this COVID world? How do we keep the “spirit” and be “in-spired” in the process?
In the spirit of Coach Vogel, we begin the year pondering where we are before starting the engine of the next program year. Remember to always “keep your eyes moving” throughout this year as we continue our journey of Christian faith.
· Remember to look in the rearview mirror. The mirror reflects our traveled path. In the mirror, we can see the important people in our lives, especially those who taught and nurtured us. Take a moment and pause and give thanks for those important people like Coach V for me. Also, what do we need to forgive or change as we move forward? Always remember that we do not drive forward looking out the rearview mirror.
· Remember to look in the side mirrors. The mirror reflects the people beside us on the road of life. In looking at the side mirror we recall we travel with others on this faith journey. We see our brothers and sisters who are in pain, anxious, or lonely as they shelter in place. How may we offer help and support to them? We see some of our sister and brothers who are doing well. Remember to offer up songs of prayer and praise.
· Remember to look in the blind spots. This one is particularly hard. Yet, seek honest friends and family members who remind us of those things about ourselves we cannot see on our own. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may our eyes be open and our hearts burn as we encounter the stories.
· Remember to enjoy the view through the windshield. God paints a wonderful picture on the canvas of the sky and in the smallest flower. See those wide vistas and attractive horizons. Remember to stoop to smell those wonderful flowers. Seek to infuse the days going forward with the hope and joy that is present in the journey. Through Christ, we need to be a people of hope.
· Remember to look through the moon roof to enjoy the wonderful Creator God who alone we worship and serve. For our chief end is to give God glory and enjoy God forever.
My heart is full with joy and love as we start this year. Remember that we are not alone in our travels. May the presence of God’s abiding presence and the gifts of grace, patience, and good humor mark our “road trips” this year and always.
Shalom,
Rev. Edward Bellis, Interim Pastor
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Backpack Blessing Builds continue ... just with some special "masked" volunteers and smaller groups. |
A team from First Pres. put together Backpack Weekend snack packs this week to provide for the 'in school' students in Jones County. Our crew consisted of Carol Hale, Cille Griffith, Wini Spiess, Pam Gaskell, Maureen Parker, and Wendy Moeller. Well done faithful servants! And our thanks for representing First Pres. so well. |
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The Present Word
George Evans will lead the fall quarter of " The Present Word class is studying Love for One Another." Class meets online Sunday morning at 10 am using Zoom. Please contact George Evans ( gkevans4@gmail.com) to receive a meeting room ID and password. Book is available in the church office. |
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Welcome to Theology
Leaders: Maren Sonstegard-Spray & Eddie Bellis
Begins: September 13
Location: Via Zoom from 8:30 - 9:30 am
Text Referenced: Christian Doctrine by Shirley Guthrie
Join Maren and Eddie as we journey together through the great teachings of the church and study the beliefs that lie behind words like "incarnation" and "predestination" and "atonement." We will be using Shirley Guthrie's book "Christian Doctrine" as our guide. There is no obligation to purchase or read the book (unless you want to!). The class will meet by Zoom on Sunday mornings 8:30-9:30 am starting September 13th. Feel free to join us even if you can't make every class. All are welcome, and special attention will be given to the challenges of those of us trying to understand our own faith and impart that faith to children and grandchildren (epsecially pre-teens and teenagers).
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Kerygma Class
Leader: Eddie Bellis
Begins: September 15 - December 22
Meets: Tuesday Nights at 7:00 pm
Location: Via Zoom
September 15 - The Good News
September 22 - The Savior
September 29 - The Ministry and The Teachings
October 6 - The Kingdom
October 13 - The Crucifixion and The Resurrection
October 20 - The Spirit
October 27 - The Mission
November 3 - The Journeys
November 10 - The Proclamation
November 17 - The Church
November 24 - NO Class (Thanksgiving)
December 1 - The New Life
December 8 - The Hope
December 15 - The Goal
December 22- Optional Class
“It wouldn’t be enough to say that the Bible is the record of our search for God… It is much closer to the truth to say that the Bible is the record of God’s search for us. Throughout the Bible people seem bent on trying to escape from God. And in spite of this, God continues to seek after those same people, refusing to give up, continuing the pursuit in spite of countless rebuffs and evasions… The search culminates in the New Testament, where the claim is made that God so desired fellowship with us that finally not just emissaries or ambassadors or prophets or representatives have been sent – God has come in Jesus Christ! It is the most astounding word that has ever been spoken. It is the most stupendous claim that has ever been made. If anything is ‘unexpected news,’ this is. But there is more to it even than that. The Bible not only tells how God sought a people in the past; it is also a means by which we ourselves are sought out today.”
Robert McAfee Brown, The Bible Speaks to You, pp.15-16
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Women's Monday Night Bible Study
Leaders: Wendy Moeller & Marice DeBruhl
Begins: September 14th
Meets: Monday 7 pm
Location: on Zoom
Text: Never let it be said that the honorable First Presbyterian women of the Monday Evening Bible Study stood up Dr. Luke and his Gospel, nor The Right Reverend Professor NT Wright, for that matter! We are coming back (virtually) for our second attempt at LUKE FOR EVERYONE starting Monday, September 14th, instead of mid-March as we had originally planned until Covid, that “Great Disturber”, arrived. For access to the book and the accompanying study guide, contact Priscilla in the church office and then plan on joining us, pajamas or otherwise, on Zoom Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 starting September 14th. General questions: call Wendy Moeller 252-876-7259 or Marice Debruhl 252-637-5468. Please contact: Cathy Wingfield ( cathy@firstpresnb.org) to be added to the email list and to get Meeting ID and password or for Zoom specific questions.. |
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Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study
Every Thursday
Location: on Zoom
Text: Finding New Spiritual Paths for the Second Half of Life
"Midlife brings changes, responsibilities, losses. Meanwhile, in your personal walk with God, things may have become ho-hum. Can God meet you if you take a new and fresh path? God surely can! This season of life can also be a time of discovery and new beginnings. It's a good time to explore new patterns of prayer and spiritual disciplines for deeper growth. Lynne Babe says, 'At midlife one of our tasks is to discover patterns of living that will endure through the second half of our lives and us pleasure, joy and connection with God in new ways.'"
The Thursday Women's Bible Study will start a new book on Thursday, August 13 and the book study will run for 9 weeks and end on October 8 (don't worry if you can't make every meeting). Friends, family, neighbors welcome!! The book is "A Renewed Spirituality: Finding Fresh Paths at Midlife" by Lynne M. Baab.
The book is out of print but it is available on kindle inexpensively. So, if at all possible, you are able to get it in digital form, please try to!! If a digital version is not an option for you, there are a few reasonably priced used copies on Amazon (but please don't pay more than $15). IF you are NOT able to use a kindle version and are NOT able to get the book version for a reasonable price, let Maren know because we have worked out another option with the author.
Please contact: Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray (Maren@firstpresnb.org) to join and get on the mailing list for reading assignments and zoom meeting ID and password.
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PILGRIMAGE OUTFITTERS
Equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey
September, 2020
Our small, intentional groups committed to listening together for where God’s Spirit is connecting with our lives will resume on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. As long as we are restricted to meetings of 10 or less, we will continue to meet virtually. When Governor Cooper makes changes for our safety, we will discuss the best way to move forward. I hope you can join us for one or both of these gatherings to deepen your intimacy with God.
Centering Prayer Group. This group gathers on Wednesday from 12:00 noon till 1:00 pm. Don’t let this title frighten you off. Centering prayer is a conventional practice in our Reform Tradition. It is gaining renewed interest in this time of social isolation and imposed quiet. To guide us in developing this practice, we will study Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating, the contemporary master of centering prayer. Books are available in the church office or you can order them online. If you plan to join this zoom meeting, please email me (lloydgriffith31@gmail.com) your email address so you can be included in the Google Group. If you have any questions, please contact me (252 675 8196).
Wednesday Evening Worship. This contemplative, or reflective, approach to worship is offered each Wednesday from 5 to 5:30 pm. This quiet service is focused around silence, prayer and reflection on the Biblical text chosen for preaching the coming Sunday. Again we will be starting this worship service as a zoom gathering. Please email me (lloydgriffith31@gmail.com) your email address so you can be included in the Google Group. If you need help with zooming, I can get you a coach.
Lloyd Griffith
Trail Guide
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Dear Youth Families,
We are so excited to start a new school year, and even though a lot of things are very different right now, gettng our youth together for safe fellowship and community building is still a top priority. We would like to resume Youth Programs in the Fall, with appropriate safety guidelines and CDC recommended protocols in place.
Just like every year, your support and participation is paramount in a successful youth program. Now more than ever, it is going to take even more of a team effort.
We plan to start our year with a Youth Family Picnic Night for all of our youth families on September 13th 5:30-7:30. We will use this time to gather (socially distanced), share a meal, and discuss future plans for the year moving forward. Below, we’ve included an agenda for the night. All family members are invited and encouraged to participate. We are eager to see our youth and to also glean your feedback regarding youth programs for the year.
Marianna Dunn
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What: Youth Family Picnic Night
When: September 13th 5:30 - 7:30
Where: Outside First Presbyterian Church Grounds
Agenda
5:30 - 6:00 Meal
6:00 - 6:45 Team Building Activity
6:45 - 7:30 Lesson & Parent Meeting
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Please note families will be seated together for the meal. All tables will be socially distanced apart. The interaction of the team building will happen within family groups as well, to abide by social distance rules. Masks are required. Sign in and temperature checks will happen upon arrival. |
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Please include family name and number of members attending so we can have an accurate count. If you have children under 3rd grade that will be attending please specify.
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Picnic Style
Bring a picnic blanket or tailgate chairs as we will be eating picnic style on the grounds.
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Retirement Centers:
McCarthy Court
(252)637-7133
1321 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Don Bailey, Apt. 208
Morag Cheesman, Apt. 209
Flo Jones, Apt. 303
Frank & Arlene Yeager, Apt. 305
Barbara Williford Apt. 310
McCarthy Court II
1325 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Jean Hoffman, Apt. 39
Edna Harkins Apt. 34
Assisted Living Facilities:
Courtyards at Berne Village
(252)633-1779
2701 Amhurst Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Mary Olstad, Villa #9
Brookdale
(252)558-1291
1336 S. Glenburnie Rd
New Bern, NC 28653
Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206
Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 302
Carl McMath, Apt. 708
Riverpoint Crest
(252)637-4730
2600 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
Barbara Bell, Apt. 108
Ray Henderson, Apt. 20
Croatan Village
(252)634-9066
4522 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
Lane Mitterling Rm 311
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New Address:
Rodger Wilcox
105 Baden Lane
New Bern, NC 28562
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Wedding Announcement: Lizzie Snead, daughter of Ben and Catherine Snead, was married to Henry Nicholson of Raleigh on Saturday, August 15th on Bogue Sound in Pine Knoll Shores. |
Thank You!: Daphne, Bill and I wish we had the words to express how grateful we are for the First Presbyterian Posse!!! The parade was THE PERFECT way to celebrate her birthday. Thank you so much to all the parade participants, the cards and the birthday wishes for Daphne’s 90th birthday. We love our First Presbyterian Family!
Sincerely yours,
Pam, Bill and Daphne
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As we head into the fall months, we look forward to the return of House Church gatherings. The purpose of the House Churches is to "build up the body"- to build a sense of community and belonging among our adult members. This program is not under the “Education Commission” but the “Fellowship Commission.” Thus, House Church is not primarily a “learning time” or a Bible Study time. Yet there is meaningful content to House Church. House Churches help people interact and begin to know one another. In our current phase of restrictions due to COVID, inside in-person gatherings of House Churches are on hold until phase 3 and more guidance from the governor. But it may be that House Churches may want to meet as smaller groups outside with good social distancing. House Churches can also connect in other ways, by phone, email, or Zoom. We have put together some great suggestions for our House Church leaders about ways to have fun and meaningful gatherings over Zoom if the House Church chooses to meet that way. So keep an eye out for communications from your House Church leaders, and if you are not currently in a House Church and wish to be connected with one, contact Maren ( maren@firstpresnb.org) |
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FPC Congregational Meeting on August 23, 2020
Congratulations to the newly elected classes or committees! Thank you to all the members who joined our "first" FPC Congregational Zoom meeting, that was one for the history books...
Class of Elders for the class of 2023
Beth Paul, Mark Moeller, Mike Newman, Margaret Pritchett, Phoebe Briley, Middleton Hinckley, Addie Cheek
Pastor Nominating Committee
Jim Copeland, Marianna Dunn, Stephanie Brinson, Wendy Moeller, Cille Griffith, Steve Mabie, John Robert Mattocks
2021 Church-wide Nominating Committee
Knox Proctor, Maggie Warren, Hollis Brannon, Betsy Gatchel, Margaret Cooper (chair), Phoebe Briley, George Moore
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Worship
As we look toward fall, Online Worship will continue, and the Worship Commission invites church members to consider returning to the sanctuary for worship. Don't forget to sign in and let us know where you are sitting if attending in person.
Right now, we’re not singing but we enjoy a variety of songs by various choir members.
Right now, we can’t physically share the peace but we can share the twinkle of a smile above the mask in our church family member’s eyes.
Right now, we can’t pass the offering plate but we can drop off our contribution at the back of the sanctuary.
Right now, we can’t share a fellowship meal but we can worship together as a family.
Appropriate social distancing measures are in place and when attendance approaches seventy five members a second service will discussed and considered for an alternate location.
We miss you all and hope to see you soon.
Janelle Haggard, Worship Chair
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August 2020 Music Newsletter Notes
The August newsletter has always been my big article telling members of every age when choir rehearsals would begin, recruiting children and youth to come for the afterschool programs, and trying to recruit adult choir members. Well, not this year! Fall of 2020 is like spring and summer were—no rehearsals, no large groups gathering anywhere, anytime. I must admit to some depression about this whole situation. I feel robbed of the vocation that has brought me such pleasure, and I hope to my choir members and the congregation as well. So, like any trial or tribulation, we try to make the best of things, bringing you small ensembles singing on video recordings or live during Sunday 10:00 am services. It’s difficult to schedule, and hard to sing without listeners, but is worth every minute we spend. Thank you for writing emails to me about the selections Susan Mabie and I have made. We appreciate the feedback.
Verse 4 of “How Firm a Foundation” states:
“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”
Yours in Christ,
Pat Kerr Rowlett
Director of Music
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A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
I would like to take a moment and thank everyone who helped with the cleanup after Hurricane Isaias. In these crazy and difficult times it was so refreshing to see everyone and enjoy some yard cleaning fellowship. Again you folks are the best and I truly appreciate your support..
Tommy Hall
Facilities Supervisor
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CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF |
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Pastoral & Program Staff
The Rev. Edward (Eddie) Bellis, Interim Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, Designated Associate Pastor
The Rev. Lloyd Griffith, Parish Associate
Marianna Dunn, High School Youth Coordinator
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Music Program Staff
Pat K. Rowlett, Director of Music
Vance Harper Jones, Organist
Susan Mabie, Director Resurrection Singers
Cindy Sutton, Assistant Organist & Pianist
Dru Wilkins, Music Assistant
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Office & Support Staff
Tommy Hall, Facilities Supervisor
Priscilla Miller, Office Administrator
Cathy Wingfield, Communications Facilitator
Amber Zapffel, Financial Administrator
Kerri Wheeler, Children's Worship & Director of Preschool
Louis Foye, Sexton
Cindi DeVoe, Nursery
Missy Dixon, Nursery
Lisa Wood, Nursery Coordinator
James Briley, Jr., Treasurer
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Session
Moderators, Rev. Edward Bellis, Dr. Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray
Karen Reed, Clerk
Chair of the Commission is underlined
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Administration
Betsy Conzelman '20
Jim Findley '21
Marc Finlayson '22
Trudy Martin '20
Outreach
Peggy Clark '21
Bruce Pollock '21
Julia Speight '22
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Care
Patti Fleming '22
Polly Frank '20
Margaret Cooper '22
Education
Janet Bryan '20
Madison Crum '22
David Hale '20
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Fellowship
Kevin Avolis '22
Beth Foley '21
Peter Moeller '20
Cathy Warren '20
Worship
Janelle Haggard '21
Gayle Hardy '21
George Moore '21
Hal Vandersea '22
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2020 CALENDAR for September |
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- Bulletin & News deadline Wednesdays 5 pm
- Newsletter deadline 3rd Friday
- Presbyterian Women's Circle Groups begin via Zoom
- Labor Day September 7
- Contemplative Prayer begins for the season September 9 via Zoom
- Wednesday Night Worship begins for the season September 9 via Zoom
- National Grandparents Day, September 13
- Confirmation Sunday September 13
- Sunday School Kick-off September 13
- Family Youth Picnic Night September 13, 5:30-7:30 pm (RSVP)
- Grief Support September 15
- First Day of Autumn September 22
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