First Edition March 2019 First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, NC (252)637-3270 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 & Friday 9:00 - 1:00 Worship on Sunday 8:25 or 10:55 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.

Building Community * Transforming Lives * Engaging the World

Worship A Glimpse of the Future by Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray Nine years into my last call at another First Presbyterian, the Pastor/Head of Staff retired after over 20 years in that congregation and 40 years in ministry. In the church, there was both sorrow at losing a faithful leader and friend, and celebration of his good work and ministry. I feel a bit like I’ve got deja vu! Having walked with a “church in transition” very recently, I want to share some of what we can expect in the time to come. The first thing to say is that is a great gift to be the church that gets to celebrate the culmination of a pastor’s ministry. You get to say “Thank You” on behalf of all the churches Bill has served. Second, a transition can be a really Spirit-filled, fruitful, energizing, all-hands-on-deck time in the life of a church. You will have to opportunity to explore what is really important to you as a community of faith, to dream about future directions of the church, and to prepare for new leadership. A representative from the Committee on Ministry (COM) from the Presbytery will meet with the Session of the church in March to orient them to the process ahead of us. But roughly this is what it looks like: the Session will put a small search team together to find an Interim Pastor. The Interim Pastor will help guide the church through a time of self-reflection and preparation. And when that work is done, a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will be formed and will set about the work of looking for a new Pastor/Head of Staff. The transition time may feel like it takes longer than it should - it will take some patience and some willingness to trust the process. But, I think a good analogy lies in gardening. The transition time is like when you carefully and faithfully prepare the ground for a new plant. You want to clear away the space, get the soil all ready to go, put in the right nourishment, and plant at the right time. And when the new plant goes in the ground you will be glad you did all that work to get ready. Finally (and best of all), we can be assured that God’s Spirit is in the midst of all this, guiding us, hearing our prayers, granting courage and patience when we need it, forming and shaping us all along the way, and energizing us to live in love.

Some of our newest members....we are so lucky to have them join us!

Gloria Baker - Reaffirmation of Faith: Westminister Presbyterian Church, Bluefield, WV Donna Hayes - Transfer: Manassa Presbyterian Church, Manassas, VA Cory Hunter - Reaffirmation of Faith: First Presbyterian Church, Cazenovia, NY Jessica Skinner - Transfer: First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, NC

Jessica Skinner Cory Hunter

Gloria Barker Donna Hayes

The choirs are busy preparing for the season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Spring Ring is early this year, April 3, so we are practicing for that, too. In celebrating Valentine’s Day, we learned a song called “Take a Little Love”. The words are wonderful: "Take a little love and pass it on, pass it all around. See what it does, see where it goes, feel it from your head to your toes. Give it away, do it today, make somebody happy.” When you think of all the outreach programs of our church, this is what we are doing—passing love around. Passing love around doesn’t have to be with an organized group—you can do it with your friends or neighbors, or in random acts of kindness. It means you are thinking of others and not just yourself. Another way to pass love around is to sing in a choir! To me, music is love that you can hear, so spread it around—make somebody happy! I want to thank Jerry and Martha Strickland for donating a stand-up bass to the church music program. Winston Dixon, who plays bass for the Resurrection Singers, will be using it when they sing for church services. The instrument has been refurbished by Fuller Music, and will be enjoyed by the congregation for many years to come. In Christ’s love, Pat Kerr Rowlett

Fellowship

Fellowship Dinner Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper  DAY CHANGE Tuesday ,March 5th in the JMS Gym; several varieties of pancakes will be served. Please note we moved the time to 5:45 pm to give working families a little more time to arrive. This event is open to the entire family. This month will also feature a bouncy house for the kids! Call the church office to reserve your spot (252)637-3270 or sign up in the Friendship pad in church on Sunday.

Summary – Stated Meeting of the Session February 12, 2019 The Session approved the 2019 church budget. Details will be presented to the congregation at the February 24 th Congregational Meeting. The Session is tentatively scheduled to meet with the Presbytery Commission on Ministry on March 19 th to learn about procedures required after the retirement of a senior pastor. Engineering plans for the new church kitchen are nearly complete; preschool classroom repair/renovation is ongoing; and procedures related to obtaining FEMA funds for the church are also ongoing. Average Sunday worship attendance for January 2019 was 309 compared with 330 in January 2018. Opportunities for elders, Sunday School teachers, and youth leaders are upcoming for mentoring 10 to 12 confirmands. Average Sunday School attendance for children/youth in January was 13 and for adults 56. Submitted by Susan M Ryan, Substitute Clerk

Property

News from Property 26 Feb 2019 Did you come to church one Sunday in February, look at the front walls next to the pulpit, and wonder if there had been an earthquake in New Bern that you somehow missed? Never fear! The cracks in the plaster have been there for years – the heavy lines that webbed out in all directions were just a step in the repair process. The originally hairline cracks had to be gouged out to make space for the repair compound to get a good hold. If you looked closer, you saw a fine net material already in place along all the gouged lines to hold the new material in place. The plaster walls are now smooth again and will soon be painted but expect to see the process repeated in other parts of the sanctuary in the coming weeks. The hairline cracks are the inevitable consequence of settling due to age and the effects of a “living breathing” building of flexible structure possibly exacerbated by the recent replacement of timber sills and close proximity to an active rail line. In addition to repairing hairline cracks, our master craftsman Bill Lessard will be working to stabilize the foundation to minimize any further settling. If you see Bill on a Sunday morning, be sure to give him an encouraging word. He is doing an amazing job bringing our historic buildings into shipshape condition! In other news, the repairs and renovation of the Preschool is proceeding and the plans for the John Murphy Smith Fellowship Hall kitchen addition have been sent out for bids. Betsy Conzelman Property Chair

Outreach

Save the Date! – Sunday, March 10th for NEW BERN CROP HUNGER WALK. The CROP Hunger Walk was postponed last fall because of Hurricane Florence. But we are coming back STRONGER THAN EVER! The new Walk is set for Sunday, March 10 th . Registration begins at Union Point Park at 2:00 pm. The Walk begins at 3:00 pm. CROP Hunger Walk is an outreach of Church World Service. Donations gathered by Walkers go to assist people across the globe. In 2019, 50% of the money collected will go to Religious Community Services (RCS) of New Bern to assist with hunger and hurricane recovery. Anyone can be a CROP Hunger Walker! Many churches and organizations sponsor CROP Walk Teams. But Individual Walkers are always welcome! So, join a team, or WALK with a friend. Every step will help your neighbor. Every step will proclaim that we are NEW BERN STRONG! For more information: Jennifer East, First Presbyterian Church WALK Coordinator (252)671-7771 jenniferheast@gmail.com

March Lunch Wagon The Lunch Wagon is organizing a program called Planning for the Final Chapter of Your Life on Friday March 15 at 10:00 in the Session House. We will have a panel of speakers who will discuss various aspects including tidbits of estate planning; making funeral arrangements; what the church provides; making your final wishes known; planning your funeral (music and scripture selections) and completing the church's booklet, If for this Life Only. There will be time for questions. Our panel speakers will be Tommy Hall , church administrator; Pat Rowlett , choir director; Maren Sonstegard-Spray , minister and Brenda Humienny, CFP. Please call the church office at 252-637-3270 to reserve a seat. We will have a box lunch from Jimmy Johns available. If interested in staying for lunch, please make your sandwich selection when you call. You will pay that morning at the Session House. The cost is $10.00 which includes a sandwich (choice of turkey, ham, roast beef or veggie), chips and a cookie. Beverages (tea, lemonade or water) will be provided. You will be responsible for paying for your lunch if you do not cancel by March 13.

New Bern VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) IRS Sponsored Program For Elderly And Low To Moderate Income Taxpayers New Bern Location Harrison Community Center 311 Middle Street, New Bern, NC Mondays & Tuesdays - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm And By Appointment February 4 through April 16 Not Open: March 5 Alliance Location Pamlico County Senior Citizens Center 800 Main Street, Alliance, NC Wednesdays Only - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm February 6 Through April 10 Phone: 252-772-5245 For Both Locations EMAIL: NewBernVITA@gmail.com

Brinson Buddies Thank you to all the Brinson Buddies volunteers who gave the staff bathrooms a face-lift on February 18! The teachers and staff were very appreciative.

Education

Adult Sunday School Classes for March, April & May "Discipleship and Mission," using The Present Word curriculum led by Joan Leibert. "Encounters with Jesus," using Encounters with Jesus:Studies in the Gospel of John by Frances Taylor Gench led by Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray. "Short Stories by Jesus: The Parables," using Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine led by Brent Schlottman.

Pilgrimage Outfitters “equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey”   This is a good time to join the Centering Prayer Group . This group is learning together how to be more comfortable in the quiet. The psalmist wrote, “Be still and know I am God.” (46:10) This month is a good opportunity to add this practice as part of your Lenten discipline or spring revival of faith. On March 13 we will be beginning a new study on the real challenge of “serving others” as Jesus’ way of living. Our practice will be guided by a study of Gregory Boyle’s, Tattoos on the Heart . This group gathers at noon on Wednesdays in the Chapel. All are welcome. Bring a friend.    FLASH – last minute openings in Adult Spring Retreat!  Due to some unanticipated changes in plans, a few spaces have opened up in our adult spring retreat on April 26th – 28th to St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. This retreat is a unique opportunity to get away from the many distractions that can fill our days and spend the weekend in a beautiful quiet setting that invites renewal of our intimacy with God. For more information about availability please contact Lloyd Griffith. Lloyd Griffith, Travel Guide

Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study New Book led by Maren Sonstegard-Spray Meets weekly from 9:30-10:30 am in the Ministry Center conference room (MC 1.07), using a book by Lauren Winner, "Wearing God: Clothing, Laughter, Fire, and Other Overlooked Ways of Meeting God."  This book was the winner of the Christianity Today Book Award for Spirituality and James Martin writes that it is "A Gorgeously written and compelling investigation into what it means to strike up a friendship with the Living God." Please let Maren ( maren@firstpresnb.org ) know if you are planning to join the discussions and need to be added to the email list, and if you need help acquiring the book.

On March 14, we will begin “Forgiveness: A Lenten Study” by Marjorie Thompson (available on Amazon, or contact Maren if you need help getting the book).

Monday Evening Women's Bible Study Book Group led by Marice DeBruhl and Wendy Moeller Meets weekly from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Session House Parlor. Currently studying Barbara Essex's " More Bad Girls of the Bible." Copies available for purchase in the church office. For more information please call Marice DeBruhl (252)637-5468.

Presbyterian Men Contact:  Jerry Elliott Meets: 6:00 pm 1st Monday of each month Location: Hibachi Buffet on MLK Blvd. ​ A new season for Presbyterian Men began on September 10th. We will gather again at Hibachi Buffet at 6:00 pm. Our meetings take place the first Monday of each month. The following is list of speakers for 2019.  March 4 Taissant Summers, Jr. - New Bern police chief will speak. April 1 Hatteras Yachts representative - will discuss the yacht building process. May 6 Tim Clark - will present a living history program on Charles Lindbergh (Ladies welcome night)  If you would like to be on our email list for updates and reminders please contact Jerry Elliott.

Presbyterian Women by Ann Thornton Each year the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church contribute to mission projects throughout the year. These donations include gifts to the Coastal Women’s Shelter, Brinson School, our Presbyterian college students, Children’s Hope Alliance, Carolina East Health System, and Religious Community Services. This year our PW chose Brinson School as our main focus for our Christmas mission. Brinson School, as well as many of the students it serves, received considerable damage during Hurricane Florence. PW gave a total of 57 books to specific displaced students, gift cards totaling $325 to numerous families of displaced and homeless students, and helped establish a library fund totaling over $2,000 for its badly damaged school library. During the month of January PW contributed over 100 layette items to Carolina East Health System to help individual families who might need assistance with their newborn needs. Some of the items donated included 38 dozen diapers, 29 outfits, 37 body suits, as well as gowns, wash cloths, towels, bibs, and blankets. Thanks to all who have given their time and resources to help in these mission projects. Presbyterian Women, you are the best!

Observations on Ministry, Church and Society 1979-2019 2 of 3 by Rev. Dr. William Hawkins Not long ago, a retired minister (in 1996) shared with me those things his generation of clergy sought to advance in church and society. He listed the following: 1 - Support Ecumenism: World, National & State Councils of Churches 2 - Promoting in-depth studies for the laity in Bible,theology,history and ethics in C ovenant Life Curriculum. 3 - Eliminating racial segregation 4 - Ordination of Women 5 - Eliminating the divorce/remarriage rule; where ministers were only allowed to conduct weddings of the “innocent party” of a divorce. 6 - A ccomplished the reunion of the two largest U.S. Presbyterian denominations in 1983 after 122 years apart. My friend’s efforts prompted me to do the same. As he came up with his list a number of years after his retirement, he had the advantage of more time and reflection. Below is my effort to do the same. I’m sharing both things well underway and projections await the Presbyterian Church (USA) in the future. 1 - Liturgical Renewal/Ecumenical Worship since the 1970’s comes to fruition – This movement among Protestant Churches in the United States actually began in 1850 England, by three prominent Anglican clergyman: Edward Pusey, John Henry Newman, and John Keble. In part, its goal was for worship among Christian Communions to share in continuity with ancient worship, reaching back before Reformation squabbles to begin again. It looks more “Catholic or Higher Church” by honoring seasons and specific days of the church year (beyond Christmas and Easter). These changes are indicated in worship bulletins, new words to our liturgical vocabulary (like “liturgist” and “Christ the King Sunday”), and also by a variety of colors, and attire beginning with the wearing of stoles in the 1970’s (etc.). We follow – but not slavishly – a Common Lectionary and liturgical actions (oil of anointing at Confirmation and in healing practices), increased frequency of Communion celebrated on the Christian year rather than the secular calendar, greater lay participation in several response portions of the service, as well as other changes beyond Reformed worship’s more austere aesthetics and theological traditions. This is why some of our older Presbyterians remember none of this "liturgizing" of worship growing up.    2 - Embracing and pursuing a wider ethnicity too long overdue –   (Pew Foundation reports the average age of Americans – Latino 10; Black 26; Asian 28; White 57 – these current trends are accelerating). 3 - Renewal of social gospel as part of a “holistic” approach to missions foreign and domestic – Presbyterians have largely been holistic in our approach in world missions since 1837, when international missions by European and North American Christian denominations first got underway. Presbyterians have opened more mission fields than any other Christian communion in history. But no longer do we use the word “missionary,” formally speaking. It was replaced years ago with “Mission Co-Worker” recognizing wherever we go, we are working with indigenous churches and assist in sharing with them a greater outreach. In the first half of the 20th century, voices from our foreign mission fields suddenly witnessed the faith to the "sending" Churches in the West. They saw church division, racism and divisions between the rich and the poor among Christians in Europe and America, to be scandalous. Underway for the last 30-40 years, Europe and the United States have become the newest mission field. South Koreans are among other nations of the world where we once sent missionaries, that are now sending their own missionaries here. Bread cast upon the waters is returning to us! 4 - Stewardship of the Environment – What has in recent decades come to dominate the attention of church and society, has been an emphasis of our Reformed Tradition all along the way, though played for too long in a minor key. Yet the influence through the writings of John Calvin/Switzer-land and Jonathan Edwards/New England, and numerous 20 th century American Reformed theologians and laity, have given testimony to: Rachel Carson, James Gustafson, Joseph Sittler (Lutheran), and Holmes Rolston, III, to name a few. That Presbyterians are pro-active in this form of stewardship should come as no surprise. 5 - Acceptance of Gay Ordination, Marriage and changing lifestyle arrangements - In 1996, when single parent households exceeded the number of married households for the first time in our nation’s history, the long-standing pattern of life-style arrangements was headed for greater change. In the history of World-wide Christianity, sexual morality and the marriage union has been found in a variety of accepted practices beginning within Scripture itself. Beyond the Bible, namely Christian Europe from centuries gone by, are found marriage arrangements absent legally enforceable norms, that allowed or gave tacit approval if not outright acceptance of what was for the lack of a better word: gay cohabitation. While heterosexuality is the norm and homosexuality a variation of that norm, there is no biblical evidence that warrants Christians disallowing monogamous life-long marriages for gays. As the Episcopalians and Lutherans before us, at this writing the United Methodist Church after us, are voting on this very issue. 6 - Reckoning with an ever-widening religious pluralism – This includes the ever-growing and already widely accepted belief in the relativity of all truth claims, particularly, religious. Together, the waning loyalty of members of historic Protestant Churches may force consideration of possible unions among denominations, facing attendant challenges for congregational life to not merely survive but flourish. Not surprisingly my friend’s six observations have been largely embraced by church and society. But this was not so when he was in the ministry and scuh efforts were considered radical and divisive. The six observations of church and society I have listed and described, have also sounded wildly radical and as I stated, some continue to be quite divisive. I do believe it is a matter of time they too will be largely embraced in the church in whatever new forms they take. We should not be alarmed. The New Testament tells us that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but fear. And we have nothing to fear. as Jesus said, "the gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). The Church's victory in Christ Jesus, is true yesterday, today and forever.                                     grace & peace, Bill

by Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang 2019 Youth Group Key DATES March 3— 5:30-7:30 pm — Prayer stations March 10— 2:30-4:30 pm—Crop Walk *Meet at Union Point Park at 2:30 pm. Walk begins at 3:00 pm. After the walk, we’ll go get ice cream at Cow Cafe. March 17— 5:30-7:30 pm — Youth Leader lead lesson on Values March 24— 5:30-7:30 pm— Youth Council lead March 31— 5:30-7:30 pm— Hunger Workshop SAVE THE DATE— Vacation Bible School (VBS) June 17-21 2019, 9:00 am-12:00 pm  Please mark it down on your calendar. VBS at First Pres is open to children age 4 (as of June 1) through those who have completed 5th grade. The theme this year “To Mars and Beyond.”  We’ll be learning about the stories of Daniel and how he trusted God in the Lions’ Den, how Queen Esther took a stand to protect her people, the way the Good Samaritan helped a fellow traveler, and Jesus healing and comforting his friends. There will be wonderful crafts, fun science experiments, awesome Bible story times, high-energy games, and joyful music time.  We will be looking for adult and youth volunteers for a fun week of VBS.  If you feel led to be a VBS Assistant working closely with Daewon to prepare for the week of VBS, please talk to him right away. We are looking for a few people to do behind the scene work to prepare for VBS beginning in March.   Parents, please make a note of the following key events being planned for 2019 for our youth! There are trips with the necessary number to be met in order for us to attend.   ·   3/15-3/17—New Hope Presbytery High School Retreat: This annual retreat brings 150 high school youth from our presbytery together for a weekend retreat at Camp Willow Run in Littleton, NC. Cost per youth is expected to be $75. We’ll need at least 3 high school youth to attend. ·   7/7-7/13 OR 7/14-7/20 — Montreat High School Conference— A week long conference for high school youth. It’s an amazing conference attended by thousands of youth each summer. Sign up will be due by 3/3 with Daewon . We will attend if we have at least 4 youth.  The cost is $450 per youth (scholarships available, please talk to Daewon ). Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference June 25-28,2019 (Possible second date:July 16-19,2019)   Over 1000 middle school youth and adults will gather again this summer at the Massanetta Middle School Conference to worship our God together. This year’s theme is “At the Door” based on Matthew 7:7-12. Youth and adults will learn ways we can open our doors to God and ask God to be in our lives. Our middle school youth who attend have always loved their time and we want to head back this year with more youth. This conference is opened to those who have completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. We’ll need at least 3 to attend our June 25th-28th session. Sign up is due March 17th; however, if interested, let Daewon know right away. The cost is $300 per youth. There are scholarships available. (If your youth absolutely can’t attend June date, but would love to go to July date, talk to Daewon right away.)  S.A.L.T. - Ministry for 3rd thru 5th graders Next S.A.L.T. meeting will be on March 17, 5:30-7:30 pm, in the Ministry Center.  We look forward to having a great time together. Friends are always welcomed.  The future meeting date is April 28. Air U Trampoline Park Outing First Pres youth went to Air U trampoline park in Greenville with Christ Episcopal youth. There were 30 of us total as we had a fun night at the park on February 1. Here are some pictures from that night.

2019 Youth Sunday   It was yet another powerful Youth Sunday Worship! Our high school seniors chose two scriptures which spoke to them— Isaiah 41:8-10 and Proverbs 19:20-21 and worked on their senior sermons through the month of January. They each had a wonderful personal narrative of when they’ve experienced God. After meeting three times and giving peer critique of one another’s sermons, they knew the theme of Youth Sunday was to be “Trusting in God’s Plan.” With the chosen theme and the scripture lessons, rest of our middle school and high school youth wrote various parts of the liturgy. On February 3, our youth shared their gifts in leading our congregation in a wonderful service with each of the six seniors giving a senior sermon. We are so proud of our seniors and the rest of the youth members for providing the congregation with a powerful worship experience.  The senior sermons can be viewed in the following pages.    Blessings, Daewon

2019 Seniors (Left to Right): Camden, Brittain, Sam, Nick, Will, Michael

02.03.19 Youth Sunday Senior Sermons Trusting in God's Plan   Isaiah 41:8-10 - 8  But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend;  9  you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off ’;  10  do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.   Proverbs 19:20-21 - 20  Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.  21  The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.    Brittain Blackerby            When I was 15 I was given an amazing experience to travel with some of my best friends to a small town in Costa Rica about 30 minutes from San Jose called Atenas. Throughout this trip I gathered countless memories with my peers I will never forget, but one experience will always stick out to me and it is what made this trip as incredible as it was. On the fourth day of the week long trip our group went to scale one of the breathtaking mountains of the region for the day. As me and my friends set out through the town making our way up the mountain I saw some of the most beautiful scenery known to man. I saw unimaginable amounts of untouched forest as well as rolling grassy hills where farmers laid out their oxen in the night.             Myself and a small group of boys had made it up the mountain much quicker than the rest of the group and decided to rest for a second on the peak of the mountain. Although the climb took just about all the life force me and my friends had, once we made it to the top it made the last three hours seem completely trivial compared to the sight I was seeing. Laying to our left was the shimmering coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and to our right we could see the sun slowly start to descend back from the heavens into the Pacific Ocean. Sitting there surrounded by the natural beauty of the land around me, my friends and I were in awe of what we were seeing. It was in this moment that I fully understood what it was like to be in the presence of God.             I laid there for a solid 30 minutes surrounded by my best friends just soaking in the moment before us, wondering exactly what could come after such a day, and a single thought came to me, not to worry about the following days but to trust in the moment I had just had and in the Lord himself. The way down the mountain was not exactly the best place to sit and ponder the world around me, considering our hike down the mountain had been renamed the "Death March" because one of the students claimed they had a "shortcut" to get down the mountain. After about three hours of stumbling around in the darkness slowly making our way down the mountain everyone was back on the bus safe and sound.             Throughout the rest of high school I always thought about that moment when a difficult situation arose, and I knew I did not have to fear because I knew that I was a servant of God. I could be lost on a mountain three times as high with nobody else to share the journey with and I would know I was not alone. Throughout our lives we will be challenged in faith and in circumstances but as long as one knows that the Lord is with them, then no challenge is too great.  Michael East            Good morning. I am Michael East. I am a senior at New Bern High school and today I will be giving my senior sermon.            One’s own experiences with God will leave on his or her conscience a certain kind of impact. I can think of a few occasions in my life when I have experienced God’s grace and ability first hand. Seeing a sunrise from a mountain top in New Mexico, going through hardships and gaining life skills as I strived to obtain my Eagle Scout rank, and helping my grandparents for about two weeks begin the restoration process after they were displaced by Hurricane Florence. These experiences with God have left its mark on me for the better, so that I may become a better person, grounded in faith. There is one experience that I would like to talk about, not just because of how significant it was, but because of the profound effect it had the moment after it had happened.            Faith is a strange thing. After what I tell you all today, you will understand how my faith is being tested daily. You may know what I am going to talk about if you know what happened to one of my best friends last summer. We first met in preschool and continued our friendship for the preceding eleven years. We did many things together: we went to First Pres Preschool, had birthday parties together, and played in the church baseball league. More recently, I played lacrosse with him on the varsity team at New Bern High School for the past two years. I am talking about my friend Julian Rogers. He took his own life, and to this day I feel the impact of the event. I know that God has a plan for everything, but how for even something like this?   During the beginning of the mourning process, my faith was at a crossroads: Why would God allow this to happen? Isaiah 41:9-10 states, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’; do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Every experience, good or bad, positive or tragic, gives us a glimpse of God’s grace at work. He is showing us His plan, set in motion through our responses to these events in our lives. The word of God says,”I have chosen you and not cast you off; do not fear, for I am with you…” God did not abandon Julian; He had a greater plan for him. His untimely death has had such an immense impact on me, and that is what God intends. To take something like this and use it in a way that only good will come from it.            I am a living testament to the fact that only good will come from this tragedy. Ever since July 22 nd , 2018, I have been living everyday with a new appreciation for the opportunities that are presented to me to be a gentler person, a more caring son, and a supportive friend. I check up on people now, a good habit for everyone to adopt. I do not take any of my friends or family for granted anymore. I have come to realize how precious life is and that it must be cherished. God has strengthened me, for I am His servant and I will do his bidding and spread his positive light in everything I do.  Thank you.  Will Gatchel          Good morning. My name is Will Gatchel and my faith journey began very early in my life. When I was three days old a coarctation of my aorta caused me to need closed heart surgery. As I began my road to recovery as an infant, I was readmitted into the hospital for open heart surgery to correct a bicuspid aortic valve. This was my second surgery in six months. Because of my condition, I have faced limited participation in strenuous activities all my life.            As I grew older I became more aware of the limitations that my condition brought me. While I understood my condition, I could never wrap my head around “why.” Why was I someone that was limited physically in what I can do and the one who had to sit out of certain activities at school because of my condition? I wondered why for years, and when I was in the eighth grade I finally found the answer.            I found the answer during one of the church’s morning conformation classes when I began the conformation process. In that class, the lesson of the day was discussing that God has a plan for everyone. I remember as we went around describing the ways God shows and executes his plans for everyone, my question was answered. I realized that I should not worry about what I am unable to do, but focus on the gifts that God gave me. Proverbs 19:21 states “The human mind may devise plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” Whether it is leading me through school, developing my skills as a leader or helping me achieve the Eagle Scout Rank, I know that God is there guiding me on the pathway of life. God has given me the abilities to accomplish his plan.            As my faith journey continues, I plan on attending Elon University to pursue a degree in business management. In beginning this new life chapter, I will remember what I learned in conformation that I should not worry about what my condition limits me from doing, but to embrace the gifts God gave me, knowing that my God has a plan for me. Thank you. Sam Grady        My name is Sam Grady. I am seventeen years old and have been a member of First Presbyterian Church since I was two. When Daewon called my senior friends together, he asked us about a time when we could feel God’s presence. As soon as he asked that, the wheels started turning in my head. I kept asking myself where I had seen God. Then it hit me. I was at cookout a few days before with some friends, not planning on getting anything as my mom was making dinner. When I was standing in line, this man in front of me handed the cashier forty dollars and said pay for all these kids. I got a free dinner and got to get out of eating my mom’s meal. Was this the kind of God’s presence Daewon was looking for? After thinking to myself a little more, I realized this was probably not a suffice answer.            After the Cookout example was out of the question, I began thinking about my two mission trips to Honduras. This past summer, as well as two years ago, I traveled to Honduras with my cousin’s Presbyterian church in South Carolina. We served at a Christian orphanage outside the city of Tegucigalpa. When at the orphanage, I could feel God’s presence in many ways. To start, when I was standing on top of the mountain watching the sunset, I could see God’s creation. Everything was so beautiful. Additionally, on the Sunday we arrived, the Honduran kids led a church service. The service was full of laughter and singing. Seeing how thankful all the Hondurans where was amazing. They were struggling to find food and clean water, however, were so appreciative of what God gave them. I could strongly feel God’s presence at the orphanage. It seemed that a greater being within me. I felt God had called me to Honduras to serve in his name.            The Hondurans incorporated the bible verse Isaiah 41 verse 10 into their lives. The verse reads Do not fear, For I am with you. God is telling us to not be afraid as he is with us and will guide us. As a senior, I am nervous about my next life step. I still do not know where I want to go to college, or exactly what I want to study. God is protecting me and will continue to for the rest of my life. He strengthens my heart and makes me a better person. The Honduran children always claimed God is their protector. He is theirs as well as mine.             First Pres has guided me through my young years and strengthened my faith. I would like to thank Daewon, Ms. Kathy, Mrs. Janet, and Mr. Madison for leading the youth group. These four adults are four of my main role models in the church. They’ve had to deal with myself and my friends which cannot be an easy task. Additionally, I’d like to thank Reverend Bill as well as Mr. Avolis for helping me become confirmed in the church. Mr. Avolis was my mentor. Both of us are still waiting for Jesus to give us some fishing advice like where to throw the net. The church has helped shape my character and has changed me as a person. I am grateful to be a member of such a friendly environment. I will always remember the memories this church gave me. Thank you Nick Mason            Good morning. My name is Nicholas Mason and I’m a senior at Craven Early College. For my verse I chose Proverbs 19:20-21, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.”            The first part of the verse speaks to me about an experience I had in my time at this church that I have only recently realized to be significant in meaning. When we reflect, we can find God anywhere, and find his word in simple places.            A couple years ago Madison Crum, one of the youth leaders, offered to take me to Cherry Point to practice on the flight simulator there. I was a bit hesitant and nervous, since this is out of my comfort zone, but I went. I knew he was trying to be a friend and give me somebody to talk to during tough times. Even though he has his own family and worries, he took the time out of his day to give me this experience. This is a big part of being in the church and helping others on their own faith journey. You guide others and teach them how to spread their own wings.            When we got there he taught me how to use the equipment, monitoring speed, direction, and altitude. I pushed buttons, flipped switches, and pulled on the ‘yoke.’ I only crashed twice, which I was pretty proud of. We had a good time and practiced for about two hours. No wise words passed between us that night, but to quote him on the ride home: “when you’re driving and the light turns yellow, how do you decide whether to stop or go?” I was surprised by such a random question, and I told him I wasn’t sure. I asked him how he decides. He told me that if he’s already at the white arrow painted on the road before an intersection, he just goes.            Sometimes in life, we see the white arrow, but we still aren’t sure if we should go. This is when we turn to those we care about and to God to ask the big questions. Even if we don’t get clear answers, we may be told “what button to push” that will keep us in the air for a little while longer. This is what proverbs tells us: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.” Camden Richey            Good morning, my name is Camden Richey. First Presbyterian has been a part of my life since before I can even recall. I spent my preschool years in this church, attended many youth group meetings, spent many summer weeks at Presbyterian Camp Albemarle, and have witnessed myself grow from either sleeping or drawing during Doctor Hawkins sermons, to relating them deeply to my personal life, and now delivering my own senior sermon after sitting and listening to many of my friends give their own in past years.             Although a substantial amount of my upbringing has been in this church, I can recall one specific moment in my childhood where I believe I experienced God firsthand at Camp Albemarle. I was participating in the two week long adventure camp. I was placed in a cabin with a bunch of other rowdy young boys like myself. It was routine to sit on the front porch of the cabin every night and discuss the day, tell personal stories, and say prayers together. My two counselors added a unique twist to this nightly routine that would end up altering my faith in God forever. On the first night we searched the entire camp for the largest stone we each could find. After our late evening stories, prayers, and reflections we wrote down a burden that we wanted to get rid of by the end of the week.             On the last night, instead of gathering on the front porch, we gathered at the end of the pier. The stars were shining brightly, the soft winds were whistling through the boards of the pier, the water was crashing against the seawall, and I could already sense God’s presence among us. At the end of the pier we all took turns throwing our rocks into the sound symbolizing the relief of our burdens. After taking turns throwing our stones, we sat in a circle and asked God again to help relieve us of these qualities.             As we laid on the dock and told stories, some humorous, some serious and tear jerking, three shooting stars simultaneously flew through the sky. I immediately interpreted these three stars as a symbolic, visual representation of the Holy Trinity. Isaiah 41:10 states “do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” In this very moment I felt God, and I felt as if I had personally interacted with him. I knew that he was with me, strengthening me, and upholding me by relieving me of the burdens that I had cast into the sound with that stone. As I will soon enter into the next chapter of my life, I will treasure that experience I had at camp and trust that God will always be with me and will strengthen me each and every day. Thank you.

Preschool Registration by Kerri Wheeler It’s time to register for the 2019-2020 school year! We will open registration to the public on Monday, March 4 th . We have classes for children 6 weeks - Pre-K. If you’re interested in registering your child(ren) or grandchild(ren) call Kerri at (252)670-9290 for more information or to schedule a tour. Our mission is to create an environment where every child will feel safe and secure and can have the opportunity to develop at his or her own individual pace. Our learning environment involves children and encourages them to investigate their world while taking an active role in their classroom community. Daily opportunities are provided for problem solving, critical thinking, and socialization. We strive to assist each child in attaining the skills necessary for social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. Come join the First Pres Preschool family!

Caring

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 Pat Zeleniak, Apt. 103 Barbara Williford #310 McCarthy Court II 1325 McCarthy Blvd. New Bern, NC 28563 Donna Fleck, Apt. 16 Jean Hoffman, Apt. 39 Edna Harkins Apt. 34 Assisted Living Facilities: Bayview (252)638-1818 3003 Kensington Park Dr. New Bern, NC 28563 Ann "Nancy" Howard (Phoebe Moeller's mother) Rm. 5 Courtyards at Berne Village (252)633-1779 2701 Amhurst Blvd. New Bern, NC 28562 James White, Apt. 3B (Carlotta Gault's father) Brookdale (252)558-1291 1336 S. Glenburnie Rd New Bern, NC 28653 Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206 Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 302 Carl McMath, Apt. 708 Dick Shelley, Apt. 107 Croatan Village (252)634-9066 4522 Old Cherry Point Rd New Bern, NC 28560 Andy Davies, Apt. 409 Riverpoint Crest (252)637-4730 2600 Old Cherry Point Rd. New Bern, NC 28560 Barbara Bell, Apt. 108 Ray Henderson, Apt. 207

Joys and Concerns Hospitalized: Elaine Patchett Buddy Stallings Deborah Wellington Mary Ann Carzoo Ron MacLean Sympathy of the congregation is extended to : Ruth Montgomery on the February 2nd. death of her husband and church elder, Charles Montgomery. Service of the witness to the Resurrection will be held March 23rd at 11:00 am. Mary Olstad on the February 6th death of her sister, Ruth Brondel, of Schenectady, NY. Judy Griffith on the February 15th death of her mother, Grace Sanford (age 101) of Rochester, NY. The family of Andy Davies who passed away February 22nd. His remains will be interred in NJ with his wife Evelyn. Births : Peter "Sands" Moeller, Jr. on February 10th the son of Peter and Sarah Moeller. Grandson of Mark Moeller and Phoebe Moeller.  New Address: Mrs. Barbara Williford 1321 McCarthy Ct. #310 New Bern, NC 28562 Don Bailey, 1321 McCarthy Ct. #208 New Bern, NC 28562 Thanks : I would like to thank Bill, Maren, Lloyd, Daewon, all the staff, and all of my church family that has supported me and my family through this journey. The prayers, cards, visits, meals, and calls have sustained and encouraged us all along the way. I look forward to returning to full capacity over the next several months.  Sincerely, Karen Reed Thank you all for the prayers for safety, wellness, and recovery from the recent triple by-pass surgery at C.E.M.C. here in New Bern. The cardiac team: Dr(s). Halligan, Reams, Levine proved to be truly worth their"five-star" rating! ... Henry continues to work for recovery each day. Your continued prayers give him courage to achieve each recovery phrase. You are such a special group of CHRIST loving people that we both have benefited from it.Thank you again for the love and support.  With and In CHRIST, Henry & Laura

Session 2019

Rev. Dr. William Hawkins, Moderator, Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, Vice-Moderator, Karen Reed, Clerk

Administration Chris Kelso '19 Betsy Conzelman '20 Trudy Martin '20 Outreach Bruce Pollock '21 Peggy Clark '21 Bill Harris '19 Worship Gayle Hardy '21 Janelle Haggard '21 George Moore '21

Care Becky Nohr '19 Polly Frank '20 Doug Phelps '19 Education Jennifer East '19 David Hale '20 Janet Bryan '20

Communications Susan Ryan '19 Oscara Stevick '19 Jim Findley '21 Fellowship Cathy Warren '20 Peter Moeller '20 Beth Foley '21

2019 March Calendar Events to be ready for...

World Prayer Day, March 1 Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3 Fellowship Dinner, March 5 Ash Wednesday (services 5:30 & 7:00), March 6 First Sunday in Lent, March 10 Daylight-Saving Time Begins, March 10 CROPWalk, registration 2:00, March 10 Lenten Lunch, 12:00, March 12 (1 of 6) Second Sunday in Lent, March 17 Sacraments Class, 12:15, March 17 (First Class) Lenten Lunch, 12:00, March 19 (2 of 6) First Sunday of spring, March 20 Third Sunday in Lent, March 24 Sacraments Class, 12:15, March 24 (Second Class) Lenten Lunch, 12:00, March 26 (3 of 6) Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 31 Sacraments Class, 12:15, March 31 (Third Class)

Editor's Note:This monthly newsletter is one way our congregation keeps up to date and stays informed. Another way is our church website. We have recently updated and reorganized our entire website. Please check it out! www.firstpresnb.org . If you need to update your email address or add an address just let us know. If you would like to see some things added or some things have outlived their usefulness please contact,  cathy@firstpresnb.org or call the church office. (252)637-3270. Good Luck, Cathy