First Edition August 2019 First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, NC Phone (252)637-3270 Email: church@firstpresnb.org Website: www.firstpresnb.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/firstpresnb Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 & Friday 9:00 - 1:00 Sunday School 8:45 - 9:45 Summer Worship at 10:00 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

Summer of New Partnerships in Mission by The Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray While summer might seem a little quieter around the church, we still have a lot of exciting things happening! Our ESL/Citizenship Tutoring program has really grown thanks to a Passion Driven Ministry Grant from our Presbytery. We have been able to update our computers and create a second ESL lab at West New Bern Presbyterian Church, our partner in our passion driven ministry. Between the two sites, we are tutoring members of the Montagnard, Burmese, and Congolese communities. We are always in need of tutors and we provide the training! Contact me or Gene Peele if you are interested. Tutoring takes place on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings.  We are also partners with West New Bern in their passion driven ministry project, a community garden they have created on their property. If you are over in the Degraffenried area, stop by and see the garden. It is gorgeous and producing a lot of food! If gardening is your passion and you are interested in helping with West New Bern’s community garden, let me know! This week a group of our folks passionate about international mission partnership and development, met with Ian Vallenga and Jhan Dotel-Vallenga, Presbyterian Church (USA) co-workers in Nicaragua (from Henderson, NC), to learn about their newly started work with the Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD). CEPAD’s mission is to provide faith-based training to people in rural Nicaraguan villages through programs in leadership training, sustainable agricultural practices, and economic development so they can break the cycle of hunger and poverty to support themselves and their families. While it might seem that when a church is in transition it is a time to put things on hold and wait until we’ve got everything sorted out, until we’ve got an Interim Pastor, or until we’ve called a new Head of Staff, God’s Spirit is moving in our midst, and our task is to pay attention and follow where God leads! Exciting things are happening here at First Presbyterian! Worship

Sermon audio is available on the website www.firstpresnb.org on the Worship page. Sermon manuscripts are available in the church office by either stopping by during office hours or email request: church@firstpresnb.org .

Meet the Elder Class of 2022 Kevin Avolis Margaret Cooper Madison Crum Marc Finlayson Patti Fleming Julia Speight Hal Vandersea

Kevin Avolis is an eastern North Carolina native having grown up in Williamston and Washington, North Carolina. Upon graduation from North Carolina State in 1985, Kevin joined the US Navy as a Civil Engineer Corps officer. In 1989 Kevin and his wife, Kim moved to New Bern where he started his engineer consulting practice. Kevin and Kim became members of First Presbyterian Church in 1990. They have three children, Kari, Ben and Megan who were all raised in our Church.  Over the years, Kevin has been active in the Church previously serving on Session and the Fellowship Commission. He has also been active on the Property Committee and Yard Birds and worked on many Church sponsored functions preparing meals. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys cooking, crabbing, fishing, and boating. He and Kim enjoy spending much of their spare time on Harkers Island and the waters around Cape Lookout. Kevin is looking forward to serving on Session and continuing to grow in his Christian Life.

Margaret Cooper I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, in 1966 with a degree in Elementary Ed.   I married Larry, a Marine, in 1968. We moved several times, and lived in Florida, Georgia, California, Japan and Cherry Point. We loved Cherry Point and the surrounding towns, and we decided to make this our home.   I taught at Newport Elementary, The Danes School, HJ MacDonald and Grover C. Fields for 35 years. After my retirement from the school system I worked with Patient Assistance at MERCI Clinic for 4 years. Now that I am again retired I do a lot of volunteer work. I am currently the Treasurer for Women of the Church and volunteer in the church office. I also volunteer at New Bern Academy and with RCS.   I love music and I sing in the Daybreak Choir and the Resurrection Singers. I have played with Sanctuary Bells since they were started.   Larry and I have 3 children: Michael – 47, Suzanne – 45, and Laura – 43. All 3 of them grew up attending First Presbyterian Church. We also have 7 grandchildren ages 13 to 20.   I’m looking forward to growing in my Faith, and helping others do the same.

Madison H Crum Jr. I was born in Greenville SC November 2 nd 1959. Growing up I moved throughout the Southeast, including living in Greenville and Isle of Palms SC; Durham, Greensboro, and Chapel Hill NC, and attending high school in Louisville KY. I attended Western Carolina University (where I met my wife, Julie.) and spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. Julie and I joined the Church in September 2012. We have four children, Mary Kate, who passed away two years ago, Andrew who lives in Wilmington NC and Molly, who attends UNCW and was active in youth group. We also adopted our grandson, Sampson so he is both a son and a grandson. I am very excited to join the session and serve a Church that has been so important to me and my family these last six years.

Marc Finlayson Marc and his wife Lydia joined First Presbyterian in 1992. Their sons Bryan and John and daughter Kate are all children of the church. Marc was ordained as an Elder at First Pres and this will be his fourth term on the Session. A lifelong Presbyterian, Marc grew up in Trinity Presbyterian in Charlotte and joined White Memorial while living in Raleigh. Professionally, Marc has owned Finlayson Consulting, LLC since 2003. His background is in news media, government relations and public affairs, having graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in News/Editorial Journalism. Marc and Lydia live in Trent Woods. Bryan, John and Kate are now grown, and living in Wilmington, Charlotte and Cary respectively.

Patti Fleming   I was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvania, attending the Lutheran church. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering from Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science (now Jefferson University), was an MBA candidate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received teacher certification from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. My professional career was with Albany International Corporation (Albany, NY) in various capacities: Paper Machine Fabric Development Engineer, Design Engineer, Recruitment Manager and Advertising Manager. I raised my sons with my late-husband, Ron, in Bennington VT in the Congregational church, where I taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and served as docent. My son Matthew and his wife, Mikilena, live in Lebanon, NH with their 7 month old son, Hudson. My son Andrew and his wife, Molly, live in Alexandria, VA with their 2 ½ year old son, Tucker, and their 3 month old daughter, Natalie. When not busy as “Nana,” I volunteer at CEMC in Volunteer Transport, The Camellia Boutique gift shop and Auxiliary Publicity Director. My favorite indulgence is reading. I joined First Presbyterian following my move to New Bern in 2005. I was drawn by its similarity to classic New England church architecture, but quickly realized I’d found my new church family. In 2006, Bill Hawkins performed the wedding ceremony for my husband Jack and me. Here at FPC I participate in Women’s Circle (#5), House Church (Amazing Grazers), and serve on both the Care and Worship Commissions. This will be my second service as a Sitting Elder.

Julia Speight In the early 1970’s I became a member of First Presbyterian Church. My relationship with God had begun years before in the small town of Grifton about thirty-five miles west of New Bern.  My early memories include active family involvement in the Disciples of Christ Church. My parents set an example of including God in their daily lives. There has been no sudden awakening but a steady growth in my beliefs. After moving to New Bern, my husband, one year old son, and I began attending First Presbyterian. It was there that we made our first friends in New Bern. My family grew to include two sons, one daughter, and five grandchildren. During the more than forty years at First Presbyterian Church, I have served as a Circle leader, Sunday School and Bible School teachers, as well as, a participant in many church activities and events. I received both B.S. and M.A.Ed. Degrees, and also a National Board Certification. The majority of my thirty years of teaching elementary school were spent in New Bern. I was also director and teacher of First Presbyterian Preschool for three years. Since my retirement from teaching, I have enjoyed becoming more involved in church committees and activities.

Hal Vandersea Originally from upstate New York, I have been a member of FPC for forty two years, during which I have served several terms on the Session, taught youth and adult Sunday School, chaperoned Youth Group trips, and coached church little league baseball. I am a member of the Committee on Ministry of New Hope Presbytery, and am Chair of the Interim Pastor Nominating Committee. Recently I have been involved in the reconstruction process at Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church to provide housing for relief workers coming to New Bern.               I practiced Orthopedic Surgery in New Bern for 36 years, and retired in 2013. My wife, Marilyn, and I have 3 adult sons and 7 grandchildren with whom we enjoy spending time at their homes, and at the beach. In my spare time I do woodworking and caning of chairs, and have several other hobbies.

How We Can Give During the service drop it in the offering plate or Later Online go the the website www.firstpresnb.org ~as a member click on the Member Porta l page ~as a visitor click on Give page or on your Mobile Phone download and use the app ACS Church Life or on your Mobile Phone Text FIRSTPRESNB to 73256

Church Name Tags: As we have more new members and visitors joining our midst, it is especially helpful for all to wear their church name tags. Have you seen the new name tag stand in the narthex? This will allow you to leave your name tag at church so you won't have to remember which car or which purse. If you are in need of a name tag, please contact the church office at 252-637-3270 or email church@firstpresnb.org to make the request.

Fellowship

Lunch Wagon Upcoming Events!

August- summer hiatus September 20-Friday Beaufort- Double-Decker bus tour and NC Maritime museum for a narrated Double Decker bus tour of the historic area of the city. Following the tour you will be free to visit the Maritime Museum and have lunch on your own at one of the fine Beaufort restaurants. The cost of the narrated tour is $12 which will be collected as you board the church bus at 9:15 a.m. Please have the correct change . The bus will depart at 9:30 a.m. and should return by 4:00 p.m. Sign up through the Church Office 252-637-3270. Our bus can accommodate 22 people. Contact Charlotte Richardson if you have any questions about this event at 252-631-2221. October 19-Saturday Lobster Fest-Salter Path November ?-History Place, Morehead City-Rodney Kemp-storyteller December 1-Sunday Mike’s Farm, Beulaville January 5-Sunday Kinston The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Banquet

Next Fellowship Meal will be held in September.

Transitional News

The Interim Pastor Nominating Committee (IPNC) has received multiple Personal Information Forms (PIF) from the central office in Louisville, Kentucky. We are in the process of reviewing those forms at this time. The IPNC is comprised of Hal Vandersea, chair, Marge Avery, Janet Bryan, Middleton Hinckley, and Peter Moeller. This "search" committee will be following the process outlined by the Committee on Ministry, and we will keep you informed as we proceed. Please pray for our committee as we continue our search for an Interim Pastor!

submitted by Karen Reed, Clerk of Session The session took a holiday in July.

Outreach

It's almost time for a second food distribution for summer 2019! Our first distribution in June went very smoothly, thanks to volunteers from all of the churches working together to make a difference for so many families in our area who suffer from food insecurity in their homes! Thank you for coming out to help! The time slots are August 5th, 6th & 7th and you can sign up online. Here is the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4BA9AB2AA0FD0-backpack   If you have any questions please contact Stacey Griffin, sgriff4930@yahoo.com .

meric n Red Cr ss With out A, B and O, we c an't s ave anyb ody. First Presbyterian Church Blood Drive in Session House Wednesday, August 7th 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Not enough people donate blood. Only you can fill the Missing Types. You may set up an appointment by signing up at church or going to www.redcrossblood.org and find First Pres as the donation site for the date of August 7th. A photo ID is required at the donation site along with a list of medications you currently take.

Education

Adult Education Opportunities Summer Quarter 2019 Sundays 8:45 AM—9:45 AM   June 2 - August 25 The Present Word —Session House Parlor            Leader: Joan Leibert Summer discussions will delve into living under covenant. A covenant can be a pact, an agreement, a contract or from the faith prospective, a relationship. Jesus fulfilled the Covenant of the Old Testament and instituted a New Covenant. Applying His New Covenant to our relationships gives us guidelines into the Covenant Between Friends, the Mother-Daughter Covenant, the Covenant to Marry, and Covenant of Mutual Love. Study lessons will be from Mark, Hebrews, Colossians, Matthew, 1 Samuel, Ruth, and Ephesians.  “Read This Book” in the Session House Main room. A book will be presented and discussion led by a leader presenting a book. The following is a lineup of the books being covered: August 4 - Jeanette Avery - The Overstory by Powers August 11 - Ken Wilkins - TBD August 18 - Phil Smith - The Consequences of Ideas by Sproul August 25 - Seth Smith TBD

Pilgrimage Outfitters “equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey” Iona Pilgrimage 2020 SAVE THESE DATES!!!  Details are being finalised for this unique experience in the fall of 2020. Our tour dates in the United Kingdom are likely to be September 15th – 24th, 2020. This would mean an overnight departure from the United States on Monday, September 14th and return on Thursday, September 24th. These dates could be extended at either end for folks who want to arrive earlier or stay on afterwards. This can be entirely flexible as you’ll be able to book your own flights. Our program will begin in London. We’ll enjoy playing tourist in this vibrant city. We’ll learn about its religious heritage, visiting some of the UK capital’s best known houses of worship like St Paul’s Cathedral. We will also try to find some quieter spots: less-visited places where there is calm amid the bustle of London’s busy streets as we begin making our preparation for visiting Iona. We will make the short trip to Canterbury, another well-known pilgrimage location, where we’ll have the chance to see its magnificent Cathedral and, if possible, share in worship. We’ll travel in comfort by train up to Scotland with a stop in Glasgow before heading on to Iona. We have four nights on this very special little island, staying at the lovely St Columba Hotel. We will spend our time exploring this historic “thin place” where the membrane between the physical world and the spiritual world has been experienced as porous. Our tour then brings us back to Glasgow for an overnight stay before we depart. Arrangements are again being made for us by Scotus Tours with whom we have travelled before to Scotland and Ireland. A brochure with confirmed details will be available in the next few weeks. For now, save these dates. For more information, contact Lloyd Griffith at 252-675-8196 or Lloyd@firstpresnb.org . Lloyd Griffith, Travel Guide

by Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang Massanetta Middle School Conference "At the Door" Our four middle school girls alongside Janet Bryan and I attended Massanetta Middle School Conference from July 16-19, 2019. The theme this year was "At the Door" based on Matthew 7:7-12 passage on "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." We learned what it means to pray to God and different ways to pray. We saw various skits from our high school advocate leaders who led small groups. It was a fun conference with lots of activities including slip-n-slide, gaga ball, spud, canoeing, and swimming. We made new friends, participated in many energizers, and learned a lot from various workshops. I particularly had a fun time leading a drama/improvisation workshop. Here's are some pictures of our time at Massanetta.

Children's Summer Sunday School In the month of June, July, August, Children's Sunday School will meet from 8:45-9:45 am in the Ministry Center room 2.23. The class is for Kindergartners through 5th graders. Each Sunday, we'll have a children's book to read and an activity that goes with the book.                         August 4 - Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang - Listening to My Body by Garcia August 11 - Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang - A House that Once was by Fogliano August 18 - Margaret Pritchett - I Love It When You Smile by McBratney August 25 - Margaret Pritchett   - Maybe God Is Like That Too by Grant

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 Apt. 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) Room 5 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 Dick Shelley, Apt. 107 Riverpoint Crest (252)637-4730 2600 Old Cherry Point Rd. New Bern, NC 28560  Barbara Bell, Apt. 108 Ray Henderson, Apt. 20 James White (Carlotta Gault's father) Room 203

Joys and Concerns Hospitalized: Bobbie Cozelman Miriam Hurley Barbara Francis Clare Jessup Mike Newman Births: Bill and Lori Hawkins on the birth of their third granddaughter born July 17th at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York. Parents are Max and Abigail Frumes. Sympathy of the congregation is extended to : Adam Bryan on the July 4th death of his mother-in-law, Kim Gerdes of Pennsylvania. The family of Miriam Hurley who passed away July 19th. The Memorial Service was held in our Sanctuary July 25th. Thanks : Grief Support Group/Survivor Group: Our gathering Sunday, July 21 was phenomenal. Contributors shared their thoughts on ways we can best support each other after suffering a loss. Thanks to everyone who so graciously attended and participated. Our next Survivor Gathering will be in August. Congratulations: For the second year the Sun Journal and My New Bern magazine recognized young people in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties that are making a difference professionally and making our community better through volunteering and giving back to others. The 2018 class of 20 Under 40 recipients were picked from more than 53 nominations taken at NewBernSJ.com during a three-week period. The winners are recognized for work they have performed in the prior year. Two members of First Presbyterian Church were selected: Breck Gibbs , DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry), Gibbs Dentistry and Gary Curry , general manager, Hampton Inn - New Bern. Next time you see them, say “congrats”!

Breck Gibbs

Gary Curry

Church Leadership & Staff

Pastoral & Program Staff The Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, Associate Pastor Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang, Director of Education & Youth Ministry The Rev. Lloyd Griffith, Parish Associate

Music Program Staff Pat K. Rowlett, Director of Music Vance Harper Jones, Organist Susan Mabie, Director Resurrection Singers Cindy Sutten, Assistant Organist & Pianist Dru Wilkins, Music Assistant

Office & Support Staff Tommy Hall,Administrative Coordinator Connie MacLean, Executive Secretary Cathy Wingfield, Communications Facilitator Amber Zapffel, Financial Secretary Kerri Wheeler, Children's Worship & Director of Preschool Louis Foye, Sexton Cindi DeVoe, Nursery Missy Dixon, Nursery Lisa Wood, Nursery James Briley, Jr., Treasurer

Moderator, Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, 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

Change of schedule: T hrough the month of August, Amber Zapffel, First Presbyterian Church Financial Secretary, will be available Monday through Wednesday 9:00 - 5:00 during regular church office hours.

2019 August Calendar Events

August 4 Communion marking Mid Ordinary Time August 5, 6, & 7 Backpack Build Opportunity August 7 Blood Drive at our church August 16 newsletter articles due August 26 Craven County Schools back in session

Editor's Note: This is a monthly newsletter. If you have any communications submissions the deadline is the third Friday of the month. Contact Communications Facilitator Cathy Wingfield at cathy@firstpresnb.org or call the church office. (252)637-3270.