BUILDING COMMUNITY. TRANSFORMING LIVES. ENGAGING THE WORLD. | |
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It is a powerful week, Holy Week. The week that takes us from Hosannas to Alleluias - with mountains and valleys in between. You don’t want to miss it. As Marcus Borg and Dominic Crossan wrote: “Holy Week is the most sacred time of the Christian Year. And because of its centrality for the lives of Christians, how this story is told mattery greatly. What was the last week of Jesus’ life about? And because this story is seen as revelatory, as speaking to us today, what is it about?”
This is the story we will be inhabiting - in God’s cultivated space - this Holy Week at First Presbyterian Church. In addition to our Sunday worship on March 24 (palms, procession, and communion) there will be special worship services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, both at 7:00 pm. Those services will also be live streamed and available afterwards on our YouTube page. There will be video devotionals for each day of Holy Week. And then, on Easter Morning, March 31 we will gather for a celebration of Resurrection at 8:30 am and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. (The 11:00am service will be streamed live.)
It is a powerful week, and an important one. I invite you to take some time to think about how you want to walk, spiritually, through Holy Week and put your intentions down on paper (or even better, set aside the time on your calendar). It’s Holy Week.
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William Lee Hawkins Library News | |
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As 2024 marches on (March already!), and as we progress through our church year into Lent and the anticipation of Easter, the Revised Common Lectionary scripture readings in this Year B of the cycle have transitioned from the Gospel of Mark in February to the Gospel of John (named by many as their favorite gospel for the poetry and imagery contained therein) for the month of March.
The John-related library selections which I have chosen for this month fall into three categories:
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1. The old standards and classics, including a two-volume DAILY BIBLE STUDY SERIES/GOSPEL OF JOHN by William Barclay [220.7 BAR] and the KNOX PREACHING SERIES/GOSPEL OF JOHN by Fred Craddock [226.5 HAY CRA]. Don’t be intimidated by that later title and think one needs to be preparing sermons to benefit from Craddock’s wisdom. The book (like others in the series) is equally well received by anyone who appreciates thoughtful, finely crafted, and provocative sermons of the type we are accustomed to here at First Pres. | |
2. The second category includes three volumes which have been studied and enjoyed by various small groups (Sunday school classes and Bible studies) here at First Pres in the last several years. I can personally vouch for all three of them and would be happy discuss the unique approach each of them takes to the Gospel. READING JOHN FOR DEAR LIFE by Jaime Clark-Soles [226.5 CLA]. THE BOOK THAT JOHN WROTE by Earl F. Palmer [227 PAL]. ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS -STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN by Frances Taylor Gench [226.5 GEN]. | |
3. Finally, category three would be what I consider to be three delightful outliers, the first a personal Bible study on John with daily workbook questions, JOY OF LIVING BIBLE STUDIES/GOSPEL OF JOHN by Doris W. Greig [226 GRE]. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN DVD [DVD 226.5 SAV] is a full length motion picture from the Visual Bible Series by Philip Saville. And, finally, another Christian literature classic written by Lesslie Newbigin, a Brit who for thirty years was a missionary and teacher in India with much to say on the global church, and whose book THE LIGHT HAS COME - AN EXPOSITION OF THE FOURTH GOSPEL [226.5 NEW] is derived from many years of Bible study and teaching among his flock in India. | |
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All nine of these books will be prominently displayed on the big table in the William Lee Hawkins Library (second floor Ministry Center) during the month of March. Let each or any of these enhance your Lenten preparation as the weeks wind down towards Easter.
Wendy Moeller
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Evening of Fellowship: March 13 | |
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On Sunday February 18, FPC hosted a Festive Family Concert by the Carolina Chamber Music Festival which featured area violin, piano and voice students who played alongside the professional musicians who visit New Bern twice a year.
Our own Erica Smith, soprano, sang a trio with other students, accompanied by a string trio. The day before, Erica was in Charlotte for the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition for singers of all ages. She placed 1st in her age group, which is quite an accomplishment. She is a student of Lorraine Hale Robinson.
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On March 13, we will host a Hymn Festival “Treasures Old and New to Celebrate the Liturgical Year” narrated by Mary Louise Bringle, PhD, a professor at Brevard University. The Festival will take place in the Sanctuary after our March 13 Fellowship Dinner. Dr. Bringle will narrate between hymn that we will sing, telling us interesting information about the origin of the text and tune. As the title suggests, we will be singing many types of hymns through the church year. The Festival is free and open to the public.
Pat Rowlett
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Adult Education - Session II | |
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Session II of our Adult Education season is underway! Not only have new Sunday School classes begun, we also have many ways for you to build your faith through the week!
Our hope is that you can find a way this Spring to build your faith.
Present Word - Session House Parlor
The Story - Conference Room
Genesis 1-11 - Owl Room
Check out the full class schedule on the First Pres Adult Education page
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Please join us in welcoming our newest members of First Presbyterian Church, New Bern:
Teresa Durstine comes to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of her faith. Teresa recently moved to New Bern to live closer to her brother and sister-in-law and their family (Teresa's brother is First Presbyterian's custodian, Richard Colflesh!). Teresa has lived in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania and is loving being nearer the coast as well as people she loves. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Seth Edwards and Zoë Wills come to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of their faith. Zoë and Seth moved to New Bern this year from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Seth is a native of Chambersburg and Zoë is from Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Seth recently completed his service with the Navy is has begun the process of working towards receiving a Master of Divinity degree having heard a call to serve as a chaplain for the United States Navy. Zoë is also in school,working towards a degree in counseling.
Traci and Bill Musser come to First Presbyterian by reaffirmation of their faith. Bill and Traci moved to New Bern a few months ago from Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Both of them have found connection and spiritual growth through being active in (at least one, and often more) a church choir wherever they have lived, and they are already active in the choir here at First Presbyterian. Bill is retired from Federal Law Enforcement and Traci is a Registered Nurse who is semi-retired and is in the process of establishing her licensure in North Carolina.
Ray and Annette Laracuente come to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of their faith. Annette and Ray fell in love with New Bern the first time they visited- just a few months after Florence, and they began to make plans to move here after that visit. They relocated last year from Hershey, Pennsylvania, where Ray worked in Real Estate as well as building and Annette as a CPA. Ray loves to sail (he has a 27' Cape Dory) and Annette is already involved in both Presbyterian Women and Outreach activities here at FPC.
Matt and Jayden Martinez (and their daughter, Magnolia who goes by "Lia") come to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of their faith. Matt first got to know New Bern while he was an aviator with the Navy (he flew Harriers) and brought Jayden to New Bern after a cross country road trip in an RV - proposing at the end of that trip after seeing that Jayden was open to moving from California to New Bern. Within a few months they bought property, got married, passed the bar exam (they are both practicing attorneys) and began the process of building their home here in New Bern.
Theresa McManus comes to First Presbyterian Church by transfer of her membership from Fountain City Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Theresa moved from Knoxville, and after a short stint in Wilmington, NC she moved to New Bern. She visited First Presbyterian for the first time exactly one year before officially becoming a member and has been active ever since that first visit. Theresa is currently training to become a Stephen Minister in First Presbyterian's revived Stephen Ministry program.
Mike and Tracy Vanzura come to First Presbyterian Church by Reaffirmation of their faith. Mike and Tracy have been visiting and getting to know First Presbyterian for a couple of years- ever since Tracy accepted a position at Carolina East as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Mike continued working at the bakery they owned in Greenville, SC until a few months ago, and now that he is fully settled in New Bern they felt it was time to take the step towards membership.
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Lunch Wagon: March & April | |
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Lunch Wagon: March 28, 2024
White River Marine Group Tour-New Bern
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Join us for an informative tour and presentation of the White River Marine Group plant in New Bern on March 28. This plant formerly manufactured Hatteras Yachts exclusively, but now produces a number of other lines. We will be the first tour group hosted in over 3 years. The group size is limited to 20. Closed toe shoes are required and safety glasses will be provided. Some steps are involved.
The Church bus which will depart promptly at 9:40 on Thursday, March 28. After the program, we will gather for lunch at a New Bern Restaurant. Return to the Church should be about 1:30.
Call the church office, or sign up below by 3/22, and indicate if you are joining us for lunch.
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Lunch Wagon: April 11, 2024
New Hanover Arboretum & Airlie Gardens - Wilmington
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In April, we will journey to Wilmington to visit the New Hanover Arboretum with its rose gardens, formal Japanese garden, military memorial garden and large koi pond. They will be having a plant sale. We will then go eat lunch at the Oceanic Restaurant (entrees from $10 to $20.00) on the beach at Wrightsville Beach.
After lunch, we will tour Airlie Gardens with its azaleas, camellias, daffodils, and tulips. We will take a guided walking tour (less than 1 mile) around the gardens. A 7-passenger tram is also available for the tour. Admission is $10.00 per person for Airlie with free admission to the Arboretum. You can purchase your $10.00 ticket when you board the bus. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 8:30 am and will return around 6:00 pm. Please call the church office to sign up by April 3. Indicate if you will need the tram.
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March Backpack Blessings Build: March 11 & 12 | |
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Hey friends!!
It's time for another Backpack Blessings Build! How blessed we are to be able to be the hands and feet of Christ and serve the children of Craven, Jones, and Pamlico Counties!
Sign up to join us on March 11 or 12. Fun, fellowship and service all at one time! We can't do it without you!
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Helping Hands Volunteers Needed | |
The “Helping Hands” committee of the Care Commission is in great need of additional volunteers to visit our homebound members or those residing in care centers. We need men as well as women on our team. For additional information, please contact Patrick Ryan or Christin Grady. Thank you for your interest! | |
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Church Family,
As a new member of First Pres, it warmed my heart to receive such wonderful support through my recent surgery and recovery.
Thank you for the pastoral support, prayers, cards and flowers. I felt the Lord's presence through the church.
Sincerely,
Carol Hansen
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On behalf of the extended Krumncher and Hawkins families, we offer our heartfelt thanks for all the work of Julia Speight and the bereavement committee, Anna Pinckney Straight, Tim Elliott, Denise Willey, Jay Haggard, Chris Kelso, Pat Avery, Stas and Brenda Humienney, Pat Rowlett, Vance Harper Jones, and FPCNB's amazing choral voices. The Service of Witness to the Resurrection honoring Joyce Cavazel Krumnacher and the reception that followed, were splendid in First Presbyterian's distinctively, exceptional way. We also thank those on the congregational care commission who ministered to Joyce these last several years. In the words of the Old Testament - May your tribe increase!"
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If you are interested in a detailed calendar of upcoming Children, Youth, and Family Ministry opportunities, or volunteering, please reach out to
Catherine Campbell, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry: catherine@firstpresnb.org
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First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Staff
Anna Pinckney Straight - Pastor
anna@firstpresnb.org
Patrick Ryan - Associate Pastor
patrick@firstpresnb.org
Catherine Campbell - Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
catherine@firstpresnb.org
Pat K. Rowlett - Director of Music
pat@firstpresnb.org
Daniel Sansone - Associate Director of Music & Organist
daniel@firstpresnb.org
Susan Mabie
Director of Resurrection Singers
Tim Elliott - Facilities Manager
property@firstpresnb.org
Dawn Inglis - Office Administrator
church@firstpresnb.org
Kerri Wheeler - Preschool Director
kerri@firstpresnb.org
Summer Hough - Financial Administrator
summer@firstpresnb.org
Sarah Ross - Director of Communications
comms@firstpresnb.org
Louis Foye - Sexton
Richard Colflesh - Maintenance
property@firstpresnb.org
pastoroncall@firstpresnb.org
After office hours or on the weekend,
a good way to reach a pastor is to
email the pastor on call.
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Share your News!
Have an article for the newsletter? Want an announcement placed in the bulletin? See something we should post on social media? Have photos of a church event to share? Email comms@firstpresnb.org to get your news shared!
Bulletin Deadline:
Mondays at 12:00 pm
Weekly Word Deadline:
Mondays at 12:00 pm
First Edition/Monthly Newsletter Deadline:
the 15th of the month at 12:00 pm
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Physical Address
400 New Street,
New Bern, NC 28560
Mailing Address
PO Box 1069,
New Bern, NC 28563
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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