Worship Service & Livestream at 10:00 am on Sundays Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend

Mailing Address:

Post Office Box 1069

New Bern, NC 28563

Phone 252-637-3270

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/first-presbyterian

Trusting that God's grace embraces and makes a 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.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.  Never lose a holy curiosity.”  ~ Albert Einstein 



I asked you for questions, and you more than delivered!  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your questions and considering how we might faithfully approach some of them this summer in our “Holy Curiosity” sermon series this summer.  I wasn’t able to include every question, but I tried to incorporate at least some aspects of all of the questions-  there were many overlaps, which was in no way surprising and wonderfully affirming! 

If you don’t see your question here but would like to talk about it, I hope you will reach out. I’d welcome the chance to talk with you. 

See you in worship! 

June 4 

Is this in the Bible?  How did it get there? 

Where does our Bible come from?  

Who decided what would be in there, and why does that matter? 

June 11 

Testamental Relationships. 

Are we Old Testament, New Testament People, or both?  Why does it matter? 

June 18 

What does the Bible say about Guns? 

Scripture, Faith, and Violence. 

June 25 

Miracles, really?  How did the resurrection happen? 

Was the Resurrected Jesus a ghost? 

July 2 

Are these the end times? 

Is the book of Revelation speaking about today?  How is it relevant to our lives? 

July 9 

That might not mean what we thought it meant. 

Shifting understandings of Biblical texts, historically and currently. 

July 16 

Heaven & Hell 

Who, What, When, Where, Why? 

July 23 

I can’t believe this is happening! 

Theodicy, a question for which there might not be an answer. 

July 30 

Faith in the Modern World. 

How can we be faithful disciples in a global, ecumenical community? 

August 6 

Jesus and Me. 

Is a personal relationship with Jesus required?  

August 13 

Guest Preacher:  Vaughn Purnell 

The Sermon on the Mount. 

August 20 

Guest Preacher:  Catherine Campbell 

What does our faith say about mental health?

August 27 

Do I have to forgive? 

Is forgiveness required or can it be optional? 

September 3 

Is there a personal prayer prohibition? 

Is it selfish to pray for myself?  If I can’t pray for myself, how do I ask for prayers? 

June 2023 Music Notes

Those who attended Spring Ring (our 33^rd annual concert) were very impressed with the skill and talent that was displayed by our Preschool and Covenant Choirs and the Confirmation and Sanctuary Bells. We think it was the best ever! Many of the ringers said that was the best they had ever played! It was outstanding.

The children also participated in “Children’s Sabbath” on May 7, doing readings, singing, and playing instruments and chimes. Then each choir had a party to celebrate the end of the school year. We also celebrated the retirement of Dru Wilkins, Children’s Choir Assistant by putting our thumbprints on a commemorative plate and a special song in her honor. Gavin Harris graduated from the Covenant Choir as a 5^th grader, so we celebrated that also. ( see pictures below)

Adult choirs will continue to sing each Sunday but will not rehearse. This gives everyone a bit of a break.  We all enjoy having only one service (beginning May 28) and have rehearsed all the music before Memorial Day.

Many thanks to all the choir members, directors, and helpers. You enrich our worship services and draw us closer to God in unique ways. Bless you, for your dedication and talents.

Yours in Christ,

Pat Kerr Rowlett

Director of Music

Welcome New Organist and Associate Director of Music to FPC Staff

With great gratitude and joy we have great news to share: First Presbyterian Church, New Bern will soon welcome a new Organist and Associate Director of Music-  Daniel Sansone!

A native of Syracuse, New York, Daniel has a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia (1981) and a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Literature from the University of Notre Dame (1997). A resident of Charleston, South Carolina since 2013 (he lived in Baltimore before then), Daniel is currently the Organist and Director of Music at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church. Daniel plays the organ for all of their worship services as well as directing Children's Choirs, Handbell Choirs, and accompanying the Adult Choirs. He is a leading member of the Bach Society of Charleston and has been a part of both Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto concert series across the years. He also composes, sings, leads Taizé worship, and so much more. (Literally- So Much More than can fit in a paragraph!).

Daniel (and his wife Mikaele) are hoping to move to New Bern sometime in August and he will begin his ministry with us in September. He will be playing for choirs (Daybreak, Sanctuary, Confirmation, Children’s) as well as playing the organ for all of our worship services. He’ll also be helping with the Handbell Choir and working closely with all aspects of the music ministry at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern.

We are grateful!

Let us make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!

FAITH FORMATION

Adult Classes on Sunday

8:40 - 9:40 am

Session IV - June 4th - August 27th

The Present Word:

presented by George Evans

Session House - Parlor

The Present Word is an in-depth Bible study for adults that dives deep into God’s Word, studying the Bible over a six-year period. The Summer quarter explores the broad sweep of biblical teaching about the nature of God’s reign. Among Israel’s prophets only Daniel references God’s “kingdom.” The phrase “kingdom of God” takes on new significance in Jesus’ teaching. What does it mean for believers to participate in God’s eternal reign?

Read This Book

June 4- August 27

Ministry Center, Owl Room (2nd Floor) and on Zoom

Each week of this class brings a different leader and a different book- a book that informed, challenged, or inspired them, and connected with their faith. You are not required to read the book in order to attend and you don't have to attend every week to participate in the class. Friends and family are welcome to attend! To get the zoom link, please contact church@firstpresnb.org.

June 4 Brian Doyle, One Long River of Song, led by Carole duBois

From Carole: I chose the book from a bookstore table…. I opened it up when I got home and spent the next few hours laughing, crying and deeply moved. "The truest words I ever heard about divine love were uttered once by a friend as a grace before a meal. He bowed his head, in the guttering candlelight, steam rising from the food before him, the fingers of the cedar outside brushing the window, and said, ‘We are part of a Mystery we do not understand and we are grateful."

June 11 James Rebanks, Pastoral Song, led by Stacey Griffith

James Rebanks's grandfather taught him to work the land the old way. Their family farm in England's Lake District hills was part of an ancient agricultural landscape. And yet, by the time James inherited the farm, it was barely recognizable. The men and women had vanished from the fields; the old stone barns had crumbled; the skies had emptied of birds and their wind-blown song. This is a book about what it means to have love and pride in a place - it may be possible to build a new pastoral.

June 18 Amy Bloom, In Love, led by Dru Wilkins

Amy Bloom began to notice changes in her husband, Brian: He retired early from a new job he loved, withdrew from close friendships, and talked mostly about the past. An MRI confirmed: Brian had Alzheimer’s. In this heartbreaking and surprising memoir, Bloom sheds light on a part of life we so often shy away from discussing—its ending. In Love is an unforgettable portrait of a beautiful marriage, and a boundary-defying love.

June 25 Katharine Hayhoe, Saving Us, led by Helen Robinson

In Saving Us, Hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. We need to find shared values in order to connect our unique identities to collective action. This is a multilayered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field. Saving Us leaves us with the tools to open a dialogue about how we all can play a role in pushing forward for change.

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

Vacation Bible School will be June 12-16 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. We welcome grades K-5 to register to participate and grades 6-12 to register to volunteer. Members with children ages birth to PreK can reach out to Catherine to inquire about nursery care.

Click here to register! It will be a fun-filled week of Bible stories, games, crafts, service, and tasty snacks.

Parents, drop off your kiddos Grades K-5 at Chick-Fil-A for an hour on Wednesdays July 5-26 at 10:00am this summer. We will be working through a series of Bible stories where people gather to eat a meal... and the lessons they learn. 

Breakfast will be provided from the kids menu at Chick-Fil-A. This is an opportunity for you to run errands, or perhaps join up with other parents for a little mall-walking exercise. 

Congratulations to New Bern High School Senior Margaret McCollum! She is this year's recipient of the John M. Smith, Jr. scholarship and plans to attend Furman University in the fall.

Sunday & Mid-Week Opportunities

​Calvin and Hops (Men’s Beer and Theology)

Generally the third Sunday of the month at 4:00 pm

The group converges at Brewery 99, the address is 1014 Pollock Street. The gathering is led by Ken Wilkins, this is a casual men’s group for fellowship and conversation around topics of theology and faith. 

Divine Sleep Yoga class

Mondays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Taught by Diane Elliott

Lighthouse

This class, taught by Diane Elliot, starts with 10 minutes of mindfulness, followed by 30 minutes of restorative yoga to therapeutically open and relax the body. Restorative yoga will transition into Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra. This guided meditation systematically guides and relaxes you at every level of being, including physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual layers. Everyone can practice Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra, regardless of age. Participants may bring a prop, such as a yoga mat and blanket for comfort. Contact Diane Elliott with questions. The class is free but donations are accepted.  

Presbyterian Women’s End-of-the-Year Luncheon will be held at noon on June 6 at the New Bern Golf and Country Club. Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken, including beverage, dessert, and tip, will be served for $20 per person. Checks payable to Presbyterian Women, with “luncheon” in the memo line, should be given to Margaret Cooper no later than May 30. All ladies of the church are welcome. The event will involve the appointment of new officers, recognition of Honorary Life Membership, and a special session of praise and worship. We hope you will join us.

The PW Birthday Offering launched in 1922 supports major mission projects around the world. A 101-year-old offering, this fund celebrates the beginning of the Presbyterian Women's Auxiliary. It can choose up to five projects per year and has funded over 200 projects in its history. The 2023 offering goes to the "Making Miracles Group Home" in Tallahassee, FL and to the "Berhane Yesus Elementary School Kindergarten Construction" in Dembi Dollo, Ethiopia. Anyone can contribute. Make your check payable to Presbyterian Women and write PW Birthday offering on the note line. Put them in treasurer Margaret Cooper's Box in the workroom. If you are coming to the PW end-of year-luncheon at the New Bern Country Club on June 6, you may bring your check to the luncheon.

ADMINISTRATION

The meeting of New Hope Presbytery will be held on July 25th at our campus. If you wish to volunteer for this event, kindly reach out to the church office.

Staffing News

Lloyd Griffith is on summer sabbatical until September. He will return to guide the group on the City Streets and Thin Spaces tour. Additionally, a retirement event for Lloyd is currently being planned for November 5, 2023.

First Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Update.

Our committee began meeting weekly in January. By the end of February, we successfully submitted the Ministry Information Form to the Church Leadership Connection. We received our first match of Personal Information Forms from pastors seeking a call. By the middle of March, we received 31 PIFs through the CLC and five direct self-referrals from pastors who took notice of our MIF.  Our committee of Lana Brunk, Betsy Conzelman, Margaret Cooper, John Michael Harris, John Young, Leigh Healy, and myself (co-chairs) then - decently and in order - proceeded in our discernment process so that by the end of April we arrived at the point of participating in 90-minute zoom calls with our five finalists. This week we will meet to pray and listen to the Holy Spirit to lead us to select the final two candidates who will individually be invited to New Bern to break bread with the APNC, see our church campus firsthand, spend quality time with Pastor Anna, meet with Jim Briley and be given the “king’s tour” of all our area has to offer. We expect that we will extend a call to our new Associate Pastor, Christian Education, by the end of May. While the committee must withhold all details of our discoveries until the new Associate Pastor is announced to the congregation- we are prepared to offer this observation: A very good thing is about to happen!

Rad Moeller, On Behalf of the APNC

Please check our website page to meet the committee and keep them in your prayers.

www.firstpresnb.org/apnc

Well, if you can believe it, June is upon us. That means you are probably getting notice of the offerings for this summer’s adult Sunday school class named READ THIS BOOK. This class has been a tradition here at First Presbyterian since it was first offered in 2008. As an attempt to highlight this intriguing offering which meets every Sunday morning 8:40 to 9:40, June 4th through August 27th, and to keep with our 2023 library newsletter column theme of Authors You Need to Meet, I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and make a list of the authors enjoyed by First Pres members over the years as they have presented their choices at Read This Book. Most, but not all, of these books are available in our library. For help in finding any, please call me, Wendy Moeller. The list below covers only 2020, 2021 and 2022. We will share more author lists in July and in August, Alas, the list of selections from 2009, 2010, 2011 have been lost. If any of you packrats out there have those lists, similarly contact me. I will make sure you are promptly rewarded with your PSA membership card (Packrats Society of America)! We will proceed alphabetically for your scanning pleasure….

• David Allen - Why Social Justice is not Biblical Justice: An Urgent Appeal to Fellow Christians in a Time of Social Crisis
• Ken Bailey - Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels
• Frederick Buechner - Telling Secrets
• Gregory Byle - Tattoos on the Heart
• Maggie Callahan - Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying
• Jimmy Carter - Virtues of Aging
• Wil Gafney - Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to the Women of the Torah and the Throne
• Atul Gawande - Being Mortal
• Mark Gerson - The Telling: How Judaism’s Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of Life
• Malcolm Gladwell - David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
• Lloyd Griffith - Soul Force: A Story about the Rebirthing of Divine Presence in a Postmodern World
• Yan Gyasi - Transcendent Kingdom - A Novel
• Immaculate Ilibagiza - Left to Tell
• A J Jacobs - My Year of Living Biblically
• Timothy Keller - Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter
• Robert Lupton - Toxic Charit
• Gideon Mailer - John Witherspoon’s American Revolution
• Father James Martin - Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone
• James McBride - Deacon King Kong
• Mike McHargue - Finding God in the Waves: How I Lost my Faith and Found it Again Through Science
• Jason Mott - Hell of a Book: A Novel
• Marilynne Robinson - The Gilead Series: Gilead, Home, Lila, and Jack
• Ritu Sharma - Teach a Woman to Fish: Overcoming Poverty Around the Globe
• James K A Smith - On the Road with Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts
• Brent Strawn - Lies My Preacher Told Me
• Barbara Brown Taylor - Holy Envy
• Caroyn Weber - - Surprised by Oxford; Sex and the City of God; and Holy is the Da
• Will Willimon - Accidental Preacher
• Lisa Wingate - Before We Were Young
• Norman Wirzba - Living the Sabbath
• Philip Yancey - Where the Light Fell: A Memoir

OUTREACH

An Invitation from HABITAT FOR HUMANITY to Help Build with Others

We are hopeful that our church members will join others in the New Bern Faith Community to help build homes for hard-working families who have dreamed of the possibility of owning their own home…..folks who will work alongside you in making this dream a reality.

The first FAITH COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEK will take place during the week of JUNE 6-10. Two homes are currently in progress at 1701 and 1703 Aycock Avenue. Perhaps our faith community can complete these structures! ALL skills are welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Thank you for considering this challenge. Remember, ALL skills are needed, as well as projects in the ReStore, such as arranging, sorting, and pricing items that have been donated. Please consider serving our community alongside the Habitat staff and other volunteers during this special week for Faith Pilgrims!

Cille Griffith, On behalf of the Outreach Commission

CARE

Grief Support Group

The loss of a loved one is an intensely personal event. None of us are ever ready for such a devastating experience. Recent social, technological, and medical changes have left us less equipped to deal with this loss and the social and emotional changes it brings.

Our group at First Pres offers support for this transition and helps you know more about grief and many of the unrealistic expectations that society maintains for grievers. This group has been a welcomed reinforcement in resolving the difficult transition to new life.



Our ongoing group is open to everyone at any time. We gather at the Ministry Center, Chapel, every second Tuesday of the month, from noon to 1:00 PM.

Contact the church office for more information.

Care Centers:

Dear FPC Family,

We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we are receiving during Jane's illness, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Your calls, texts, cards, visits, and thoughtful gestures mean the world to us and has brought us immense comfort during this challenging time.

Each message and visit reminds us of the power of community and the strength of our faith. Your prayers and well wishes have lifted our spirits and given us hope. We cannot thank you enough for your continued love and support.

We feel truly blessed to be a part of such a compassionate and loving church family. Thank you for your unwavering support, prayers, and acts of kindness. We are forever grateful for your presence in our lives.

In Christ,

Jackie, Jane, and Carol Waters

FELLOWSHIP

Mark your calendar for our June Fellowship meal to be held on Wednesday, June 7th in the J. Murphy Smith Center. Moore's will be catering! The Fellowship Dinner on Wednesday, June 7th at 5:30 pm.

Your Fellowship Team

The Lunch Wagon excursion for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, was to the Weeksville Dirigible Hangar. It was built just prior to World War II and houses dirigibles which were used to protect US ships from German submarines off our coast. Today it is now owned by TCOM which builds aerostats. Although similar in appearance to dirigibles, aerostats are tethered to a ground-based mooring station and do not fly freely. 

Use the following link to see some of the photos taken by the group on our website: https://www.firstpresnb.org/fellowship.html

Lunch Wagon Event

Beaufort Harbor Cruise

June 22, 2023

Lunch Wagon will be arranging a Beaufort Harbor Cruise on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The Crystal Coast Lady’s Islands, Horses, and Dolphins Scenic Tour is a 1 ½ boat cruise. You will need to purchase your own boat ticket online at CrystalCoastLady.com or by calling 252-728-8687 and tell them you want the 2:00 boat tour. The tickets are $24.00 per person. There is limited seating on the bus so call the church office at 252-637-3270 to reserve your seat. If you choose to drive yourself, please indicate that on the sign-up sheet. You will need to indicate on the sign-up sheet that you have purchased your ticket. We plan on eating at Clauson’s (Dutch treat) in Beaufort. The deadline for registering is Friday, June 16.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF

Pastoral & Program Staff

The Rev. Dr. Anna Pinckney

Straight, Pastor

The Rev. Lloyd Griffith,

Parish Associate

The Rev. Catherine

Campbell, Director of

Children, Youth & Family

Ministry

Music Program Staff

Pat K. Rowlett, Director of

Music

Vance Harper Jones, Organist Emeritus

Susan Mabie, Director

Resurrection Singers

Cindy Sutton, Assistant

Organist & Pianist

Dru Wilkins, Music

Assistant

Office & Support Staff

Tim Elliott, Facilities

Supervisor

Marcy Latteman, Office

Administrator

Cathy Wingfield,

Communications Facilitator

Summer Hough,

Financial Administrator

Kerri Wheeler, Children's

Worship & Director of

Preschool

Louis Foye, Sexton

Richard Colflesh, Maintenance 

James Briley, Jr., Treasurer

Session

Moderator: Rev. Dr. Anna Pinckney Straight

Karen Reed, Clerk

Class of 2023

Phoebe Briley

Brent Hinckley

Middleton Hinckley

Mark Moeller

Micajah Newman

Elizabeth Paul

Margaret Pritchett

Class of 2024

James Copland

Christin Grady

Kenneth Holton

Carole Koi

Vaughn Purnell

Helen Robinson

Joyce Weaver

Class of 2025

Stephanie Brinson,

Sarah Catherine Gibbs

John Finlayson

Rufus McAden

Yvonne Olmstead

Linda Staunch

David Stevick

Subscribe to email lists

Cathy Wingfield

cathy@firstpresnb.org

Plan your wedding

See the website

FirstPresNB.org/hawkins-library

Reserve a room, a space, or questions about building usage

Tim Elliott

property@firstpresnb.org

Bulletin Insert deadline, Wednesdays at 5 pm to marcy@firstpresnb.org

Newsletter deadline, Third Friday to cathy@firstpresnb.org