Building Community * Transforming Lives * Engaging the World | | |
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 love and care for one another; through communication, as we invite all to join in God's work; through fellowship as we share our lives and faith together. |
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In-person worship:
Sundays at 8:30 am and 11:00 am
Sunday School (for all ages) at 9:40 am
You are invited - you are welcome!
Masks are optional in the Sanctuary
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Calendar Available Online
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If you need to know what is happening check out the First Presbyterian Church online calendar. If you need to schedule a church group event contact the church office at 252-637-3270 to get your event on the calendar.
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Post Office Box 1069
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: 252-637-3270
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Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
| 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. | | |
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One of the great adventures in moving to a new place (community, church, and town) is how much there is to learn - history, legend, connections, and so much more! I confess that having grown up on the South Carolina coast, I thought I had a basic sense of New Bern’s history. I was wrong! There are so many different events and nuances to the last few centuries in this region, and it’s been helpful to spend some time learning- and I’ve only dipped my toe in. There is so much more I want to know! It’s one of the things I love about the Presbyterian Church - central to our faith is the belief that we bring our minds as well as our hearts to the worship of God.
On October 9, local historian Bernard George will be presenting a Sunday School class in the Session House entitled “The Civil War and the Genesis of Black Church in New Bern.” I learned so much the last time he was here, and I believe this time will be just as (and likely more) illuminating and expanding- I hope you will make plans to attend!
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church, Chip Chagnon has some wonderful classes up ahead and Jerry Elliott will be offering two sessions of a history tour of our buildings at 2:00 on Sunday, October 9 and Sunday, October 23.
If you’d like to know more about the larger church- New Hope Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., there are lots of resources available for that, too.
You can find Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) news here: https://pcusa.org/news/
The denomination also publishes a national magazine- Presbyterians Today. Right now they are offering a free year: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/today/
There’s also the Presbyterian Outlook. This is published independently and there is a cost to subscribe, but you can get their email updates free of charge. (You can also borrow back issues anytime you would like- they are in my office!) https://pres-outlook.org/
Finally, the Presbytery of New Hope publishes an e-newsletter every other week that has information about churches, meetings, advertisements, and more. What is the Presbytery of New Hope? It’s the group of churches of which we are a part. From Efland to the Outer Banks, spanning 33 counties, with 112 congregations representing 25,154 members.
If you’d like to receive this newsletter, you can sign up here:
https://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001bNPGfRV9BKyVS1Uhu1lkLGNf1JONVIju5qz9uo9yYuKZYmERg6Rl9Kt2A_vKdut3GCBttZoF7cpedaNZ2lhDbgslMPx2kEMV
These are some of the things I am learning- but I’d love to know more about what you are learning, too. What books are opening and challenging your mind and heart? What are you reading that you find helpful? What new horizon is opening in front of you?
I am grateful for you,
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Music Notes October
Singers and Ringers are busy rehearsing and recording for our video services. We also have the Craven Ukulele Club that rehearses here, and the Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus, so the place is full of music every day.
The Craven Messiah Chorus will present portions of Handel’s Messiah on Monday, December 5 at Centenary United Methodist Church. This will be the first live performance since 2019! Rehearsals begin at 7:00 pm Monday, October 17, so if you are interested in singing, you need to purchase a G. Schirmer score, available at Fuller Music on Trent Road, or you can order it online. Rehearsals are starting earlier than usual because we are out of practice. Just like athletes, singers need to get into shape!
Happy fall!
Pat Kerr Rowlett
Director of Music
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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
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Music Program Staff
Pat K. Rowlett, Director of
Music
Vance Harper Jones,
Organist
Susan Mabie, Director
Resurrection Singers
Cindy Sutton, Assistant
Organist & Pianist
Dru Wilkins, Music
Assistant
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Office & Support Staff
Mike Wildauer, Facilities
Supervisor
Richard Colflesh, Maintenance Department
Marcy Latteman, Office
Administrator
Cathy Wingfield,
Communications Facilitator
Summer Hough,
Financial Administrator
Kerri Wheeler, Children's
Worship & Director of
Preschool
Louis Foye, Sexton
James Briley, Jr., Treasurer
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Bill and Leigh Greener come to us by transfer of their membership from the Warrenton Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, VA. If their name sounds familiar, Tom’s brother was the pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church for the last few years, which is one of the reasons that Bill and Leigh (lifelong Presbyterians) began to consider New Bern as a retirement spot. Bill’s career has been in Communications and political consulting and Leigh has worked in landscape and garden design. (And yes - Leigh already has the date for the hanging of the greens here at First Presbyterian and is looking forward to learning more about what grows and blooms here at First Presbyterian and in New Bern!) Bill is also an elder, and Bill and Leigh have four children and seven grandchildren.
Aaron Griggs and Chandra Speight by reaffirmation of their faith - in some ways they are already a part of the First Presbyterian Church family - Chandra is Julia Speight’s niece! Aaron is an engineer who works at Cherry Point. He grew up in Guilford County and is an NC State graduate and also has a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Aaron is an avid runner, currently training for a marathon in spring 2023. Chandra is a Nurse Practitioner and professor at ECU, Dr. Speight holds a master of arts in political science, a master of arts in English, a master of science in nursing, and a Ph.D. in nursing. They are the parents of Andrew who is 6 and Anna who is 3. You’ll see them again in just a few weeks as both Andrew and Anna are scheduled to be baptized on October 16.
Von and Abbey Lewis come to us by reaffirmation of their faith.
Von grew up in Vanceboro and Abbey in Michigan. If their names sound familiar, you might know them better by their stage names, Lewis and Clark; aduo that has traveled and performed all over the world. The day before they joined the church they celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. They married in the same place that they met- Greenbrier County, WV as performers at the Greenbrier Hotel. While not the primary factor, the arrival of their son Grady and Covid motivated them to think about where they wanted to put down roots, and we are so very thankful that they are here in New Bern! Grady is now three and they have a daughter Georgia who is just turning one. Abbey is active in helping with the nursery and other children's programs here at FPC. Von is a partner in Baxters 1892, a downtown performance and event venue that will, hopefully, open in just a few months. And… just in case you are interested, Lewis and Clark have a holiday show at the New Bern Civic Theatre on December 4.
Kelly Tolson comes to us by reaffirmation of faith. A native of Ohio, Kelly moved to New Bern in 2018 and works with the Heart team at Carolina East - she is a perfusionist which means she manages people’s hearts and lungs during open heart surgery. She’s joined with her husband, Scott, who grew up here at First Presbyterian Church. Scott and Kelly got married last October – Lloyd Griffith officiated at their wedding. Scott works in Real Estate development locally and they are expecting their first child, a daughter, in November!
Leigh and Oliver Wheeler come to us by transfer of their membership from White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh where she and Oliver lived for more than ten years as Oliver worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Leigh and Oliver met in Raleigh while she was finishing up her degree at NC State and Oliver was a student at Campbell Law School. Oliver grew up here at First Presbyterian Church, the son of Gray and Melinda Wheeler. Oliver and Leigh had just decided to move to New Bern in 2020 when the pandemic hit for Oliver to be an attorney with White and Allen, specializing in property law and civil litigation, and they just now feel like they are getting their feet underneath them. Joining them are Cecilia, a 3rd grader, and Gray, a sixth grader. Cecelia and Gray are the fifth generation of their family to be active here at First Presbyterian in New Bern!
Michael Wofford comes to us by transfer of his membership from the First United Methodist Church of Washington, Georgia, but he lived most recently in Ithaca New York, and before that both in Georgia and South Carolina. Now retired from a career with Xerox and publishing, Michael has wasted no time in getting involved in New Bern making friends and playing pickleball, and is interested in getting involved at RCS (Religious Community Services). Michael is now a widow. Anne, Michael’s wife, died in 2016. They were married for more than 50 years.
Steve Broome comes to us by transfer of his membership. A native of North Carolina (he attended Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill growing up and is a graduate of Chapel Hill High School) Steve graduated from NC State with a degree in aerospace engineering and has an MSBA from Boston University. Steve has lived in New Bern for 40 years and is retired from a career at Cherry Point. When Susan and Jessica (below) moved to New Bern it gave them an opportunity to start a new church journey together. Jessica calls him Mr. Steve.
Susan Hauswirth and her daughter, Jessica, come to FPC by transfer of her membership from Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church in Hoover, Alabama. Susan is a retired nurse who also worked as a case manager. Jessica has autism and a passion for animals. Right now she cares for Gunner - is a tri-colored beagle, Raina - is a mixed Terrier, and their cats - are Tigger, Kali, Peanut, and Bella. Susan and Jessica are living in Fairfield Harbor where they are enjoying getting to know their new home and neighborhood. Jessica is also connected to FPC through her sister, Bobby Wynne. Bobby and BJ Wynne have been members of FPC for 25 years.
Christina Chance Silver comes to us by reaffirmation of her faith. A nurse at Carolina East she grew up in Massachusetts and is a graduate of the naval academy. She is a stenographer in the pediatric cardiology department. She is joining with her husband, Beau, who grew up at First Presbyterian Church (the son of Mary Silver). Beau works at Mobile East Marine and Alliance and loves being on the water- anywhere, anytime. Beau and Christina met when they were both living in Wilmington, married in New Bern in 2019 (Lloyd Griffith officiated at their wedding), and are now parents to Isabel who will be baptized here at First Pres on October 9!
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The Session of First Presbyterian Church met on September 13th
The Pastor’s report shared new members joining the Rothermel Board as well as three upcoming dates to welcome new members to the church. The staff is busy preparing and kicking off the fall programs.
For the Administration Commission, Marc Finlayson presented: Preschool (Julia Speight) reported registration for the fall term currently stands at 104. Three new teachers have been hired and are now on staff.
Budget/Finance (Jim Findley) reported the church’s collections have been outstanding thus far. The following major capital expenditures have been completed: $85,000 to repair and renovate the Lighthouse; $40,000 to repair the Murphy Smith Center roof and $42,000 to replace inurnment stones in the Memorial garden.
Property (Phoebe Briley) reported Maple Springs has begun repair of the front walkways, we have contracted to repair the Memorial Fountain, Brinn Glass will replace the thresholds in the Ministry Center and Sanctuary narthex, and Eason Flooring will replace the water-damaged flooring in the narthex and refinish the entire floor.
Personnel (David Taylor) reported a full-time maintenance person has been hired to assist Mike Wildauer.
The FPC Foundation (Dan Pritchett) has asked one of the four wealth management firms interviewed to return and meet with the Foundation committee on September 15.
Care Commission (Margaret Cooper) reported Knit for Others donated 1 prayer shawl to a member; a new member luncheon is planned for October 23 following the 11:00 am service and Anna is sending a Monday list of prayer concerns from the Sunday Worship service.
Education Commission (Beth Paul) reported Youth Lock-In was August 20 and Blessing of the Backpacks was August 21. Sunday School, SALT, and Youth Groups Kick-off were September 11. Adult Sunday and midweek classes and studies have all resumed.
Fellowship Commission (Kevin Avolis) reported Coffee Café is back up and running between services. The September Fellowship Dinner was to be held on September 14.
Outreach Commission (Helen Robinson) reported Gifts from the Heart proceeds will be directed to Bishop Home and Foster Children of Craven Country as well as Heifer and Craven Literacy Council. The Commission approved a decision to provide $3,000 to the CCDRA emergency request to resolve an acute family housing crisis and to honor the CCDRA funding request with $5,000 now and an additional $5,000 upon their incorporation.
Worship Commission (Hal Vandersea) reported an average worship attendance of 219 for August. Next Communion will be October 2, 2022, World-Wide Communion scheduled for intinction. We will resume passing baskets for “pennies for hunger” in October or November.
(Commission and Committee Chairs are provided if you have questions.)
submitted by Karen Reed Clerk of Session
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Welcome New Staff
Richard Colflesh is currently working in the Maintenance department at First Presbyterian Church since September 15, 2022. Richard is originally from Pennsylvania and has settled in New Bern, NC with his wife Shannon since his military retirement. Richard enjoys running his snow cone business with his wife when he is not working at First Presbyterian.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES | | | |
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Are you into roller coasters, theme park food, youth group road trips, camp sleepovers, and fellowship with friends??
Sign up today for our trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. The total cost for the trip is $75, meals included. Youth will need to pack an overnight bag, including sleeping bag, pillow, and a towel.
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Families are invited to wear Halloween costumes to worship, bring their trick-or-treat buckets, and join us for a silly and spooky afternoon! There will be food, games, and activities for the whole family!
If you would like to donate candy or prizes for the event, you can drop them off at the church office.
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Need a weekend away? Join us for Family Camp. Nestled on Dawson’s Creek, Camp Caroline is equipped with plush cottages, sightly rustic cabins for our teens, cozy fire pits, and waterfront access to kayaks and canoes.
We will fellowship, study, play, and worship together from Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13.
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William Lee Hawkins Library
Although there is plenty of trouble for us to get into when we allow ourselves to live in a dualistic world, an either/or world, or a realm of blacks and whites, indulge me here for a moment ... I have long felt there are two types of people in the world: those who pay attention to (or even delight in!) footnotes and those who ignore (or curse!) footnotes. I count myself in the former group. While still relishing the Summer Sermon Series preached by Anna, Maren, and Catherine this summer, I found myself going back over some of the highlights and noticed the wealth of footnote references, a treasure trove of book recommendations for us, the congregation.
So, all the books recommended in this month’s William Lee Hawkins Library column come from recently preached sermons and books referenced in those sermons. Several of them were already among my favorite books, so the passing on became very easy.
Each will be listed with the sermon title (if available), the date preached, and the Dewey numbers for easy searching on the library shelves.
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September 11, 2022, Anna’s sermon on the lost coin and the lost sheep and the role of joy from Luke 15 - 294.3 ABR
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August 21, 2022, Anna’s sermon on Star Dust the majesty of outer space from Job 38 - 252 GOM | |
Deborah Judges, Anna’s sermon on Deborah and those who sought her help, August 28, 2022 - 221.9 BEL | |
September 11, 2022, more from the Luke 15 lost stories - 226.8 LEV | |
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And, finally, Rahab, A Rebellious Woman, with the memorable sermon illustration about the birthday party for the prostitute in Hawaii, preached on July 17, 2022. We do not have the book from which that particular illustration first came (The Kingdom of God is a Party), but we do have a selection of other Campolo books, equally as entertaining and thought-provoking under 241 CAM.
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Children's Corner of the Library
Please stop by the Children’s Library on the second floor of the Ministry Center near the window that faces the Sanctuary for free books.
We have been working to update the Children’s Library. If you find a particular book that you have loved sharing with your children, but it is no longer in use, please feel free to donate it to our Church Library. If we already have a copy, we will pay it forward by placing the book in the “free” bin. In addition, if you would like to donate a book that you feel would be a wonderful addition to the Children’s Library, that would be so appreciated. Feel free to contact Wendy Moeller or Carol Hale to see if the book is already in our library.
Three books were recently donated to the Children’s Library that are worth reviewing to see if one of them is a fit for your young reader. (Ages 3 through 8) The books are written by Dr. Daniela Owen and the illustrations are whimsical and fun! The titles are: Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes, Everyone Feels Sad Sometimes, and Everyone Feels Anxious Sometimes. The titles speak to the content. These newest titles can be found on the vertical bookshelf in the Children’s Library.
May you be blessed today to share a book with your child.
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Sunday
9:40 - 10:40
Classes for ALL ages
Nursery Available from 8:15 - 12:15 in Ministry Center - Room 1.23
Some of the highlights this month
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The Civil War and the Genesis of Black Church in New Bern
October 9
Taught by Bernard George
Session House - Main Room
We are pleased to welcome Bernard George to First Presbyterian Church for a second time to share more about New Bern history, generally, and New Bern African American history, specifically. A retired city planner, former member of the Board of Directors of the New Bern Historical Society, and current member of the Tryon Palace Commission, in 2018 Mr. George received the Education Award from the New Bern Historical Society, acknowledging all his accomplishments work to share New Bern history, especially our African American history. He was instrumental in the creation of the New Bern African American Heritage Trail. His family has lived in Craven County for nine generations in Craven County.
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Protestant Prayer Beads
Coming on October 2, 9 & 16
by Lynn Gorges and Janet Bryan
Ministry Center - Library
Have you heard of Protestant prayer beads? Do you know how to use them or do you wonder if it is okay to use them? We will explore the history and art of using prayer beads as a tool for prayer during this three-session class held from 9:40-10:40 am on October 2, 9, and 16 in the Owl Room. You will also have the opportunity to make your own set of prayer beads. We’ll be using A Bead And A Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads by Kristen E. Vincent as our text - copies will be available on the first day of class! Class size is limited to 12, so please sign up in advance by emailing church@firstpresnb.org
or calling the church at 252-637-3270.
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Religious Community Services (RCS)
October 23
Taught by Zeb Hough, Executive Director of RCS
Session House - Main Room
Religious Community Services is one of First Presbyterian’s long standing outreach partners (after all, we were there at its beginning!). Come hear (and talk with) Zeb Hough about where RCS is and where God is calling it to go. How are we a part of it, and what is God asking of us in this partnership? (And..… Zeb is also our guest preacher on the 23rd—so of course, come hear him lead worship at the service!!)
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Early Christianity to the Reformation
October 16, October 30,
November 6, 13, 20
Taught by Chip Chagnon
Ministry Center
Owl Room (2nd Floor)
We often study the Bible in church, but many Christians know much less about the history of the Christian church itself.
Chip Chagnon will cover the history of Christianity from Jesus’ ministry to the Council of Nicea (which settled church doctrine—and gave us our Nicene Creed); from the rule of Constantine to the fall of the Roman Empire; through the early Middle Ages, the rise of Islam, and the rule of Charlemagne; from the Great Schism of the church to the Crusades; and through the late Middle Ages and Western Schism to the onset of the Reformation.
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PILGRIMAGE OUTFITTERS
Equipping us for the spiritual journey
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND YOUR “THIN PLACE”
where the Holy breaks through to you!
Pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland, September 24 – October 3, 2023
Our pilgrimage will begin in historic London where we will visit some of the capital’s best-known sites. From there we will make our way to Canterbury to tour its magnificent Cathedral, one of the oldest pilgrimage locations in England.
We will travel by train, bus, and ferry to the island of Iona, the other pilgrimage site on this adventure. This beautiful island off the southwest coast of Scotland has been recognized for centuries as a “thin place” where the connection between the physical world and the spiritual world is unusually close. On Iona, we will be staying at the lovely St. Columba Hotel. All meals are deliciously prepared with food grown by the hotel and our breakfasts and dinners are included with the fee.
Our time in this “thin place” will be mostly determined by individual choice. After breakfast, we participate in the morning worship service in the historic Abbey close to our hotel with individuals from around the world. We then gather with our group to share hopes and plans for the day. From then until dinner our day is open for hikes, reading, walks, and visits to local galleries alone or with others. Following dinner, we gather for a discussion of the day’s activities and conclude with a final worship service in the Abbey.
Arrangements are again being made by Scotus Tours of Scotland with whom we have traveled before. Jim Wallace has proven to be a knowledgeable resource in planning the best places to visit.
This pilgrimage is an excellent opportunity to explore “thin places” in our lives where we’re more conscious of God’s presence and action. Yes, it is different from a vacation. Pilgrimage is a renewed ancient practice of visiting places where others have experienced God’s closeness so that we might share it for ourselves.
More information and an application are available on the First Presbyterian Church web page and at the receptionist desk in the Ministry Center. You are welcome to contact me if you wish.
Lloyd Griffith
Guide
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The fall lecture of the Rothermel Foundation will take place on October 16, at 2 pm in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Stanley Riggs, Research Professor of Geology at ECU will speak on Sea Level Change in Eastern North Carolina: Past, Present and Predicted. Over the past 125,000 years, the sea level changed from about 25 ft. above the present to about 400 ft. below, beginning a continuing rise from that nadir 15,000 years ago. Since the early 1700s sea level has been documented to rise at an increasing rate marked by incidences of coastal flooding. Prof. Riggs posits there will always be a coastal Carolina, just not where it is today. Attend the lecture to learn more about past, present, and predicted sea levels, and consequences to living at the coast. | | | |
Backpack Blessings
As usual, First Pres turned out in force for the first of the 'school year' weekend snack food packings. Groups turned up over several days to set up, count out, then run around the tables packing our snack bags. Our volunteer force continues to be strong, and this event was the usual all ages/all stages ably represented by June Goodwin, Patti Fleming, Doug Phelps, Sheila Orth, Beth and Marc Dabagian, Kirsten Sonstegard, Mary Lynne Keener, Courtney Mason, Judy Griffith, Carol and David Hale, and Linda and Chip Chagnon. Jane Dail continues as a Board Representative and Sarah Moeller as coordinator and delivery person for all our efforts. A big shout out to each of you, along with our always supportive congregation and staff (Cathy Wingfield we would get nowhere without your BLASTS!) Our first 'school' snack build was set up to serve 900 students.
Thank you to all the individual volunteers and donors, church communities (now 23 churches strong!), the hospital that supplies so much financial support as well as volunteers, and local businesses that make this all come together in support of the children of Craven, Jones, and Pamlico County!
Well done, well done!
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MERCI ON MIDDLE - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
For those new, to our area, this is a fundraiser for MERCI Clinic which is a farm-to-table seated dinner on Middle St. See attachments for participating restaurants & other details.
MERCI Clinic is a nonprofit community clinic, staffed primarily by volunteers, which provides free health care services for adults of Craven, Pamlico, and Jones Counties who are of limited income and without medical or dental insurance. MERCI Clinic is committed to providing confidential medical services to individuals regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, religion, or another legally protected status. We offer regular appointments and enhanced continuity of care. Ranked as one of the most successful free clinics in the state based on patient outcomes, we offer services 2.5 days per week plus specialties on other days. The talents and generosity of our community make our mission possible.
This year we are eliminating the online hassle of purchasing your tickets. Instead, we will be selling them as sponsorships where you simply fill out the commitment form (attached) to secure your tickets as well as for those in your group. You will then mail this form in along with a check for the total amount and that's it! This is our primary fundraiser and our clinic needs have risen considerably, including the need for a new roof. This is reflected in the increased cost of our tickets to help meet these needs and to cover the increased cost of food and setting up.
We hope you will come out once again to support us for this fine evening of dining out on Middle Street under the stars while enjoying the fellowship of our community. Dress comfortably according to the weather.
For any questions please call Drew Honeycutt
Fundraising Chair at 252-675-2325
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Want to experience a cooking demonstration and enjoy a scrumptious 5 course meal? Bring a friend and join us for lunch at Spice Bouquet in Kinston on Thursday, October 27, from 12 – 2 p.m. The entrée will be chicken piccata and pasta. There will also be an opportunity to purchase spices from their gift shop.
The cost of the outing is $25 per person, which must be paid 2 weeks in advance. The fee is NON-REFUNDABLE after close of sign-up. The deadline for registration is Friday, October 7. If writing a check, please note “Spice Bouquet” on memo line. When signing up, it is important to let us know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
We will travel by church bus, leaving at 11:15 a.m. and returning by 3 p.m.
Remember, fee is non-refundable after October 7.
Contact the church at church@firstprsnb.org to signup or call 252-627-3270.
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Join us for a delicious PASTA meal provided by our Fellowship team on
Wednesday, October 5th
from 5:30 - 7:00 pm
This will be a fundraiser for our preschool scholarship program so we can continue to offer early childhood education for our friends in the community who need a little help! Dinner will include 2 different pasta choices, bread, salad, and dessert. There is no charge for the meal and you can dine-in or carry-out. Donations will be accepted. We can't wait to see our Church and preschool families for great food and fellowship! Please contact the church to sign-up at church@firstpresnb.org or 252-637-3270 by Monday, October 3rd at 5pm.
Peace~
Ms Kerri
Director of First Pres Preschool
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Our church has organized a divorce recovery group for anyone who might be interested.
In difficult places, we are always wanting “one-minute – chicken soup” cures. But in the real world, the journey from a married person to a divorced person to fulfilled independent person is longer than a few weeks, or even a few months.
This group hopes to be just the right balance of a shoulder-to-cry-on and a kick-in-the-pants to support getting through this confusing and often painful process of putting your life back together.
All are welcome. Our meetings are on the third Monday of the month, from noon to 1:00 pm in the Chapel of the Ministry Center. For more information contact Lloyd Griffith at lloyd@firstpresnb.org.
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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 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. It meets on the second Tuesday of each month at noon to 1:00 pm in the Chapel of the Ministry Center. For more information contact Lloyd Griffith at lloyd@firstpresnb.org.
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Dear Circle Three Sisters and Church Family:
The Werlines and Jenkins thank you from the depths of our hearts for the delicious meals you have brought all the way out to our home for the last several weeks. Your generosity has been overwhelming. I know there were a few more days scheduled and we do appreciate you; but, it is time for us to hop off the meal train. I find it difficult to adequately express how we have felt your love and prayers over the last 9 months. The cards, calls, and letters have been such a blessing and I have lost track of whom I have thanked. So, I hope you will accept this as our heartfelt thanks.
You have joined us in prayer for many things. One need, in particular, has been that Weston would be able to wean off the ventilator. Upon arriving in NC, Weston's complex care was referred to 5C in Greenville. In that group are respiratory therapists who have developed the only in-home ventilator weaning program in the nation. What an answer to prayers!!!! The first morning Weston woke up back on the farm, they came and began the process, observing him. He breathed for an hour on his own the very first time they took him off the ventilator. Meredith and Tyler have had Weston off the vent mornings and evenings, increasing the time each week. Weston now breathes on his own for three hours twice a day - to be clear -off a total of six hours daily.
Monday, when the respiratory therapists came for their monthly check-in, we all realized this newly re-acquired ability had opened a window for another treatment we have been praying Weston could receive - Hyper-Baric Oxygen Therapy. Weston already had a functional neurology intensive therapy scheduled for late fall. But we want to try HBOT for Weston. So, Meredith called Dr. Harch of HBOT Institute in New Orleans just to see how far out they are booked. They have scheduled Weston's intake appointment for September 26! (So they are delaying going to the Austin Center for Developing Minds indefinitely.) God's timing is perfect. We are amazed that there was an opening any time soon. The treatments are once a day for 8 weeks. This lines up perfectly to be back home before Thanksgiving. Meredith and Tyler will alternate two-week shifts there. Weston and his nurse will stay for the duration. Emilia will go at intervals for a week to stay connected to her family.
God is moving and working on Weston. We ask that you continue to lift him in prayer for continued healing, and pray for Meredith and Tyler as they will be spending so much time apart from each other and Emilia. Pray also for their saint of a nurse, Menalik Dye, who relocated to continue his care of Weston and is now heading off on a two-month-long business trip with his little boss buddy.
Much Love In Christ,
Bryson Jenkins
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Once again thank you to my 1st Pres family for the rides to PT & doctors, cards, flowers, emails & food!!! This surgery was a bit more than I had anticipated!!! It was a full hip replacement with a complication thrown in!!! I will need more Physical Therapy & it will probably be a 6-month recovery. Coming from Brooklyn, I say I'm tough! Keep the healing prayers coming!
Martha Ryder
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Care Centers:
McCarthy Court
(252)637-7133
1321 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
- Don Bailey, Apt. 208
- Morag Cheesman, Apt. 209
- Flo Jones, Apt. 303
- Bill & Betsy Hillhouse, Apt. 201
- Margaret Heberlein, Apt. 105
- Ruth Swank, Apt. 212
McCarthy Court II
1325 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
- Mary Ann Carzoo Apt. 11
- Jean Barbour, Apt. 30
Homeplace of New Bern
1309 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
- Kathy Nelson, Room 206
- Jean Hoffman, Room 209
- Barbara Reed, Room 117
- Bill Clark, Room 120
Brookdale
(252)558-1291
1336 South Glenburnie Rd
New Bern, NC 28652-2624
- Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206
- Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 105
Riverpoint Crest
(252)637-4730
2600 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
The Viridian
(252)631-9685
3001 Waterscape Way
New Bern, NC 28562
Bayview Nursing Home
3003 Kensington Park Dr.
New Bern, NC 28560
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Michael and I would like to thank our church family for all of your prayers and support during Bekgah’s recent health concern. We are grateful she is home and enjoying life with her family.
With gratitude,
Karen and Michael Reed
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Online Calendar Link: www.firstpresnb.org/calendar for all church events and meetings
A few highlights
The bulletin deadline is Wednesday at 4:00 pm
Fellowship Meal Preschool Fundraiser - October 5
Bernard George Lecture - October 9
Rothermel Lecture - October 16
Newsletter Article Deadline for November - October 21
Youth Busch Gardens Trip - October 22-23
Fall Festival - October 30
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