BUILDING COMMUNITY. TRANSFORMING LIVES. ENGAGING THE WORLD. | |
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If the saying is true (and I believe it is), that singing is praying twice, then it makes sense that our This is Our Story sermon series is followed by This is Our Song. The music of Advent and Christmas is layered with memory, tradition, scripture, hopes, and so much more, that we will have abundant areas to explore in the coming weeks. As we go, I invite you to take time to consider the soundtrack of your season. What are the prayers of the music that surrounds you?
As always, know that I am grateful for you, and I am looking forward to worshiping and welcoming this season with you. It is good to be together.
Peace,
Anna Pinckney Straight
This is Our Song
December 1: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 8: O Little Town of Bethlehem
December 15: Hark The Herald Angels Sing
December 22: What Child is This
December 24: Silent Night (7:00 pm)
December 29: The First Nowell
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2025 Financial Stewardship Update | |
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As of Tuesday, November 26 we have received 191 pledges for just over $850,280 for 2025. It's a wonderful start! And there is still time to pledge for 2025. You can call the church office, pick up a pledge card, or pledge online.
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2024 Financial Stewardship Update | |
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At the end of October, First Presbyterian Church had received:
$837,625
Our budget for the first eight months of 2024:
$967,814
Giving statements were mailed or emailed at the beginning of October. but if you would like to check where you are in your giving for this year, please contact the finance office. Finance@firstpresnb.org or 252.637.3270. They can also help you set up an online account with our financial system that allows you to track your giving anytime you would like!
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Fellowship Dinner - December 11, 5:30 PM | |
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Sign up now for our Christmas Fellowship Dinner in the J. Murphy Smith Fellowship Center (508 Middle Street). On the menu: brisket, mashed potatoes, green beans, garden salad, with desserts provided by House Church Number 1! We thank Wendy Stallings for generously providing the meal (for this meal, we are unable to provide a take-out option). Please RSVP by Friday, December 7.
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William Lee Hawkins Library News | |
 | | I am a self-affirmed word nerd with a great love for language, Given that predisposition, I frequently find myself deep in the bowels of dictionaries searching out the derivation of words, both new and familiar. There is something about this exercise that enhances understanding of the nuances of the word, how to use it more appropriately, and sometimes more creatively. Recently (no idea why), I had the occasion to go to a dictionary to search out the derivation of the word ANTHOLOGY. You are certainly familiar with the definition - “a collection of literary works, such as poems or short stories or essays, especially a collection from various authors.” But, what, in the world, does that have to do with “flower gathering” (“anthos" in Greek is “flower" and “lego" in Greek is "pick up or collect”)? That latter one should be easy to remember if you have ever walked into a Lego-strewn room recently abandoned by your kids. The two words were first hooked to each other in 60 BCE by a Greek referring to a collection of Greek poems, because in Greek culture the flower was emblematic of poetic expression. So, there you have it! My bouquet to you this month...
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…a few ANTHOLOGIES found on the shelves of the
William Hawkins Library on the second floor of the Ministry Center. | | |
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As we enter the Advent and Christmas season, Watch for the Light - Readings for Advent and Christmas (242.33 PLO), which has been previously profiled in this forum, is an old classic, much loved by our congregation. Several years ago each member of the congregation was gifted with their own copy, but if you are a relative newcomer, seek it out. | | |
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The second ANTHOLOGY is also a classic which was the centerpiece of a several month Sunday school class taught at First Pres back in the 90’s, maybe. Devotional Classics - Selected Reading for Individuals and Groups, edited by Richard Foster (242 FOS), a collection of treasures, reflections on faith spanning from the fourth century to the 20th century, St. Augustine to Dietrich Bonhoeffer. | | |
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Wendell Berry has an essay in Following the Call. He is a modern day, Kentucky born and bred, environmental activist, farmer, and author who happens to be one of Anna’s favorites (unless she has recently changed her mind!). You can get a more comprehensive feel for him in A Small Porch - Sabbath Poems 2014 and 2015 (811.54 BER). | | |
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Have you noticed the name Dietrich Bonhoeffer has already been mentioned twice in this article, in addition to being recently quoted from the pulpit by Anna? Bonhoeffer’s impactful anthology is his Letters and Papers from Prison (230 BON), assembled by his best friend Eberhard Bethge several years after Bonhoeffer’s 1945 death in a Nazi prison camp right before the liberation of Germany by the Allies. | | |
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And finally, this one, the most sweet fragranced offering in this list, a book new to me, only discovered as I was searching the Bonhoeffer collection on our shelves, The Mystery of Holy Night (also 230 BON). This is a lovely little book of poetry written by Bonhoeffer, not what he is typically known for, poetry appropriate for the Advent and Christmas season. End your day every evening during Advent with a selection from this little book. | |
Each of these books will be available on the big table in the library for your enjoyment, whether in the library or in your home if you choose to check one out. Just sign the card in the back and put it in the little green metal box on the library desk. For more information or other recommendations, feel free to call me. Wendy Moeller | |
The month of December provides abundant opportunities to give. Don't Miss Out! | |
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Sock Tree
Starting Wed. December 3 the sock tree will be in the narthex of the church. This is a Christmas project of Presbyterian Women. Church members and friends are encouraged to donate new socks for men, women and children of all ages. The socks do not need to be Christmas socks. Thursday January 2nd the socks will be donated to RCS. The homeless shelter at RCS is always in need of socks. Please contact Norma Morra with any questions.
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Operation Jammies
Operation Jammies recently kicked off the 14th year of collecting jammies for the Coastal Women’s Shelter. The goal is to collect “new” pajamas, robes, and booties, for mothers and children receiving services from Coastal Women’s Shelter. For the children, the sizes needed are: 6 months to 16 for both boys and girls. The women’s sizes range from Sm – XXL. Collection bins are inside the main entrance to the educational building and the items will be collected until December 19. Thank you in advance for always helping to make this worthy cause a great success. Please contact Lynn Hand with any questions.
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Carols & Candlelight
(December 18)
Offering to benefit
the Christmas Joy Offering
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Through the Christmas Joy Offering, join with thousands of congregations across the country as we reflect God’s perfect gift to us, with generous support of church leaders among us — past, present and future — who have pointed us to God.
We honor and celebrate leaders like retired pastors, church workers and their families who have faithfully guided and led us but who now find themselves in critical financial need.
We also honor and celebrate emerging leaders like students in schools and colleges equipping communities of color, who develop leadership skills as they pursue their education and prepare to bring their gifts in service to the world God loves so much.
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Christmas Eve Offering to benefit
Coastal Carolina
Disaster Resiliency Agency
This year's Christmas Eve Offering (at both the 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm services) will go to CCDRA.
Under its new structure CCDRA will have a dual mission: 1) assisting the most needy whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence and 2) helping with housing repairs to increase resiliency and thus reduce degree of damage moving forward.
There are still more than 150 homes in the service area qualified for aid from previous storms. And increasing resiliency can help protect our community when future storms come.
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Gifts from the Heart
What is our "Gifts from the Heart" ministry? In 2014, our church started the Gifts from the Heart alternative gift purchasing market. This is an opportunity to give the gift of hope by giving monetary donations to outreach ministries of your choice in someone's name. This ministry provides an easy way to make donations during this season of giving. Some of the ministries that Gifts from the Heart at First Presbyterian Church have supported in the past include Coastal Women's Shelter, Backpack Blessings, UKIRK at ECU, Craven Literacy, First Presbyterian Preschool, Habitat for Humanity, Reviving Lives, and Camp Albemarle. During the month of December, a GFTH table will be set up each Sunday morning to make it easy to participate in giving. You will have the opportunity to purchase cards in $10.00 increments with envelopes to give friends, co-workers, and family members. Remember: your donations will go directly to the ministry of your choosing. Cards will be available for purchase for $10.00 each. Children may purchase cards for giving for $5.00 each.
This year our three focus ministries will include Merci Clinic, Haiti Reforestation Project, and our local non-profit Hospice program run by the Craven County Health Department. You can learn more about the Merci Clinic below and if you missed the other articles, you can find them on the website in the October and November First Editions. You will hear from Minute for Mission speakers during Sunday services in the month of December to tell you more about these three highlighted organizations.
We hope you will agree that this is a superior gift option for anyone on your list. Do you have questions about Gifts from the Heart? Julia Speight and Kim Avolis are happy to answer any questions you may have.
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As we come together for worship this holiday season and embrace the spirit of giving, MERCI Clinic invites you to make a meaningful impact by sharing hope and healing with those in need. Our "Gifts from the Heart" ministry offers you the opportunity to directly support adults in our community who lack access to essential medical and dental care.
At MERCI Clinic, our committed volunteer doctors, dentists, and compassionate staff work tirelessly to bridge the healthcare gap for uninsured adults in Eastern North Carolina. Many of our patients face a challenging situation: they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. For these individuals, MERCI Clinic can be the lifeline that helps them manage illnesses and avoid unnecessary pain and suffering.
Your generous support allows us to provide a range of services, from primary healthcare to vital dental treatments. This year, your contributions can help us take a significant step forward by launching a mobile clinic that will bring care directly to rural communities facing additional healthcare access challenges.
We encourage you to purchase a "Gifts from the Heart" donation card this December to support MERCI Clinic. Each card symbolizes a gift of healing and compassion, amplifying the reach of our ministry to those who need it most. You may also volunteer as a healthcare provider, assist with administration, or help spread awareness. Every hand extended and every dollar contributed brings us closer to a healthier, more hopeful community.
Thank you for your steadfast support of MERCI Clinic and for joining us in our mission to deliver compassionate, quality care to those who might otherwise go without. Together, through Gifts from the Heart, let us embody the love and generosity that define our faith.
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Lunch Wagon Outing - December 4 | |
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Lunch Wagon’s next adventure is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary on Wednesday, December 4. We meet at the church van and leave promptly at 1:45 pm to attend the Twilight Tour from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. We will have dinner after the tour. Participants will need to purchase their own tickets as we did last time. The admission price is $26.00. You can purchase your Twilight ticket online at etix.com or 1-800-514-3849. This festival sells out quickly so you will need to make your reservation as soon as possible. Be aware there is a lot of walking to view the lighted scenery. We will return to New Bern between 10:00 and 11:00. The venue has a size limit on bags (6”x 8” or smaller) or clear bags no larger than 12” x 12” and a strict bag policy.
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Backpack Blessings: November Build! | |
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For our November event, 5,000 snack packs were built for distribution to our 3 county elementary and middle school kids. We are currently serving over 950 children in this immediate area. We experienced blow out support from our First Presbyterian members (20!) with a special thanks to our many First Pres participants... Kathy Ingraham, Judy Paquin, Priscilla and Stan Van Horn, Patti Fleming, Stas and Brenda Humienny, Lana Brunk, Ann Thornton, Bob Little, Sheila Orth, Sandy and Newsom Williams, Nancy McAden, Wendy Moeller, Kirsten Sonstegard, Mary Lynn Keener, Taylor Grayson, and Holli Banks and, of course, our Board Member and delivery fairy, Jane Dail. Thank you to each and every one of you! This was the last snack pack build for 2024. Dec. will find a few volunteers who will pack holiday food boxes for all our families...a holiday meal plus supplemental food. The families arrive to pick up their food, so it is a wonderful chance to meet and greet one and other and exchange a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.
Also, during our Dec. Gifts From the Heart program, as a former highlighted ministry, there will be gifts cards ($10 each) available for purchase as an alternative giving option with proceeds going to Backpack. You'll learn more about this program during our Minutes for Mission segment in worship during the month of Dec.
As always, a special thanks to the wonderful staff at First Pres who support this work and our congregation who provide the willing hands and hearts, as well as Outreach funding support, for this important ministry.
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Presbyterian Women - December Updates | |
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About 50 ladies from First Pres gathered in the Session House after church on November 17 for the annual Together in Thanksgiving Luncheon. They enjoyed each other’s company and shared delicious salads and desserts. PW Historian Jaina Olesen gave a very informative summary of the first 50 years of the women of our church, based on her research of recently located documents. If you missed this event, extra brochures of Jaina’s summary are available in the church office.
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Children, Youth, and Family Ministries | |
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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
Communications
comms@firstpresnb.org
Louis Foye - Sexton
Richard Colflesh - Maintenance
property@firstpresnb.org
Stephen Ministry
stephenministry@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 20th 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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