BUILDING COMMUNITY. TRANSFORMING LIVES. ENGAGING THE WORLD. | |
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The theme for this year's stewardship campaign is "Growing in Gratitude, Growing in Giving."
It comes from a passage in the second letter to the church in Corinth. As grace increases to benefit more and more people, it will cause gratitude to increase, which results in God’s glory. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Some of my favorite quotes about gratitude are below, but before I send you to those words I want you to say that I am profoundly grateful for you - for the many ways in which you welcome me into your lives as we seek, together, to love God and neighbor.
Peace to you,
Anna Pinckney Straight
“The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful;
it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
― Brother David Steindl-Rast
"Gratitude begins with paying attention, with noticing the goodness, beauty and grace around us. The practice of gratitude becomes more central to our communities when we stop feeding the cycles of complaint and orient our lives around praise, testimony, and thanks. Communities flourish when we regularly tell stories of God's faithfulness and goodness and when we find opportunities to express gratitude and celebrate the gifts we have received"
―Christine Pohl
"Every night before I go to sleep I say out loud
Three things that I’m grateful for,
All the significant, insignificant
Extraordinary, ordinary stuff of my life.
It’s a small practice and humble,
And yet, I find I sleep better
Holding what lightens and softens my life
Ever so briefly at the end of the day."
― Carrie Newcomer
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CROP Walk 2024 Update and Fundraising Totals! | |
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The 2024 CROP Hunger Walk was a huge success, for the city of New Bern and for the First Presbyterian team as well. Team Leader Marianna Dunn reports that about fifty people of all ages joined our team for the Walk. The First Presbyterian Church youth were a big part of this effort, and got together afterwards for the traditional post-walk ice cream. Pre- and post-walk activities at Union Point were a big hit, and included our own Kevin Avolis behind the grill. Steve Mabie was selected as one of two honorees in recognition of his many years of service to the Walk.
The walk this year had 35 teams and 524 walkers, raising a total of $46,939! Thanks to the increased number of sponsors (including First Presbyterian Church) whose support covers administrative costs, 100% of the money raised goes directly to help those in need, 75% to Church World Service and 25% to Religious Community Services here in New Bern.
The First Presbyterian Church team raised $4,673!
$1,168 of that goes to Religious Community Services (RCS) and will provide 543 meals there - almost a week of lunch meals in the community kitchen.
$3,604 of this will go to Church World Service (CWS) and will provide 117 homes with much needed water.
Thank you to all who supported the cause - those who walked, sponsored a walker, contributed financially to our team, or worked with the organizing committee to help make the Walk happen. You embodied the event’s slogan: Walk. Give. Change the World.
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Andrew Bitting comes to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of faith. A native of North East Ohio, Andrew moved to New Bern from Philadelphia where he lived for the last 18 years and was active at Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church. Andrew has jumped right in at First Presbyterian joining in the CROP Hunger Walk on one of his first Sundays as a member.
Jeff and Kay Casper come to First Presbyterian Church by transfer of their membership from North Raleigh Presbyterian Church. Kay grew up on a small tobacco farm in Lenoir County. After graduating from UNC, Chapel Hill her career included credit unions and insurance. Jeff grew up a Wisconsin farm boy, became a teacher and counselor, and retired after 30 years selling insurance to credit unions. Jeff and Kay have two adult sons and love living in Eastern North Carolina.
Pam and Larry Hicks come to First Presbyterian Church by transfer of their membership from Winter Park Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. They moved to downtown New Bern last year from Wilmington but have spent most of their married life in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They are both ordained deacons in the Baptist church and have been active volunteers in ministry and outreach wherever they have been church members. They are parents of seven adult children (some of whom are already considering moving to New Bern) and seven wonderful grandchildren.
Chris Fisher comes to First Presbyterian Church by transfer of her membership from The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg, where her husband, the Rev. Allen Fisher, was the pastor for more than twenty-seven years and where they raised their four children, Jeremy, Sarah, Rebecca, and Hannah. Chris is a retired public school special educator. Allen and Chris have retired to New Bern and Chris is already involved in the choir, Sanctuary bells, and Music Committee. As a Presbyterian minister of Word & Sacrament Allen will be a member of the Presbytery of New Hope, but he is looking forward to being a part of the First Presbyterian Church community in every way.
Joe and Jill Owen come to First Presbyterian Church by transfer of their membership. Joe from Pollocksville Presbyterian Church and Jill from Laurel Presbyterian Church in Laurel, Maryland. Joe, a native of Pittsburgh and Jill, a native of Laurel met in Laurel, Maryland and spent most of their adult and married life there, retiring to New Bern twenty years ago. Joe is an active member of the New Bern Shrine where he is on the Chefs Crew and Jill is active in the Shrine organization for spouses.
Susan and Lee Rouse come to First Presbyterian Church by reaffirmation of their faith. Lee and Susan have lived in New Bern for the past 30 years, and were members of First Presbyterian Church for several years back in the 1980s. Susan and Lee have two adult sons, Alex and Graham. They are enjoying retirement and have mutual interests including volunteering in the community, cooking, reading, staying healthy and traveling. Susan also enjoys gardening and Lee has hobbies including jazz piano, photography and scale modeling.
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William Lee Hawkins Library News | |
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Two years ago for the November 2022 First Edition I wrote, “October 31 and November 1 have, since at least the 9th century, been marked by Western Christianity as All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day for celebration and commemoration of the ‘church triumphant’, members of the church who have died and are now in the presence of God. In our congregation, we mark the annual event generally on the first Sunday in November with a listing of those of our members who have died in the preceding year, an opportunity to collectively give thanks to God for their lives and witness amongst us.”
I was so tempted to repeat myself this year (Wait! Is that not what I just did?!), but decided to look for another way to come at the topic and stumbled onto Quicksheet #61. For the uninitiated (that would be me until fifteen minutes ago), there is a link on the PCUSA website under Resources called Quicksheets which appears to be a resource for youth ministry, one hundred brief explorations of an impressive array of topics from Reformed and Always Being Reformed (#19) to Playing Through the Parables (#36) to Beyond Saying Grace (#46) to Talking with Your Youth about Ukraine (#84) and even #91, The Taylor Swift Phenomenon.
Here is what #61 says about All Saints’ Day: “November 1, All Saint’s Day is a day we celebrate believers of every time. It is often a day we honor the faithful who have died during the past year in our own church communities. It’s a day of gratefulness for those that have passed away who shared their faith with us, and a time to reflect on how we can continue to share our faith with others.” In our congregation Presbyterian Women and their circles take this mandate very seriously. Every year upon the death of one of their own the circle of which they were a member purchases a book that in some way brings to memory that person and their ministry in our midst and donates the volume to the church library.
Below are the women who are being remembered and honored in 2024 and the books selected by the circles of which they were a part. The books will be on the big table in the Hawkins Library on the second floor of the Ministry Center for the entire month of November. Take a few minutes when you are next able to check them out (both figuratively and literally) and remember with gratitude the many ways in which these three women impacted our church family in their service of our Lord.
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Given by Circle 4 in memory of Sally Maestripieri who loved poetry. The author, known to most, might be considered a modern day psalmist who wrote out of struggle, both with her peoples’ history, the events of her life, and with her faith. (FIC ANG, later on the fiction shelf) | | |
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Given by Circle 1 in memory of Ruth John, a work of historical fiction about the life of the Bible’s Queen Esther by a Christian author who is a favorite of more than a few of our library regulars. (FIC HUN, later on the fiction shelf, along with several of her others) | | |
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Given by Circle 1 in memory of Linda Palmer, another work of fiction by Linda’s favorite author, daughter of a Methodist minister, environmentalist, much loved author from the early years of the 20th century. (FIC STR, later on the fiction shelf along with two others by the author) | |
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Library Public Service Announcement:
—lf you would like to donate a book in memory of a person who impacted your faith walk, contact Wendy Moeller for suggestions or discussion.
—Two books recently donated to the library (How the Light Gets In by Pat Schneider used during Gayle Hardy's recent Spiritual Writing Faith Formation class and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, one of the books presented this summer in Read This Book Faith Formation class) have gone missing from the library desk before they were able to be entered into the computerized card catalogue and readied for check out. If you have borrowed them, please return to the desk in the library as soon as possible. Thank you.
—And, remember, the library catalogue can be accessed at any time on most any device by clicking the church website and scrolling down through the Formation tab, or call me (Wendy Moeller) if you have any difficulty with that. Our hope is that there will be no member or friend of our congregation who will not be able to explore the treasures therein.
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Each Wednesdays and Thursday students from our Preschool come to the Choir Room with their teachers for music time with Mr. Dan and Ms. Pat. What fun we have! They are so well behaved, and their teachers make sure everyone pays attention and participates. Daniel and I were overwhelmed by trying to learn 12 to 13 names for each of 4 classes (~50- Yikes!). So I took pictures of each child and made a poster with each child and their name. It has really helped and they loved to have their picture taken. I try to say each one’s name at least once during class, and they each smile to hear their name called. We have already learned at least seven songs, two that are for their Christmas program.
The Daybreak and Sanctuary Choirs are rehearsing for the Vivaldi Gloria which we will present during both services on Sunday December 15. It’s quite difficult, but we have started early enough—they are very good, and are listening and studying at home, thanks to the internet!
Yours in Christ,
Pat Kerr Rowlett
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ORGAN CONCERT - NOVEMBER 8
Daniel J. Sansone will be performing an organ recital on the Fisk Organ (opus 89) on Friday evening, November 8, 2024 at 7:00pm. On the program will be works by Alain, Bach, Buxtehude, Brahms, and Vierne. The program is free and open to the public. For further information, please check out the website at: www.firstpresnb.org/music.
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Blessing of the Animals & Fellowship Dinner | |
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On October 9 we gathered on the lawn with our four-legged friends for a great evening of blessing, food, and fellowship. As Pastors Anna and Catherine blessed each animal, they tied a ribbon around each one’s collar, and many of us came home with a pawprint keepsake to remind us that our pets are as loved and blessed as we are.
After the Blessing of the Animals service, we had nearly two hundred over for dinner. The Avolis family served their famous barbeque chicken and all the fixings; House Church #3 provided 130 servings of dessert; and our hosts, the Fellowship Commission, knocked it out of the park! What a wonderful evening! Thanks be to God!
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Financial Stewardship Update | |
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At the end of September, First Presbyterian Church had received:
$736,617
Our budget for the first eight months of 2024:
$877.785.
Giving statements were mailed or emailed at the beginning of October. If you'd like to check where you are in your giving for this year, please contact the finance office! Finance@firstpresnb.org or 252.637.3270.
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Backpack Blessings: October Build! | |
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For our October event, 5,000 snack packs were built for distribution to our 3 county elementary and middle school kids. We are currently serving over 900 children in this immediate area. We experienced blow out support from our First Presbyterian members with a special thanks to our many First Pres participants... Kathy Ingraham, Judy Paquin, Olivia and Elizabeth Peterson, Priscilla and Stan Van Horn, Karen Reed, Sarah Fagan, Patti Fleming, Carole duBois, Judy Paquin, Linda Cleeve, and of course, our Board Member and delivery fairy, Jane Dail. Thank you to each and every one of you!
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 - November Updates | |
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At their first meeting this fall, Jaina Olesen treated Circle 4 to a delightful veggie board that resembled our Study Book cover!
The Presbyterian Women Circles are now in full swing with their monthly Bible study, Let Justice Roll Down, including the newest Circle 6 that met for the first time in October. New members have been welcomed into the Circles but it is never too late for anyone interested to join. Check the church office or website for meeting times and places.
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The October outreach project was paper products for the Coastal Women’s Shelter. Donations were collected throughout the month, with a bin in the workroom for those wishing to contribute. The November outreach program for Presbyterian Women will be the annual church-wide Thank Offering that gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. Thank Offerings provide grants for a wide variety of projects at both national and international levels. Circle members are invited to bring a check in any amount they choose, made out to “Presbyterian Women” and with “Thank Offering” on the memo line, to their November Circle meeting, or mail them to the church. You do not have to be a Circle member to contribute! We are engaged and passionate in all we do to make this world a better place.
The annual Together in Thanksgiving salad and dessert luncheon will be held on Sunday, November 17, in the Session House following the 11:00 service. Circle members will provide the food and Jaina Olesen will have some interesting history to present. All ladies of the church are invited to join us. The luncheon is free and no reservations are required, just the pleasure of your company. Mark your calendars now for a time of good food and fellowship!
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November 10 - Art Exhibit | |
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Art is a celebration of the beauty that God places before us every day, and stewardship means tending to the beauty that God surrounds us with. This art exhibition, entitled For the Beauty of the Earth, is a celebration of our collective call to everyday stewardship, which is simply about paying careful attention to what we do with what we have, all the time.
We invite you to celebrate the talent of the artists at First Presbyterian Church as they display their craft in the Session House on Sunday, November 10 during the Faith Formation hour of 9:40 am – 10:40 am. That morning’s collection of artworks from those in our First Presbyterian Church family reflects the beauty of creation and the spirit of stewardship. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a curious onlooker, or simply looking for a place to be inspired, there will be something there for everyone. Come and explore a diverse range of art. Join us for a celebration of creativity, beauty, and community!
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 |  | 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 will have the opportunity to read information about each of these ministries in upcoming Weekly Words and First Editions. You will hear from Minute for Mission speakers during Sunday services in the month of December.
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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Haiti Reforestation Project
A 2024 Opportunity
for Gifts from the Heart
First Presbyterian Church has a long history of helping the people of Haiti. In the early 2000s, several of our families went to Haiti on mission trips to hold Vacation Bible School and help with other projects (such as building fishponds) during the summer months. With the onset of natural disasters, COVID, and the political unrest in Haiti, in person mission trips have ended.
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The Comprehensive Development Project (CODEP) was started in 1989 by Jack Hanna, a retired executive. Hanna reached out to Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches and got the support of many congregations who provided volunteers, money, and expertise. Haiti Reforestation Partnership (HRP) was formed as a 501(c)3 to enlarge community support and create a legal avenue for donations. During the FPC visits, the Haitians were eager to show how they were planting trees creating a more lush, green landscape that has been able to hold soil and retain water to help prevent significant damage after natural disasters.
Several members of the Outreach Commission had the opportunity to meet with Michael Anello, the current executive director of HRP. Michael visited New Bern in April and September to give updates on the work and to thank FPC for all the work and support we have provided through the years. Our school supply drive was a huge success, and Michael will return to Haiti this month with those supplies. In the spring, Michael plans to return to New Bern to keep us updated on the incredible progress God is making possible through the hard work of the Haitians and our support of this ministry. We are hoping to engage other worship communities in participating in the ministry with us. For more information, visit www.haitireforest.com or contact Debbie Murray, co-chair of Outreach
Starting in December, you can purchase a gift that supports this important ministry- one of the three emphases of this year's Gifts from the Heart.
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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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