OCTOBER 2026

This past Sunday evening, there was quite a ruckus here at First Presbyterian Church as some 25 Middle School and High School youth (and their intrepid adult leaders) hurried from the Donald Taylor History Room to the Sanctuary, to the William Lee Hawkins Library, and then back again.

Their mission? A crossword puzzle-scavenger hunt covering worship, Bible, and FPC history. The winning Middle School team and the winning High School team each had $25 donated to RCS in their names. Phones were off-limits, but adult leaders could offer hints about which of the three locations might be the best place to look, or which book might be most helpful.

It was so much fun that we thought you might enjoy it, too. If you get stumped, do what the youth did: work on it with a team! The answer key will be posted in next week's Weekly Word.

Enjoy!

Welcome New Members!

Marshall and Edith Boon come to First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, by transfer of their membership from Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham, but they are not strangers to FPC – they are the parents of Middleton Hinckley and have been visiting us for years. Marshall is a native of Pittsview, Alabama, and a graduate of both the University of the South (Sewanee) and Georgia Tech. Edith is a native of McClellanville, South Carolina, and a graduate of Winthrop College. When Marshall retired and sold his software business last year, they decided it was time to move closer to family, and we are most delighted that they are now an official part of our FPC family!

Walker and Ella Jett come to First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, by transfer of their membership from United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina, but they are both natives of South Carolina – Walker from Lexington and Ella from Columbia, where she was baptized at Shandon Presbyterian Church. Walker serves in the United States Marine Corps as a CH-53 mechanic. Ella, a graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in early childhood education, is taking a break from teaching kindergarten to be a stay-at-home mom to their children, Taylor (2 years) and Adelaine (4 months), who was baptized on the day the family joined the church! Ella also enjoys sewing and quilting.

OCTOBER 4

Blessing of the Animals

Join us for the Blessing of the Animals this Sunday, October 4.

Bring your pets, photos of your pets, or even stuffed animals. All will receive a special blessing!

Come by the church lawn anytime between 5:00 - 5:30 pm. See you there!

OCTOBER 10 & 11

MumFest Weekend

MumFest is almost here, which means parking around the church will look a little different.

As you make weekend plans, please note that Saturday daytime parking is available around the J. Murphy Smith Center. We kindly ask that you keep the Hancock Street Lot and our portion of the lot beside the Ministry Center open.

For Sunday Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am, parking is typically available, but we encourage you to allow extra time to find a space.

Thank you for being good neighbors and for sharing our space graciously throughout the weekend!

OCTOBER 12 & 13

Backpack Blessings

Help us make a difference for local students through Backpack Blessings, a ministry providing weekend food assistance to students in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico Counties.

Our next Weekend Food Bag Build will be held Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, at Morris Hall at Garber Methodist Church. Members of FPC are invited to join other community volunteers as we pack food bags that will help local children have nutritious meals to take home over the weekend.

Ready to help? Sign up using the link below!

Thank you for helping us care for children and families in our community. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful opportunity to serve together!

OCTOBER 14

Lunch Wagon Trip: Sylvan Heights Bird Park

On Wednesday, October 14, the Lunch Wagon will travel to Scotland Neck to visit the Sylvan Heights Bird Park.

If you have never been there, this is a fun and interesting trip. An amazing array of winged creatures from all over the world awaits our visit.

There are two options for this tour: a self-guided tour costs $14.00 or a guided tour costs $34.00. The guide will provide a narrative on the birds being viewed. There is a golf cart included in the guided tour for those who are unable to walk the one-mile trail. There are multiple benches placed throughout the trail. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to purchase bird seed sticks ($3.00) and duck nuggets ($2.00/bag) for ducks and flamingos. So bring some dollar bills and your camera for interesting photos.

We will have lunch at La Casetta (the sister Italian restaurant of the one in New Bern) prior to our visit to the bird sanctuary. We will leave the parking lot at 9:30 am and travel to Scotland Neck for lunch. We will return to New Bern around 6:00 pm.

You can reserve your seat on the Sign-Up Genius below or by calling the church office at 252-637-3270. Please indicate your choice of tour: guided tour (we have to have at least 5 people for this option) or self-guided. You will need to pay for your ticket when you get on the bus.

OCTOBER 14

Fellowship Dinner

Join us for October's Fellowship Dinner on the 14th in J. Murphy Smith Center at 5:30 pm. On the menu: Smithfield's pulled pork BBQ, chicken, potato salad, hushpuppies, coleslaw, and banana pudding. Because this is a catered dinner, please help us plan for the right amount of food by RSVPing below. We need RSVPs by Monday, October 12 at 12:00 pm.

What Is a Fellowship Dinner? Come Find Out!

Our monthly Fellowship Dinners are on the second Wednesday of each month and always at 5:30 pm in J. Murphy Smith Center, the large brick facade building across from the church on Middle Street. RSVPs are due on the Monday before each dinner and can be submitted online via sign-up button in each newsletter or by calling the office. There are also links to sign up in the Weekly Words issued near the end and beginning of each month and in the corresponding Sunday's bulletins. 

Where do I park?

You may park in the the small lot in back of the J. Murphy Smith Center off of Middle Street, along Middle and New Streets, and in the public lot at Hancock and New Streets next to the New Bern Firemen's Museum.

Do I have to stay to help with clean up?

No, you don't. We certainly appreciate your help putting tables and chairs away afterwards, but there's usually plenty of people who contribute to that work. Come for the meal and feel free to leave when you need.

Do you provide take-out dinners?

Fellowship Dinner is intended to be enjoyed together around the table rather than as a take-out meal. Each month’s dinner is lovingly prepared by a dedicated team of volunteers, but the heart of this ministry is the opportunity to gather, share a meal, and enjoy one another’s company as a community of faith. Breaking bread together is part of what makes these evenings meaningful. We are glad, however, to prepare a meal to go for someone who had planned to attend but is unable to because of illness or an unexpected health concern.

We hope to see you there!

OCTOBER 17

African Influence on American Music

Our newest Outreach Ministry, African American Heritage and Culture Center, invites you to African Influence on American Music, a special program exploring the African origins of the banjo and how African rhythms shaped classical, jazz, gospel, and percussion in American music.

Hosted by the African American Heritage and Culture Center at the Bank of the Arts on October 17th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Doors open at 1:30 pm. Tickets are $35. Click on the link below to purchase tickets.

OCTOBER 18

Rothermel Foundation Lecture

The Rothermel Foundation is pleased to present Brian Murray, Director of Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University. In his presentation, Nuclear Energy and Climate Change: Rethinking Risk in a Warming World, Murray will explore how the growing risks of climate change are reshaping the conversation around nuclear energy. While debates about nuclear power have traditionally focused on accidents, waste, and cost, the consequences of continued reliance on fossil fuels add another important dimension to the discussion.

Rather than advocating a single solution, Murray will examine nuclear energy through the broader lens of energy policy, considering safety, environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and societal values. His presentation will offer an opportunity to think critically about the role nuclear power might play in meeting growing energy needs while addressing climate change.

We invite the community to join us on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church for this thought-provoking program and conversation about one of the most consequential energy questions of our time.

OCTOBER 25

Organic Lawn Care Workshop

During the beautiful mild days of autumn it’s time to think about yard chores that need attention. This is a natural opportunity to learn some new practical tips for taking good care of your yard.

The Creation Care Team invites you on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 pm in the Session House to this one-hour workshop, which is open to all in the community who want to practice better earth care in their own backyards.

Our guest presenter is Zack McCall, passionate advocate of science-based, organic lawn care and owner of TrimLawn Organics. Offering community education is one way Zack helps promote stewardship of the Earth.

NOVEMBER 20

Lunch Wagon Trip: Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

We are planning a trip to the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores on Friday, November 20, 2026.

The aquarium has timed entrances so we are waiting to hear back from the staff. The plan is to have lunch and then tour the Aquarium.

Tickets for seniors are $14.00.

They suggest allowing 2 hours to tour the facility. There are multiple benches placed throughout the facility. They feed the fish in the Living Ship-Wreck tank around 3:15. We will leave the church parking lot at 10:30 and return home around 5:30.

Reserve your spot by signing up on the Sign-Up Genius link below or by calling the church office at 252-637-3270. You will need to pay for your tickets when you get on the bus. Nancy Perdue is the contact person (cell-phone 252-670-4868).

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Offering Envelopes

It's that time of year again! Do you use the personalized offering envelopes? If you’ve used them before and wish to continue, no action is needed, we will automatically order your set for 2027.

If you no longer need envelopes, or if you’d like to begin using them for the first time, please contact the church office by email or phone.

We’ll be placing our 2027 order on October 19.

PATRICK RYAN

House Churches at First Presbyterian Church

Among the many opportunities to grow in community and faith at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, are our House Churches. House Church is a ministry of our Fellowship Commission. There are twelve House Churches that meet monthly from October through May, and each has its own character.

Some meet in the homes of members or in restaurants, while others gather in spaces at the church. Some share in faith-centered lessons and conversations, while others place more emphasis on fellowship, a shared meal, and simply enjoying one another’s company. No two House Churches are exactly alike.

What they share is an opportunity to make a large church feel a little smaller. House Churches create space for relationships to grow beyond Sunday morning: to share stories, get to know people we might otherwise only greet in passing, walk alongside one another through the changes and seasons of life, and enjoy the gift of being together. Over time, a group of people who meet once a month can become an important little community within the larger life of the church.

There is no level of biblical knowledge, church involvement, or spiritual experience required. House Church is simply an invitation to show up, bring yourself, and make room for the lives of others.

If you have never participated in a House Church, this fall is a wonderful time to give one a try. There is likely a group whose rhythm, location, and personality will feel like a good fit.

In a church filled with many ways to learn, worship, serve, and grow, House Churches remind us of something wonderfully simple: sometimes faith grows around a table, in conversation, among people who are learning how to belong to one another.

If you are interested in joining a House Church or forming a new one, please reach out to Patrick Ryan. 

DANIEL J. SANSONE

Music Notes

On September 13, we opened our 2026–27 Concert Series with a wonderful performance by the North Carolina Symphony String Quartet, joined by Organist Daniel J. Sansone, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, Saint-Saëns, and others.

The concert was warmly received by a wonderful audience, and the afternoon included a particularly memorable moment where the string quartet received a rousing standing ovation after the very first movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet, “The Harp.” It was a joyful start to what promises to be an exciting Concert Series!

Check out our upcoming Concert Series programs below!

Our Children’s Choir has grown and we have 15 choristers this year, which is just amazing! They did a wonderful job at the 11:00 am Worship Service last Sunday, September 27th.

If anyone is interested in being a choir helper for the children’s choir, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and I would be happy to share those details with you if you are able to assist.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

New Hope Presbytery Women's Fall Gathering

Standing left to right: Anita Lea (West New Bern), Jaina Olesen, Janet Benrey, Pam Gaskill, Kim Avolis, Janet Bryan, Ann Griffin Hall, Carole Koi. Seated: First Pres PW Moderator, Elaine Berberich

New Hope Presbytery Women’s Fall Gathering was held on September 12 at First Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. Nine New Bern women attended the event in the lovely 200-year-old church.

A highlight was the introduction to the 2026-2027 Horizons Bible Study by our own Carole Koi and Kim Avolis, a delightful skit that captured the audience’s attention and funny bones.

Our group then enjoyed lunch together at The Mulberry in Washington. New Hope Areas 7-9 will hold their Spring Gathering on April 17, 2027, at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church in Lucama, NC.

WENDY MOELLER

William Lee Hawkins Library

Fall has officially arrived (September 22nd this year) and here at church Patrick and Anna have us back in the Narrative Lectionary for our scripture passages on which they preach each Sunday. We heard recently three excellent sermons from Genesis (and are moving into the rest of the Old Testament in these next few weeks), and, so, Genesis has been on my mind. The library’s suggested books for the month of October will all be Genesis related, opportunities for you also to reflect on the several stories we heard from the pulpit last month.

Let's start with...

Genesis - A Living Conversation by Bill Moyers [222 MOY] based on a PBS series from the 1990s in which interesting and insightful persons from a variety of faith traditions brainstorm the seminal stories from Genesis - so good! Short clips from this series and the transcripts are available on line through billmoyers.com by searching Genesis: A Living Conversation, if you would like to whet your appetite. The original book is accompanied by...

...Talking About Genesis - A Resource Guide [222 MOY] also by Bill Moyers, the famous television journalist, which includes essays reflecting on the Genesis saga from even more personalities (literary, religious, and otherwise) of note, appropriate for both group and personal reflection.

Here are three more suggestions, books by noted contemporary authors of faith who have, themselves, pondered these Genesis stories:

Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson [222.110 ROB] which was one of the selections for summer Faith Formation Read This Book in 2025 and which has been previously reviewed in this column. I will just remind you that Robinson is one of President Obama’s favorite authors!

The Genesis Trilogy [222.11 LEN] by Madeleine L’Engle (known for her famous science-fantasy novel A Wrinkle in Time for young readers, which was made into a movie several years ago by Disney). In this volume she explores the creation story, the Jacob story, and the Joseph story.

Creation and Fall/Temptation: Two Biblical Studies by Dietrich Bonhoeffer [230 BON], largely centered around the first three chapters of Genesis and the prefiguring of Christ even in those very early stories.

If your reading tastes are more towards novels, consider these two historical fiction/novelized accounts, reimagining the back stories of Jacob and his son Joseph.

The Son of Laughter: Jacob by Frederick Buechner [226 BUE], an award-winning contemporary retelling of the story of Jacob, Esau, Leah, and Rachel.

Brothers [FIC HUN] by Angela Hunt, who has almost an entire shelf in our fiction section of her retellings of famous Biblical stories, this one the story of Joseph in Egypt from the perspective of his older brother Simeon.

All of these selections will be available on the big table in the center of the William Lee Hawkins Library on the second floor of the Ministry Center for the entire month of October available for perusing or actual checking out. Enjoy!

CARE COMMISSION

Helping Hands

Helping Hands is a ministry of our Care Commission that connects volunteers with members of our church who are homebound or otherwise unable to participate fully in the life of the congregation. Volunteers offer companionship through visits, conversation, and simple acts of assistance. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is our time, our attention, and the reassurance that no one in our church family is forgotten.

If you enjoy spending time with others and would like to offer a caring presence to someone in our congregation, we invite you to become part of Helping Hands. Even an occasional visit or phone call can make a meaningful difference. Please sign up for Helping Hands below or email Janet Benrey-Swain or Patrick Ryan.

CRAVEN LITERACY COUNCIL

Local Outreach with Lasting Impact

First Presbyterian Church is an ongoing and loyal supporter of the Craven Literacy Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer-based organization that provides free literacy tutors and other 

programming to adult residents of Craven, Pamlico and Jones Counties.

Literacy (which includes reading, writing, math, and digital competence) is a fundamental skill that affects every area of a person’s life. In our three-county area, approximately 19,000 adults read at or below the third grade level. Many of the CLC’s adult students have immigrated to the U.S. from around the world and need help improving their English skills, while other American-born students come to the CLC to boost their skills and/or to work to obtain their high school equivalency diploma (GED). Through one-on-one tutoring, small-group settings, and online curriculum, the CLC students and volunteer tutors work together to enhance the skills needed to help participants be more productive individuals, workers, parents, and citizens. 

Several First Pres church members are involved regularly at the CLC. Session member Debbie Murray is employed in the role of family literacy coordinator, which includes the MotherRead community-based program for mothers wanting to read more effectively with their children at home. Additionally, Jim Chesson just retired after three years as the CLC program coordinator. Mike Murrie, Mary Ringwalt and Stephanie Proctor are current/recent board members, and several church members serve or have served as volunteer tutors. 

The CLC holds tutor training workshops every few months, so if you have an interest in volunteering in this meaningful way, please call the CLC at (252) 637-8079 or check out the CLC website for more information.

SHEILA ORTH

Hope Clinic

Hope Clinic serves uninsured and underinsured adults without access to healthcare who live in Pamlico, Craven and Beaufort counties.

In the last year, Hope Clinic moved from shared space at the Pamlico Health Department to their own office space in Bayboro. Having their own space has strengthened their delivery of care and created room to continue to grow services for patients.

The clinic is now able to offer, in addition to health related visits and an in-house pharmacy, the opportunity for workshops and meetings in their conference/training room.

The clinic has also developed a program, Workplace Outreach Wellness, which connects with local employers to reach their employees and their family members who may not have access to affordable health coverage. Meeting people where they work helps the clinic staff identify health concerns earlier and connect individuals with care before health problems become emergencies.

In the last year, Hope Clinic served 197 unduplicated patients through more than 700 medical office visits and assisted with over 300 non-Hope Clinic patients with referrals and guidance related to health care, addiction support and social needs.

Hope Clinic’s focus is not just healthcare, but whole body care. First Presbyterian Church helps with this focus through our annual contribution to the clinic.

LINDA STAUNCH

Merci Clinic

First Presbyterian Church is proud to support the Merci Clinic, one of the many fine nonprofit organizations serving our New Bern community.

Merci Clinic, founded in 1996, provides free health care for adults, 18 years and older, who are not eligible for Medicaid and have an income less than 300% of the Federal poverty level. Approximately 350 individuals in Craven and surrounding counties will be served this year with the value of care provided exceeding $1,500,000. Services include medical, dental, and pharmaceutical needs. Professional services are provided free of charge by local physicians, dentists, and pharmacists, many of whom are members of our church.

Merci Clinic helps to support its programs through the popular fundraiser, “Merci on Middle”, which will be held Sunday, November 8 this year. Those who wish, can support this fundraiser by becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, or purchasing tickets. You will enjoy a delightful evening of food, fun, and fellowship under the stars in downtown New Bern. Middle Street will be blocked off for the occasion.

To learn more, call (252) 633-1599 or visit their website. Come and help celebrate 30 years of service for our community by Merci Clinic.

“Merci Clinic truly helps try to find every solution to better your health. I am so happy to find this wonderful place.”

"This clinic is a God send. They follow up on your problems. The people here care and the doctors are very good.”

"The services are of no cost and the staff are very kind. I like it a lot because they have helped make my health better.”

MARY RINGWALT

Bike Box Project

First Presbyterian Church supports the Bike Box Project on Trent Boulevard, which offers Rock Steady Boxing and support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

Volunteers are especially needed for Tuesday and Thursday classes, where they serve as exercise partners or one-on-one spotters. Brief training is provided, and shifts are about one hour.

Interested? Visit bikeboxproject.org and click “Become a Volunteer,” or contact Outreach Commission member Mary Ringwalt to learn more.

MARILYN VANDERSEA

Thank You!

I would like to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and cards following my recent fall and surgery. 

Marilyn Vandersea

First Presbyterian Church, New Bern Staff

Anna Pinckney Straight - Pastor

anna@firstpresnb.org

Patrick Ryan - Associate Pastor

patrick@firstpresnb.org

Daniel Sansone - Director of Music

daniel@firstpresnb.org

Susan Mabie

Director of Resurrection Singers

Tim Elliott - Facilities Manager

property@firstpresnb.org

Dawn Inglis - Office Administrator

church@firstpresnb.org

Kerri Quick - Preschool Director

kerri@firstpresnb.org

Summer Hough - Financial Administrator

summer@firstpresnb.org

Morgan Stephens - Director of 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.

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

Share Your Memories!

Have photos from a church event? Use this link to share your FPC memories.

Physical Address

400 New Street,

New Bern, NC 28560

Mailing Address

PO Box 1069,

New Bern, NC 28563

Church Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Contact Information

252.637.3270

church@firstpresnb.org

www.firstpresnb.org