JULY 2026

As you'll notice more than once in this newsletter, May 31 was a significant day in the life of First Presbyterian Church — it was Pat Kerr Rowlett's last day as a staff member. One thing that tells you a great deal about a congregation is how they handle beginnings and endings. The way a church marks those moments is a pretty good indication of how it handles everything in between.

Y'all knocked this one out of the park. It was such a joy to celebrate Pat's faithful ministry in both word and deed, and I am grateful for all who made it happen — silver crosses, chicken salad sandwiches, flowers with music notes tucked in them, a hand-crafted wooden box, handwritten notes from all generations, music shared from the deepest places of your hearts, and so very much more.

Thank you. It is good to be together, and it is good to claim time to celebrate what is good in our midst. (The resolution approved by the Session — describing just some of what Pat has meant to and done for this congregation over the last 45 years — and read at the May 31 worship service is found further down in this newsletter.)

I hope you take some time for that kind of celebration in your own life this summer. I would love to hear what is good in your life and how you are marking it. I look forward to hearing from you!

Gratefully,

JULY 4 - JULY 26

Faithful Feelings

JULY 12 - SEPTEMBER 6

New! Faith Formation

This summer, we’re offering a relaxed, come-as-you-are class built around thoughtful books and conversations that brush up against faith and everyday life. Each week, a facilitator will share something they’ve been reading or listening to—a book, an interview, an idea—and open up space for reflection and conversation together.

There’s no preparation needed, and no pressure to attend every session.

Each gathering stands on its own, offering something meaningful whether it’s your first time or one of many. It’s a simple way to stay connected, to be curious, and to explore where faith meets the world around us.

For the list of weekly subjects and facilitators, click on the brochure link below.

COMMUNICATIONS

Request for Photos

There are so many meaningful moments happening in the life of First Presbyterian Church, and we'd love your help capturing them.

We've created an easy-to-use photo-sharing folder where you can upload pictures from worship, fellowship gatherings, outreach projects, and other church events. Keep an eye out for flyers and QR codes around campus and at events, making it simple to share your photos in the moment.

We appreciate you taking the time to capture the joy and share it with our church community!

DANIEL J. SANSONE

Music Notes

ANNA PINCKNEY STRAIGHT

Pat Kerr Rowlett: A Resolution of Gratitude

PAT KERR ROWLETT

Joy and Gratitude

To the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church:

Sunday, May 31 was an amazing occasion for me - a worship service full of music and meditations about music, recognition of my almost 46 years as your Director of Music, and a beautiful reception in the Session House. I received many lovely notes from members, and many of my "choir kids" attended - they are not children anymore!

It was a joyous day and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for so much love sent my way. As I said during worship, it has been a joy to worship with you. Most people don't get to have fun in their jobs, so I guess that's why I continued for so long!

Management and planning for all the choirs will now be done by Daniel Sansone, and we are in good hands. He has extensive choral experience and has the choir sounding wonderful (and he makes it fun!).

I will sing with the choir, ring handbells, and volunteer with the children's choirs. So I'm not leaving, just shifting roles. Again, thanks for the celebration and for being an amazing group of God's children. Keep Singing!

Much Love,

Pat Kerr Rowlett (retired)

Choir Volunteer

WENDY MOELLER

William Lee Hawkins Library

After the etymological tongue-twisting exercise which this column subjected you to last month regarding our country’s bisesquicentennial (my appellation of choice), the old-timers amongst you may be looking back with fondness to 2017, which was the year our church marked its bicentennial, and the ease with which that word rolled off our lips. This year we are in the midst of our 209th anniversary year, and so…. as promised... some recommendations from the William Lee Hawkins Library holdings reflecting the 200 plus years our history has overlapped with that of the United States. The offerings this month will reflect the multimedia character of the library. Explore and enjoy!

In chronological order:

• A History of the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina - 1817-1972 by Donald Ransone Taylor (father of our own David Taylor and the namesake of the Donald Taylor History Room in the Session House) [285 TAY] - a brief little booklet with all the essential features of the first 150 years.

• The History of The First Presbyterian Church of New Bern by Rev. John Murphy Smith [FPA 285 SMI]. This book includes the original church history written in 1887 by our post Civil War pastor Rev. Vass and continues up through 1987, written by Pastor Murphy Smith after his retirement. We have several copies available to be given away, so you may help yourself to one of those if you chose, rather than checking out a copy.

• Ministry Center Dedication (First Presbyterian Church, New Bern) - September 25, 2011 [REF 285.11 FIR]. This one is actually a photo album celebrating the dedication of our new Ministry Center after it was completed in 2011. The glimpses it provides of a 15 year younger congregation will bring a smile to your faces.

• First Impressions: A Compilation of Writings About Our Founders, the Area, and its Dignitaries [FPA 285 FIR]. Love this one! Each of the brief articles was written and compiled to commemorate the above mentioned bicentennial celebration in 2017.

• 2017 - Homecoming Worship 6-4-2017, First Presbyterian Church [DVD 285 FIR]. This is a DVD of the service of worship celebrating those 200 years.

• Founder’s Day - Performance of Mrs Minor’s Parlor and Bicentennial Sermon - First Presbyterian Church [DVD 285 FIR]. Another DVD with the play which was commissioned and performed in the Masonic Theater behind our church for the bicentennial celebration. Watch this and be amazed at the talent in our congregation. Not to be missed!

And finally, three books about New Bern’s history, including sections on that of our church:

• A New Bern Album-Old Photographs of New Bern, North Carolina, and the Surrounding Countryside by our own John Green III [FPA 973 GRE].

• The Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina by Peter B. Sandbeck [973 SAN].

• New Bern - History 101 - The Essential Facts for the Native, Newcomer or Visitor to the Colonial Capital of North Carolina by Edward Barnes Ellis, Jr. [973 ELL].

DEBBIE MURRAY

Outreach Commission Update

The Outreach Commission at FPC has been working hard during 2026 to partner with our community agencies. The Commission met on June 1st to finalize our 2026 goals and opportunities after some careful discussion. 

Several new organizations were added to our list of partners and included: The Bike Box Project, The New Bern Children's Museum, and the African American Heritage and Cultural Center.

Our Commission has also grown with several new members in 2026. We have completed one community cleanup project with CCDRA in January and have another cleanup project scheduled with Craven Terrace on June 24th.  We do not meet in July but will meet again on August 3rd. 

Contact Jim Chesson if you have ideas for organizations we should support at FPC or if you would like to become a member of our Commission.

MARY RINGWALT

Volunteer Opportunity: Bike Box Project

Did you know that First Presbyterian Church supports the Bike Box Project on Trent Boulevard?

Founded by Bethany Richards, Bike Box Project began as a local nonprofit raising funds for Parkinson’s disease research.

Over the years, it has grown into a thriving community resource, offering weekly Rock Steady Boxing classes, an exercise program that goes far beyond non-contact boxing, as well as support opportunities for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

Volunteers play a vital role in these classes by assisting participants, often serving as one-on-one spotters or exercise partners. Bike Box provides a brief training program, and volunteers should be physically able to assist someone who may have balance or mobility challenges. The greatest need is currently for volunteers during the Tuesday and Thursday classes, each lasting about one hour.

To learn more, visit bikeboxproject.org and click "Become a Volunteer." You can also contact Outreach Commission member Mary Ringwalt, who volunteers with the program, to learn more about the experience. Volunteer opportunities are flexible, with sign-ups available through an online SignUpGenius, allowing you to choose the days and times that work best for your schedule.

Bike Box Project is a warm, welcoming community making a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. We hope you'll consider getting involved.

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

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