SEPTEMBER 9
Fellowship Dinner
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Join us Wednesday, September 9, in the JMS Center for lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and cheesecake, all served right at your table.
The JMS Center is on Middle Street across from the church. Parking is available along the street, in the church lot at New and Hancock Streets, or in the lot beside the JMS Center off Middle Street.
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There is no charge, though donations are welcome, and you do not need to stay afterward to help with clean-up, but we welcome any helping hands.
Please RSVP by Monday, September 7, by clicking the button below or by calling the church office. We encourage you to RSVP, but everyone is welcome—even if you haven’t told us you were coming. There's a place for you at the table!
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SEPTEMBER 13
Return to Two Worship Services
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We return to two worship services (8:30 am in person and 11:00 am in person and streamed live) on Sunday, September 13.
New Faith Formation classes begin the same day from 9:40–10:40 am. The Fellowship Café also returns from 9:15–9:45 am – stop by for some food and fellowship!
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SEPTEMBER 13
NEW! Faith Formation Classes
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Adult Faith Formation Fall Classes begin on September 13 and meet from 9:40-10:40 am.
The Present Word - Led by George Evans and meets in the Session House Parlor. The Present Word is an in-depth Bible study for adults that dives deep into God’s Word, studying the Bible over a six-year period and focusing on a specific theme each quarter. This fall, the class focuses upon ancient Israel’s entry into the Promised Land, beginning in the book of Joshua. All are invited to attend as they are able.
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The Chosen - Led by various facilitators and meets in the Owl Room (2nd floor of the Ministry Center). Dive into the world of The Chosen: Season 2 as we continue to explore the life of Jesus, his disciples, and the people they came in touch with through this hit series. This class invites you to journey through the stories, characters, and themes of the show, uncovering the human and divine encounters that shaped his ministry. All are invited to attend as they are able.
Faith Formation Book Club - Led by Dick Betts and Lana Brunk and meets in the Conference Room (1st floor of the Ministry Center). Growing older is a process. Growing old is a conclusion. If you’re growing older, you see some hope because you have perspective and you keep learning. If you’ve grown old, you may cynically think that times have never been as bad as they are now, and that they can only get worse. In I Love Growing Older But I'll Never Grow Old author J. Ellsworth Kalas explores how you can make peace with where you are in your life right now. It’s about learning from the past and then moving past it. It’s about growing—personally, spiritually, and in our relationships with God and with others. If we think properly about growing older we’ll never have to grow old. All are invited to attend as they are able.
New Members Class - Led by Anna Pinckney Straight on September 13 and meets in the Library. Are you interested in exploring what it would mean to be a part of the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern congregation? If you’d like more information, want to sign up, or are interested in joining before then, please reach out to Anna Pinckney Straight.
Take a look at this fall's Adult Faith Formation brochure to see all the opportunities outside of Sunday mornings to learn and grow in faith and discipleship.
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SEPTEMBER 13
An Afternoon of Chamber Music
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Join us for An Afternoon of Chamber Music featuring the North Carolina String Quartet and organist Daniel Sansone.
The concert begins at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome! Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of music and fellowship.
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SEPTEMBER 13
Family Ministry Kickoff
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All families, Birth through Grade 12, are invited to join us at the Brewery 99 Beer Garden on Sunday, September 13, from 4:00–6:00 pm!
We’ll have hamburgers and hot dogs for the whole family, and beverages are available for purchase from the brewery. Enjoy games and activities for every age, and come celebrate with fellowship as we kick off another year of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
| | Parking is available at the Brewery, along Queen Street, in the lot on Pollock Street next to Habitat for Humanity, and at Black’s Tires. |
SEPTEMBER 20
SALT & Youth Group Begins
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SALT (Grades 3–5) and Youth Group (Grades 6–12) begin September 20 at 5:30 pm!
Youth Group meets weekly on Sundays, SALT meets every other Sunday.
Drop-Off and pickup will be in front of the Session House (in inclement weather this will move to the entry at the back of the Ministry Center). We can't wait for evenings filled with games, dinner, and program. See you there!
Check out the Children, Youth, and Family Ministries fall calendar below!
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SEPTEMBER 27
CROP Hunger Walk
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First Presbyterian Church has traditionally had a heavy involvement in the Annual New Bern CROP Hunger Walk and this year will be no exception. Helping those less fortunate is an important aspect of our faith community and the CROP Walk offers options for us to fulfill this mission, either by participating in the walk or by donating.
This year the 46th Annual New Bern Area CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, September 27, at Union Point Park at 3:00 pm. This is a community tradition that has been changing lives by making an impact on hunger, both in our community and around the world. CROP’s theme is Ending Hunger One Step at a Time and last year the New Bern Walk raised over $63,000. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised stay right here in our community, supporting the life-changing work of Religious Community Services (RCS). The remaining funds help Church World Service provide food, clean water, disaster relief, and hope to families facing hunger around the world.
First Pres has a reputation as a leader in the New Bern CROP Walk. Marianna Dunn will again serve as our team leader and hopes to have many walkers and donors participate.
You can go to the website, https://events.crophungerwalk.org/chw/team/first-presbyterian-church-new-bern-nc, to sign up to be part of the team of walkers or to just donate to the First Pres team. There will also be volunteers at tables between services on September 13 and 27 for you to sign up or donate.
Please help us to make another strong showing. You will have fun, get some exercise, enjoy camaraderie with fellow church members, and help other people all at the same time. That’s a win-win all around!
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PATRICK RYAN
Faith Formation
| | | | Last month, I wrote about faith formation as something larger than a class we attend. We are always being formed—by the stories we hear, the people around us, the questions we ask, and the practices that shape our days. God doesn’t automatically have a say in how our faith is formed. We have to intend for that and tend to that. Christian faith formation is our intentional way of placing ourselves in spaces where God can continue shaping us, together. | | |
On Sunday, September 13, a new season of Faith Formation begins at First Presbyterian Church, and there are many ways to find such a space. Our Sunday morning classes meet from 9:40–10:40 am and include The Chosen: Season Two, The Present Word Bible study, and a book study of I Love Growing Older But I’ll Never Grow Old. Anna Pinckney Straight will offer a single-Sunday New Members Class that morning.
But Faith Formation doesn’t happen only on Sunday mornings. Throughout the week, there are opportunities to study Scripture, practice contemplative prayer and worship, read and discuss good books, share honest conversation, find support, and simply grow closer to one another. Some groups meet weekly, some monthly, some in person, and some on Zoom. There really is more than one way to find your place.
So as September approaches, I invite you to try something. You don’t need to be an expert, have all the answers, or even know exactly what you’re looking for. Come curious. Come with questions. Come because you’d like to know some people better. Come because you sense that there is still more of God, of faith, and of this life together to discover.
Our Fall Faith Formation season runs September 13 through November 22. Take a look through the full Adult Faith Formation brochure linked below and find a place to begin.
Faith is formed as we live it—and we do that together.
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DANIEL J. SANSONE
Music Notes
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It is hard to believe that as I write this article, we are beyond the halfway point of August! Many schools are either already in session or will be shortly.
From time to time, someone will ask, "what do you do all summer…play?" I can honestly answer that question with a resounding "yes!" I practice/play the piano, harpsichord, and organ as I do all year long.
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But during the summer months when musical ensembles do not rehearse, I take this opportunity to learn new literature and also prepare for upcoming concerts. I made certain that my planning of schedules and repertoire for all of our choirs for the entire year ahead was complete by the end of June.
As we look toward fall 2026, plans are well under way for our amazing Music Ministry … your participation can make it even more awesome!
Opportunities include singing in one of our vocal choirs, ringing in our handbell choir, serving as a choir parent, playing an instrument, and serving on our Concert Series Music Committee. There are other ways to be involved too, and I am happy to discuss those with you.
We are excited to announce that we are welcoming new members in all of our musical ensembles as we begin a new season in September. Basic music reading skills and rhythm skills are preferred, but we will teach anyone who has an interest in learning!
This is a wonderful opportunity to become a part of our Music Ministry and please feel free to reach out with your interest, or any questions you may have: daniel@firstpresnb.org or (252) 637-3270.
There are some exciting concerts planned for our 2026-2027 season including the first program on Sunday, September 13th, which will feature the North Carolina String Quartet and Organist Daniel Sansone, a Harpsichord recital on November 8th featuring the English Suite no.2 by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Daniel Sansone, and Carols and Candlelight on December 18th. Please consult the Music Department page of our website for all of our upcoming concerts…you won’t want to miss them.
Daniel Sansone
Director of Music and Organist
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DEBBIE MURRAY
Haiti Reforestation Project: Summer Update
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Haiti Reforestation Project (HRP), which started with the help of several FPC members more than 35 years ago, continues good work in Haiti.
Executive Director, Michael Anello, is committed to this project and has been going to Haiti for more than 10 years. During 2025, travel to Haiti was dangerous and difficult so Michael's visits were minimal. However, Michael has spent 50% of 2026 in the country. He has established good rapport with the nine Haitian employees that continue the work of reforestation. Michael reports that with each visit the mountainside near Jacmel has grown greener with the addition of about two million trees over time. The employees have also grown more independent working with pride on assigned tasks.
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Other projects that have become a part of HRP include community gardens and a chicken project. The chickens are being raised in former fish ponds that were damaged in earthquakes. There is a food shortage in Haiti as a result of the political chaos and gang violence.
Debbie Murray (FPC member) is on the HRP Board of Directors and currently serves as the organization's secretary. Board members are from all over the country, with a Communication Director who lives in Mexico. The board meets monthly through Google Meet and in person meetings are held once or twice a year. Several Haitian employees were present at the last online meeting and expressed their gratitude for our ongoing support of HRP which provides a way for them to support their families and their community.
For more information, feel free to contact Debbie or visit: haitireforest.org
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STACEY GRIFFITH
Backpack Blessings
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First Pres joined local Civitans, as well as hospital volunteers and other worship communities, in assembling our first weekend snack build for our school year. The number of students qualifying and asking for these supplemental weekend food kits continues to rise and we packed for 1,100 children this week. A staggering number for our three-county school system which unfortunately continues to grow.
I continue to be so grateful for the many hands, feet, and hearts that make this program an ongoing success, as well as the church support staff and our Outreach donations.
This week's build found Stan and Priscilla Van Horn (again coming multiple times), Pat Gillis, Judy Paquin, Kirsten Sonstegard, Karen Reed, Wendy Moeller, Pam Gaskell, Amy Lynn, Taylor McClellan, Annette and Ray Laracuente, Kim Avolis, and of course, Jane Dail who not only sits on the Backpack Board, but also picks up bins and delivers them to Bangert Elementary which is our assigned school.
Thank you ALL for the support you give this ministry!
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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
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.
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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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Share Your Memories!
Have photos from a church event? Use this link to share your FPC memories.
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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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