JUNE 2026

How are you feeling? We asked you that question recently in a survey – because we wanted to know how you were really, actually, truly feeling. We know that feelings don't exist in a vacuum — they invite a response. Thank you for trusting us with your honest responses about where you are and naming the things that can be difficult to say out loud.

We asked because we wanted this summer’s sermon series to meet you where you are. Where you REALLY are. This summer’s sermon series (June 7 – July 26) seeks to explore the feelings that are accompanying many of us. Looking at these different emotions we will ask where God is (or is not) in them and where God is leading us when we are feeling them. What does it mean to look at our feelings in the light of God and to ask how God meets us in them, and sometimes leads us through them, toward faithfulness – that is what we hope to discover, together, this summer.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" — 1 John 4:18

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life" — Matthew 6:25

"give thanks in all circumstances" — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Moses's anger burned hot" — Exodus 32:19

"I am utterly spent and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart" — Psalms 38:8

Below, you will find the schedule for the summer sermon series (along with, just for fun, some lyrics to expand a little bit on the theme – they might or might not be mentioned on that Sunday, but stay tuned for a playlist).

I'm looking forward to worshiping with you — it is good to be together!

Sunday, June 7, 2026

I’m worried - and sometimes I’m scared

Jonah 1:4-6, 1 John 4:18, Matthew 6:25

Got a lot on my mind that keeps me up at night

I'm tossing and turning thinking that my life's going to waste

Just filling up empty space

And if there's a God, I don't know where He's been

We used to talk but haven't spoken since early May

Guess he ain't in LA

Benson Boone

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be…

Wendell Berry 

Sunday, June 14, 2026

I’m mad and angry, angry and mad

Exodus 32:19, Mark 3:1-6

It's been a long

A long time coming, but I know

A change gon' come

Oh yes, it will

Sam Cooke

I never thought I’d have to write another freedom song

I never ever thought that it was gonna take so long

Been fifty years since I was born and wandering strange

I still believe in hope and love and I remember

People got ready for the train to come

I can still see ‘em in the Selma sun

Marching blind but they would not be turned around

Yes, a change should’ve come by now

Kate Campbell

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Grateful, inside and out.

Matthew 15:31-38, Matthew 26:26-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Look around, look around at how lucky we are

To be alive right now

Look around, look around…

Lin Manuel-Miranda

Thank you India

Thank you terror

Thank you disillusionment

Thank you frailty

Thank you consequence

Thank you thank you silence

Alanis Morissette

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Disappointment: Everything Is Not Fine, But Everything Is Not Finished

2 Corinthians 4:7-18, Psalm 13

I can't believe the news today

Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away

How long, how long must we sing this song?

How long? How long?

U2

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Love of Country, Faithfully

Jeremiah 29:7, Psalm 33, Philippians 3:20

O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

Katharine Lee Bates

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Hope: More than a thing with feathers?

Job 17:6-16, Acts 24: 10-23, Romans 15:13

Oh, I know that there'll be better days

Oh, that sunshine 'bout to come my way

May we never ever shed another tear for today

'Cause oh, I know that there'll be better days

Been waking up to a new year 

Got the past million miles away 

I been waking up with a new fear

But I know it'll wash away

One Republic: Brent Kutzle, Ryan Tedder. Songwriter, and John Nathaniel 

Friday, July 19, 2026

I feel like I should be doing something, doing more.

Do we accept the things we cannot change or change the things we cannot accept?

Psalm 46, Luke 18:1-8

If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything

Gordon Eadie, Irene Dunne, and many, many others 

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Compassion: Growing Stronger Ears

Psalm 145:8-10, Luke 10:25-37, James 1:19

When you're weary, feeling small,

When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;

I'm on your side. When times get rough

And friends just can't be found,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,

When you're on the street,

When evening falls so hard

I will comfort you.

I'll take your part.

When darkness comes

And pain is all around,

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down.

Simon and Garfunkel

Welcome New Members!

Evyr and Jacob Bearint come to FPC by reaffirmation of their faith. Jacob, a native of Tampa, Florida, is a member of the United States Marine Corps working on C-130s and Harriers. Evyr is a native of Dallas, Texas. They love cooking, running, and, since welcoming Finnick to their family a few months ago, have a whole new appreciation for the gift of a good night's sleep. And... stay tuned — Finnick will be baptized at FPC in August!

Linda and Hunter Brown come to New Bern by transfer of their membership. Linda and Hunter moved to New Bern from Emerald Isle, where they have been members of the Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church since 1995, and moved to be closer to their grandchildren — you'll often see Eleana in worship with them. Hunter and Linda met in Rocky Mount when they were neighbors and will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Linda is retired from working with special education children in Carteret County Schools, and Hunter is officially retired from being a pharmacist with Realo Drugs, but he is still working part time when he isn't fishing or walking the dogs.

Alexa and Nick Getwan come to FPC by reaffirmation of their faith. Alexa is a third-grade teacher at Riverside Leadership Academy, and Nick is a C-130 pilot who is currently stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Alexa grew up moving around the country (her father was a Marine), and Nick is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. They are currently enjoying getting to know New Bern and parenting their golden retriever Sammy.

Connie Goff comes to FPC by transfer of her membership. Born and raised in northeast Pennsylvania, Connie moved to New Bern in 2014 when she retired from the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services, where she managed technology and business support services. She met her current partner, Tom, at a grief support group after the death of both of their spouses. Connie loves volunteering in the book section of the Colonial Capital Humane Society Flea Market and loves the shelter that flea market supports.

Ron and Penny Saulnier come to FPC by reaffirmation of their faith. Penny, a native of New Bern, grew up on New Street, and her parents met at Clark's Drug Store. She is the mother of two daughters and three grandchildren. A Navy veteran and former landscape architect, she stays active volunteering in the RCS kitchen and protesting for peace. Ron is a native of New Jersey and a Navy veteran who spent many of his working years in Greenville, South Carolina, working for BMW. He loves New Bern and particularly the opportunities it provides to pursue his favorite pastimes — fishing, golfing, time with family, and restoring old windows.

Liz and Stu Schoener come to FPC by transfer of their membership from St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Riverhead, New York. Stuart worked in the automobile industry, recently retiring as the general manager of a Ford dealership in New York, and is currently enjoying retirement in a place where the weather is better and he can golf whenever he wants. Liz is passionate about animal rescue and has a rescue non-profit, 4 Pete's Sake. Fun Fact: Liz and Stu are living in former member Peggy Brown's home in Greenbrier.

Lisa Coleman comes to FPC by reaffirmation of faith. Lisa describes herself as a retired grandma — her grandkids call her "SaSa," and it's her favorite title (as this newsletter goes to print, she is visiting them in Arizona). Lisa also loves a good adventure, whether it's riding her bike, swimming in the ocean, or traveling in a camper van. Most of all, Lisa cherishes time spent with family and friends and is grateful to be part of this church community.

Rebekah and Tony Mallard come to FPC by transfer of her membership and reaffirmation of his faith. Rebekah and Tony just celebrated their first wedding anniversary — they were married in Kinston (where they live during the week) by the Rev. Patrick Ryan but have a home in New Bern and have been worshiping at First Presbyterian Church for several years. Rebekah is a native of Pink Hill, North Carolina and enjoys floral design. Tony is originally from New Bern and loves all things relating to the water.

JUNE 4

Red Cross Blood Drive

Please consider giving the gift of life! First Presbyterian Church is hosting the American Red Cross for a Blood Drive on Thursday, June 4, in the Lighthouse, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.

JUNE 7

Summer Faith Formation

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this five-week class, taught by Anna Pinckney Straight, explores what sustains a people through the lens of Christian faith. Using a sermon series from Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, we’ll engage themes like dignity, justice, responsibility, and belonging through scripture, shared sermons, and conversation. Open to all, this class invites thoughtful listening, honest questions, and faithful reflection on our shared life together. This class meets the Sunday mornings below from 8:40-9:40 am in the Session House.

Weekly Themes

June 7 – Endowed By Their Creator

(Genesis 1:24–27 & The Declaration of Independence)

June 14 – Perfecting the Union

(Matthew 25:31–46 & The U.S. Constitution)

June 21 – Remember Egypt, Remember England

(Deuteronomy 24:17–22; Romans 13:8–12 & The Bill of Rights)

June 28 – The Unfinished Work of the Living

(Ephesians 2:19–22 & The Gettysburg Address)

July 5 – The Virtues and Vices of Moderates

(Revelation 3:14–20; Philippians 4:4–9 & Letter from Birmingham Jail)

JUNE 24

Partnering with Craven Terrace

Come join the Outreach Commission on Wednesday, June 24 to help our neighbors at Craven Terrace. 

We will be cleaning out apartment building G so that it can be restored to its original use as a resource center. The resource center housed a clothing closet, food pantry, learning center and more.

We will meet at 9:00 am at the Craven Terrace community room at 601 Roundtree Street. The project manager, Tara Bailey, will welcome us and give us a list of chores that need to be completed. If you can’t be there at 9:00; come join us at Building G and pitch in for as long as you can.

Lunch will be provided. Come on over in your cool, comfortable, old clothes with gloves and the cleaning supplies you can spare.

Craven Terrace residents will join us! Come prepared to be blessed as we all work together to improve our community and glorify God! Sign up below!

DANIEL J. SANSONE

Music Notes

It has been a very busy time for everyone involved in our Music Ministry here at First Presbyterian Church.

Miss Pat and I had two groups of 3 yr olds and two groups of 4 yr olds for music class this year. Our 4 yr old children from preschool had their graduation on May 20 and it was such a celebration to play ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ and to hear them sing so beautifully for all in attendance. A rainbow with all of its beautiful colors was the theme, and Miss Bailey and Miss Kerri did not disappoint with their colorful attire!

Miss Pat and I use a rainbow musical scale each week to teach the children how to sing low and high pitches with their voices and we always have so much fun. We will miss our 4 yr olds as they now will move on to kindergarten but already have lesson plans in place for next Fall for another exciting year.

We had a wonderful concert series this past year and have and we have a number of exciting musical offerings in place for next season. I am delighted to report that the North Carolina Symphony String Quartet and the ECU Chamber Choir have both been invited back and have enthusiastically accepted!

All of our choirs have enjoyed preparing and rehearsing for Pat Rowlett’s Retirement Worship Celebration which took place, yesterday. There was so much beautiful music to celebrate a beautiful and loving musician, friend, church member, teacher, and colleague.

And finally, VBS kicks off June 8 - June 12, and we are looking forward to having fun once again making music with our kiddos!

In closing, I am blessed to serve as your Director of Music, and we are always looking for new talent in the Music Ministry! Please reach out if you are interested in getting more involved!

Wishing you a safe and relaxing Summer!

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Senior Recognition Sunday

This spring, we celebrate and give thanks for the graduating seniors of First Presbyterian Church. These students have grown in wisdom, faith, leadership, friendship, and service throughout their years in our church community, and we are grateful for the ways they have shaped the life of our congregation.

Congratulations to our graduating seniors: Ben Healy, James Holton, Lily Huber, Nathan Huber, Sam Ku, Thomas Lathan, Wood Mattocks, Mason Miller, Max Mills, Tait Norment, Ava Smith, Jamey Spruill, Reid Taylor, and Millie Kate Wilson.

On Senior Recognition Sunday, several seniors helped lead worship. Ben Healy and Max Mills shared the Scripture reading during the service, and we were also honored to hear Senior Sermons from Thomas Lathan, Wood Mattocks, Lily Huber, and Millie Kate Wilson. Their words reflected thoughtfulness, courage, faith, and the unique perspectives they bring to our church family. You can read their sermons by clicking the button below. 

Each graduating senior also received a Bible through the Carl Stewart Wheeler, Jr. Bible Gift. 

Established in the early 1980s in memory of Carl Stewart Wheeler, Jr., this meaningful tradition began after Carl, then a junior at NC State University, died in a tragic campus accident. In his memory, his parents, Melba and Corky Wheeler, longtime and deeply devoted members of First Presbyterian Church, began the tradition of presenting Bibles to graduating seniors. Following Melba’s death in 2011, their son Lee Wheeler (and now Bailey Evans and Brooke Wheeler) lovingly continued the tradition. For more than 40 years, the Wheeler family’s gift has honored Carl’s memory by placing the Word of God in the hands of each new graduate, offering a legacy of love, faith, and hope for generations to come.

We also celebrate James Holton, recipient of this year’s Senior Music Award. Presented by First Presbyterian Church’s Music Department, the award honors graduating seniors who have participated in the church’s music ministry as instrumentalists or vocalists. It recognizes students who have shared their musical gifts with the congregation and contributed to the worship life of the church through their time, talent, and dedication.

As these seniors begin new chapters, we send them with our prayers and our love. May they continue to seek justice, love deeply, serve generously, and walk closely with God wherever life leads next.

CATHERINE CAMPBELL

Grace Before Gravy: Cookbook Update

Our Grace Before Gravy cookbook project has been such a joy already, and we are so grateful for everyone who has submitted recipes, stories, and blessings so far. We’re excited to share a small update: we’re going to put a pin in publishing until this fall, which means there’s still time to contribute. Keep an eye out later this year for cookbook ordering information, just in time for Christmas gifting season!

If you missed the original submission deadline, you’re in luck. Recipe submissions will now remain open through August 1. You can email your submissions directly to Catherine: catherine@firstpresnb.org

And in case you haven’t heard the exciting news, church librarian Wendy Moeller helped us uncover a vintage First Presbyterian Church cookbook, likely published in the 1960s, titled From the Baron’s Kitchen: Proven Recipes of Coastal North Carolina. We are thrilled to include that work in its entirety as part of the Grace Before Gravy project, connecting generations of church cooks and tables across decades.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Preschool Teacher

Our preschool is seeking a loving and dedicate teacher to join our team. If you or anyone you know has a passion for working with young children and sharing God's love, we'd love to hear from you. If you are interested, please contact our director Kerri at kerri@firstpresnb.org.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of our little learners!

WENDY MOELLER

William Lee Hawkins Library

PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!

Before reading further, you might want to make sure you had a good night's sleep and your day's quota of coffee! 

Sestercentennial ..... bisesquicentennial .... semiquincentennial .... quarter-millennium ..... I have been in the mathematical, etymological weeds all morning with this one. Latin root words to brush up on: semi (half), quinque (five), centrum (one hundred), ennial (pertaining to a period of years), bi (two), sesqui 

(and a half), and, the one that completely stumps me ... sester (which means "half three", by which they mean two and a half!!). Maybe we just need to stick with 250th anniversary. And now you know where I am going!

July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Unless you dwell in oblivion, you surely have been noticing opportunities to mark that anniversary everywhere, both locally and nationally. Anna is even leading a Faith Formation class during the month of June and first Sunday in July (Shall We Long Endure? The American Experiment and the Christian Faith) using the 250th as a stepping stone. And, so, our featured books for this month from the William Lee Hawkins Library (second floor in the Ministry Center) all center around America and its spiritual roots, and what it means to be a Christian in America today. 

• The Gospel According to America - A Meditation on a God-Blessed, Christ-Haunted Idea by David Dark [277.3 DAR]
• A Spiritual History of Our Nation - Prayer In American by James P. Moore, Jr. [248.3]
• America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story by Bruce Feiler (a favorite author of many in our congregation) [221 FEI]

• Unleashing the Scripture - Freeing the Bible from Captivity to America by Duke Divinity Professor Stanley Hauerwas [220.09 HAU]
• America's Battle for God - A European Christian Looks at Civil Religion by Geiko Muller­Fahrenholz [277.3 MUL]

Each of these books will be available on the big table in the middle of the library for the month of June. You can be all ready for the 250th and the Fourth of July when they arrive officially, later this summer, until next month when we will focus in on the early historical records of First Presbyterian Church itself.

MARY RINGWALT

J.T. Barber Girls Run Club

From late February through early May, twelve fourth and fifth grade girls participated in after-school practices, along with two coaches (the school’s counselor and P.E. teacher).

We had four regular volunteers from First Pres Church — Fran Hughes, Annette Laracuente, Ann Griffin-Hall, and Mary Ringwalt. The girls’ goal was to work on fitness to run for one mile, leading up to participating in the Neuse River Bridge Super Kids Fun Run at Union Point Park on May 1. Thanks to Fran’s coordination, the Bridge Run organizers waived the girls’ $20 registration fees. With the commitment of family members able to transport their girls to the park, we had six girls run in the Fun Run. It was a great experience for all!

The four church volunteers celebrated the end of spring practices by giving each of the girls a treat bag with special snacks, stickers, and drink bottles displaying JTB Girls Run Club and Crocs logo stickers made by Annette.

We already look forward to a second season of the run club next fall! Please let us know if you want to help!

MICHAEL MURRIE

Interfaith Refugee Ministry Update

Since early 2025 Interfaith Refugee Ministries has shifted its focus to more deeply fulfill its commitments to refugee clients who arrived in the last five years. In the 16 months prior to mid January of last year IRM welcomed 366 refugees, carefully vetted, with the understanding that there would be support for them as they worked toward independence.

Government funds for that support quickly diminished last year. Other kinds of support, such as Medicaid and SNAP, may soon decline further. When refugees were arriving IRM fulfilled required support but was unable to expand English instruction and cultural orientation.

Since mid-January, 2025, no new refugees have arrived. Some staff positions closed with the funding cuts. IRM’s emphasis shifted to better support the refugees who are still adjusting. They receive more instruction in English, civics, and cultural orientation. Support also continues for critical needs including healthcare, food, and housing. Among the needs is transportation, and IRM this year received a grant for simulators to teach driving skills. 

“Those who arrive as refugees share the same hopes and dreams as any American—to feel safe, to have a secure home, to educate and support their families, and to be part of a community,” Debi Miller, executive director of IRM said. “We work diligently to ensure that dream not only begins, but continues to grow for those we serve.”

Currently IRM still needs volunteers and funds, especially to support legal expenses expected as the status of some refugees may be reviewed. Also, applications for legal permanent residence are not being approved for refugees from some countries.

The First Presbyterian Outreach Commission continues to support IRM as do individual church members who volunteer and donate funds. First Presbyterian with IRM co-sponsored a family of four from Guatemala starting in January, 2025, one of the last to arrive. They are working, attending school, and adapting despite challenges here and deaths of family members in Guatemala.

Some of the refugees sponsored by First Presbyterian in the past still attend English tutoring in the library of the Ministry Center on Saturday mornings. More students and volunteers are welcome. To learn more, check out their website or reach out to Michael Murrie.

OUTREACH COMMISSION

Coastal Carolina Disaster Resiliency Agency

Did you know that one of FPC's biggest partners in mission is the Coastal Carolina Disaster Resiliency Agency?

The Mission of the Craven County Disaster Resiliency Agency (CCDRA) is to strengthen area wide disaster coordination through information sharing, simplifying the access to available resources for individuals and families, and jointly resolving cases with unmet needs from disasters. Our mission is to empower, recover and build stronger, more resilient communities.

CCDRA’s goal is to support households impacted by disaster to recover and rebuild. CCDRA provides case management, education, resources, and financial assistance to households struggling with recovery and rebuilding needs through its statewide community collaboration. This mission is carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers.

CCDRA operates out of the Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church campus. The facility includes kitchens and a residential hall to house the hundreds of volunteers who come every year from all over the United States.

Not only do we help with financial contributions, but we have members who serve on the board, we help with on-the-ground work, occasionally provide meals for work-teams,, and CCDRA was the focus of our inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service this past January, and we help out in other ways as there is a need. Would you like to get involved? Talk with a member of the Outreach Commission to learn more!

LUNCH WAGON

Trip to Raleigh

On April 21, the Lunch Wagon group enjoyed a trip to Raleigh, where we visited the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and toured the North Carolina General Assembly. The day offered a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our state’s history, government, and natural environment while enjoying fellowship together along the way.

One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to meet with our local State Representative, Steve Tyson, as well as Speaker of the House, Destin Hall.

We are grateful for everyone who participated and helped make the day so enjoyable. As we look ahead, the Lunch Wagon group will take a brief summer hiatus during July and August before resuming gatherings this fall..

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

Coordinating Team

The Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team held their final meeting of the year poolside at the home of Gayle Hardy on May 18. Following the meeting we were treated to a lovely luncheon by our hostess. Pictured (left to right): Carole Koi, Kim Avolis, Ann Thornton, Gayle Hardy, Jaina Olesen (seated), Pam Gaskill, Janet Bryan, Joyce Weaver, and Elaine Berberich. Pat Rowlett was in Greece. 

THANK YOU!

One Great Hour of Sharing

Thank you! Your generosity led to $3,692 being contributed to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering through online and in-person gifts received on Easter Sunday. Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.

OGHS began just after World War II, when Protestant churches in the United States made appeals for relief and reconstruction efforts in areas devastated by the war, primarily in Europe and Asia. In 1949, leaders from several denominations formed a committee to organize a shared appeal supporting their churches’ individual campaigns. That offering became One Great Hour of Sharing and continues today as an ecumenical effort. While each denomination allocates its gifts differently, all use their funds for ministries of disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid. Today, projects supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada.

Thank you for being part of this much larger sharing!

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

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