First Edition
November 2019
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First Presbyterian Church
, New Bern, NC
Phone (252)637-3270
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 5:00 & Friday 9:00 - 1:00
Worship Services 8:25 & 10:55
Sunday School 9:40 - 10:40
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First Presbyterian Church is a welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives: through worship, as we praise and glorify God; through outreach, as we embody God's love in service to the world; through education, as we listen for God's Word; through giving, as we express gratitude to God; through caring, as we invite all to join in God's work; through fellowship as we share our lives and faith together.
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Building Community * Transforming Lives * Engaging the World
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Your Session’s decision to “call” me as your Interim Pastor is a commitment to invest money, time, and effort in First Presbyterian’s future. Because of this investment, you should know what I am expected to accomplish during our time together. This newsletter article will attempt to clarify my role as a Teaching Elder and the Interim Pastor’s specialized ministry.
What I “do” as your pastor is to continue my role as a “teaching elder” in the PCUSA. I am called to
preach.
I devote ten to fifteen hours to sermon and worship service preparation each week that I am “in the pulpit”. I also provide leadership for special worship services during Advent and Lent. I am called to
teach.
I look forward to
opportunities supporting our Christian Education by accepting invitations to teach adults, youth and children classes. I also teach during officers’ retreats and training of Elders. I am called to
administrate.
I am the “moderator” of Session. I function as the Head of Staff and I support the work of committees, organizations, and groups in the life of FPC. I am called to
pastoral care.
I am available for personal consultations in my office and for visitation of members who are confined to home or hospital. I also officiate at weddings and funerals and other events which are opportunities for pastoral care. I am called to be a
presbyter
. I attend meetings, workshops, etc. of New Hope Presbytery and will serve on a committee, if invited. That is the Teaching Elder part of my call.
I am also called to the specialized work of interim ministry (now referred to as Transitional Ministry). My goal in working with the Session is to prepare for new, long-term pastoral leadership. The specialized work of Interim Pastor emphasizes five areas. In my work, I am:
1.
Assisting the congregation in “coming to terms”
with its particular history
. This may include encouraging a congregation to work through experiences of the past, and letting go of anything that could impede future ministry. This part is exciting for me, but it is also some of the most difficult work as well.
2.
“Leading the congregation to discover its new identity.
That is a concise and truthful statement of our present mission together with expectations for future mission directions.
3.
Transitions and changes in leadership.
We often experience a reorganization of leadership during this season.
4.
Equipping the leadership to rethink and reconnect its denominational linkages
. This interim time is a good opportunity for collaboration that is beneficial for both presbytery and congregation.
5.
Developing a commitment to new leadership and a new future.
When appropriate attention is given to this dimension of the “interim call”, congregations find hope for the future and its people are ready to accept new pastoral leadership.
Though my tenure with you will be finite (i.e., eighteen months to two years), the opportunities for our spiritual growth and development – both individually and corporately – are unlimited as we seek to follow where Christ is leading us. In the end, if we are patient and faithful, a pastor will be identified and called as your new installed pastor. I am excited about our time together as we transition into this wonderful time in FPC’s history. Continue to keep First Presbyterian New Bern in your affection and prayers.
Shalom,
Edward Bellis
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How We Can Give
During the service drop it in the offering plate
or
Later
~as a member click on the
Member Porta
l page
~as a visitor click on
Give
page
or
on your Mobile Phone
download and use the app
ACS Church Life
or on your Mobile Phone
Text
FIRSTPRESNB
to
73256
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Offering Envelopes/Online Giving
It’s almost time to order 2020 offering envelopes and we need your help! Many of you are utilizing online payments for giving and therefore may
no longer need offering envelopes. Please notify us if you received envelopes this year, but do not need them next year. For that we thank you. If you prefer to give in person and did not get envelopes last year, please email Amber Zapffel at
amber@firstpresnb.org
Financial Secretary at First Presbyterian Church.
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First Presbyterian Church Foundation - Gifts that Continue Giving
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The mission of the
Foundation is to encourage and manage gifts, bequests and contributions that will expand and enrich the ministry of the church by providing available funds to the church that can be used for Outreach, Worship, Christian Education, and Property.
Gifts to the
Foundation are not intended to replace generous congregational giving to meet normal daily operating needs but to enhance the church's ministries or assist with projects that are not normally funded by the operating budget.
If you are interested in learning more about the First Presbyterian Church
Foundation, please speak with one of the current board members: Sam Bidwell, Clayton Cheek, Wood Gibbs, Will Lathan, Jackie Pollock, Stephanie Proctor, Jay Rishel, or Jill Thompson. You can also find more detailed information on our website,
www.firstpresnb.org/foundation
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Church Name Tags:
As we have more new members and visitors joining our midst, it is especially helpful for all to wear their church name tags. Have you seen the new name tag stand in the narthex? This will allow you to leave your name tag at church so you won't have to remember which car or which purse. If you are in need of a name tag, please contact the church office at 252-637-3270 or email
church@firstpresnb.org
to make the request. If you see someone without a name tag on Sunday, introduce yourself and welcome them!
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Ushers needed for 10:55 am worship service
If can arrive a few minutes early to serve as an usher, please contact
George Moore
and volunteer. This is an opportunity to share a smile and welcome members and visitors warmly on Sunday morning! Direct visitors to the correct entrance and just hand out bulletins and worship bags to children. Are you the person George is looking for?
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Our choirs have begun working on music for our Advent and Christmas seasons. Please mark your calendars for the annual Candlelight Service Sunday December 15th at 6:30 pm. (Since we share parking with the Masonic Theatre, we are having the concert a bit later to make parking easier).
Rehearsals for the 37
th
performance Handel’s
Messiah
begin Monday November 4th at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Centenary UMC. This continues to be a community favorite. We perform with Conductor James Ogle and members of the North Carolina Symphony. If you would like to be in the chorus, there are no auditions, but you need your own G. Schirmer score, available at Fuller Music on Trent Road. The performance will be on Monday, December 16th. Tickets will go on sale mid-November at the Craven Arts Council (Bank of the Arts) and at Fuller Music.
I want to thank everyone for their support during this time of recovery for me. The loss of my husband Pete on May 27
th
was horrendous for me as you can imagine. Everyone has been so patient with me as I try to make my way through this tragedy. You are a wonderful church family.
Yours in Christ,
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Lunch Wagon Upcoming Events!
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Friday, November 15th - Rodney Kemp, Carteret History Place, Morehead City
Sunday, November 24th - Mike's Farm Dinner and Hay Ride, Beulaville
December-no Lunch Wagon Activities
Sunday, January 5, 2020 - Boar's Head and Yule Log Pageant and Dinner in Kinston
Friday November 15th
We will be traveling to Morehead City to hear Rodney Kemp, a local storyteller, who will be talking about Confederate Spies in Carteret County during the Civil War. We will have lunch at the Carteret County History Museum followed by Mr. Kemp's talk. The cost of the lunch and lecture is $16.00. Please call the church office 252-637-3270 to reserve a spot on the bus as soon as possible so we can order tickets for this event. We will leave the church parking lot at 10:15 and return by 3:30.
Sunday November 24th
We are starting the Christmas celebration early as we will be traveling to Mike's Farm in Beulaville on Sunday November 24th for the Festival of Lights Christmas hayride. The hayride is a 30 minute trip around the farm, with Christmas music, lighted holiday scenes and a live nativity. We will have a delicious family style dinner at 4:00 before the hayride. The cost is $30.00 which includes the cost of the dinner, the hayride and transportation. Please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church (memo line: Mike's Farm) by November 16th as we have to pay for the tickets in advance. Mike's has a gift shop and bakery that will be open. Call the church office to reserve a spot on the bus 252-637-3270.
Sunday January 5th
We're going the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival in Kinston on Sunday, January 5th.This year we are planning to attend the Annual Boar's Head Banquet which will be held after the 5:00 performance. Tickets are $30.00 person. Seating is limited so please call St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 252-523-6146 to purchase your ticket for the banquet. Some of our church members have attended the banquet in the past and have reported that the meal is well worth the cost. We will leave our church parking lot at 3:00; as the seats fill up quickly, and travel to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Kinston. This is an event you will not want to miss!
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Lunch Wagon went to Lobster Fest in Salter Path on October 19th and it was wonderful!!
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New Interim Office Administrator
Priscilla "Cilla" Randall Miller has lived in New Bern for 31 years, was born in Maine, raised in Connecticut and moved to New Bern where her new husband, David was to be based at Cherry Point Air Station. Her background includes many years in West Africa (Niger, Nigeria, Senegal) working on health/family planning projects. It was in Dakar, Senegal that she met her future husband when he was assigned to the US Embassy as part of the Marine Security Guard. As a Health Educator, in New Bern, she worked with Craven County Health Department, Duke University and with various non-profits, including as Executive Director of MERCI Clinic. She was instrumental in establishing the Craven/Pamlico AIDS Task Force and with bringing the first Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic for the uninsured to the area in 2009.
Priscilla is a member of Christ Church, where she held a similar position of Interim Church Administrator for six months in 2017/2018, is Volunteer Coordinator for the church's reception desk and is a member of the Diocesan LGBTQ Committee. Her in-law family are life-long Presbyterians; her mother and father-in-law (Presbyterian Minister) retired from 40 years in the mission field in Africa and live in Black Mountain/Montreat. She has one married daughter who lives in Maine.
Priscilla welcomes any and all to visit and introduce themselves, and is pleased to be able to be a part of the First Presbyterian team.
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The 2020 Flower Calendar
The new 2020 Flower Calendar year is available in the office! Check it out to find the specific dates you may find meaningful to honor or remember someone special. You sign up to provide a fresh flower arrangement of your choice on that Sunday. Please don't delay so your special day will be available for you!
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Want to help welcome new refugees?
Curious about helping to welcome new refugees to our community? Did you know Interfaith Refugee Ministry (IRM) has resettled 120 individuals over the past year from Afghanistan, Burma, Columbia, and the Congo? IRM will be offering a volunteer orientation on Tuesday, October 29, 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the IRM office, for those from First Presbyterian Church. Please contact
Helen Robinson 540-533-3913 for information or to sign up.
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Backpack Blessing Fall Build
On Saturday, October 5th several members of First Presbyterian Church gathered with other churches and volunteers to complete the Backpack Blessings build for the first semester of school. With the help of so many dedicated volunteers, both young and old, the build was an overwhelming success. Close to 3,000 food bags were packed! After the build, forty-two bins were loaded into a trailer and pickup truck and were delivered to Bangert Elementary School. A huge thanks is owed to all of those who participated. If you’d like to join us for the next build, keep your eyes out for upcoming announcements or
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I wanted to share this with you . . .(a member of one of the high school groups who helped us out so much this weekend) stopped me and asked a couple of questions about Backpack Blessings. "You don't know this, but I received these weekend food bags when I was in elementary and middle school and it made a huge difference for me and my family. Thank you"
What a blessing to be part of the process!
Love to all!
❤
Ruth
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2019 Thank Offering for Presbyterian Women
The PW Thank Offering will be collected at the circle meetings in November. These offerings provide grants for projects such as portable showers, refrigerated food trucks, backpack food supplies, support for abused women and children, peer support for those with mental illness, hearing aids for seniors, help for homeless shelters, housing for drug rehabilitation, gardens for refugee families, and transportation needs for single mothers and widows. Our church has benefited from the Thank Offering by receiving grants for backpack blessings. You do not have to be a member of Presbyterian Women to contribute.
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COMING SOON!
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
First Presbyterian Church will again be participating in Operation Christmas Child. Boxes will be available in the church and the Ministry Center beginning Sunday, November 3rd. Please consider taking 1 or 2 boxes. As you fill your box, pray for the child who will be receiving your gift. Let us remember our Lord's message in Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This is a wonderful way to start the season of Advent. Last day for collection will be Sunday, November 24th.
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This Fall in a Sunday School Classroom near you..
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Preschool — Ministry Center Room 1.24
Curriculum - God Loves Me - 52 story books (Faith Alive Christian Resources) and The Children’s Illustrated Bible (Hastings)
Kindergarten – 5
th
Grade — Ministry Center Room 2.23
Whirl: Lectionary (Sparkhouse)
Middle & High School — Lighthouse
Faith Questions (Congregational Ministries Publishing — PCUSA)
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The Present Word
Responding to God’s Grace
Session House Parlor
The Present Word is a cooperative curriculum written and supported by five denominations, including PCUSA. It is designed to cover the entire Bible in five-year cycles, but each quarter stands on its own. This quarter, the subject is "Responding to God's Grace," and will focus on both Old Testament and New Testament examples. Brent Schlottman will be the facilitator this quarter, with assistance from George Evans and Joan Leibert.
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Run with Horses - The Quest for Life at its Best
Join us in the Session House Main room for a study of the Prophet Jeremiah and the book he wrote, taken from Eugene Peterson's book as introduced to us last summer by Kirsten Sonstegard during the summer 2018 Read This Book Summer Sunday School Class. Wendy Moeller will conduct this fall study.
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Pilgrimage Outfitters
“equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey”
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Small, intentional communities committed to listening together for God’s Spirit are one of the ways of deepening the journey into discipleship. Consider these opportunities for this fall:
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Centering Prayer Group
Don’t let this title frighten you off. Centering prayer has been around for a long time and is regaining more attention as a useful way of nurturing our new life in God’s Spirit. This group meets on Wednesday from noon to 1 pm in the Chapel. We will study The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr as our guide in re-discovering God’s Spirit present in all life.
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Wednesday Evening Worship
This contemplative, or reflective, approach to worship is offered each Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm in the Chapel. This quiet service is focused around silence, prayer and reflection on the Biblical text chosen for preaching the coming Sunday. The Lord’s Supper is observed on the 4
th
Wednesday of the month. Come when you can and bring a friend.
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Adult Spring Retreat – time to reserve your place!
Our spring contemplative retreat is scheduled to return to one of our favorite places, St. Frances Springs Prayer Center, from Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd, 2020. This retreat center is located 40 miles north of Greensboro, NC on 140 beautiful wooded acres that vibrate with a sense of holy presence. All the rooms in our two cottages have private baths; the food is delicious; the quiet is inspiring, nourishing deep listening for the stirrings in our own souls. This is a special opportunity for nurturing your spiritual journey; check it out with former participants: Mimi Dixon, Polly Frank, Cille Griffith, Stacey Griffith, Maureen and Dave Parker, Hal and Marilyn Vandersea, and John Young. To register, Letters of Intent are available at the Receptionist’s Desk and on the church’s
web page
. For more information, contact
Lloyd Griffith
.
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Iona Pilgrimage 2020
Details are now complete for this unique experience in the fall of 2020. Our tour dates in the United Kingdom are September 15th – 24th, 2020. This would mean an overnight departure from the United States on Monday, September 14th and return on Thursday, September 24th. These dates could be extended at either end for folks who want to arrive earlier or stay on afterwards. This can be entirely flexible as you’ll be able to book your own flights.
Our program will begin in London. We’ll enjoy playing tourist in this vibrant city. We’ll learn about its religious heritage, visiting some of the UK capital’s best known houses of worship like St Paul’s Cathedral. We will also try to find some quieter spots: less-visited places where there is calm amid the bustle of London’s busy streets as we begin making our preparation for visiting Iona. We will make the short trip to Canterbury, another well-known pilgrimage location, where we’ll have the chance to see its magnificent Cathedral and, if possible, share in worship.
We’ll travel in comfort by train up to Scotland with a stop in Glasgow before heading on to Iona. We have four nights on this very special little island, staying at the lovely St Columba Hotel. We will spend our time exploring this historic “thin place” where the membrane between the physical world and the spiritual world has been experienced as porous. Our tour then brings us back to Glasgow for an overnight stay before we depart.
Arrangements are again being made for us by Scotus Tours with whom we have travelled before to Scotland and Ireland. A brochure with confirmed details is available on our
website
and in the church office. For more information, contact
Lloyd Griffith.
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Lloyd Griffith,
Travel Guide
252-675-8196
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Evening Opportunities for Youth
Small, intentional communities committed to listening together for God’s Spirit are one of the ways of deepening the journey into discipleship. Consider these opportunities for this fall:
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Christmas Wreath Fundraiser Update
The funds raised will help subsidize summer trips for our middle and high school youth.
Thank you to all those who purchased a wreath to support our youth ministry! The wreaths will arrive around December 4th. You can pick it up from the church office during the week or pick it up on
Sunday, December 8th after worship. If you have
any questions, please contact
Daewon Goldenbaun-Yang
.
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S.A.L.T. (Serving And Learning Together)
Ministry for 3
rd
- 5
th
grade children
Meets once a month. Next meeting is on November 17th, 5:30 pm -7:30 pm in the Ministry Center Café.
We gather together for dinner, service project, games, and Bible story reflection. We encourage all 3rd-5th grade children to join us! Future dates are December 8th, and January 19th, 2020.
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Youth Group
Sunday Evening Schedule
from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in Session House beginning with dinner
November 3rd -GROG
November 10th- a joint youth group with Christ Church, fun activities in gym
November 17th - a program led by one of our youth leaders
November 24th - lesson
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New Hope Presbyterian Middle School Retreat
We had a wonderful time at New Hope Presbytery Middle School retreat on October 4-6 at Camp Kanata in Wake Forest. There were over 250 people including middle school youth, high school youth who led all the activities, and adult chaperones. Our Presbytery has a great team of High School Youth Council members who lead middle school retreat in the Fall and high school retreat in the Spring. 8 youth and 2 adults attended this year and our middle school youth loved playing sports, food in the dining room, recreation events, and most especially their small group time. Below are few pictures from the retreat.
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Grief Support Group
The next gathering of the Grief Support Group will be Tuesday,
November 19th
in the Session House at 5:30 pm. This group serves two purposes, to provide support for those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one and to be a safe haven for those who are living through this process. The gathering will begin with a catered meal with a basket to help defray the cost of the food. Followed by discussions of our experiences on this journey. Contact
Lloyd Griffith
for more information or to join this group. 252-637-3270 church office.
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Retirement Centers:
McCarthy Court
(252)637-7133
1321 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Don Bailey, Apt. 208
Morag Cheesman, Apt. 209
Flo Jones, Apt. 303
Frank & Arlene Yeager, Apt. 305
Pat Zeleniak, Apt. 103
Barbara Williford Apt. 310
McCarthy Court II
1325 McCarthy Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28563
Donna Fleck, Apt. 16
Jean Hoffman, Apt. 39
Edna Harkins Apt. 34
Assisted Living Facilities:
Courtyards at Berne Village
(252)633-1779
2701 Amhurst Blvd.
New Bern, NC 28562
Mary Olstad, Villa #9
Brookdale
(252)558-1291
1336 S. Glenburnie Rd
New Bern, NC 28653
Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206
Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 302
Carl McMath, Apt. 708
Dick Shelley, Apt. 107
Riverpoint Crest
(252)637-4730
2600 Old Cherry Point Rd.
New Bern, NC 28560
Barbara Bell, Apt. 108
Ray Henderson, Apt. 20
James White (Carlotta Gault's father) Room 203
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Joys and Concerns
Hospitalized
:
Diana Bennett
Lane Mitterling
Susan Ryan
Clare Jessup
Births
:
We celebrate the October 8th birth of Emily Davis Kelso, daughter of Byron & Carrie Kelso, granddaughter of Chris & Trish Kelso.
Happy 90th birthday to Frank Yeager on Nove
Sympathy of the congregation is extended to
:
Family of Neal McLeod who passed away on October 2nd in Florence, SC. Neal was a member of this church for 25 years.
Family of Devon Plows who passed away October 9th.
Jill and Dean Thompson on the October 11th passing of Jill's father, Paul Manning Shumate.
Dan Frey on the death of his wife and church member, Jan Frey on October 18th.
Congratulations
:
Caroline Stevick and Kevin Brown who were married on Saturday October 19 in Cape Cod. The newlyweds will reside in Boston. Caroline is the daughter of David and Oscara Stevick.
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CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF
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Pastoral & Program Staff
The Rev. Edward (Eddie) Bellis, Interim Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray, Designated Associate Pastor
Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang, Director of Education & Youth Ministry
The Rev. Lloyd Griffith, Parish Associate
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Music Program Staff
Pat K. Rowlett, Director of Music
Vance Harper Jones, Organist
Susan Mabie, Director Resurrection Singers
Cindy Sutten, Assistant Organist & Pianist
Dru Wilkins, Music Assistant
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Office & Support Staff
Tommy Hall,Administrative Coordinator
Priscilla Miller, Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Cathy Wingfield, Communications Facilitator
Amber Zapffel, Financial Secretary
Kerri Wheeler, Children's Worship & Director of Preschool
Louis Foye, Sexton
Cindi DeVoe, Nursery
Missy Dixon, Nursery
Lisa Wood, Nursery
James Briley, Jr., Treasurer
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Moderator, Rev. Eddie Bellis,
Karen Reed, Clerk
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Administration
Chris Kelso '19
Betsy Conzelman '20
Trudy Martin '20
Outreach
Bruce Pollock '21
Peggy Clark '21
Bill Harris '19
Worship
Gayle Hardy '21
Janelle Haggard '21
George Moore '21
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Care
Becky Nohr '19
Polly Frank '20
Doug Phelps '19
Education
Jennifer East '19
David Hale '20
Janet Bryan '20
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Communications
Susan Ryan '19
Oscara Stevick '19
Jim Findley '21
Fellowship
Cathy Warren '20
Peter Moeller '20
Beth Foley '21
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2019 CALENDAR for NOVEMBER
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- World Community Day November 1st
- Daylight Saving Time Ends November 3rd
- Operation Christmas Child Boxes Available November 3rd
- Caregiver Sunday November 10th
- Veterans Day November 11th
- Newsletter Articles Due November 15th
- Hunger & Homelessness Sunday November 17th
- Dedication Sunday November 24th
- Thanksgiving November 28th
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Editor's Note: This is a monthly newsletter. If you have any communications submissions contact Communications Facilitator
Cathy Wingfield at
cathy@firstpresnb.org
or call the church office. (252)637-3270.
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