First Presbyterian Church, New Bern, North Carolina

Join us for Worship

Sunday Mornings

8:25 and 10:55 AM Sunday School

9:40AM

Pastor’s Message 1

Christmas Wreaths 1

Pilgrimage Outfitters 2

Music News 2

Session Notes 3

APNC Update 3

Book Signing 3

Education 4

Youth News 5-7

Fellowship Commission 8

Outreach Commission 9

Joys and Concerns 10

Daily Lectionary 11

Photo Shoot 12

IN THIS ISSUE

First Edition

We are thrilled to introduce to you Cathy Wingfield as our new Communications Coordinator, a new part-time position on our church staff. Cathy and her husband Dale joined the church in 2017, and she quickly became involved with the Com-munications Commission, bringing valua-ble experience and insights. She worked for many years in public education teach-ing technology and has a master’s degree as an Instructional Technology Specialist from Appalachian State. She served two terms as an elder at Mount Jefferson Pres-byterian Church in West Jefferson, NC, and has re-designed and managed web-

sites for two other churches, as well as facilitated communication in a number of ways. Cathy will be coordinating communication through our website, email, newsletter, and social media, and through various outlets in our community. She is excited to help us communicate all the great things happening within the church, and to help us tell our story out in the community! If you have communication ideas, seek Cathy out! Her email ad-dress is cathy@firstpresnb.org and for the moment her office is anywhere she and her laptop are.

Welcome to our New Communications Coordinator

by Maren Sonstegard-Spray

Sunday, Nov 4

Youth Group Christmas Wreaths are available Thru November 28

Many thanks to those who have purchased a wreath to support our youth. The wreath orders will arrive around November 28 and can be picked up beginning that day. Stop by the office to pick it up on weekdays during office hours or on Sunday morning.

As there’s a minimum number required to order, we have extras available for purchase for $30 at the end of November/ begin-ning of December. If interested please stop by the Church Office or talk to Daewon. He can answer any questions you may have.

First Edition Page 2

PILGRIMAGE OUTFITTERS by Lloyd Griffith “equipping pilgrims for the spiritual journey”

Rehearsals have resumed after the long recovery time from Hurricane Florence. It has been difficult, since school was out for so long. I finally started rehearsals before school was back. We are working to be ready for the usual Christmas concerts. Our Candlelight service will be later this year—December 16—so mark your calendars. Rehearsals for the 36th performance Handel’s Messiah begin Monday November 5 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Centenary UMC. This continues to be a community favorite. We perform with Conductor James Ogle and mem-bers 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 from Fuller Music on Trent Road. The performance will be on Monday, December 10. Tickets will go on sale mid-November at the Cra-ven Arts Council (Bank of the Arts) and at Fuller Music. As my family tries to get our lives back together after the flood, we think and pray for all those who have lost our homes. We lost our cars and had water under our house but can live in our home. That makes all the difference. Please take time to study the list of people who were affected in our congregation, and try to help in any way you can. Yours in Christ,

Pat Kerr Rowlett Director of Music

TIME TO MAKE PLANS FOR ADULT SPRING RETREAT. Our annual spring retreat for adults will again be at one of our favorite places - St. Francis Springs Prayer Center - from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, 2019. This long weekend retreat for individuals and couples is a great opportunity to slow down from busy schedules, relax in the natural beauty of a 140 acre sanctuary, and reconnect with the flow of God’s Spirit in our lives. St. Francis Springs is an easy-to-reach re-treat center 40 miles north of Greensboro, NC, with comfortable accommodations in two 4-bedroom cottages with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen. In the past people have bragged about the good meals. Traveling by our church bus makes the trip easier for all of us. On our way, we will stop for lunch at Timberlake Earth Sanctuary where we will share time with Carolyn Toben and the work she is doing with “the New Elder Journey”. Space at St. Francis is limited, so now is the time to reserve your place with a “Letter of Intent” which is available at the Receptionist’s Desk in the Ministry Center or on our web page. For more information contact Lloyd Griffith.

Additional Opportunity to participate in the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is celebrat-ed at the Contemplative Worship Service on the 4th Wednesday of each month. This half-hour ser-vice reflecting on the scripture for the coming Sunday begins at 5:00 pm in the Chapel.

First Edition Page 3

During the Fellowship Dinner on Wednesday November 7, you are invited to a book signing by our own Bill Hawkins. His book is entitled In and Out Of Every Season: Sermons For Ran-dom Occasions in the Life of a Congregation. It will be on sale for the price of $16.95 with all proceeds of the sale going to the Bicentennial Fund.

Rev. Dr. Hawkins Book Signing

The Admin Commission recommended and the Session approved that available Foundation Funds of $21635 and funds from a trust be set aside for use in local Hurricane Florence relief. Hollis Brannon, Carl Chapman, Chris Kelso, and Jim Briley will oversee distribution of these funds. Hollis Brannon provided additional information about the ongoing area relief efforts. Preschool students and staff were reported as settled into their quarters in the Ministry Center. A survey of church property damage has been completed and work is progressing on filing insur-ance claims. Average Sunday worship attendance for September 2018 was 271 compared with 286 in September 2017. Attendance at Youth Group has increased significantly over last year with 20-25 primarily mid-schoolers attending. Seven of the youth and two adults attended New Hope Presbytery Middle School retreat in early October. Susan Ryan Interim Clerk of Session

The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has received final approval of our Ministry Infor-mation Form from the New Hope Presbytery Committee on Ministry. In an effort to ensure we are not short sighted in our church’s future staffing model, the committee is working diligently to re-view all aspects of our congregation’s needs and programs. All this takes time, and as it has been said before, our congregation is so blessed to have Maren as our temporary associate. Maren’s contract has been renewed for another year and she is in agreement and supportive of this process. Please continue to keep the committee in your prayers.

Update from APNC by Oscara Stevick

The following is a digest of the Stated Meeting of Session on October 9, 2018

Page 4 First Edition

Education

Mary Bryan Hollister Class: God’s Word and God’s People / Joan Leibert Begins at 9:40 a.m. in the Session House Parlor As we continue this focus on Genesis, we will encounter Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and his descendants, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Esau, Jacob, Leah and Rachel. We will become aware of how God works in our lives by Creating, by Destroying and Recreating, and by Blessing and Recreating through changes of mind, heart and will. Everyone is welcome.

How to Spell Presbyterian with Your Eyes Closed – Bill Hawkins Ministry Center Chapel/MC 1.25 This is for new folks, forgetful old folks, and just plain ole’ folks. Here you can find out if you are who you say you are and what you are supposed to mean when you say it; who you are, that is. The class can be described in four broad strokes: History, Bible, Theology and Government. There is nothing for you to read, in fact it is preferable if you don’t. And don’t go looking on the internet for you will be led down blind alleys from which you may never return. If at the end of the class you still feel you have more to learn, I will recommend some books written by my former students. At the very least, they will remind you of what I’ve told you. Encounters With Jesus: Studies in the Gospel of John – Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray and Seth Smith/ Room: SHM The Gospel of John class is going to take a four week break and will resume on November 25. This 4-week class will explore the story of Hagar and the Annunciation through the eyes of various artists.

Children & Youth Sunday

School

Preschool—Room MC 1.24

God Loves Me -52 story books (Faith Alive Christian Resources) and The Children’s Illustrated Bible (Hastings)

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade—Room MC 2.23 Whirl (Sparkhouse)

3rd Grade - 5th Grade—Room MC 2.24 Whirl (Sparkhouse) Middle & High School —Lighthouse Faith Questions (Congregational Ministries Publish-ing— PC(USA))

Children’s Worship (for 10:55am service)

Following the Children’s Moment at the 10:55am service, children 2nd grade and younger may depart the sanctuary for children’s worship. Preschool and Kindergarten children will meet in Ministry Center Room 1.26 with Ms. Kerri. Children in 1st & 2nd grade will meet in Ministry Center Room 1.25 (chapel) with Mr. Daewon. Children will learn more about the stories in the Bible. Parents can pick up the children following the service in the respective room. We are always looking for adult volunteers to assist us during our time. If interested, please speak to Dae-won.

Page 5 First Edition

YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE

11/4 (5:30-7:30PM) - Meet in the Session House for dinner

and program.

11/11 (5:30-7:30PM) - Combined Youth Group at First Pres Meet in the Session House at 5:30pm for dinner followed by

activities together with youth from Christ Episcopal and West NB

Pres.

11/18 (5:30-7:30PM) - Meet in the Session House for dinner

and program.

11/25—NO YOUTH GROUP (Happy Thanksgiving)

11/30 (FRI) - Monthly Outing to the

movies

S.A.L.T. (Serving And Learning Together)

S.A.L.T. is a ministry for 3rd-5th grade children. We meet once a month on Sunday evening for din-ner, service project, games, and Bible story reflection. It is a time for children to grow closer togeth-er as well as practice loving our neighbor through service. We encourage all 3rd-5th grade children to join us! Next meeting is Sunday, November 18, 5:30-7:30pm in the Ministry Center Café.

Future dates are Dec 9, 2018, Jan 20, 2019, Feb 7, 2019, March 17, 2019 and April 28, 2019.

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Youth News (cont’d)

7 youth and 2 adults attended New Hope Presbytery Middle School retreat on October 5-7 at Camp Kanata in Wake Forest. It was a fun filled retreat with 150 other middle school youth from our Presbytery.

Page 7 First Edition

As Craven County schools were closed for about 3 weeks due to Hurricane Florence, First Pres partnered with Christ Episcopal Church to host a Hurricane Hurrah, a Vacation Bible School styled program for elementary school students with youth and adult volunteers. We met on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 25 & 27 and October 2 & 4, at Christ Episcopal Church. The children went through rotation of stations including crafts, motion, recreation, outreach, story, science and snack. After the rotations, they played outside in the playground before we ended the day with a prayer. There were around 50 children who participated with around 15-20 adults and youth volunteers. In the outreach station in September, we made 50+ goodie bags and attached a Thank you card deco-rated by the children. These were passed out to New Bern Fire Department and a few other groups who are serving New Bern with hurricane relief efforts. We would like to say a huge “Thank you” to our First Pres youth and adults who volunteered their time and energy.

First Edition Page 8

Pizza Party Time! November 7th is the date for our next Fellowship Dinner which will feature pizza, salad & more. Join us at 5:30 PM in the JMS Center gym. Call the Church Of-fice at 637-3270 to sign up so we will be certain to have enough for everyone! Rev. Hawkins’ book, In and Out of Every Season will be available for purchase and he will be on hand to personalize your book. It’s a great time to pick up Christmas gifts for family and friends. (See page 5)

FELLOWSHIP COMMISSION

Presbyterian Men—by Jerry Elliott

Presbyterian Men gather at Hibachi Buffet at 6:00 p.m.. Each month with a different compelling speaker. Here’s our line-up for the next few months. Please consider joining this group! November 8 - Beth Cooper will provide information about the Merci Clinic of New Bern. December 3—Eric Heden of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will describe NOAA activities relevant to eastern North Carolina (hurricanes, climate, ocean levels, etc.) January 7—North Carolina in World War I will be described by Matt Young. Matt is a historian for the State of North Carolina.

Presbyterian Women Thank Offering

The PW Thank Offering is collected at our circle meetings in November. You do not have to be a woman or a member of a circle to contribute.

These offerings provide grants for projects such as portable showers, refrigerated food trucks, back pack 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 benefitted from past Thank Offerings by receiving grants for Backpack Blessings. Joan O. Leibert, Together in Service

Lunch Wagon by Nancy Perdue

The Lunch Wagon will be traveling to Smithfield on a shopping trip to the Out-let Mall on Friday November 30. You will be able to do some of your Christ-mas shopping at the various outlet stores. Lunch will be at the Cracker Barrel followed by shopping afterward. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 9AM sharp, so be there at 8:45AM to get a seat. We will return by 4:30PM. Transportation costs will be $5.00. Call the Church Office to sign up for the trip (637-3270).

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OUTREACH COMMISSION

FEMA TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR NC DISASTER SURVIVORS

The State of North Carolina and FEMA are implementing a multi-pronged approach to temporarily house displaced survivors of Hurricane Florence. Solutions are tailored to the needs of survivors and are based on how quickly their homes can be repaired to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and the availability of housing options in their communities. Based upon needs identified by the State of NC, FEMA is providing two forms of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance in 10 counties including Craven and Jones. First, Travel Trailers to provide a timely, effective interim solution for most households with a high degree of confidence that repairs to the house can be completed in less than a year, ideally within six months. Secondly, Manufac-tured Housing Units (MHUs) to provide a longer-term solution for survivors whose repairs will take longer to complete due to a greater degree of damage. If you are displaced from your home because of Hurricane Florence you must first apply for feder-al disaster assistance to be considered for FEMA programs such as Transitional Sheltering Assis-tance, financial rental assistance, grants for repairs to make their homes safe, sanitary and func-tional, and other forms of assistance. You can apply on line at DisasterAssistance.gov, by visiting a disaster recovery center, or by calling the disaster assistance helpline at (800) 621-3362. Following registration FEMA contacts households that may qualify for a travel trailer or MHU. A FEMA specialist will conduct a pre-placement interview to determine whether you need direct housing and, if so, what type of housing you require. This determination is based upon the size and needs of the household, including any people with disabilities or other access or functional needs. For additional information please visit the FEMA website as follows: www.FEMA.gov/news-releases and scroll down to October 15th under the FAQ's and FACT SHEET for "Direct Temporary Housing for NC Disaster Survivors."

FPC Hurricane Florence Disaster Response The Session has approved Carl Chapman and Hollis Brannon as our co-coordinators to manage FPC’s disaster response to Hurricane Florence. They are seeking to assist both members of the congregation and engage in cooperative endeavors with agencies and other non-profits, with opportunities to volunteer for those of you desiring to participate first hand. The next phase of the recovery will likely begin, January 1, 2019. Please note that information for those needing assistance from FEMA are available on the tables in the Narthex, the Vestibule and in the Church Office. They are yellow in color.

First Edition

RETIREMENT CENTERS McCARTHY COURT (637-7133) 1321 McCarthy Blvd. Carol Burgess, Apt. 216 Morag Cheesman, Apt. 209 Flo Jones, Apt. 303 Frank & Arlene Yeager, #305 Pat Zeleniak, Apt. 103 McCARTHY COURT II 1325 McCarthy Blvd. Donna Fleck, Apt. 16 Jean Hoffman, Apt. 39

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

BAYVIEW (638-1818) 3003 Kensington Park Dr. Ann “Nancy” Howard (Phoebe

Moeller’s mother), Rm. 5 COURTYARDS at BERNE VILLAGE (633-1779) 2701 Amhurst Blvd. 28562 James White, Apt. 3B (Carlotta Gault’s father)

Joys and Concerns

OUR KNOWN ILL, HOSPITALIZED AND RECENTLY RELEASED

Karen Dodd Jerry Frank (Polly’s husband) Jerry Johnson Pam Johnson Diana Jones Linda Jones (Gayle Hardy’s mom)

Joyce Krumnacher Sally McConnell Charles Montgomery Nancy Sibley CONGRATULATIONS -to Mildred Moore and Chris Lopez on their October 6th wedding. -to Sally Maestripieri and her husband, Leo on the Oct. 5th birth of their great-grandson, Isaac Daniel Tilton of Spatswood, NJ. SYMPATHY

-to Denise Willey on the Sept. 10th death of her father, Hillary McDuffy Gaskins of Vanceboro, NC. -to the family of Dr. Graham “Bardy” Barden who died on Oct. 19th. -to the sons of Ruth Tyler who passed on Oct 29th. The Memorial Service arrangements are being planned.

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BROOKDALE (558-1291) 1336 S. Glenburnie Rd. Kenny Baxter, Apt. 206 Joyce Krumnacher, Apt. 302 Carl McMath, Apt. 708 Dick Shelley, Apt. 107 CROATAN VILLAGE (634-9066) 4522 Old Cherry Pt. Rd. 28560 Andy Davies, (409) Helena Zoldos (106) RIVERPOINT CREST (637-4730) 2600 Old Cherry Pt. Rd. 28560 Barbara Bell (108) Ray Henderson (207)

First Edition

Thursday, November 1 Morning: Pss. 116; 147:12–20 Evening: Pss. 26; 130; Isa. 26:1–4, 8,9, 12,13,19–21; Rev. 21:9–11, 22–27; (22:1–5) or Heb. 11:32—12:2; Matt. 5:1–12 Friday, November 2 Morning: Pss. 84; 148 Evening: Pss. 25; 40 Nahum 2:13–3:7; Rev. 13:1–10 Luke 12:13–31 Saturday, November 3 Morning: Pss. 63; 149 Evening: Pss. 117; 139 Nah. 3:8–19; Rev. 13:11–18 Luke 12:32–48 Sunday, November 4 Morning: Pss. 103; 150 Evening: Pss. 117; 139 Zeph. 1:1–6; 1 Cor. 12:27—13:13 Matt. 18:21–35 Monday, November 5 Morning: Pss. 5; 145 Evening: Pss. 82; 29 Zeph. 1:7–13; Rev. 14:1–13 Luke 12:49–59 Tuesday, November 6 Morning: Pss. 63; 149 Evening: Pss. 125; 90 Zeph. 1:14–18; Rev. 14:14—15:8 Luke 13:1–9 Wednesday, November 7 Morning: Pss. 89:1–18; 147:1–11 Evening: Pss. 1; 33; Zeph. 2:1–15 Rev. 16:1–11; Luke 13:10–17 Thursday, November 8 Morning: Pss. 97; 147:12–20 Evening: Pss. 16; 62; Zeph. 3:1–7 Rev. 16:12–21; Luke 13:18–30 Friday, November 9 Morning: Pss. 51; 148 Evening: Pss. 142; 65 Zeph. 3:8–13; Rev. 17:1–18 Luke 13:31–35 Saturday, November 10 Morning: Pss. 104; 149 Evening: Pss. 138; 98 Zeph. 3:14–20; Rev. 18:1–14 Luke 14:1–11 Sunday, November 11 Morning: Pss. 19; 150 Evening: Pss. 81; 113 Joel 1:1–13; 1 Cor. 14:1–12

Matt. 20:1–16 Monday, November 12 Morning: Pss. 135; 145 Evening: Pss. 97; 112 Joel 1:15–2:2; Rev. 18:15–24 Luke 14:12–24 Tuesday, November 13 Morning: Pss. 123; 146 Evening: Pss. 30; 86 Joel 2:3–11; Rev. 19:1–10 Luke 14:25–35 Wednesday, November 14 Morning: Pss. 15; 147:1–11 Evening: Pss. 48; 4; Joel 2:12–19 Rev. 19:11–21; Luke 15:1–10 Thursday, November 15 Morning: Pss. 36; 147:12–20 Evening: Pss. 80; 27; Joel 2:21–27 James 1:1–15; Luke 15:1–2, 11–32 Friday, November 16 Morning: Pss. 130; 148 Evening: Pss. 32; 139; Joel 2:28–3:8; James 1:16–27; Luke 16:1–9 Saturday, November 17 Morning: Pss. 56; 149 Evening: Pss. 118; 111 Joel 3:9–17; James 2:1–13 Luke 16:10–17 (18) Sunday, November 18 Morning: Pss. 67; 150 Evening: Pss. 46; 93 Hab. 1:1–4 (5–11) 12—2:1 Phil. 3:13–4:1; Matt. 23:13–24 Monday, November 19 Morning: Pss. 57; 145 Evening: Pss. 85; 47 Hab. 2:1–4, 9–20; James 2:14–26 Luke 16:19–31 Tuesday, November 20 Morning: Pss. 54; 146 Evening: Pss. 28; 99 Hab. 3:1–10 (11–15) 16–18 James 3:1–12; Luke 17:1–10 Wednesday, November 21 Morning: Pss. 65; 147:1–11 Evening: Pss. 125; 91 Mal. 1:1, 6–14; James 3:13–4:12 Luke 17:11–19 Thursday, November 22 Morning: Pss. 143;147:12–20 Evening: Pss. 81; 116; Mal. 2:1–16 James 4:13–5:6; Luke 17:20–37 Friday, November 23

Morning: Pss. 88; 148 Evening: Pss. 6; 20; Mal. 3:1–12 James 5:7–12; Luke 18:1–8 Saturday, November 24 Morning: Pss. 122; 149 Evening: Pss. 100; 63 Mal. 3:13–4:6; James 5:13–20 Luke 18:9–14 Sunday, November 25 Morning: Pss. 108; 150 Evening: Pss. 66; 23; Zech. 9:9–16 1 Peter 3:13–22; Matt. 21:1–13 Monday, November 26 Morning: Pss. 62; 145 Evening: Pss. 73; 9; Zech. 10:1–12 Gal. 6:1–10; Luke 18:15–30 Tuesday, November 27 Morning: Pss. B12; 146 Evening: Pss. 36; 7; Zech. 11:4–17 1 Cor. 3:10–23; Luke 18:31–43 Wednesday, November 28 Morning: Pss. 96; 147:1–11 Evening: Pss. 132; 134 Zech. 12:1–10; Eph. 1:3–14 Luke 19:1–10 Thursday, November 29 Morning: Pss. 116; 147:12–20 Evening: Pss. 26; 130; Zech. 13:1–9 Eph. 1:15–23; Luke 19:11–27 Friday, November 30 Morning: Pss. 84; 148 Evening: Pss. 25; 40 Zech. 14:1–11; Rom. 15:7–13 Luke 19:28–40

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Daily Lectionary for November, 2018

400 New Street PO Box 1069 New Bern, NC 28563

Phone: 252.637.3270 Fax: 252.637.4494 E-mail: church@firstpresnb.org Website: firstpresnb.org

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h

Craven Ukes Club performed for everyone in attendance at our Oct Fellowship Dinner. The audience sang along to each tune for a grand ole’ time! Thanks to the members of Craven Ukes for entertaining us.

Pat Rowlett’s Choirs held a wedding shower for Mildred Moore (who is a long-time member of the choir) and her beau, Chris Lopez. What fun! Lots of presents and food. A good time was had by all.