FORMATION:
Adult Education
2026 Winter Session
Sunday Morning Classes
After grabbing some refreshments in the Fellowship Café, join one of our Faith Formation classes.
All are welcome!
A Gentle Answer
Session House | Led by Dick Betts and Lana Brunk
Each Sunday starting January 4
In a defensive and divided era, how can followers of Jesus reveal a better way of living, one that loves others as God loves us? How can Christians be the kind of people who are known, as Proverbs puts it, to "turn away wrath?" Scott Sauls' compelling new book A Gentle Answer: Our ‘Secret Weapon’ in an Age of Us Against Them shows Christians how to become people of "a gentle answer" in a politically, relationally, and culturally fractured world by helping readers grow in affection for Christ; who answers our hostility with gentleness; nurture a renewed, softened heart in light of Christ's gentleness toward us; catch a vision to forsake us-against-them mentalities; put down our swords; and "infect" a hostile world with gentleness. For those who long for a more civil way of being, A Gentle Answer reveals why answering hostility with gentleness is essential; how we can nurture our hearts to do so; and what a gentle answer looks like, both in the church and in the world.
New Members’ Class
Conference Room (Ministry Center, 1st Floor) | Led by Anna Pinckney Straight
January 11, 18, and 25
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.
Jesus: A Pilgrimage
Owl Room | Led by Wendy Moeller
January 4 - February 22
Last winter we began our exploration of Father James Martin, SJ’s book Jesus: A Pilgrimage. This winter, we set out on the second stage of the journey as Wendy Moeller takes us through the next part of this book that’s been described as a “travelogue, Bible study, and spiritual memoir all wrapped into one fabulous package.”
Combining the fascinating insights of historical Jesus studies with profound insights about the Christ of faith, Martin recreates the world of first-century Galilee and Judea to usher you into Jesus's life and times and show readers how Jesus speaks to us today. Martin also brings together the most up-to-date Scripture scholarship, wise spiritual reflections, and lighthearted stories about traveling through the Holy Land with a fellow (and funny) Jesuit, visiting important sites in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. You do not have to have attended last winter’s class to enjoy this one. Books are available in the church office for those who wish to participate.
The Present Word
Session House Parlor | Taught by George Evans
Each Sunday starting January 4
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. The Present Word is a study of Scripture that leads to discovery of its deeper meaning and relevance for today. The winter quarter highlights the essential teachings of the Bible in relation to defining elements of our Christian faith. Unit I explores “Our Holy God and the Holy Scriptures,” Unit II, “Grace and Reconciliation,” and Unit III, “The Church and Its Teachings.”
Sunday Afternoon &
Mid-Week
Every Wednesday
from 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Life of Prayer: The
Practice of Contemplative
Living
Owl Room and on Zoom | Led by Patrick Ryan
Guided by a seasonal book, Life of Prayer journeys together along a way that Jesus taught in hopes of nurturing a greater awareness of the spiritual dimension in our lives. This group journeys along the way Jesus taught, nurturing awareness of the spiritual dimension of our lives. In February, we begin reading Debie Thomas’, A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity.
In this work of sprawling spiritual and literary imagination, Thomas claims that wherever God dwells, there is expansiveness and belonging. She takes readers on a deeply personal and profoundly theological odyssey. In A Faith of Many Rooms, she talks back to rigid versions of faith and finds evidence that the gospel insists on its own roominess.
Readers of Christian Wiman, Eugene Peterson, and Barbara Brown Taylor will find in these pages an ardent, lyrical take on a faith transfigured.
Every Wednesday
from 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Wednesday Evening
Contemplative Worship
Chapel (Ministry Center, 1st floor)
Led by Patrick Ryan
This worship service is an opportunity for a mid-week pause in our busy lives to ponder God’s living Word presented to us in Scripture. This half hour is sacred time to sit at God’s feet and listen for God’s still, small voice. Contact Patrick Ryan with your questions.
Third Saturday of the Month
from 9:30 - 11:00 am
Women at the Well
Harris Teeter Cafe, 3565 M L King Jr Blvd
Women at the Well is a great chance for women to gather for good company and great conversation––about anything. This is a wonderful time for the women of First Presbyterian Church to get to know one another better. It’s lots of fun! For more information, please contact the church office.
Third Sunday of the Month
from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Calvin and Hops
(Men’s Beer and Theology)
Brewery 99, 1030 Pollock St.
Calvin and Hops is an informal monthly gathering of men (not limited to Presbyterians) to discuss theology and the life of faith. Led by Ken Wilkins, we have a beer (beer-drinking not mandatory) and usually some salty snacks brought by one of the group members. Contact Patrick Ryan for more information.
Monday Evenings
from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Women’s Bible Study
on Zoom
This season we continue our journey through Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories: Reflections on the Life of Christ by Debie Thomas, the book we have been so engrossed in since we started it last January, rebooting our discussion of the “encounters, wonders, teachings, and mysteries” from the life of Jesus. For details about the book, our group, or to be put on the Zoom link email list, please call either Wendy Moeller or Beth Paul.
Presbyterian Women
Gatherings each month for Bible
study and fellowship, special
events, retreats, and so much more.
Presbyterian Women Circles at First Presbyterian include Bible Study and so much more. We get together once a month for Bible Study, fellowship, and to enjoy the spiritual support of other women. We also have luncheon gatherings four times a year and all the women in the church are invited to attend. Our monthly service projects range from a sock tree to infant layettes. There is a Circle and a time for everyone.
Every Monday
from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in The Lighthouse
Gentle Yoga
Vinyasa yoga connects the breath with a flowing sequence of asanas (postures) to create a dynamic practice for all levels. The flow and moving meditation of the practice empowers each student to explore their full potential, while developing strength, flexibility, body awareness and an open, clear mind. The class concludes with meditation and a deep relaxation. Open to all ages and abilities. 60 minutes.
Peer Support Groups
Every other Thursday beginning on
January 16 - 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Presbyterian Men
Session House Parlor
Despite having friends, family, and co-workers around each day, most men don’t get to talk about what’s on their minds. Men often lack healthy role models to learn from. Imagine a circle of brothers that listens not only to what you say but can hear the truth beneath your words. Imagine having companions that remind you of your commitments, help clarify your vision, and provide tools for action. Imagine a circle of men that holds you in prayer and supports and challenges you in your journey toward greater Christlikeness. Presbyterian Men offers this community to all men who wish to join.
Third Monday of the Month
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Rebuilding: Divorce
Recovery Group
Chapel, 1st Floor Ministry Center
Rebuilding: Divorce Recovery Group is just the right balance of a shoulder-to-cry-on and a kick-in-the-pants to support you as you get through this confusing and often painful process and begin putting your life back together after a separation or divorce. You need not have attended before, nor do you have to commit to attending every month. Contact Patrick Ryan with questions.
Second Tuesday of the Month,
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Grief Support Group
Chapel, 1st Floor, Ministry Center
Grief certainly doesn’t work like we expect it to. In so many situations, those who have lost a loved one have to endure awkward and sometimes hurtful conversations, even with those who love them. Grief is one of those things that many who have not endured it do not know how to talk about. With readings each month, the Grief Support Group is a small group and a rare space to share our grief honestly and be heard and understood as we do so.