ANNOUNCEMENTS
Position Opening
Honestly…..somewhere between Director of Christian Education and Director of Youth and Family Ministry
What could be better than exercising your creativity, sharpening your organizational skills, sharing your passion for youth and their faith journeys (and having a lot of fun)…all while working with an incredible team within a church established over 200 years ago? We have just such an opportunity!
Yes, the opportunity really is somewhere between Director of Christian Education and Director of Youth and Family Ministry. We, at First Presbyterian Church of New Bern, are a church in transition. We recognize we are in a rapidly changing world, but we have deep roots to hold us in place. At the same time, we have a vision for our future that includes a strong Youth and Family Ministry with flexible processes, schedules and communication approaches. We are in the beginning stages of making this happen, but are committed to this vision.
If you have an undergraduate degree, have a passion for children and youth of all ages, a willingness to grow in faith together in this evolving ministry, and are interested in this position, let us hear from you.
Please contact:
Fossie Lathan
(fossielathan@gmail.com or 252-671-5870)
Or
Rev. Eddie Bellis
(Eddie@firstpresnb.org or 252-637-3270)
Position Opening
Honestly…..somewhere between Director of Christian Education and Director of Youth and Family Ministry
What could be better than exercising your creativity, sharpening your organizational skills, sharing your passion for youth and their faith journeys (and having a lot of fun)…all while working with an incredible team within a church established over 200 years ago? We have just such an opportunity!
Yes, the opportunity really is somewhere between Director of Christian Education and Director of Youth and Family Ministry. We, at First Presbyterian Church of New Bern, are a church in transition. We recognize we are in a rapidly changing world, but we have deep roots to hold us in place. At the same time, we have a vision for our future that includes a strong Youth and Family Ministry with flexible processes, schedules and communication approaches. We are in the beginning stages of making this happen, but are committed to this vision.
If you have an undergraduate degree, have a passion for children and youth of all ages, a willingness to grow in faith together in this evolving ministry, and are interested in this position, let us hear from you.
Please contact:
Fossie Lathan
(fossielathan@gmail.com or 252-671-5870)
Or
Rev. Eddie Bellis
(Eddie@firstpresnb.org or 252-637-3270)
Administration
The Church Offices are now open, and phones are being answered from 9 am-12 noon, Monday through Thursday. Physical distancing and masks are required. Hand-washing upon entering is always recommended.
Bible Studies
Monday evening Women’s Prayer and Share on Zoom, 7 pm
Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study on Zoom, 10 am
Worship
Please help us by remaining flexible as we work toward keeping all of us safe, while also complying with the changes (some of which are daily) of the Governor and the Presbytery, for our in-church Sunday services. We acknowledge that distancing is not our usual manner – we want to hug, sing and pass the Peace. This is new for all of us.
We will not be able to have flowers in the Sanctuary at this time as we are trying to keep the worship process as simple as possible.
Communion will remain as scheduled for August 2, 2020.
The Church Offices are now open, and phones are being answered from 9 am-12 noon, Monday through Thursday. Physical distancing and masks are required. Hand-washing upon entering is always recommended.
Bible Studies
Monday evening Women’s Prayer and Share on Zoom, 7 pm
Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study on Zoom, 10 am
Worship
Please help us by remaining flexible as we work toward keeping all of us safe, while also complying with the changes (some of which are daily) of the Governor and the Presbytery, for our in-church Sunday services. We acknowledge that distancing is not our usual manner – we want to hug, sing and pass the Peace. This is new for all of us.
We will not be able to have flowers in the Sanctuary at this time as we are trying to keep the worship process as simple as possible.
Communion will remain as scheduled for August 2, 2020.
Communications of Note...
August 20, 2020
To the members of First Presbyterian,
We hope each of you are doing well, staying safe, and enjoying the last bits of your summer schedule. As a Personnel Committee in consulting with the Education Commission and staff, I wanted to update you on a couple of important items.
Since the middle of March and COVID-19 challenges, the FPC Personnel Committee continued its work, to think through and listen for God’s teaching and leading in how we staff for Education Ministry. We realize how much we miss Daewon and his leadership. We give thanks and continue to pray for him and his family as they settle into their new life in Greenville. At the end of May, we did get an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to God for his ministry. Since Daewon’s leaving (and even a bit before), the Personnel Committee searched for a new DCE with a focus on “families.” We believe God is calling us to go in that direction, and with the report from the congregational survey (CAT), we are even more confident. Family Ministry was identified as a key driver for FPC. We reached out through our normal channels, placed ads locally and through the Presbytery of New Hope, seeking to find someone.
In the meantime, we also were given the news that Brent Schlottman changed his role with the adult education as the Adult Education Chair for personal reasons. His many years of dedicated and wonderful service were enjoyed by many here. He will continue to work with us, but for now he needs to step back.
All that past informs how we see the present and immediate future. The three groups - Education Commission, Personnel Committee, and staff – after much discussion, thought, and prayer felt the movement of God’s Spirit. Thus, I am sending you the letter. At the end of July, Marianna Dunn was hired to work part-time with our High School families. She is a daughter of FPC and brings much excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to the long-term development of our High School youth. She currently works at New Bern High School, teaching Sophomore English and coaching cheerleading. We are blessed to have her on board.
At last night’s Personnel Committee, we approved a small, yet significant change. Maren is the staff lead for the adult education, and I am the staff lead for the youth and children ministry for 2020-2021. We feel good about where we are currently, while still seeking where God is going to take FPC.
We give thanks to God from whom all blessing flow. We give thanks for the work of the staff. We give thanks to you for continuing to work with us during this challenging time.
Shalom,
Edward Bellis, Interim Pastor
To the members of First Presbyterian,
We hope each of you are doing well, staying safe, and enjoying the last bits of your summer schedule. As a Personnel Committee in consulting with the Education Commission and staff, I wanted to update you on a couple of important items.
Since the middle of March and COVID-19 challenges, the FPC Personnel Committee continued its work, to think through and listen for God’s teaching and leading in how we staff for Education Ministry. We realize how much we miss Daewon and his leadership. We give thanks and continue to pray for him and his family as they settle into their new life in Greenville. At the end of May, we did get an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to God for his ministry. Since Daewon’s leaving (and even a bit before), the Personnel Committee searched for a new DCE with a focus on “families.” We believe God is calling us to go in that direction, and with the report from the congregational survey (CAT), we are even more confident. Family Ministry was identified as a key driver for FPC. We reached out through our normal channels, placed ads locally and through the Presbytery of New Hope, seeking to find someone.
In the meantime, we also were given the news that Brent Schlottman changed his role with the adult education as the Adult Education Chair for personal reasons. His many years of dedicated and wonderful service were enjoyed by many here. He will continue to work with us, but for now he needs to step back.
All that past informs how we see the present and immediate future. The three groups - Education Commission, Personnel Committee, and staff – after much discussion, thought, and prayer felt the movement of God’s Spirit. Thus, I am sending you the letter. At the end of July, Marianna Dunn was hired to work part-time with our High School families. She is a daughter of FPC and brings much excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to the long-term development of our High School youth. She currently works at New Bern High School, teaching Sophomore English and coaching cheerleading. We are blessed to have her on board.
At last night’s Personnel Committee, we approved a small, yet significant change. Maren is the staff lead for the adult education, and I am the staff lead for the youth and children ministry for 2020-2021. We feel good about where we are currently, while still seeking where God is going to take FPC.
We give thanks to God from whom all blessing flow. We give thanks for the work of the staff. We give thanks to you for continuing to work with us during this challenging time.
Shalom,
Edward Bellis, Interim Pastor
August 21, 2020
Dear First Presbyterian church family,
As a lifelong member of this church, I have experienced many milestones and transitions here, and have been fortunate to have many of you by my side for all them. From youth group member, to college student, to new wife, to teacher, to new mom, my church family has been a constant source of support and encouragement.
This year, I embark on another adventure as I will now be working with our First Presbyterian High School Ministry. Our church family as a whole is in a transition period, which can be equal parts scary and exciting! Being able to provide the same sense of comfort and stability for our current youth, as has been provided for me, is a top priority and something I am excited to start working on.
As we continue our search for a full time Director of Youth Education while also navigating the new waters brought on by Covid-19, I am excited to work alongside our other youth leaders to provide safe, meaningful, and fun youth activities for the year.
I have a feeling this adventure will be the most fun yet!
Marianna Dunn
High School Youth Coordinator
Dear First Presbyterian church family,
As a lifelong member of this church, I have experienced many milestones and transitions here, and have been fortunate to have many of you by my side for all them. From youth group member, to college student, to new wife, to teacher, to new mom, my church family has been a constant source of support and encouragement.
This year, I embark on another adventure as I will now be working with our First Presbyterian High School Ministry. Our church family as a whole is in a transition period, which can be equal parts scary and exciting! Being able to provide the same sense of comfort and stability for our current youth, as has been provided for me, is a top priority and something I am excited to start working on.
As we continue our search for a full time Director of Youth Education while also navigating the new waters brought on by Covid-19, I am excited to work alongside our other youth leaders to provide safe, meaningful, and fun youth activities for the year.
I have a feeling this adventure will be the most fun yet!
Marianna Dunn
High School Youth Coordinator
"First Edition" is the name of our First Presbyterian Church monthly newsletter — a great source of information on church events, milestones, and news. If you would like to submit an article for the newsletter, please email it to Cathy Wingfield (cathy@firstpresnb.org) or deliver it to the Church Office to be put in her box. The deadline to submit an article or photo is the 3rd Friday of the month.