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A Celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spay

Monthly Fellowship Dinners

4th of July Celebration Cookout
This will be held on the Session House lawn beginning at
3:00 pm on Monday, July 4
allowing plenty of time to fellowship prior to going off to the City of New Bern scheduled events which start at 5:30. Hamburgers, hot dogs hot off the grill, traditional cookout sides, and summertime desserts will be served. In case of inclement weather, the event will be in the J. Murphy Smith Center.
Please RSVP to the church office at church@firstpresnb.org, 252-637-3270. 
The deadline for signup is Thursday, June 30th at 5:00 pm. Please sign up early to allow our team ample time to prepare properly.

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House Churches
Every year in September/October the House Churches of First Presbyterian begin to meet again. This is a long-standing ministry of the church, and it is a wonderful way to connect with old and new friends in the church. If you have not been attending a house church, we hope that you will consider it! 
 
Here is how House Churches work: Groups of around 10-25 people meet monthly for good food and faith-full conversation. Some House Churches are hosted in different homes each month and some meet in the same place -- at the church (in the Session House or in the Fellowship Café), or at a restaurant or local gathering place. House Churches meet for around an hour and a half to two hours. There are currently 13 House Churches (and there is always the possibility of new house churches forming). They meet on different weeks of the month, different days of the week, and at different times during the day.
 
If you would be interested in joining an existing House Church (or maybe trying a different House Church to meet new people), please contact Maren (maren@firstpresnb.org). Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a delightful time, where new friends are made, and existing friendships are deepened!

​ HOUSE CHURCH HANDBOOK

THE PURPOSE OF HOUSE CHURCH:
As we head into the fall months, we look forward to the return of House Church gatherings.  The purpose of the House Churches is to "build up the body"- to build a sense of community and belonging among our adult members. This program is not under the “Education Commission” but the “Fellowship Commission.” Thus, House Church is not primarily a “learning time” or a Bible Study time. Yet there is meaningful content to House Church. House Churches help people interact and begin to know one another.  But it may be that House Churches may want to meet as smaller groups outside with good social distancing.  House Churches can also connect in other ways, by phone, email, or Zoom.  We have put together some great suggestions for our House Church leaders about ways to have fun and meaningful gatherings over Zoom if the House Church chooses to meet that way.  So keep an eye out for communications from your House Church leaders, and if you are not currently in a House Church and wish to be connected with one, contact Maren (maren@firstpresnb.org) 

SUGGESTIONS FOR LEADING GROUP DISCUSSIONS:
Keep the discussions moving along – but do not be afraid of short silences. Some people react immediately, thinking out loud.  Others need time to think things through before speaking. You do not have to follow the material provided if it does not suit your group.  If your group bogs down, move on until you find something that generates interest. You are under no obligation to ask every question or use every program. By all means, have fun, get to know one another, and do whatever suits your group the best.

SERVE TOGETHER:
Your House Church group may wish to take on a service project outside of the usual evening gatherings. We encourage you to do so. If you need help with a project idea, contact Maren Sonstegard-Spray or a member of the Outreach Commission.  House churches can also serve together in other ways to facilitate fellowship opportunities in the church. 
PROGRAM MATERIALS:
Since each house church is different, here are a couple different options for the program portion of each month’s gathering:
Track 1: No program at all.  Enjoy each other’s company. Have a relaxed time of conversation.  House church is one of those increasingly rare times to sit with friends old and new, to learn about one another and develop spiritual friendships and to connect more deeply to the body of Christ.
Track 2: Spiritual Conversations
How is your spiritual life?
Where have you seen God at work in your life?
How have you felt God’s presence in your life?
Where are you seeking guidance from the Lord?
What did you receive from God this week?
What of God have you passed on to others?
Can also include group Lectio Divina on a Gospel reading.
Track 3:  Use selected readings as a devotional or foundation for conversation (Maren will provide you with copies of the book or of selected chapters):
Track 4: Choose Your Own Adventure!  
Members of the house church can take turns providing a short devotional of their own choosing. A house church could pick a book or curriculum with topics they find interesting.

Leaders Handbook 2021-22