Outreach
|
We provide many opportunities for members to grow spiritually by being the hands and feet of Jesus at work in the world as we use our time, talents, and prayers to serve our local community, our country, and our world.
Refugee Support Our Church is also actively involved in the support of Montignard families who have been able to come to the United States and settle in New Bern. Several of the Montignard families have become members of our church. First Pres supports with time, talents, and treasures, many local organizations that serves the needs of our community. The organizations we support and serve include: Local
We are active in international mission through our support of missionaries in Haiti and Thailand. First Presbyterian was the originating foundation for Haiti Fund, Inc. and our membership continues to support Haiti and our mission there with funds, prayers, and team visits.
Announcing a new mission partnership!
The Mission Commission is excited to announce a new mission partnership with Presbyterian Mission co-workers Ian Vellenga and Jhanderys Dotel-Vellenga. Jhanderys and Ian serve in Nicaragua with the Council of Protestant Churches in Nicaragua (CEPAD), which works to improve the lives of economically impoverished communities by promoting justice and peace. Working closely with their Nicaraguan colleagues and supervisors, Ian and Jhanderys assist in CEPAD’s international partnership program, helping to coordinate U.S. church delegation visits; developing new partnerships as requested by CEPAD leadership; facilitating communication between partner bodies; and encouraging and accompanying partnerships as they deepen their connection and understanding of doing mission together. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, but in recent years it has been able to increase access to potable water, boost life expectancy, reduce infant and child mortality, and raise immunization rates. The PC(USA) began its involvement in Nicaragua in 1972 in response to a massive earthquake that devastated the capital city of Managua. Ian and Jhanderys are currently members of Nutbush Presbyterian Church in Townsville, North Carolina. Learn more about them and their work at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/vellenga/ 
|
Outreach
News & Opportunities... Backpack Blessings
First Pres, along with 21 other partner churches and organizations, just successfully completed our fall 'build' of snack packs to send home with students who experience food uncertainty at home. 3,000 snack packs were put together over the three day period, with our members present at all three builds. Our own Jane Moon Dail, a Board Member for Backpack, was present along with team leader Sarah Moeller (who came with 'muscle' in the form of her dad, George). The grocery store ALDI contributed mightily to our supplies of food for packing. This is an issue as many of our usual sources could not supply us with 'snacks'. COVID and our community response to same, made builds smaller by necessity. Only 35 folks could 'pack' each of the three nights. We normally have well over 100 at each build. But Ruth Powers, who is the driving force behind Backpack, was agile and accommodated all the necessary changes with grace and good humor. It was an all ages, all stages event as we had youth participating as well as those of us in the 'elder' range. And everything in between. A tip of the hat, to all our members who support this important ministry through their labor, funds, and prayers.
|