Outreach
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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/ 
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Blood DriveWednesday, February 12, 2020
9:00 am -2:00 pm Session House Main Room Sign up by Calling the Church office 252-637-3270 or online redcrossblood.org What better way to show some LOVE! New Hope Village Needs You!
Renovations are progressing daily at the New Hope Village located on the grounds of Neuse Forest Presbyterian Church, but we still have a lot of work to do! We need volunteers to help in ways big and small. Won't you please look at your schedule and find some time to spend on this outreach project that will help so many. We need to finish this up by the end of January. People is crunch time! We need painters, caulkers and general clean-up. If you find it in your heart to help. This could be a great winter time activity. Please contact Phoebe Briley 252-229-0130, Carl Chapman or call the church. 252-637-3270. So they can be there to direct you to the work that needs to be completed.
Backpack BlessingsNext build will be in February stay tuned for details...
MERCI ClinicThe clinic is welcoming volunteers! No matter what your skill level or area of expertise, we have a job for you! Volunteer time commitments vary, an there are dozens of opportunities available. If you or your group is interested in becoming a part of the MERCI Team go to our website: www.merciclinic.org and fill out a volunteer application. Or you can email Barbara (director@merciclinic.org) and discuss your options with her.
Save the date....Interfaith Refugee Ministry "Dinner on 5 Continents" will be held Saturday, February, 8th at 6pm in the Harrison Center at 311 Middle Street. Ticket reservations and purchase will be online in the next week, www.helpingrefugees.org. More information to come.
Gifts from the Heart
Gifts From the Heart is celebrating its 6th year here at First Presbyterian Church. Over that time, we have made a big difference in many ministries. This years select three are:
1.We are building the New Hope Volunteer Village on Old Cherry Point Rd. THOUSANDS of man hours have been logged by members of our church family, as well as others in the community, to build this village. Upon completion, the facility will house up to 66 volunteers at one time. The city and county have required enormous safeguards and regulations to be met, all of which have cost money. We are in the home stretch, but still need volunteer time, talent, and treasure to finalize preparations to house volunteer teams that come to help out after natural disasters. New Hope Volunteer Village is a collaborative mission of six area Presbyterian and Christian Churches that will provide accommodations for volunteer work teams coming to New Bern. Teams will typically stay a week in the 6800 square foot facility while they work to help families rebuild homes and lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. The Village will host up to 60 volunteers. The building is being completely renovated with showers, ADA bathrooms, sleeping space, access to a kitchen and wi-fi access. Gifts of the Heart contributions will help the Village finish the needed work and provide operating funds for the future. You can be a part of the exciting new mission with your Gifts of the Heart. 2.Interfaith Refugee Ministry We have folks waiting in refugee camps for 10-20 years in order to come legally...and many will die in those same camps while waiting to come. Those fortunate few who gain admittance face a host of challenges once they arrive. Interfaith Refugee Ministry helps with that all important transition. Over the past year Interfaith Refugee Support has resettled 120 individuals from Burma, Afghanistan, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, because they have funding to assist those who have been here for up to five years and in some instances beyond that, the total for the year probably approaches nearly 300 people. Funds are used to purchase new shoes, socks and underwear and other items if those other items have not been donated. So, depending on donations, they may use funds for furniture such as sofas, beds, dining tables and chairs, etc. They also purchase clothing if refugees come with none or just a little, as well as purchase work clothing such as steel toed boots. In addition, they purchase washing machines, help with rent and utilities, car repairs and school supplies. The need continues for volunteers to teach individuals or classes such as English as a Second Language, cultural orientation, civics, parenting and anything else to assist refugees to learn how to live independently in their new home. 3. Camp Albemarle is a choice this congregation has supported for many years. Did you know one of our church members attended Camp Albemarle the first year it opened in about 1954? Our pastor at the time took him there as his mom was working. His son went there also, and this summer his grandson will attend. Your gift will help to build the new Chapel at Camp Albemarle and to provide opportunities for children, families and guests of Camp Albemarle to worship and sense God's presence in this special place. As always, ALL our past Gifts From the Heart ministries, as well as our three current ones, will be available for purchase. Children's cards remain $5 and are a wonderful gift for teachers, coaches, and family members. Adult cards are $10 and are suitable for all 'gifting' occasions. Cards will be sold between services and after the 10:55 am service on all Sundays leading up to Christmas. And they are always available throughout the year in the church office. Past Year Ministries: MERCI Clinic, Backpack Blessings, RCS, Hope Clinic, Craven Literacy Council, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Heifer International, First Presbyterian Preschool, Relay for Life, Heeling our World, & Coastal Women's Shelter. Thank you to these and others who donated 5,500 volunteer hours in 2019! You folks "sheetROCK"!!!
Religious Community ServicesRCS Volunteers Needed
Wednesday - Food pantry 11 am - 1 pm Thursday - Food pantry 11 am - 1 pm Monday - Friday Warehouse 8 am - 10 am & 11 am - 1 pm 1st Wednesday of each month - Community Kitchen Team - 8 - 10 people needed 8 am - 12 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays Community Kitchen dishwasher - 9 am - 12 pm |