First Presbyterian Church

08/25/2026

We’re hiring nursery helpers!

We’re looking for 2–3 new nursery helpers to join our Sunday morning team! This is a 4-hour position each Sunday, from 8:15 am–12:15 pm, and pays $20/hour.

Interested? Reach out to Anna Pinckney Straight for more information. [email protected]

08/18/2026

Join us for our Blessing of the Backpacks during worship on Sunday, August 23!

We invite all PreK–12 students, college students, and educators to bring your backpack or work bag as we pray for a wonderful new school year.

You can also help local students by bringing new school supplies to worship. Donations will benefit Craven County Partners In Education. Click below for the school supplies list.

We can't wait to celebrate this new season with you!

https://files.constantcontact.com/1c6628ed001/fe6ac166-aa46-435a-9d52-8d2648d96417.pdf

08/03/2026

Help save lives by giving the gift of life!

We are partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on Thursday, August 6, from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm in the Lighthouse - 400 New Street.

Every donation can make a difference for someone in need. We'd love for you to join us!

Sign up for your appointment today using the link below.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=First%20Presbyterian%20Church%20New%20Bern

07/14/2026

Thank you, New Bern Tours & Convention Services, for highlighting First Presbyterian Church! We are honored to be part of New Bern's rich history and grateful to continue serving our community from this historic sanctuary more than 200 years after our congregation was organized. Whether you're interested in history, worship, or simply finding a welcoming community, we'd love to welcome you through our doors.

Did you know?

There are an estimated 227 religious organizations and churches operating in the greater New Bern area. Because the area features a rich, centuries-old history—dating back to some of the oldest active parishes in the state—there are over 90 congregations within the city limits alone.

It’s Sunday, so it’s time for church. Today we feature…

First Presbyterian Church

The oldest church building in the city of New Bern and among the oldest in the State of NC.

Organized in 1817 this beautiful church was built in 1819-1821, making it the oldest Presbyterian Sanctuary in continuous use in North Carolina.

During the Civil War the church was used by the Union Army as a hospital. Yellow fever had returned to New Bern during the war and was cause for many deaths and the need to expand the hospital site located at the New Bern Academy across the street. During this time a small coffin factory was even erected on the church grounds by the Union Army.

Learn more about our fascinating history by booking your trolley tour www.newberntours.com

05/24/2026

On May 10 we celebrated our graduating seniors at Senior Recognition Sunday, and what a gift they are to our church family. 🎓✨

We are so proud of Ben, James, Lily, Nathan, Sam, Thomas, Wood, Mason, Max, Tait, Ava, Jamey, Reid, and Millie Kate.

Thank you for the ways you have led, served, laughed, sung, questioned, grown, and shared your lives with this community. We were especially honored to hear Senior Sermons from Thomas, Wood, Lily, and Millie Kate, and to have Ben and Max help lead worship through scripture reading.

Each senior received a Bible through the Carl Stewart Wheeler, Jr. Bible Gift, a beautiful tradition reminding our graduates that they are surrounded by generations of love, faith, and encouragement as they step into what’s next. James Holton was awarded the Senior Music Award by the Music Department. Congrats!

We love you deeply, and we cannot wait to see where life leads you. Wherever you go, this church will always be one of your homes. ❤️

05/22/2026

As we move into the summer season, we will shift to one worship service beginning this Sunday, May 24 and continuing through Sunday, September 6.

The service begins at 10:00 am, and will be held in person and streamed live for those who are traveling or joining from home.

Adult Faith Formation is from 8:40 - 9:40 am and Childcare is available in the nursery from 9:45 - 11:15 am.

We look forward to being together!

https://www.firstpresnb.org/worship

05/11/2026

We are thankful for our partnership with Religious Community Services of New Bern, Inc. and for the chance to serve in the Community Kitchen each month. It is a meaningful part of our life together as a church and a reminder of the importance of showing up for one another in simple, faithful ways.

Thank you to RCS for the work you do in our community every day, and thank you to the many First Presbyterian volunteers who give their time to prepare meals, welcome guests, and help create a place of hospitality and care.

04/27/2026

Congrats Sega for being awarded the John M. Smith Jr. Scholarship! We wish you well on all of your future endeavors!

The John M. Smith, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1964 in memory of John M. Smith, Jr. John was a leader at New Bern High, serving as president of the student body his senior year. While working in Virginia the summer after graduation, John was killed in an automobile accident. Some of John’s classmates collected money to start a scholarship in his name and came to First Presbyterian Church to ask if the church would administer the fund for them. The church agreed and the classmates put together the basis on which they wanted the scholarship to be awarded. It has and continues to be awarded to a student who exemplifies good character and great leadership.

04/22/2026

Join us on May 3 for Children’s Sabbath! At the 11:00am service, the children’s choir will sing, our kids will help lead as liturgists, and we will be blessing our Preschool staff.

At noon, stay for a BBQ chicken fellowship meal (RSVP via the link in our bio). We will also have bounce houses, snow cones, and fun for the whole family. 🎈🍧☀️🍗

04/22/2026

Through the support of Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church, their partnership with UKirk at East Carolina University (Go Pirates! ☠️💜), and collaboration with former Christian Education Director Daewon, an intergenerational service project came to life.

Together, our preschoolers, SALT (Grades 3–5), and Youth Group (Grades 6–12) lovingly colored exam care bags for around 35 college students and their roommates. Our youngest PW circle wrote encouraging cards, other circles donated snacks, treats, and goodies, and many hands came together to stuff each bag to the brim.

A special thank you to Ms. Janet for joining the students for dinner and helping make this act of care feel even more personal.

Many hands make light work, and even more importantly, spread that much more joy. Thank you to everyone who helped make these care bags a tangible reminder that our students are loved, supported, and held in prayer during exam season. 💜✨