FORMATION:

Adult Faith Formation

Sunday Morning Faith Formation

Sunday Mornings, 9:40 am - 10:40 am

Session 1, September 15 - October 20  ​

Learn More HERE!

Present Word – The Present Word is an in-depth Bible study for adults that dives deep into God’s Word, studying the Bible over a six-year period and focusing on a specific theme each quarter. This class meets in the Session House Parlor and is taught by George Evans.

Making Sense of the Bible – Reading “Making Sense of the Bible,” a book by pastor Adam Hamilton, this class will explore many of the contemporary questions we have about scripture. Hamilton is interested to discover the message each biblical author intended for their first hearers and how we can faithfully interpret scripture today. This class meets in the Conference Room (Ministry Center, first floor) and is led by Lana Brunk and Dick Betts.

Exploring Writing as a Spiritual Practice
How can we use writing and its many forms and functions, to explore our faith and spiritual journeys? By using various resources, while prayerfully seeking guidance, we will examine, explore, and experiment with the gifts of words, thoughts, and our own voices, allowing us to better question, understand, and celebrate our faith, all while sharing with and learning from, our brothers and sisters in Christ. No formal writing skills are required, and you are free to share or not. Journals will be available or you are welcome to bring your own.

Class for New Members Are you interested in exploring what it would mean to be a part of the First Presbyterian Church, New Bern congregation? New Member’s classes will be held in the Session House beginning September 15th and concluding on the 29th. Reach out to Anna Pinckney Straight for more information.

MidWeek Faith Formation

Keep learning!

Calvin and Hops (Men’s Beer and Theology)
Brewery 99, 1030 Pollock St.
Third Sunday of the month, 4:00 pm

Calvin and Hops is an informal monthly gathering of men (not limited to Presbyterians) to discuss theology and the life of faith. Led by Ken Wilkins, we have a beer (beer-drinking not mandatory), usually some salty snacks brought by one of the group, and discuss the topic of the month for about an hour. For more information, please contact church@firstpresnb.org.

Women at the Well Harris Teeter Cafe, MLK Jr. Blvd. Third Saturday of the month, 9:30 am

Women at the Well is a new ministry at First Presbyterian New Bern. It's a chance for women to gather for good beer (or wine, or coffee) and meaningful conversation––about anything. This is a time for fellowship, fun, sharing, caring, and to be known and loved just as you are. 

Life of Prayer – the Practice of Contemplative Living - Led by Rev. Patrick Ryan
Wednesdays, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Owl Room (Ministry Center, 2nd Floor) and on Zoom

Led by the Rev. Patrick Ryan, this group journeys together along a way that Jesus taught in hopes of nurturing a heavenly perspective that is more aware of the spiritual dimension in our lives. This Summer, the group begins a new book, The Expectation Gap: The Tiny, Vast Space between Our Beliefs & Experience of God by Steve Cuss. 

Many of us struggle with a gap between what we believe about God and how we encounter him in our everyday lives. We don't want our faith to be merely conceptual—we want to experience it viscerally—and yet we often come up against one or more of these major gaps: 

  • I believe God loves me, but I don't feel it.

  • I believe God is with me, but I don't see him.

  • I thought I'd be further along in my spiritual progress by now.

In The Expectation Gap, Steve Cuss—pastor and founder of the leadership organization Capable Life—offers tangible tools for engaging with God in a deeper, more soul-satisfying way. You'll unveil harmful expectations and patterns that keep you spiritually stuck so that you can replace them with habits and practices that will lead to a more vibrant faith life.
Email the Rev. Patrick Ryan at patrick@firstpresnb.org for more information or to get the Zoom link.

Wednesday Evening Worship - Led by the Rev. Patrick Ryan  
Wednesdays, 5:00 pm-5:30 pm (September through June)
Chapel (Ministry Center 1st Floor)

This worship service is an opportunity offers a mid-week pause in our busy lives to ponder God’s living Word presented to us in Scripture. This half-hour is sacred time to sit at God’s feet and listen for God’s still small voice. Contact patrick@firstpresnb.org.

Women’s Bible Study - Led by Wendy Moeller and Leslie Pinkston
Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm - Starting September 9, 2024

Forty years ago when Eugene Peterson’s classic, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, first came out, Americans were quick fix people. Not much has changed! Peterson’s musings on the Psalms of Ascent, 120-134, sung as the ancient Hebrews climbed the long hill to the Jerusalem Temple, encourage us even today in the slow path of discipleship - worship, service, joy, work, happiness, humility, community, and blessing.

The book can be ordered from multiple online sources. For questions or to be put on the Zoom list, please contact the church office.  

Presbyterian Women - Gatherings once a month, for study and fellowship. Groups meet September through June. Contact the church office to join one of our Women’s Circles!