General Emails

This week's Need to Know

Sent Jul 17, 2026

Text version


Hi @first-name,

Are you coming to the 50th anniversary picnic this Sunday? Here's the where and what to bring!

Also, this Sunday is Communion Sunday, and we invite you to participate in a special tradition of the early church by bringing a special offering for mercy ministry. These gifts allow our Diaconate to care for the vulnerable in our midst in real, immediate ways. It’s not intended to take the place of our regular giving to the church (tithes) but rather to be an extra or special gift as you are able. You can give online here, or for checks, put “mercy ministry” or “deacons” on the memo line.


Condolences for Stephanie Williams

New City member Stephanie Williams passed away this past Wednesday. Our deepest condolences go out to her children, Korey and E. J., and family. Keep them in prayer during this difficult time. We will share information regarding memorial services or how to send condolences as soon as it is available.


Urban Camp 2026 Deadline Extended

July 29- August 1

New City Fellowship and First Pres invite all rising 3rd–6th graders from our church and outreach programs to Camp Vesper Point for a week of worship, games, crafts, and outdoor activities. Please download the required forms here or pick them up at the church office, and return them completed by July 20. For questions, contact Samara Davis at 704-579-1276 or via email. Also contact Samara if you are interested in volunteering.


Help Shape the Future of Care Ministry at Our Church

We are excited to partner with bēkn (pronounced 'beacon') to conduct a Church Caregiver Needs Survey that will help us better understand the needs of seniors, caregivers, and families within our congregation and community. You are all invited to participate – not just those caring for aging loved ones. Your feedback will help us identify current & future ministry opportunities and ensure our church family is prepared to serve those who need support, connection, and encouragement. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. All participants who provide contact information will receive an invitation to a free bēkn workshop this fall covering topics to be determined by this survey. Please complete the survey by Sun. Aug 23.

Take Survey Here


Quicklinks

  • Church Picnic This Sunday: where and what to bring
  • Youth and Children's Ministry: This week's schedule
  • Urban Camp July 29- August 1: register here by July 18
  • Jamaica Relief Fall Trip: More info/sign up
  • Men's Summer Reading Challenge: Got Your Back, by Gary Yagel

Urgent Community Need

Please pray for a neighbor of Kevin and Sandra Smith who lives on the block behind the church at 5th and Derby. Ms. Weems had an electrical fire in which the inside of the house burned and she lost everything! She is 91 years old and has lived in her home for over 60 years. Donations of practical items like clothes and shoes would help greatly. These are her sizes: Clothes: size 12; Shoes: 7 1/2; Pajamas: Medium; Undergarments: Large. Ms. Weems is currently with her daughter in Brainerd.


Fall Church Retreat is Coming Sept. 25-26

We are excited to invite you to our annual church retreat, taking place September 25th–26th at the beautiful Fort Bluff Camp. We will welcome back Pastor Joe Novenson as our guest speaker for this special opportunity for our entire church family to pause, worship, and grow together in fellowship. Please save the date—we look forward to sharing more details and registration information with you very soon!


Another Date Save!

Our big 50th Anniversary Celebration Event! Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Hope for the Inner City


When we gather on Sundays, how can I intentionally contribute to a culture of joy and welcoming presence for everyone in our church body?


Last Week's Sermon

Kingdom Unity Part 1

John 17:20-23

Rev. Kevin Smith

This Week's Sermon

Kingdom Unity Part 2

John 17:20-23

Rev. Kevin Smith

Songs Playlist for this Sunday


Continue in Prayer

This week's prayer list

For those in our Church and Community who are ill, having surgery, grieving, recovering and/or shut in.

  • JoAnn Byrom
  • Wanda Collins
  • Shirley Madewell
  • Korey Owens & Family (grieving)
  • LaTicia Sims (recovery)
  • Cathy Surgick/Carl & Janice White's brother-in-law: Robert Allensworth
  • Ms. Weems (house fire)

Prayer Hub: Share and pray for requests on our church website.

Share request with Email Prayer Group

Wednesday Zoom Prayer Meeting

Join us at 11:45 am. Click here.

Meeting ID: 869 5890 1800

Passcode: 546123

This month’s New CityPrayer Guide.

PCA Prayer Guide.

Sunday Morning Prayer

Anytime from 9:00 - 10:00 am in the prayer room (Fellowship Hall 1st classroom next to Rudy’s Room refreshments area).


Happy Birthday!

Charlie Ingram 7/20

Emily Barrow 7/20

Chara Smith 7/22

Sara Satterfield 7/22

Christian Swafford 7/23

Kimberlea Emborsky 7/23

Daniel Young 7/25

Happy Anniversary!

Alvin & Margret Huffine 7/21

David & Lydia Taylor 7/21

Greg & Esther Wilhelm 7/24

Matthew & Anna Johnson 7/25


Heidelberg Catechism #118

Q. What did God command us to pray for?

A. Everything we need, spiritually and physically,1
as embraced in the prayer Christ our Lord himself taught us.

1 James 1:17; Matt. 6:33


Church Center is a mobile app which helps you can engage with our church throughout the week.

Apple Users App Store

Android/Google Play Store


Add us to your address book

NCF Livestream - View Services Here

Office Hours

Monday -Thursday 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Friday 9 am - 1 pm

Food Pantry

Monday -Thursday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

Email Newsletter Submission Deadline

Wednesday 12:00 noon

To submit announcements, use this form.

Church Phone Extensions

If you reach the church office (423) 629-1421 after hours or at a time when staff are out or on another call, you are now able to connect to church staff and leave messages as needed. You can follow the options given or if you know a staff member’s extension, you can dial it at any point during the greeting.

Here’s a list of extensions:

  • Rosalyn Ruffin, Office Administrator 100
  • Billy McKillop, Exec. Pastor 107
  • Daniel Young, Music 110
  • Darius Griggs, Youth 207
  • Gianna Rakes, Youth 201
  • Jeff Rakes, Communications 204
  • Kash Wright, Asst. Music 109
  • Kevin Smith, Sr. Pastor 106
  • Pat Rolleston, Next Gen 200
  • Percy Rolleston, Children 203
  • Samara Davis, Community Integration 205
  • Sandra Smith, ESL 206
  • Shirley Plummer, Bookkeeping 102

Session Directory (Pastors & Elders)

Assigned Elders for New City Attendees

If you are a regular attender or active member at New City, you have been assigned an elder who will seek to pray for you, touch base periodically, and respond to needs/crises.

Assigned Elder Lookup


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