Monthly Mercy Ministry Giving Opportunity
Grace was never meant to stop with us; it’s meant to flow through us. This Sunday is Communion Sunday, and we invite you to participate in a special tradition of the early church by bringing a special offering of mercy. These gifts allow our Mercy Ministry 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.
A Vision for Our Kingdom Life in Christ
Earlier this year, our leadership team introduced four strategic pillars to shape the life of New City in 2026: Kingdom Worship, Kingdom Mission, Kingdom Future, and Kingdom Unity. These pillars serve as practical pathways, helping us translate our shared vision into everyday action. Over the coming months, we will dedicate each week to exploring one of these themes, inviting you to align your heart and resources with the living reality of Christ’s Kingdom right here and now.
Reflection Questions: Is there someone in our church family who has a different background or life experience than mine whom I could invite to coffee or a meal? How can I get involved with the Block Party to show hospitality in our community?
Our goal for the Annual Block Party on May 25th is Kingdom Unity. That means we aren't just 'working'; we are looking for opportunities to listen, pray, and extend hospitality to every stranger we meet. If we want to extend true Kingdom Hospitality, we need to be prepared. We aren't just looking for workers; we’re looking for people who want to see Bayberry touched by the love of Christ. Let’s get these final spots filled by May 20 so we can pivot our focus toward praying for every neighbor who we will encounter.
Vacation Bible School May 26-28
Our VBS this year is May 26th through May 28th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm! All children ages Pre-K to 6th grade completed are invited to join us in a week of studying the Minor Prophet Jonah! We are still looking for volunteers, both adults and teens to serve this week, as well as for donations of food/craft supplies.
Music Intern Needs Provided!
Thank you to all who have offered to help. The Summer Music Intern has housing for the summer, and has raised a third of his salary so far. We are so grateful to serve a church that responds immediately and abundantly to our Father's call to bless each other as we have been blessed. God is good, all the time!
Financial Update thru April 2026
It is a blessing to see how your generosity fuels our mission every week. Currently, our year-to-date giving stands at $318,645 against a budget goal of $354,000. While we often see a strong finish to the year, being 10% behind right now means several of our ministries are having to 'wait and see' before moving forward with planned purchases or activities. We want to invite you to help us close this gap early so our ministry leaders can focus on serving our community today with confidence, rather than waiting for a year-end catch-up. Thank you for your continued partnership in kingdom ministry.
May 22: The Glenwood School
5th Grade Graduation at 10:30 am
Summer Women's Bible Study
All New City Fellowship women are invited to join us on Thursday mornings this summer as we take a fresh look at some of the “basics” of the Christian life –
- In June we’ll be looking at the role of prayer (praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession) in our living “unshaken.”
- In July we’ll be discussing Tim Keller’s small but powerful book The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness (what it means to have a heart radically changed by God’s grace).
- In August we’ll be focusing on what Jesus taught about the kingdom of God and why we should be committed to a local church as His kingdom people.
This study group will continue to meet at the home of Susan Anderson in East Brainerd -- from 9:30 – 11:30 on Thursday mornings (first summer session starts June 4). Feel free to attend 1, 2, or all 3 of these studies. There will be no required work outside of our meeting times together. If you have questions about the studies or need directions to Susan’s house, contact Susan Anderson at 423.762.1361 or Celeste Rakes at 302.423.7232. We would love to save you a seat!
Choices Baby Shower Drive
We are excited to support the Choices Baby Shower by collecting donations of wipes and diapers. You can drop off your contributions in the designated collection box located in Rudy’s Room at any time. Alternatively, you may bring your donations directly to Choices on June 11. Our Choices ambassador, Esther Myhan, will also be coordinating a final collection from the church to deliver to the center. Thank you for your generosity and support!
Last Week’s Sermon
If Momma Ain't Happy...
Pastor Kevin Smith
[Image: this week's sermon]
This Week's Sermon
Divine Witness Protection #2
Pastor 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.
- Jodie Brantley (Heart Transplant)
- JoAnn Byrom
- Jonathan Griggs/Darius Griggs & Family (grieving)
- Hutchins Family
- Shirley Madewell
- Kathy Morris
- Oliver Trimiew & Family (grieving)
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!
Isabelle Blackburn 5/18
Olivia Jones 5/21
Matthew Johnson 5/23
Syrinthia Williams Egbon 5/23
Travis McDonough 5/23
Happy Anniversary!
John & Carol Eaton 5/19
Daniel & Kelsey Dupree 5/20
Brian & Emily Barrow 5/21
Wy & Shirley Plummer 5/23
Michael & Laura Hutchins 5/24
Heidelberg Catechism #109
Q. Does God, in this commandment,
forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?
A. We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul,
and God wants both to be kept clean and holy.
That is why God forbids
all unchaste actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires,1
and whatever may incite someone to them.2
1 Matt. 5:27-29; 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Eph. 5:3-4
2 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 5:18
Connect With the Life of Our Church
Church Center is a mobile app and web experience where you can engage with our church throughout the week.
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.
Also available as Markdown.