Each year, Wayside Presbyterian Church (PCA) sets aside a weekend to focus on our Reformed heritage, stemming from the Protestant Reformation (and post-Reformation) of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The sessions presented are meant for every-day Christians, to encourage a love for God's Word, to foster an appreciation for those who have gone before us, and to cultivate a joy in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This year, we are pleased to welcome speakers Fred Greco, Richard Phillips, Chris Larson, Derrick Brite, and Brian Cosby looking at the theme of "The Reformation of Worship."

Sunday Sept. 20 at 6:30 pm is the final lecture in our three-part series, We Are Still Here: An Indigenous History of the U.S. and is the key lecture for understanding our "theology of place," the essential ministry philosophy for the mission and work of Woodlands Gathering. If you missed our two previous lectures, prior year versions are available on our YouTube channel. However, the information we will share this evening is more developed than in years past and will provide a crash course in understanding who we are, and how it affects you and your church. 9966 Lovell Rd., Soddy Daisy. www.woodlandsgathering.org

Due to worship being held in the Fellowship Hall, our next Men’s Breakfast has been postponed indefinitely. 

We are resuming a women’s Bible study this fall, meeting Mondays from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. While we are a group comprised largely of young mothers, this group is open to any woman who is looking for fellowship with other women in the Word of God. This fall we will be studying the book Behold and Believe by Courtney Doctor and Joanna Kimbrel. This study looks at the “I AM” statements of Jesus found in the book of John. Our hope is that we would encounter Jesus in fresh ways and that we would be changed to look more like Him. Please contact Elise Young (865) 765-6762 for more information.

The New City Fellowship Choir resumes rehearsals for the Fall 2026 season. The first rehearsal is Saturday September 19th at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary. No audition is required. If you are 12 years of age or older and want to sing, you are welcome to join us. If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Young or Prakash Wright.

Calling All Foodies: Cook for a Cause with ESL!
Our English as a Second Language ministry (ESL) is looking for a couple of people who would be interested in planning meals and cooking on a rotating schedule. It would involve planning a meal, shopping, and cooking for about 60 people. There are plenty of helpers in the kitchen, and the church will reimburse for the cost of food. If this is something that you might be interested in, please email Kelsey Dupree or text her at 423-582-6887; or contact Howard and Susan Anderson at 423-762-1361.

Support ESL through Childcare
The English as a Second Language Ministry provides childcare during the classes, so parents can focus on their English lessons. There is a need for volunteers to help with caring for the children of ESL families on Sunday afternoons from 5 -7 pm. If you would like to help, please contact Sandra Smith or Bill DeWaters.

The 55+ community will enjoy faith, fun and fellowship under the sun when we meet Friday, September 18 at Tennessee RiverPark. We will gather at 11:30am at Pavilion #4 and serve a box lunch, enjoy a devotional from Carl and Karen Ellis, live music, and a variety of outdoor activities. Limited transportation will be available from the church parking lot. Suggested donation: $5.  In the event of rain, the gathering will be held at the church.

All New City women are invited to a study of the book of Romans on Thursday mornings (9:30 – 11:30) at the home of Susan Anderson in East Brainerd. We’ll be using Courtney Doctor’s book  In View of God’s Mercies: the Gift of the Gospel in Romans as our guide. Our first meeting will be Thursday September 10th. For directions, or If you’re interested in finding out more about the study, call or text Celeste Rakes at (302)423-7232.

Join us Sunday, September 13th, from 9 to 9:50am in the Fellowship Hall for our Fall Ministry Fair! Join us September 13th to hear about all the ways the Lord is blessing New City and our community through the work of the many ministries and committees represented in our congregation. If you would like to reserve a spot for your committee or ministry, please reach out to Percy Rolleston by Monday, September 7th.

 The list linked below has the EXACT items needed for the food pantry.

When possible, please purchase ‘flip top’ cans. Bulk size bags are not preferred. They are difficult to pack with other items.

*No mac & cheese, Tuna/Can Chicken, or Fruit Cups needed at this time

* Drop off items to the Church Bldg. or Office, Monday thru Thursday from 10am to 3:30pm, then on Fridays from 10am to 1pm.

We appreciate your help in providing for those in need.

• Corn
•  Green Beans
•  Sweet peas
• Beans (pinto, pork & beans, navy or great northern)
• Spaghettios or Chef Boyardee
•  Chili
• Soups (with meat)
• Tuna
•  Chicken Breast
•  Peanut Butter (creamy)
• Crackers (saltines, townhouse or ritz)
• Fruit cups
• Instant potatoes (packets)
•  Rice sides (packets)
• Spaghetti Sauce (with meat)
• Pasta (spaghetti)
• Cornbread mix
•  Ramen Noodles
• Oatmeal packets
• Grit packets
• Cereal 

We are looking for more families to be a Sunday buddy for a GLAD kid. For the last year, we have been bringing kids to church and they are LOVING it! Not only that, but it has been TRANSFORMATIONAL. The kids are cherishing the songs in their hearts and asking great questions about what they are observing in the service. In order for this to continue to be a blessing to them and to our church, we need more volunteers who are willing to sit with a kid for the worship service.

Please take 2 minutes to fill out this questionnaire to sign up! You can choose how often you would like to volunteer and preferred age range. (P.S. I have some 4th grade girls who LOVE little kids and are great at helping out.)

GLAD Library Field Trip on Mondays! We also need extra chaperones for our weekly library field trips. Please join us each Monday for a fun afternoon at the library. Bring your family and kids along as well! 3rd - 5th graders will meet at the Eastgate Library at 4:30pm Kindergarten - 2nd grade will meet at the Downtown Library at 4:30pm Please contact Samara if you are able to join us at one of these locations.

New City is invited to attend The Woodlands Gathering's fifth annual lecture series, We Are Still Here: An Indigenous History of the U.S. scheduled for September 3rd, 10th, and 17th at 6:30 PM each evening.This is a three-part lecture series on U.S. history specifically designed to familiarize you with the work and ministry of Woodlands Gathering and why it is important. We must take the initiative to know the truth, even if it is uncomfortable, and engage our neighbors with the good news of Christ and His redeeming work among us. For more information visit www.woodlandsgathering.org (9966 Lovell Rd. Soddy Daisy).

The meeting to review and discuss Gary Yagel’s Got Your Back will be next Sunday August 30th at 9 am.

Please plan to join us for this year's New City fall church retreat September 25-26, 2026. The retreat will be held again at the beautiful Fort Bluff Camp in Dayton, TN.

The retreat will go from 4 PM Friday through Saturday afternoon and will include times of refreshing worship together, great bible teaching from Pastor Joe Novenson, small group breakout times, enjoying meals together, group games, karaoke, putt putt, corn hole, etc. There will be planned activities for children.

The camp has quite nice accommodations:  A beautiful lodge with comfortable rooms and bathrooms for families and individuals, and a handful of cabins that can be reserved for an entire family who would like to be together (priority given to those needing special accommodations and families with young children. The cost includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and lunch.

The cost will be 

• $99 for 1 adult, 
• $149 for 1 adult with 1 child, 
• $199 for couple or family of three or more 

A deposit of $25 is required, but you can also pay more or in full when you register.

Signup deadline: Sunday, Sept. 13

Will you commit to pray for a student in our youth ministry? We would like to match 70 students with prayer champions who will commit to pray for them throughout the year. There will be a luncheon on August 30 after church with opportunity to meet the student you will pray for. Will you help through prayer?

As children see the bread and the cup being passed, they wonder what it means and if they will ever be able to partake. This is a desire that begins with understanding our faith, and meeting with the elders to join the church. We have a class for 9-12-year-olds to study together during the Sunday School hour for the fall semester. It is called the Communicants Class, and it meets at 9:00 - 9:45 am starting September 13. Parents may talk with their children and sign them up below. For more info, contact or email Elder Jim Ward.

Are you ready to engage more fully at New City Fellowship? This Friday night/Saturday morning seminar is a great next step to learn more about the church (our beliefs, vision, values, ministries, and meaningful church membership) and to spend some time with our pastors in a classroom setting. The class is required for those who wish to become members of the church.

The Ohio Valley Presbytery welcomed a record 2,456 elders from over 1,000 churches to Louisville, Kentucky, for the 53rd General Assembly. Attendance included 1,637 teaching elders and 819 ruling elders—the highest number of ruling elder commissioners in Assembly history. Throughout the week, commissioners engaged in business, vibrant worship, and solemn reflection. Despite moments of debate, the overarching tone remained constructive, unified, and grounded in faith. Committee and Agency highlights displayed a denomination committed to faithfulness in doctrine, practice, and mission. Participants bore witness to Christ’s strength, recognizing that the Assembly’s work serves a greater ultimate purpose.

If you missed the ESL video in the service Aug. 2, check it out below. There will be an orientation for volunteers Saturday, August 22, at 9 am. For more information, contact Sandra Smith or Bill DeWaters.

Urban Camp 2026:
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 18. For questions, contact Samara Davis at 704-579-1276 or via email.

Time for a Picnic
Let's gather for an all-church picnic! This will be a great time of fellowship as we continue to celebrate and thank God for our 50th anniversary as a church!
When: Sunday, July 19th from 4-7 pm
Where: Tennessee River Park - Hubert Fry Center (indoor and outdoor seating available with playground nearby)
What to bring by last name:

• A–H: Meat
• I–Q: Side Dish (salads, vegetables, pasta salads, baked beans, chips & dip, etc.)
• R–Z: Dessert

Choices, a ministry partner of our church, is currently hiring for several full-time and part-time positions. Openings include a Receptionist, Family Services Coordinator, and two medical team roles. If you are passionate about serving women, men, and families through a Christ-centered ministry, we encourage you to explore these opportunities. If you know someone who may be a great fit, please help spread the word!