Church
About Our Church
New Covenant History
New Covenant formed on July 1, 2000 with the merging of three churches, each with its own 100+ year history in our community: Kingsley on Williams Street, Grace on Virginia Avenue, and First on Frederick Street. These three congregations forged a "new covenant" at the property of the former First Church.
With a decades-long economic downturn, the Cumberland area was facing the new millennium with a dark and uncertain future. Kingsley, Grace, and First each had but a small candle to hold out against that darkness. But they embraced the hope that by combining those candles they could create a flame that would illuminate and break through that darkness and uncertainty.
Over the next 20+ years, New Covenant became, and remains, a vibrant fellowship, embracing God's grace and sharing God's love.
God is not small! God's message of hope is not small! God does not call upon us to think small!
New Covenant
Today
In 2023, New Covenant members decided to align with the Global Methodist Church; on September 15, 2023 that alignment became official.
In June 2024, Rev. Michael B. Coats arrived. Pastor Michael and wife Debbie have been greeted with gladness and thanksgiving! We anticipate this new era and warmly welcome all who may wish to join us.
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Image: The picture below shows part of our Fellowship Hall mural painted by local artist Lenore Long Lancaster. This segment depicts the current building with the 3 predecessor churches in the clouds.
New Covenant Overview
A few church highlights:
From time to time we offer short-term small groups such as a "Heavenly Hugs" grief group or a Disciple Bible Study, both of which we hope to offer again in 2023-2024.
At all times our Youth Involvement Committee prepares activities for the children of the church and friends. Among these are Vacation Bible School, Youth Message Sunday, Harvest Party, and Easter Egg hunt. Our Christian Education leaders offer Sunday school for children ages 3-12. We also offer two classes for adults.
Our Methodist Women support local missions such as Union Rescue, Salvation Army, food pantry, and First Way Pregnancy Center. The group's mission outreach efforts are named in honor of long-time women's group president Virginia C. Wright, RN. The group also provides an outreach to our homebound members and those age 90+.
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On the Pastor & Staff pages and the Groups and Activities pages you can read more about current activities and the people of New Covenant.
