Celebrating Connection and Young Adults Ministries
A NOTE FROM ABBI BLAIR, DIRECTOR OF CONNECTION MINISTRY
Creating Belonging at New Cov
One of the most beautiful things about New Covenant is how people find their place here, not just in a seat on Sunday, but in a community that feels like home. Through Connection Ministry and Young Adults, we’ve seen countless stories of people stepping in, getting involved, and finding belonging this year.
Connection Ministry
Every Sunday, new faces walk through our doors: families, couples, and individuals who are looking for connection and a place to grow in their faith. It’s been incredible to watch so many of those faces become familiar ones. This year alone, we’ve celebrated three New Member Sundays, welcoming multiple families into the life of our church. We’re already preparing for another celebration later this month!
We’ve also witnessed twenty-one baptisms so far this year, fifteen of those were kids from our Next Gen ministries. One of our favorite moments came when someone felt led to be baptized after witnessing a Sunday morning baptism service. They stayed after church to publicly declare their faith that same day. What a picture of how God is moving in people’s hearts at New Cov.
Another special part of Connection is Pizza with the Pastor, an event for anyone who’s been attending but still feels new. In August, we had one of our bigger turnouts! The room was full of laughter, conversation, and the joyful chaos of toddlers running around. It was a glimpse of a thriving church family where young families feel comfortable and loved. We also hosted Starting Point twice this year, a four-week class led by our staff that helps people learn more about New Cov’s mission and values. From those gatherings, many families and individuals have taken the next step by joining as members or serving in new ways.
Young Adults Ministry
This year also marked the beginning of something new, our Young Adults Ministry. It’s made up of two groups: College, for anyone college-aged, and Collective, for those post-college, young professionals, newly married couples, and anyone figuring out life and faith in this season. While we’re still in the early stages, it’s been amazing to watch genuine friendships form and community take root. I’m watching individuals and couples find belonging in a Christ-centered community that’s walking through life together.
A special part of this story is Andy, a student ministry intern who joined us in August while pursuing his Church Leadership degree. What began as a search for an internship has grown into something much more. He’s become an active part of our church family. Andy has been serving with our students, learning about ministry firsthand, and attending our College group within Young Adults. Watching him grow in faith and leadership has been such an encouragement, and we’re excited to see how God continues to use him.
A Thriving Church Family
Everything happening in these ministries is possible because of our congregation. Week after week, our incredible greeters and ushers offer warm smiles, handshakes, and familiar faces that make people feel seen and welcome. Our café team shows up early each Sunday to brew coffee and serve donuts, small acts that help create a big sense of belonging. We’re a church family that doesn’t let anyone slip in and out unnoticed; instead, we introduce ourselves, make them feel at home, and help them get connected with others walking a similar path.
That same spirit of hospitality extends to our Young Adults Ministry, where so many have rallied to mentor, serve, or host dinners, pouring into this next generation of believers and showing them what authentic community looks like.
How incredible are His people, but more so how incredible is our God? Through every handshake, every shared meal, and every act of service, we’re reminded that He is building His Church, one connection at a time.