Exciting Update: Our New Building and a Kingdom Opportunity

Dear friends,

I am so excited to share a wonderful update with you: the work of getting our new building up and running is going strong! On Easter morning, we had the incredible joy of worshiping in the space for the very first time.

It wasn’t without challenges — in fact, we hit a significant one: the bathrooms were all out of order due to a sewer drainage issue! It turned out to be a blockage about 50 feet down the line, and thankfully, it has since been fully repaired. Even with that unexpected hurdle, our hearts were full of joy. We gathered, we sang, we prayed, and we feasted on the Word of God together. His goodness was undeniable.

As a church family, we are filled with gratitude. This building represents far more than walls and a roof. It’s a launching pad for ministry, for hospitality, for worship, for community — a tool in the hand of our mighty God to reach our city and beyond.

We truly believe this building is not only a gift, but it’s also in the best location we’ve ever had. We are right in the city — visible, accessible, and positioned to bless and reach our community more effectively than ever before. It’s a place from which we pray the light of Christ shines brightly for years to come!

But there is still much to be done to make this space fully operational for the vision and mission God has called us to. And we know that we cannot do this work alone.

Today, I want to invite you — brothers and sisters across the Kingdom — to partner with us in this next phase of ministry growth.

Our Current Needs

Here’s a glimpse of some recent and upcoming projects and expenses needed to move forward:

$15,000 – Renovation of two existing bathrooms, updated and repaired plumbing, all new fixtures (much needed) and the unexpected sewer line repairs (stated above).
$5,000 – Boiler repairs and updates – WE HAVE HEAT IN THE BUILDING!
$30,000 – Installation of heat pumps for heating and cooling in the sanctuary. (The existing system is non-functional) These upgrades will lighten to load on the boiler during the heating season, and provide cooling during the humid summer months.
$15,000–$25,000 – Construction of two additional ADA-accessible bathrooms on the main level. Right now, there are only two small bathrooms in the lower level, which makes accessibility difficult for families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. (A chair lift is available but is not a sufficient long-term solution.)
$35,000 – Upgrades to our audio and video equipment. Much of our current setup dates back to our church’s launch nearly eight years ago and needs significant improvements for quality worship, livestreaming, and outreach. The equipment is well researched, and fairly basic. The goal is to purchase items that will last us another decade.
$30,000 – Final updates to the sanctuary space, including painting, new flooring, construction of a new media booth, and completion of the pastor’s study. These updates will help create a beautiful, functional environment for worship and discipleship.
$15,000 – $20,000 to update and equip the kitchen and cafe area with stoves, refrigeration, counter and cabinet space. We eat a lot of meals together, and we also provide food and meals for those in need. This is a crucial piece of our fellowship as a church, and will be used for outreach as well.
$6,000 for new signage (see concept below)

Much of the labor for these projects is being done by faithful volunteers within our church family or by teams from partnering churches. This is saving us money. We are working hard to steward every resource wisely and stretch every dollar.

Still, our building fund is dwindling quickly. Yet, we remain confident: the God who has begun this good work will bring it to completion.

How You Can Partner with Us

Would you prayerfully consider a one-time gift to cover one or more items listed above? You can also become one of our ongoing monthly partners to help meet these needs? No gift is too small. Every offering, every prayer, and every act of support is part of what God is building here at New City Church.

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Important: When you give, please select “Building Fund” from the dropdown menu.

I would also love to extend a personal invitation: If you ever find yourself near Bath, Maine, or you’d like to come for a visit, we would be honored to host you. Come worship with us, tour the new building, and see firsthand the work the Lord is doing in our community.

Why This Matters: Our Mission Remains the Same

While buildings and budgets matter, they are not our ultimate focus. The heartbeat of New City Church has always been — and will always be — to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

This space, in this city, is not about comfort or appearance. It’s about reaching the lost here in Bath, welcoming the weary, strengthening families, and raising up faithful generations. It’s about seeing the gospel transform lives, households, and communities — not only in our church, but across local churches throughout Maine.

We believe the Lord has positioned us not just to gather believers, but to influence pastors, encourage other church, and serve as a light in a region that desperately needs it. We long to see generations of families growing strong in Christ, building what will outlast them, and spreading the hope of the Kingdom far beyond our natural capabilities

This building is a basecamp — not a monument. It’s a means, not the mission. And by God’s grace, we press forward with that mission at the forefront.

We are humbled by His provision so far — and we are expectant for what is ahead. Thank you for considering standing with us in this season. To Him be the glory, now and always.

With love and gratitude,
Pastor Joel
New City Church