The New Covenant Fellowship Church and its founding pastor, Dr. Bernie Miller will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Friday, July 8, with a concert featuring Grammy and Stellar award winning gospel artist, Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr singers.
The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $20. A church picnic is also planned for Saturday, July 9, from 12-3 p.m. on the Cumberland Presbyterian Church grounds. Pastor Miller is also celebrating his 25th year in ministry.
Pastor Miller founded the church in 1996 using census data that allowed him to tailor the multiethnic church to satisfy the needs of his community. On July 7, 1996, over 250 people attended their first worship service at 1321 N. Moore Rd. Former Mayor John Kinsey proclaimed July 7, 1996, "A Day of New Beginnings." In August, 2001, New Covenant Fellowship bought 18 acres to accommodate their unprecedented growth.
“We needed $150,000 to buy the property, but we only had $50,000 on hand” said Dr. Miller. So, “A local business person, who asked to remain anonymous, donated $100,000 so we could buy the property” said Dr. Miller. On March 3, 2002, after securing a 1.3 million dollar loan, they moved into their new facility at 1326 N. Moore Rd. Dr. Miller set aside half an acre of land for a community food garden to supply fresh food to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, church members and the Woodmore community.
Throughout the years New Covenant Fellowship has sought to glorify God by the teaching of His Word and the equipping of the saints for His service.
Officials said, "As we continue the celebration, come and join us in worship on Sunday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. as we praise God for the many years of His tremendous blessings and favor upon the ministry."