50 Years of NCF

NCF Office – July 22, 2025 2 Comments

Marty Shupack served as pastor of New Covenant in its inaugural years and continues to participate in our fellowship spread around the world.  Below he introduces the importance of celebrating what God has done and is doing through our community of faith as we plan for a Jubiliee celebration in June 2026. –Renée

Celebrations are important, especially those that commemorate cherished milestones in our lives and the lives of those we love. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries are occasions to rejoice in the marvels of life and love. In my son-in-law Andy’s extended family, the quinceañera celebration when a girl turns 15 is especially magical. A gown, a court, a toast, candles, a doll, a cake, and a dance make up an event often as grand as a wedding.

When we participate in a celebration for someone, we tell them that they matter to us. We let them know that they are loved and that their life is significant, worthy of honor. When our own life is celebrated by others at key times, we feel their love and know that we are valued.

Celebrations also recognize significant moments in the life of a beloved community. The Israelites held annual festivals joyfully commemorating monumental times in their history, such as Passover. And every 50th year the people of Israel were called by God to observe a Jubilee year of freedom and new beginnings.

It’s hard to believe that New Covenant Fellowship will be 50 years old in 2026. God has graciously brought NCF through five decades of community, learning, worship, and service.

New Covenant has had an immense impact on many lives. Some of us came to faith in Jesus through our NCF participation. Some of us experienced for the first time how “church” could be a genuine family of faith, a community in which we were known and loved. Some of us discovered our spiritual gifts and callings to service. New Covenant’s vision statement has been a vital, lived reality: “God is with his people, building them into a household, and sending them into the world.”

We will celebrate New Covenant Fellowship’s 50-year Jubilee on June 12-14, 2026, as an expression of thanksgiving to God and a recognition of NCF’s importance to many people over many years. If NCF has ever been your worship home, touched your heart, altered your life’s path, or just given you shelter during a brief storm, you are part of the NCF family and we hope you will celebrate this Jubilee.

During our weekend together we will worship, reminisce through storytelling, and give thanks for what God has done during 50 years through all who have ever been part of New Covenant Fellowship. This will also be an opportunity to hear about NCF’s current activities, ministries, and vision for the future. Our 50th Jubilee gathering will be a celebration of what New Covenant Fellowship has been and is now, as well as a rededication to all that lies ahead by God’s grace.

Mark your calendars for June 12-14, 2026. Watch for email announcements and see the Jubilee tab on our website (https://ncf-cu.com/jubilee-celebration/) for more details. And please pass the information and invitation along to any other past or present members of the NCF family with whom you’re in touch.

“Ah, there’s a celebration. Celebrate the whole of it!”

Marty Shupack