I haven't been here long, but God has given me a stronger Christian community. Other churches and youth groups were more difficult to fit into as they didn't feel welcoming. At New City, not only am I surrounded by Christians my age and people at similar points of life as me, it has brought my family together. For a while, most of us went to different churches and didn't talk about our thoughts on certain things in the church, but now that several of us go here, it's reassuring to hear their views on what the pastor says or even about the community. Having friends and family experiencing this church with me makes it more comfortable as my family settles in and gets used to things here. I think this was God's way of letting us know that this is where we should be now and for the time to come in the future.

I've grown considerably as a Christian at New City and youth group. I've attended church since I was eight and the youth group since the beginning. There are two big things that I've gotten from growing up here. One is that the messages I hear at church on Sunday and in youth groups solidify my faith and have a deeper understanding of the Lord. I always look forward to the messages every week, even though they can be convicting (which is an important thing!). It's crazy how I'll have been struggling with a particular sin all week and come to church/youth group and hear something that speaks in that or that will prepare me for the future. The second thing is the people, of course. I have amazing friends here, but my discipleship group impacts me so much. We go deep when we talk about Jesus, and Erica, Jess, and Helen are such amazing women of God I can look up to. They care about my life and encourage and pray for me. I've opened up about challenges because of how dared and supported I feel in my group. It's essential to hear the Bible at Church bu also have community. I've found that at New City with the people and discipleship group.

We had grown up in another church for our whole lives and were close with everyone. Although we were involved, I wasn't growing in my faith, and the sermons would rarely speak to me. Once the one youth pastor we had ever known and loved resigned, we did have much to look forward to, and things were never the same. After our friends and family tried new churches that were closer and better, we finally found New City. After the first day, not only me but our whole family knew this church was the one. Every sermon I hear on Sundays benefits me and grows my faith. I was very nervous about the youth group, and camp with the youth group started my journey to love this youth group. The environment was so impactful and welcoming, and I look forward to it every Sunday. The high school beach trip was very impactful, and I was growing with God more and more. The speakers, games, songs, and people made the trip the best youth retreat I have ever had. I love all the leaders so much, and they make it obvious how much they love us. New City has never failed me, and I know this family is who I want and need to grow with God.