Camino de Sonoma-Stage 4
Spiritually significant.
Culturally compelling.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
Join us for a 13.5-mile guided hike (1350 ft. elevation gain) from Sebastopol to Occidental, the fourth stage of the Camino de Sonoma. This is a coed retreat opportunity to experience God's presence through nature, spend time in reflection and prayer, and enjoy fellowship with others from our NCC community.
Walking the Camino de Sonoma can be a challenging physical endeavor. It is also a rigorous undertaking that can inspire powerful meditative, contemplative, and reflective experiences. You can expect to move and be moved by witnessing the environment through historical, religious, and cultural lenses.
The pilgrimage is designed for rigorous walkers and hikers.
The cost is $50 per person + your lunch/snacks/water
Space is limited to 15 people.
Good Friday
We will gather together on Good Friday for a reflective time of worship, scripture and prayer.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
Easter
9:00 am & 11:00 am
Join us as we celebrate the joy and hope of Easter together!
Bring a few flowers from your garden (or a flower shop) and as you arrive, help decorate our beautiful Easter cross—a vibrant symbol of new life and resurrection. It’s a simple, meaningful way for all of us to participate in the celebration.
We’ll also gather voices for our beloved Easter pop-up choir—everyone is welcome to join in and sing. If you are interested, please sign up here.
NCKids will host a festive Easter egg hunt for children after each service—don’t miss the fun!
Children are always welcome in worship as we rejoice in the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. For families who prefer it, childcare will be available at both services for babies (3 months old) through preschoolers.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
YA Second Sunday
All young adults welcome! Please join us on the second Sunday each month as we head off-campus after church to do something fun and community building together. Some gatherings may look like volleyball in the park, some like beach days, and others like lunch at the farmer's market.
Join the group so we can let you know the plan each month! And then meet us at 11:45 am on the patio in front of the NCC sanctuary.
Questions? Contact Josh.
envision:
Are you interested in exploring how God might be at work in our neighborhoods and inviting us to participate? We gather monthly for dinner and ongoing conversation about how we might join in God’s restorative work happening in and around us.
Excell Network Breakfast
Join our NCC Restorative Justice group for a special breakfast with inspiring individuals who are rebuilding their lives after incarceration. This is a unique opportunity to hear their stories and foster a sense of community.
Excell Network empowers formerly incarcerated individuals by providing scholarship stipends to help them achieve their academic and career goals. Monthly breakfasts are open to all, and your $20 ticket directly supports student scholarships.
If you are interested in contributing food and/or volunteering at the breakfast, please email Diana Peterson.
Click here for more information or to join the NCC Restorative Justice group.
Women's Retreat
Take some time to slow down and make space for God. This retreat is an experiential opportunity that includes group activities and discussion, as well as time for individual contemplation, reflection, and prayer. Please note that the day includes some walking throughout the beautiful grounds, which have some hills and uneven paths.
Location: Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
Cost: $80 per person, morning coffee and lunch included. Partial scholarships are available.
Questions? Contact Kari Hanson.
Dad/Kids Campout
Unplug, pitch a tent, and make memories with your kids. This camping weekend is all about fresh air, redwood hikes, games, shared meals, and good old-fashioned outdoor fun. ⛺️🌲🔥
The site includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, flush toilets, and warm showers (bring your quarters!).
Who: Dads and kids ages 3–18
Group size: We have space for 30 families
Cost: $60 per family for campsite; meals are additional
Contact: Dave Peterson
High School Summer Camp
Ponderosa Lodge is a one-week Christian camp experience full of laughter, play, community and worship as students experience life to the fullest. In one week at Ponderosa students can make new friends, play laser tag, swim, ride one-wheels, and be a part of our legendary team competitions! Most importantly, in one week at Ponderosa students will encounter the God who knows and loves them.
SPEAKER: Our very own Josh Jewell-Horton
COST is $940 per student
If you need financial assistance, camper-ships are available from Mount Hermon. Please ask!
Space is limited to 16 students.
PLEASE NOTE: The girls’ cabin is now full.
Sign up here for the girls’ cabin waitlist.
Questions? Contact Josh Jewell-Horton
Men's Retreat
This weekend retreat is an opportunity for men of our church to step away from the busyness of daily routines and spend intentional time in fellowship, prayer, reflection, worship and spiritual renewal. Together we'll seek God, encourage one another, and grow stronger in faith and brotherhood.
The retreat will include meaningful teaching, quiet time and plenty of opportunities to connect with other men in a relaxed environment.
Location: Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz
Dates: March 13-15 | 4:00 pm check-in on Friday
Who: Men who call NCC their church home and are engaged in the life of our congregation
Group size: maximum of 20 participants
Speaker: Richard Gotthardt, WellSpring pastor
Cost: $474 for single room; $384 for double room
Contact Curt Taylor if you have any questions.
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, our sanctuary will be open from 8:00 am–6:00 pm for quiet prayer, meditation, and reflection. Come for a few minutes or stay as long as you’d like. Guided prayer stations will be available throughout the day to help lead your time.
Ashes and prayer will be offered from 8:00 am–1:00 pm and again from 4:00–6:00 pm.
Membership Info Meeting
Want to become an NCC member?
The first step to becoming a steward (member) of New Community Church is to join us for lunch following the service, where you can learn more about our church, our denomination, and our history. This is the place to ask any questions you may have.
Childcare available.
Christmas Eve Services
Experience the Joy and Hope Together
3:30 pm & 5:00 pm
Join us this Christmas Eve for a beautiful, family-friendly worship service filled with carols, candlelight, and the story that brings hope to the world. Gather on the patio before or after the service for cocoa, cookies, and community time!
We love having children in worship as we celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth. We are also offering childcare as an option for babies age 3 months through preschoolers at the 3:30 pm service.
Crafts & Reindeer Games
Christmas Crafts & Reindeer Games
TK–5th graders are invited to stay after church for pizza, Christmas creativity, and tons of festive fun! Kids will make thoughtful Christmas gifts they can give to family and friends, then head outside for some recess-style reindeer games—or take the fun indoors to Community Hall if it is rainy.
Parents, enjoy this gift to YOU: No need to stay! Treat yourself to a kid-free lunch or finish up some Christmas shopping after church.
Christmas Singalong
Christmas Singalong 🎄🎶🌶️
…an extravaganza of music, lights & chili
Get ready to jingle all the way at our annual NCC community Christmas Singalong! Belt out your favorite carols, soak in the twinkling lights, and keep the festive vibes going with a mouthwatering chili cook-off. It's an evening of music, cheer, and tasty competition you won't want to miss.
Bring your holiday spirit—and maybe even your secret chili recipe! We’re rounding up some chefs to stir the pots and bring the heat. Whether your masterpiece features meat, poultry, or veggies, we can’t wait to taste your best batch.
Please sign up to help us plan the right number of tables, and while you're at it, sign up to bring chili, toppings, cornbread, home-baked cookies, or lend a hand as a volunteer!
3-2-1 Discover
“By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (The Message)
All NCC women are invited to a meeting to learn about 3-2-1 groups. This a space for women who are looking for a next step to connect with each other. We will teach and empower you to start your own group.
3-2-1 groups are a simple, deep, intentional, transformational way to encourage spiritual friendship around the table for disciples who long to follow Jesus and grow together in Christ-likeness. Quite simply, the plan is for three friends to meet for two hours over a meal one time a month with the intentional goal of helping each other grow spiritually.
Essential components of a 3-2-1 gathering:
Eat a meal together in a quiet place. This could be in someone’s home, outdoors, or in a public place that has ample separation and quiet to allow intentional and thoughtful conversation.
Share life through thoughtful conversation and questions.
Pray together.
Childcare is available.
Questions? Contact Rachel Palmbush
Holiday Food Pantry
Holiday Food Pantry
We are partnering with ¡Levantar! in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood of Redwood City for their holiday food pantry in this season when so many families are struggling to put food on the table due to inflation, the recent pause in CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, and lingering effects of the pandemic. Even when other food banks have supplies, the lines have been extremely long and families can only visit once a month.
Here’s how you can participate! Purchase anything from the following list of staple items and deliver them to ¡Levantar! any weekday between 9 am and 5 pm (closed December 25-26). The address is 881 Hurlingame Avenue in Redwood City. Stay a while to visit with the staff and community members if you can. You’ll be blessed!!
REQUESTED PANTRY ITEMS
White rice (long grain - bulk or any size bags)
Dry beans (black or red - bulk or any size bags)
Pasta (dried, any size bags)
Flour (white all purpose - 4 lb bags)
Masa (corn flour - 4 lb bags)
Rolled oats (in bulk or family size)
Table salt (26 oz boxes)
White cane sugar (4 lb bags)
Butter (1 lb packages)
Eggs (18 ct cartons)
Tomato sauce (29 oz cans)
Peanut butter (creamy, 1 lb jars)
Jelly (32 oz jars)
Questions? Contact Pat Little
Young Adult Friendsgiving
Young Adult Friendsgiving Potluck
Join us for a cozy evening of food, friendship, and gratitude at our Young Adult Friendsgiving! Bring your favorite dish to share. This is a great chance to kick back, connect, and celebrate togetherness with friends—new and old.
Whether you're bringing a homemade dish or something store-bought, everyone is welcome! Let’s fill the table with delicious flavors of the season. Hope to see you there!
RSVP: Text Josh @ 909.362.2685
Date Night
Step away from the everyday and enjoy a special evening created just for you and your spouse. Whether you're newlyweds or have been walking through life together for years, this night is all about connection, laughter, and love.
We’ll begin with a pre-dinner gathering in the Fireside Room from 5:30–6:00 PM, then send you off to savor dinner for two at a nearby restaurant of your choice. Then come back to NCC, and we’ll close the evening together from 7:30–8:00 PM for a sweet ending—dessert and conversation.
Come rekindle, relax, and celebrate the gift of marriage. We can't wait to share this evening with you!
Childcare is provided.
High School Fall Camp
The Santa Cruz Mountains are calling...and you must go!
High school students, join us for an unforgettable weekend at Mount Hermon’s Ponderosa Lodge! Step away from the busy pace of school and activities to rest, recharge, and reconnect—with God, your friends, and your NCC leaders. Expect laughter, adventure, and memories that will last long after the weekend ends. Don’t miss it!
Cost: $263 per student.
Camper-ships are available if you are unable to pay for camp or need assistance. Please ask!
Weekend speaker: Our very own Josh Jewell-Horton
Transportation: Parents may drive their students, or arrange carpools with other families. Licensed students are welcome to drive themselves, but they may not transport other students.
Check-in: Between 4:30-6:00 pm on Friday
Pick-up: Between 12:00-1:00 pm on Sunday
Accommodation may be made if you need a late check-in or early pick-up! Please ask!
Questions? Contact Josh
Excell Network Inspire
Hope & Restoration: A “Fireside Chat” with Excell Network
Join us for an inspiring evening hosted by the NCC Restorative Justice team that brings together our community and local faith partners to learn about the life-changing work of Excell Network—a Christian nonprofit ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco that supports formerly incarcerated students through scholarships and Christian fellowship.
You’ll hear directly from three formerly incarcerated students as they share their re-entry journeys—stories of resilience, trusting God, and finding transformation after incarceration. Moderated by a fellow Excell graduate, this conversation offers a rare and moving glimpse into the power of faith, community, and second chances.
This is not a fundraiser—it's an invitation to open your heart, grow your understanding, and explore how you can join in this vital work of hope and restoration.
Contact: Diana Peterson
Camino de Sonoma-Stage 5
Spiritually significant.
Culturally compelling.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
Join us for a 14.5 mile guided hike (hilly, with about 1000 ft. elevation gain) from Occidental to Jenner, the fifth stage of the Camino de Sonoma. While we have walked other stages of the Camino de Sonoma with men’s and women's groups individually in the past, this event will be a coed retreat opportunity to experience God's presence through nature, spend time in reflection and prayer, and enjoy fellowship with others from our NCC community.
Walking the Camino de Sonoma can be a challenging physical endeavor. It is also a rigorous undertaking that can inspire powerful meditative, contemplative, and reflective experiences. Expect to be moved by witnessing the environment through historical, religious, and cultural lenses.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a moderately strenuous hike. For your own safety and in consideration of fellow pilgrims, this hike should not be attempted unless you are experienced and capable at this distance and difficulty level.
Cost: $50
Bring: Your lunch, snacks, and water
Group size: 15
Questions? Contact Abigail Bach
THIS PILGRIMAGE HAS REACHED CAPACITY. We plan to offer another Camino pilgrimage in Spring 2026.
Blessing of the Animals
🐾 Blessing of the Animals – A Joyful Celebration of All God’s Creatures
Bring your furry, feathered, or even stuffed friends to church as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis. On Sunday, October 5, we’ll hold our regular 10:00 am worship service with a special twist—pets are welcome!
You and your pets are invited to join us on the turf under a tent where the worship service will be livestreamed on screens. When the service ends at about 11:00 am, those in the sanctuary will gather with you on the turf for a joyful blessing of the animals. (Miss Amanda will bring elementary kids to find their parents before the benediction; parents should pick up babies and preschoolers in their classroom as usual.)
Please bring dogs on leash and keep them close to you. Small pets should stay in their cages for safety. If your pet is shy or uncomfortable around crowds — or might not do well with other animals — you’re welcome to bring a photo instead. Don’t have a pet? Kids can join the fun by bringing a favorite stuffed animal for a blessing!
Spread the word to fellow animal lovers — friends, family, and neighbors are all welcome to share this paws-itively delightful day. Join us at 10:00 for the full worship service — or come at 11:00 just in time for the joyful blessing of the animals. We can’t wait to see you (and your pets)!
Andy Squyres Concert
A house concert on the lawn
Andy Squyres is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Northern California.
A self-proclaimed "poet throwing wrenches trying to make sense of a God who disappears," his live show is ache on display, a joyful protest, at once humorous and tragic, weaving together songs and tales of heartbreak and hope, tragedy and comedy.
We'll kick things off at 6:00 pm with a good ol' fashioned neighborhood BBQ, followed by music on the lawn surrounded by redwoods at 7:00 pm.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us! No charge, but you need to reserve a ticket. You’ll get the address with your ticket.
Contact: Pat Little
Birthday in the Park
🎉 NCC Turns 7! 🎉
Come celebrate seven years of community, faith, and fun!
Join us at 10 am for a special worship service with stories from the journey and a lighthearted round of superlative awards—seven awards for seven wonderful years.
Then, the celebration continues across the street in the park with food trucks, games, and fun for all ages. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your party spirit—this is one birthday you won’t want to miss!
Community Blood Drive
Blood of all types is in high demand for hospital patients, and this a a great way to make a difference. Our NCC blood drives are hosted by Vitalant and we hope you’ll consider making a life-saving donation!
If you are age 16 or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and are in generally good health, it is likely you are eligible to donate. There are a few exceptions, mostly related to travel to malaria prone areas or medications you are taking. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact Vitalant directly at 877.258.4825.
Appointments are preferred, but we can usually take a few walk-in donors.
PLEASE NOTE: Our blood drives have moved from Community Hall to a bloodmobile located in the church parking lot. While the church building is typically closed on Saturdays, restrooms are available in the park just across the street.
Pool Party
NCKids in the Summer
Make a splash with us! Families, join us for an end-of-summer pool party full of fun and sunshine! Pack your towel and your best poolside vibes — we’ll bring the snacks and the good times.
No signup required. Can’t wait to see you there!
Please contact Amanda Pandjiris for the address.
Happy Hollow
NCKids in the Summer
Hey parents and kiddos! Come join us for a day of adventure and fun at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo! Pack your favorite picnic lunch and meet us at the park entrance at 10:00 AM sharp—we’ll kick off a day full of laughter, exploring, and memory-making.
No signup required. Can’t wait to see you there! 🐒🎉🍓
Questions? Contact Amanda Pandjiris.
Summer Bible Study
Women’s Summer Bible Study
Join us for a seven week Bible study on Thursday mornings, June 26 - August 7.
This year we will use Jennifer Rothschild’s video-based study, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight.
Heaven. Who goes there? Where is it? What will we do there? Questions like these arise when we consider an eternal future beyond this physical life. How can we know the truth about what comes next?
No signup required. The book is available from Lifeway or Amazon for approximately $22.
Contact: Dorothy Hunter
Summer Run Club
Lace up your shoes and come run with us this summer on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings! We’ll meet throughout July and August for a fun 5K run—followed by a chance to hang out over coffee, drinks, or a meal.
All paces are welcome—whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started. You do not need to attend NCC to join us!
Routes will be shared via our Strava club page, and we’ll send out text reminders the day before each run.
Hope to see you on the trail!
Contact: Josh Jewell-Horton
SF Giants - Middle School
We're taking middle school students to the Giants game for Fellowship Day, where players will share their faith story after the game. We'll take the 11:28 am Caltrain from the Menlo Park station. Please meet at the station no later than 11:15 am. We will give parents an hour’s notice when we are on our way home.
No cost for the game or train, but bring money for food.
Space is limited!
Questions? Contact Josh.
Picnic in the Park
NCKids in the Summer
Come play with us! Join us for a relaxed evening at Nealon Park—bring your dinner, a blanket, and your playful spirit. We’ll enjoy a meal together while the kids have fun on the playground. It’s the perfect way to wind down and connect!
No signup required. See you there!
Questions? Contact Amanda Pandjiris.
Camino de Sonoma-Stage 1
Spiritually significant.
Culturally compelling.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
Join us for a 12-mile guided hike (mostly flat) from Sonoma to Kenwood, the first stage of the Camino de Sonoma. This is a coed retreat opportunity to experience God's presence through nature, spend time in reflection and prayer, and enjoy fellowship with others from our NCC community.
Walking the Camino de Sonoma can be a challenging physical endeavor. It is also a rigorous undertaking that can inspire powerful meditative, contemplative, and reflective experiences. You can expect to move and be moved by witnessing the environment through historical, religious, and cultural lenses.
The pilgrimage is designed for rigorous walkers and hikers (more information on the registration form).
The cost is $50 per person + your lunch/snacks/water.
Registration deadline is April 30 at 5 pm.
Space is limited to 15 people.