New Heights Christian Fellowship began as a dream. After much prayer, planning and seeking God’s direction, a small core group of people began meeting in April 1990. In July of that same year Pastor Kirby and Shirley Bertholf arrived as New Heights’ first pastor and wife. The group, which had been worshipping in area parks moved into the basement of the parsonage for their weekly services.
The church grew to a congregation of over 40 and quickly realized they would need to relocate if they were to continue to grow. On November 18, 1990 New Heights began meeting in Summerwind Elementary School. God continued to bless and the church continued to grow. Everyone realized that soon more space and a more permanent worship site would be necessary.
In 1992 a piece of property on the corner of Jullion Way and Ustick Road became available. Through God’s providence and the sacrifice of God’s people New Heights was able to purchase the property on which our church rests today.
Buildings are not erected overnight, however. New Heights discovered this as the next several months were devoted to prayer, planning and preparation for the construction of “Phase I.” Though the church voted to proceed with the first phase of the building project in July 1993, it wasn’t until June 1995 when ground was broken and the project begun.
Through the countless hours and sacrifice of dedicated saints the first phase of the church facility was completed. The congregation moved in to its new facility July 28, 1996 and the church was dedicated on June 29, 1997.
The story does not stop, however, as God has continued to bless the ministry of New Heights with growth and effectiveness.
Today we are poised and ready to forge ahead again with the good news that in our rapidly changing society God’s love never changes nor has His vision for New Heights to be a place of salvation, healing, restoration and destiny.
There is a place for you at New Heights. Though our history is brief, it is filled with God’s miraculous provision and blessing; we believe our best days are yet to come – “for such a time as this”.
Come and see what God is doing at New Heights and be our guest.
New Heights is also is a part of The River Conference of the Free Methodist Church of North America.