Newberry Community Church began as a Sunday school started in the early 1950’s under the oversight of American Sunday School Union (later called American Missionary Fellowship, now called InFaith). The church incorporated in April, 1955, with a continuing informal relationship with American Sunday School Union (now InFaith).

The church has been served by a series of five pastors from April, 1955, to January, 1984. The most recent (now retired) pastor, Vaughn Ulm, served from March, 1985, through February, 2018. Our present interim pastor, Rich Nazarenus, served as interim pastor from April, 1984, through February, 1985; and served as associate pastor from March, 1985, to February 2018 when he took on the added responsibility of interim pastor. (He is anticipating retirement in the next few years, not scheduled yet). In February of 2019 the church voted to hire our intern, Owen Burch, as an associate pastor. He serves part time working with youth and music ministries.

The present “deacons” (functionally elders) have served faithfully—two since at least 1996, the third since 2004 and a fourth was elected in 2018. The church board currently has 17 members, including (in addition to the pastors and deacons) seven trustees, a Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, clerk, and the local InFaith missionary (who is also a member of our church).

The present church ministry includes Sunday school classes for all ages, Sunday morning worship service, two women’s Bible studies, several men’s Bible studies, AWANA Clubs (Cubbies, Sparks, and TnTs), junior high and senior high youth groups, young adult ministry, couples ministry. For quite a few years, we have had more informal Sunday evening services the first two Sunday evenings, with an even more informal family fellowship (with food) and smaller home fellowships the other two evenings. When there is a fifth Sunday we gather together for a “singspiration”; a time of singing, special music and testimonies. Our approach to music could be called “blended”—everything from grand hymns and Gospel songs through moderate contemporary—accompanied by piano, synthesizer, and often guitar. The church choir typically sings weekly during the school year.

Typical present Sunday morning attendance: 80-100. Current membership: 52 (14 have been members for more than 30 years; 9 have been members for 21-30 years; 15 have been members for 11-20 years; 15 have been
members for 10 years or less—with 9 new in the past 5 years). Attendance and membership have fluctuated somewhat over the years, mainly in relation to community demographics, employment opportunities, and, more
recently, declining water supply in the surrounding Silver Valley.

The congregation reflects demographics of the community, with a solid group of middle age and senior adults. A couple of years ago, we were concerned about a diminishing number of young families and their children. God has answered prayer in the past year; we have seen a solid increase in this area. Various occupations are represented, including pistachio grower, plumber/hardware/feed, electrician/contractor/pivot irrigation, dairy, alfalfa grower, military base workers, education/administration/coaching, well drilling, Christian camp staff, InFaith missionaries, mining, railroad, retail, postal workers, handyman, and wildlife protection. Several of our families come from Barstow to worship and serve with us.

Other churches in the area: Newberry Springs Assembly of God, Faith Baptist of Cherokee Road (at Ironwood), others in Barstow (about 20 miles) and Yermo (about 15 miles). Ironwood is a local year-round, independent,
Fundamental, Christian camp and retreat center for all ages, with a faithful ministry for over 40 years.