Message in a Minute

Click the image above to hear from Pastor Ellen and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!

Spiritual Reflection

“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Sunday, August 11 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Get ready to be transported to the golden age of Broadway as we present “Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein.” This special concert will feature songs from timeless classics such as “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” and many more. This will be an evening of unforgettable melodies and enchanting performances. We are thrilled to have the renowned tenor Mark Steven Schmidt and the talented pianist Gary Powell gracing our stage. Their exceptional talent and passion for music will bring the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein to life, creating a night you won’t want to miss.

The admission is free, but we kindly suggest a $20 donation to benefit our Backpacks4Kids ministry. Our goal is to raise an additional $5,000 to ensure every child in our community has the supplies they need for the upcoming school year. Your generosity will make a significant impact, helping provide essential tools for children to succeed.

So, mark your calendars and join us for an extraordinary evening filled with music, joy, and community spirit. Together, we can make a difference and ensure every child is ready for the new school year.

Join the Chancel Choir for the Fall '24 Season!

Rehearsals Resume Wednesday, August 7 at 6 PM in Classrooms 8/9

Are you passionate about music and worship? Do you have a desire to lead others in praising God? If so, we invite you to join the Chancel Choir as we kick off our fall '24 season! Whether you're a seasoned singer or simply love to sing, there's a place for you in our choir family.

Rehearsals for the Chancel Choir resume in two weeks to practice and prepare for our Sunday services and special events. Your dedication and enthusiasm will help us create beautiful, uplifting music for our congregation. The Chancel Choir sings every Sunday throughout the year at both the 9 AM and 11 AM blended services. By joining the choir, you'll have the opportunity to lead God's people in worship, enhancing their spiritual experience with your voice and example. Our choir is committed to excellence, and your participation will make a significant impact.

In addition to our weekly services, the Chancel Choir presents annual Christmas concerts and other special concerts and services throughout the year. These events are highlights of our church calendar, bringing joy and inspiration to all who attend. As a choir member, you'll be part of these cherished traditions.

The Chancel Choir is more than just a group of singers; we are a passionate family dedicated to worship. We support and encourage each other, and our shared love for music and faith creates strong bonds among us. Joining the choir is not just about singing; it's about becoming part of a community that values worship and fellowship.

If you have any questions about our Chancel Choir, please contact Sean Pollock, Director, Worship & Events.

Summer Food Drive for Wildwood Food Pantry

The Wildwood Food Pantry received 2,800 pounds of nonperishable food from generous congregants of New Covenant! What a blessing during the summer months!

This joint partnership between New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, and Wildwood United Methodist Church has been in existence since 2005. With no paid employees and an abundance of selfless volunteers who contribute at least 5,000 hours of their time each year, the pantry is able to continue to serve food to insecure families in Sumter County.

Even though food drives are held three times a year (spring, summer and fall), the pantry has bins on the outside of the church and in both the East and West Narthexes for donations throughout the year. 

They are thankful to everyone for sharing their blessings with the food pantry and those they serve!

Staying Informed

The WeeklyWord email newsletter is the best way to stay informed about everything going on in the life of the church. If you’re reading this article, thank you for subscribing to the WeeklyWord!

In addition to the WeeklyWord, you can also check for the latest updates from New Covenant on the church website and on our Facebook Page.

For any questions about staying informed through the WeeklyWord, church website, or social media, please contact Bradley Collins, Creative Director.

Giving Provides for the Needs of Others

Honor the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

It can be easy to get caught up in our schedules, needs, and possessions, but giving reminds us to consider others needs.  As the family of God, we are called to care for one another, especially those less fortunate. Many times our concerns and troubles diminish when we shift our focus to serving others.

Legacy Giving

Remember New Covenant in your planned giving.

Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (August 3 & 4) before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry.

If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

Renovation Project

We invite you to check out the video recording of the Town Hall Meeting that was held on Tuesday, July 30 regarding the upcoming Renovation Project.

To watch the video, please click the button below. If you have any questions, please call the church office or contact Anne Foote Hill.

Community Bible Study

Mondays, August 26, 2024 – April 28, 2025, from 3 PM – 5 PM

The Villages Community Bible Study (CBS) will be offering a small group Bible Study for men and women. Both in-person and online options are available.

CBS is an interdenominational Bible study that brings people together around God’s word. We offer a 30-week, in-depth study through the five essentials of CBS: Individual Study, Encouraging Discussion, Effective Teaching, Insightful Commentary, and a Caring Community.

For 2024–2025 season, we will study the Gospel of Matthew. Small groups will meet at New Covenant. Workbooks will be available to pick up next Monday, August 5 from 10 AM – 12 PM in the West Narthex.

The registration fee is $35. Scholarships are available by request. Register on the CBS website. Space is limited for this class. For more information, please contact Susan Hayes.

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

September 17 from 7:30 AM – 4 PM

Please join us for a day trip to Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center in the Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine, Florida. The museum is housed in the former Excelsior School, the first public high school for black students in St. Johns County (1925 to 1968). Once the school was closed, the building housed government offices until the mid-1980s. A group of former students and community members worked to save the building from demolition. When the museum opened in 2005, it was known as the Excelsior Museum and Cultural Center. It was given its current name in 2012. 

We will meet at the church and take the church bus. We will stop for lunch and pay individually. ​The cost for admission to museum is $9 for military service members and those 60 and older. For all others, the cost of admission is $10.  Admission will be paid upon arrival at the museum. 

Registration is required and is limited to the first 23 people. If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

New Member Class (October 2024)

Wednesday, October 9 at 1 PM

Membership is about commitment to Christ through a local church.  Whether you are here full-time, or seasonally, we have a membership type that will fit your and your needs.  Church membership is your opportunity to hold each other in responsibility and love.  We hope you will consider being a member and become more engaged with your church community.

An Online New Member Class is available for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

Registration is required. If you’re interested in the Online New Member Class or need help with registration, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry

Our Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry continues to go strong! There are quilts on the prayer rails each weekend for all to pray over and tie a knot for the recipient. New Covenant is proud to offer these tangible ways to show love and concern for those in need of prayer support. To order a prayer quilt online, please use the link below.

Andrea Davidson

Georgeanna Dunn

Bob Hilton

Ray Pemberton

Jeremiah Priser

Simone Reinert

Returning School Students, and

School Administrators & Teachers

Showell Family

Gail Stewart

Lynda Tiesmeyer

Vicki Thompson

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Glen, who has been diagnosed with ALS.

Jacalyn, who is a caregiver and going to have surgery.

Nancy, who has been diagnosed with an immune disorder and is having spine pain and lost the use of her hands.

Torri and daughter, Wynnie, who was a premature baby and spent one year in a NICU.

Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people facing difficult situations. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...

DeeDee Rasmussen, family and friends on the passing of her mother, Peggy Connell Durden.

Altar Flowers

 

Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend. To place an order for altar flowers, please contact Ginny Davis using the button below.