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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Ellen and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday at 4:30 PM & 7 PM
This Christmas Eve, join us for an unforgettable evening of worship, music, and reflection as we celebrate the birth of Christ together. Our annual Candlelight Service is a cherished tradition that offers a peaceful and joyous way to prepare your heart for Christmas. The service will feature the glorious sounds of the Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble, and talented soloists. Together, they will lead us in singing beloved Christmas carols such as “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” This vibrant musical celebration will uplift your spirit and remind you of the true joy of the season.
Celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth with traditional Gospel readings that bring the nativity story to life. Rev. Harold Hendren will deliver a heartfelt Christmas Eve message, sharing the hope and light of the Savior’s arrival and its significance for us today.
We encourage you to invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us for this special service. Whether it’s your first time attending or a beloved part of your family’s Christmas tradition, this night promises to be meaningful and memorable. Come, let us gather as a church family to worship, celebrate, and rejoice in the greatest gift of all—our Savior, Jesus Christ. We look forward to welcoming you!
Holy Communion from 5:30-6:30 PM
If you wish to spend time in solitude, prayer, and meditation, Communion will be available in the Chapel. You are welcome to drop in during this hour and be guided by a special Christmas Eve meditation.
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Communicating and Ministering to Persons Living with Dementia
Wednesday, December 11 from 1–3 PM in Classroom 11
Join us to learn ways to gain helpful ideas for approaching, communicating, redirecting, and offering Christian support to persons living with dementia. Led by Jackie Damron, our staff Social Worker, and Pastor Jeff Vermilya, who is currently leading our Fresh Expressions ministry in assisted living and memory care facilities in this area. There is no charge, and no registration is required.
If you plan to attend, please call the office or email Pastor Jeff to let us know.
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Upcoming Christmas Concerts
The Villages Flute Choir
Thursday, December 12 at 7 PM
Villages Flute Choir, under the direction of Linda Quinn, will present "A Musical Journey to the Holidays," performing classic tunes like "Morning Mood," "Vocalize," and "Sheep May Safely Graze." In addition, the group will delight all with holiday favorites including "The Nutcracker Short and Suite," "The Night Before Christmas," and "Jingle Bell Rock" as well as other festive tunes to get you in the mood for the season!
Village Ringers & Horns A'Plenty
Friday, December 13 at 7 PM
The Village Ringers, under the direction of Bonnie Fisher, along with Horns A'Plenty, directed by Don Brannon, are combining forces for a magical evening of Christmas music entitled " A Golden Christmas." Attendees will be moved by the sounds of multiple French horns playing in harmony and amazed by the beauty and skills of handbells as they ring in the joyous season!
Tickets for both concerts may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Fall Food Drive Thank You
Many thanks to New Covenant for the “over the top” response to the fall food drive. We collected between 5000-6000 pounds of food this fall. The incoming donations just keep getting better, and that is a relief because the Wildwood Food Pantry customer base has increased over the year. It is taking more and more donations to help fill the void. We are grateful for every can and every dollar received and this ministry that is supported by the church to serve our community. Thank you from the food pantry family!
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What Does God Give Us?
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth forever. (2 Corinthians 9:8-9)
These verses say that God makes grace abound so that we aren’t in need. This is not a financial principle. It is a contentment principle. When we give the right way, God grants us contentment to take care of any need we may have. God gives freely to us.
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Legacy Giving
Your legacy giving can be funded by making your church the beneficiary of an insurance policy.
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Greenery Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who placed an order with the Student Ministry Greenery Fundraiser. Greenery orders have arrived. Each item is labeled and alphabetized on the tables outside the Chapel. You may pick your order up anytime the church campus is open.
Additionally, we have extra greenery available for sale in a limited quantity. Centerpieces ($35), reindeer ($30), 1 swag ($45), small wreaths ($45), and large wreaths ($55). Contact Sharon Weimert in the Care office if interested.
Net proceeds from the Greenery Fundraiser which will support our Youth attending Rock the Universe in January.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (December 7 & 8) 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.
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The Colours of Christmas: The Carols of John Rutter
Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM
Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM
Join us for an enchanting holiday concert celebrating the warmth and wonder of Christmas with the beloved carols of John Rutter! This year’s concert, The “Colours of Christmas,” features the powerful voices of The Chancel Choir, the harmonious tones of the Praise Ringers, and the rich sounds of a full orchestra, all under the masterful direction of conductor Sean Pollock.
Special performances by mezzo-soprano Angie Rose and tenor Mark Steven Schmidt will bring Rutter’s cherished carols to life, while Mark Kirschenbaum graces the stage to narrate Rutter’s whimsical fable, Brother Heinrich’s Christmas.
Tickets are free, but suggested donations are welcome. You are required to reserve your seat, and a limited number of “Friends of Music” tickets are available to purchase to support the concert series.
Please remember to have your TIX username and password if you would like assistance purchasing Christmas tickets at the Computer Center after worship services. Thank you!
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Staff Love Offering
As Christmas approaches, we think of those who are special to us. The Staff-Parish Relations Team invites you to remember our church staff, who is committed to meeting the needs of our congregation and does so with grace and a servant attitude. All gifts received will be distributed equally among all regular employees. Checks may be made payable to NCUMC with “Staff Gift” indicated on the memo line. If you choose to participate, all donations must be in by Monday, December 9.
Thank you,
Bob Wotring, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Team
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Women's Monthly Gathering December 2024
Thursday, December 12 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)
Join our guest moderator, Lynn VanVeelen, as she takes us on a Christmas journey. The birth of Jesus initiated many journeys; Mary and Joseph’s, the Wisemen — and OUR journey as well. At our Christmas program, we’ll discover how our journey began with the birth of Christ and knits us together with grace and hope knowing Immanuel – GOD IS WITH US.
Menu: Mustard and Herb Crusted Pork Roast, Pan Gravy, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Boston Cream Pie
Registration is required ($10). If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill, Small Groups Coordinator.
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Solo Sisters in Spirit (December 2024)
Thursday, December 12 from 3 PM–5 PM
Please join us for our Christmas gathering in the East Narthex. Because of various reasons, we are changing to hot and cold appetizers during our December SSIS get together. We will be filling Christmas Gift bags for our First Responders, and we are planning a visit from some of the first responders. Following we have some time for Christmas carols.
It is IMPERATIVE that you register so we have enough food for everyone. If you know someone who would like to come, please ask her to register as well. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert or Pat Hill. We are looking forward to seeing you for our Merry Christmas get-together!
Registration is required ($5).
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A Quiet Christmas
Thursday, December 19 at 7 PM
Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel invite you back once again for their combined concert experience: “A Quiet Christmas.” Quiet your heart and warm your spirit with an evening of your favorite Christmas melodies, intimately and beautifully performed with captivating visuals. Best friends and Villages favorites Angie Rose (piano/vocals) and Ryan Loeckel (violin/vocals) combine their talents for this exclusive annual performance! During such a busy season, take some time to reflect and relax with A Quiet Christmas.
Tickets are available online for reserved seating ($25-$35).
Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
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Parking Lot Greeters Needed
As part of our First Impressions Ministry, we’re excited to introduce a new opportunity, Parking Lot Greeters.
Parking lot greeters are the first faces that churchgoers and guests encounter when they arrive. For newcomers, this initial contact sets the tone for their experience with us. Greeters will assist with directions, help people find parking, and answer questions, like which door to enter.
The impact of this role goes beyond simple logistics — it’s about making everyone feel welcome and valued even before they step inside. Every interaction has the potential to make someone’s day a little brighter and let them know they’re seen and cared for.
If you’re interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming environment from the moment people arrive.
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Fresh Expressions Volunteers Needed
Fresh Expressions is an international movement within our United Methodist family, serving by cultivating new Christian communities with new people, in new places, and in new ways.
At New Covenant, we have been carrying out this mission under the direction of Pastor Donna Hendren and 25 volunteers reaching out to a variety of independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities throughout the Villages. We are currently ministering in 17 facilities, and may be able to add more in the coming months. We lead devotionals and provide individual prayer and support for residents in many settings. We truly would love to have more of our congregants involved in this ministry.
As of now, our schedule include times on Saturday morning at 11 AM and afternoons at 4 PM, Sunday mornings at 11 AM and Sunday afternoons at 2 PM, and 10 different times throughout the entire day on Tuesdays from 9 AM until 2 PM. Some weeks we minister to as many as 300 people. We feel so blessed to provide this ministry to these folks; it is truly a joy to participate in Fresh Expressions.
If you would be willing to volunteer, or even if you want more information, please contact Pastor Jeff Vermilya who is currently coordinating this ministry by emailing him below, or calling him directly at (770) 595-5193.
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Helping Hands Volunteers Needed
Can you lend a Helping Hand? Additional volunteers are needed immediately to work with current volunteers on the New Covenant home build. Our Helping Hands Ministry is partnering with Habitat for Humanity in order to provide a home for a family within our community.
No specific skills are needed, and other experienced volunteers will be on-site to provide instruction. Volunteers paint, landscape, lay sod, cut lumber, install doors and flooring, etc. Volunteer workdays will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:45 AM to 12 PM.
If you are interested or know of others who might be, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.
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Night to Shine Amazon & Walmart Registries
We're excited as we prepare for Night to Shine 2025, and we need your help to make it unforgettable for our honored guests! Here’s how you can get involved.
Purchase from Our Registries
We’ve created registries with needed items at Walmart and Amazon. Your purchases directly contribute to the event's success. Thank you for your generosity and support in creating a magical night for our guests. Your contributions make a world of difference!
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Journeys of Paul Cruise Tour
October 24 – November 4, 2025
Pastor Harold will lead another “Journeys of Paul” Cruise Tour. The pilgrimage will be highlighting the key locations where the Apostle Paul launched many of his first century churches such as Corinth and Thessaloniki. The trip also includes time in Santorini and Mykonos, as well as Athens, one of the most historic cities in the world. To register, please use the button below and follow the instructions on the webpage. You may download a brochure for more information. Brochures are also available in the church office and at the Welcome Center.
Pastor Harold will hold an information meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 9 AM in the Chapel.
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MOAMI 2025 Class
Thursdays, January 16 – March 27, 2025 from 1 PM – 4 PM
MOAMI (Moving on: Always Master Inspired) is a 11-week, faith based program open to all women looking for joy and purpose in the second half of their lives. MAOMI uses biblical principles to help each woman strengthen her relationship with God, develop supportive friendships with other women, learn strategies to successfully move through changes, discover her unique gifts, explore her purpose, and have fun with like-minded women.
The first class (January 16) is a Kickoff from 11 AM – 4 PM and the last class (March 27) is a Celebration from 11 AM – 4 PM (all other classes are from 1 – 4 PM). If you have any questions, please contact Barb Dougal, MOAMI Coordinator.
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We “Care”
Recently we have had several hospitalizations or procedures that we found out about after the event. Our Care department truly wants to care for our congregants and extended community, but we cannot do that without your help! Please contact the church if you or someone in your household is having a procedure, surgery, or hospitalization. We would also appreciate you having a good friend or neighbor designated if you encounter an emergency.
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Carol Bronson
Ramon Chavez
Pam Fultz
Susan Gill
Bonnie Haney
Norma Harding
Melinda Hohncke
Brook Leslie
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Rosemary & Jerry Leyland
Chris Paul
Walter Pytell
Ron Rowold
Nancy Seiler
Becky Townley
Scott Werner
Ed & Cindy Work
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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. | |
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Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...
Sally Windsor, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Gilbert “Gil” Windsor.
Martha Buck, family and friends on the passing of her sister, Janet Deaton.
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For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below. | |
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Our Altar Flowers have been provided by…
Jean Stabler celebrating the birthdays of her daughter, friend, and mother.
Nancy Nelson in honor of Bob’s birthday.
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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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