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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Ellen as well as to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“I thank God for teaching me as a child that church was not merely an organization we join, or a place of worship that we go to when it is convenient. Church is the body of Christ.”
Dr. Stephen A. Gammon
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Upcoming Sermon Series
The Soul of the Sacraments and the Church
Next week, Pastor Harold is beginning a new sermon series titled, “The Soul of the Sacraments and the Church.” As Christians our souls are intimately connected to the Holy Spirit. Jesus made it very clear that he would ascend to heaven and leave with us this special sacred gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus also modeled for us the importance of the sacraments by his participation in Holy Baptism and establishing a new covenant through his body and blood. During this three-part series we will rediscover how the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us through these sacraments and His universal church. Come join us as we explore how all three shape and enrich our lives.
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Production Volunteers Needed
Are you eager to be part of a vibrant community and serve your church in a fresh and exciting capacity? Our production team at New Covenant is actively seeking new volunteers to contribute to the thriving online community we've built. Each week, we're joined by 1000 people worldwide, all made possible by the dedicated efforts of our production team. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join us.
To learn more and get involved, please reach out to Mat Napp, our Digital and Production Director. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!
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Youth Water Night
Friday, May 24 from 5 – 7 PM
We are kicking off the summer with our annual water day and cook out to celebrate school being over and all the exciting things coming this summer! Incoming fourth graders are invited to join and meet the youth group. Please sign-up using our Youth Activities Sign-Up to make sure we have plenty of food.
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A Community Day of Service
New Covenant recently hosted a “Community Day of Service” in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. This event allowed our community partners an opportunity to join with us in this effort to pack food for non-governmental organizations around the world. Joining us was Residing Hope Church Relations Director Brian Carr, and representatives from Habitat for Humanity, the Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast, Hope Florida, Sumter County Schools Families in Transition, Florida Department of Health and the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County, as well as our Gleaning Ministry, and other church volunteers.
As a result of this event, the volunteers packed 10,000 meals, which now brings our total number of meals packed since 2013 to 107,000. Each package provides six meals for a family. The meals will be delivered to organizations in Haiti to provide relief for the children and families during this difficult time in their lives.
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Do Good and Share
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)
Jesus loved us so much that he paid the ultimate price for us so that way we could have eternal life and be forgiven for our sins. Since Jesus gave us this incredible gift, we should be excited to generously give back to the Lord a small percent of all that he has done for us to invest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Tithing originally came from the Old Testament and the word itself literally means 10%. God wants us to give the first 10% of all our profits back to Him to bless.
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Legacy Giving
Less than two percent of people leave anything in their will or trust to their church.
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“The Power of Knowing God” by Dr. Tony Evans
New Class begins Sunday, May 18 at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3
Join the Spirited Singles Sunday Education Class as they begin a new study. Learn how God gives every Christian the tools for an active relationship with Him. Many don’t experience God's presence in their daily lives. In his book, Dr. Evans shares the only way to deeply know God is to make seeking Him your life’s greatest purpose. In “The Power of Knowing God,” he teaches how you can prioritize God over everything else – and how doing so will transform you from the inside out.
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Abba Art Spring Show
Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 in the Cardinal Alcove
Join us before or after worship services for the Abba Art Spring Show, where our faith community's talent shines through in stunning displays of acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, and graphite artworks. Inspired by our faith, we paint with God for creation, the Son for salvation, and the Spirit for inspiration, making this exhibition a profound experience of artistic and spiritual reflection. Don't miss this captivating fusion of art and worship!
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Bridging Gaps through Conversation
Tuesday, May 21 from 1 PM – 3:30 PM in the Fellowship Center
Please join us for our next Bridging Gaps Through Conversation. We will continue the discussion on race, religion, and politics with diverse groups of people from different backgrounds in our community. Each table has a facilitator that will pose questions to those in attendance. You will have an opportunity to dialogue with others who have the same views or a different perspective. It is also an opportunity to learn more about our neighbors through our similarities and differences.
Snacks and drinks will be served. At the end of the discussion, a table leader will facilitate feedback.
Registration is required. There is no cost for this event. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director of Missions & Outreach.
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New Member Class (May 2024)
Wednesday, May 22 from 1–3:30 PM in the Chapel
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 you 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.
Registration is required. There is no cost for this class.
For more information, please contact Ashley Hill.
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Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program
New Covenant’s Mentor Program annually has 35 - 45 Mentors working with Mentees from ninth to twelfth grade, primarily at Wildwood Middle High School.
New Mentors Needed
Our current Mentors “move up” with their Mentees each year, but due to how well-received the program continues to be, we have more students who are asking for Mentors. Each year, we recruit adults who have a heart for teenagers and a sincere desire to provide love, patience, guidance, and support over a period of five years as the Mentee journeys from ninth grade through graduation. The Mentor Program focuses on four foundational areas: physical, spiritual, behavioral, and academic/career needs.
If God is leading you to this special program please review the overview and submit your application to Olivia Collins, Student Minister.
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“God Is Like a Box of Crayons”
Fridays from 9:30 AM–12 PM in Classroom 3
Ladies, please join our weekly devotion/coloring group and engage in God’s Word while having fun. We would love for you learn to more about our group! We are continuing to meet throughout the summer months. Join us and bask in the Word of God before the weekend. If you have any questions, please contact Wanda Eavers or Pat Hill.
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“Love Your Neighbor Camp” — Walmart Registry
Sunday, June 2 – Friday, June 7
“Love Your Neighbor Camp” is an empowering at-home experience for students to be immersed in a dynamic program aimed at cultivating empathy, fostering community bonds, and igniting a passion for service.
We have an exciting opportunity for you to support the “Love Your Neighbor Camp” for our students — from the comfort of your home. We’ve set up a Walmart registry where you can easily purchase items that will directly benefit the “Love Your Neighbor Camp.” It’s very convenient to be involved – just click the button below, choose the items you’d like to contribute, and contact Olivia Collins when they should be picked up. Thank you for supporting our youth program!
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The Revealed Study Group
Thursdays, June 6–27 from 1-2:15 PM
“Faith In Action” is the theme of The Revealed Study Group’s next series of meetings. We will explore the book of James in the Bible to better understand how our actions show the depth of our faith in Jesus.
For more information, please contact Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred. If you’re interested in this study, we welcome new members to the group. We hope you can join us.
Registration is not required and there is no study guide, however, a Bible is needed for class.
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Backpacks 4 Kids present Celebrate America 2024
Sunday, June 30 at 3 PM in the Christian Life Center
Get ready for a spectacular explosion of music and patriotism at Celebrate America 2024! Dive into a sea of heart-stirring patriotic anthems, a vibrant assortment of Americana pop and folk tunes, and soaring marches. Hosted by Angie Rose and Sean Pollock, the stage will sparkle with the incredible talents of The Chancel Choir, guest soloists, and dynamic instrumentalists.
Admission is absolutely free with a suggested $20 donation at the door. Every dollar raised supports Backpacks 4 Kids in their mission to equip school children from Wildwood elementary through middle-high schools with essential supplies. Last year, your generosity helped raise over $20,000, benefiting 1,300 children in our growing community. Hosted by New Covenant, renowned for vibrant concerts that build futures, this event promises not only a feast for the ears but a boon for the heart. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of America’s spirit and community!
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Holy Land Trip 2025
Monday, March 31–Tuesday, April 9, 2025
Pastor Harold will lead another Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land next year. The tour will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Jacob’s Well, Samaria, Emmaus, Megiddo, Mount Carmel, Jericho, Qumran, Masada, and the Dead Sea.
Click the button below to read the full brochure. Brochures are also located at the “Welcome Center” in the East Narthex. To register, please visit the EO website.
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New Covenant Name Badges and ID Cards
One of the ways it is helpful to get to know people’s names is by wearing a name tag! Our pastors love to call people by their name during greeting and in communion time, so please make a point of wearing your name tag. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one online or visit the Computer Center after worship services.
Everywhere you go, you have an ID card — whether it is the gym, the grocery store, or a rec center. An important part of being hospitable is scanning your New Covenant ID card when you come in. This helps us know you are present at worship or at events. It is great when we get to learn names this way or know you have been here. In a large church, it can be easy to feel lost but this helps the pastors and staff know you. You can get an ID card on the weekends at the Computer Center or during the week at the Administration office. To order a name badge online, please use the link below.
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Warren Aguilar
Mollie Blackshear
Russell Eavers
Lydia Ann Fowler
Susan Hall Family
Ron Huisman
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Richard Kelly
Lisa Pearson
Barbara Pierce
Barbara Prindle
Deb Seyler
Diana Sweeting
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The prayer quilts on the altar are for... | |
Babs, who is suffering from extremely high blood pressure. | |
Kelle, who is going through chemo for pancreatic cancer. | |
Mia, a young girl with Down's Syndrome. | |
Peggy, who is suffering from sepsis due to a kidney stone procedure. | |
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...
Carol Baker, Karen Weber, Clif McCann, family and friends on the passing of their brother, Scott McCann.
Sue Hutchman, family and friends on the passing of her husband, John Hutchman.
Dawn Schwantz, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Robert “Rob” Schwantz.
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Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:
John & Rita Fleming in celebration of our 59th anniversary.
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.
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