Spiritual Reflection

 “The true church is not a building, but a body of believers united in faith and love. It's a community of people who come together to worship, pray, and serve.”

Shaila Touchton

Making Room for What Comes Next

Saturday, May 30 at 5 PM

Twenty-five years ago, New Covenant began with a vision of becoming “A Place to Call Home.” This year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we give thanks for the people, prayers, music, worship services, and faithfulness that have shaped this church into the community it is today.

But anniversaries are not only about remembering. They are also about asking what God is preparing us for next.

Our Saturday Evening Contemporary Worship will officially begin worshiping in the newly renovated Fellowship Center next Saturday. This move is more than a change of rooms. It is a step toward creating a worship environment that is warm, welcoming, reverent, and ready to help us reach new people in new ways.

This transition has taken time because we wanted to get it right. Earlier plans were paused after members shared the desire for more visible worship elements in the space. That feedback mattered. Since then, the Fellowship Center has been carefully shaped with symbols and furnishings that help it feel not only modern, but sacred.

At the center of the room is a newly created copper cross, artistically designed and recreated from the chancel cross of the original New Covenant Sanctuary by Bruce and Nancy Merrill, in collaboration with Sean Pollock. New kneeling prayer rails, hand-crafted by Bob Ferioli, along with a communion table and other paraments, now help anchor the room in prayer, sacrament, and Christian worship.

At the same time, the Fellowship Center offers tools that will strengthen contemporary worship: a state-of-the-art sound system, a video wall, and a more intimate layout for our Saturday evening congregation. The result is a space that brings together the best of both worlds — the warmth and reverence of our tradition with the energy and accessibility of modern worship.

Our first service in the Fellowship Center will begin with a brief time of reconsecration for worship, giving thanks for this space and dedicating it again to the worship of God and the ministry of Christ’s Church.



As we look ahead, our hope is simple: that this room will help us welcome more people into worship, into community, and into this place we call home.

All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship before worship begins.

The Importance of Prayer

Praying Together — Wednesdays at 2:45 PM in Classroom 14

Prayer is an important component of the life of faith. We are blessed at New Covenant to have a faithful group of persons who meet weekly to pray over each and every concern shared through our prayer requests. You can submit a prayer concern either by calling us, completing an online form, or filling out a prayer request card found throughout our church. They are located at each entryway to the Christian Life Center and at the Welcome Center. 

You are invited to join our prayer group at any time or you can pray for the names as listed each week in the WeeklyWord email. Thank you for joining in to make this a house of prayer!

Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: Why They Matter in the Life of the Church

Have you ever wondered how you uniquely fit into the life of the church? Maybe you’ve looked around and thought, “I’m not a teacher…I can’t sing…I’m not sure what I have to offer,” The truth is this: God has already placed something meaningful within you.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to everyone for the purpose of serving others and building up the church. They aren’t about talent, status, or recognition – they’re about impact. 

These gifts can take many forms. Some are more visible, like teaching, leadership, or music. Others happen quietly behind the scenes – hospitality, care, administration, or prayer. All are equally valuable, and all are needed.

Why It’s Important to Discover Your Gifts

• You find purpose. Serving becomes less about filling a role and more about living out how God designed you.
• You serve with joy, not obligation. When you’re operating using your gifts, it feels natural.
• The church becomes stronger. Just like a body needs every part to function well, the church thrives when each person contributes their unique gifts.

Why It Matters for the Church

A healthy church isn’t built on a few people doing everything – it’s built on everyone doing something. When each person steps into their God-given role, the church becomes more vibrant, more connected, and more effective in reaching others. 

How Do You Discover Your Gifts?

• Pay attention to what brings you joy and fulfillment when serving.
• Notice where others affirm your impact.
• Try different opportunities and see what fits.
• Take a spiritual gifts inventory. 

You Have a Place Here

You are not here by accident. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, consider this your invitation to step in, explore, and discover how God wants to use you.  To take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, please click the button below.

Staying Connected This Summer Through Our Digital Ministry



We recognize that summer is a time when many New Covenant congregants are traveling, spending time up north, or otherwise located away from the church campus!

Whenever you’re away from The Villages during the weekend, we invite you to join us for worship on the church website, YouTube channel, or Facebook Page. We especially enjoy interacting with you in the Comments sections on these platforms.

Wherever your plans take you this summer, we hope that you will continue to be a part of the life of the church, whether online or in person.

Tax-Free Giving from Your IRA

For those who are 70½ and older, the IRS code has a provision that allows a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to the church from your IRA without having to pay income taxes that would otherwise be due on the distribution.

If you have already started taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMD), the news even gets better. The donation from your IRA to the church counts as part of your annual RMD.

If you are interested, first discuss it with your financial advisor, then contact Linda Stubits, for the information you will need to make the donation.

Financial Highlights 

January – April 2026

Stewardship is a key component of our Chrisitan faith. Your tithes and offerings to New Covenant support missions, fund quality worship, enhance discipleship, and offer care to those in need. Our Finance team thanks you for your generosity and your commitment to New Covenant’s vision of being the “hands, feet, and voice” of Christ. In order to keep you informed on the finances of New Covenant, the finance team provides you with these financial numbers monthly. We hope this information is helpful to you as we track our financial status throughout the year. Thank you again for all your support and faithfulness. 

Legacy Giving

You can adjust your legacy giving plans anytime.

If you would like to know more about Legacy Giving, please contact Linda Stubits. Thank you for considering our Legacy Giving Ministry.

New Covenant Holiday Hours

The Church, Administration Office, and Bargains & Blessings will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

The Church and Administration Office will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 at 9 AM.

Bargains & Blessings will reopen on Tuesday, May 26 at 9:30 AM.

Welcome!

Join us in welcoming two new staff members to New Covenant!

Zara O’Trimble joins us fulltime as a Technical Specialist in our Worship & Events ministry, reporting to Branden Paul, Technical Manager. Zara comes with much experience in church technology and with the UMC!

Dan Eimer joins us as a fulltime driver for our Bargains & Blessings ministry, reporting to Chris Jackson, Assistant Store Manager. Dan is a veteran with an expertise in logistics.

We are delighted to welcome both Zara and Dan to our team! 

Annual Conference Workshops

Wednesday, June 3 at Florida Southern College

The Florida Conference is offering workshops for church leaders prior to the start of Annual Conference. You're invited for a full day of leadership development featuring eight, 90-minute workshops co-led by FSC faculty and United Methodist leaders, designed to equip clergy and laity for stronger local church ministry. 

• $30 per workshop
• Register for 3+ workshops for an additional $5 discount

Deadline to register is June 1. When registering, please use coupon code 3AC2026.

“Jesus is Lord” — A Study with Pastor Ellen

Tuesdays, starting June 9 (for six weeks), from 9 AM – 10 AM

The weekend of June 6 & 7, Pastor Harold will begin a brand-new sermon series based on Bishop Tom Berlin’s new book, Jesus is Lord.

While Pastor Harold focuses on this book for his sermon series during the four weekends in June, you are also invited to join Pastor Ellen for a six-week, video-based study based on Jesus is Lord.

Registration is required. The book is available through Amazon.

In addition, if you are part of a small group, your small group is invited to participate in this study. For information about how your small group can participate, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

The Chosen Season 3

Wednesdays through June 10 from 2 PM – 4 PM in the Chapel

The next season of The Chosen will run for 8 weeks – one episode per week. Each session starts in the Chapel where we watch the episode together and then continues in breakout sessions where we discuss the messages we glean from the program. Each episode stands alone, so feel free to drop in and join us as you are able. 

Season 3 of “The Chosen” explores transformative encounters with Jesus, focusing on themes of forgiveness, faith, and community, while following the disciples’ growth and challenges. The third season portrays the increasing popularity of Jesus, which troubled different societal and political groups, including the Romans and the Pharisees. Following the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sends His Twelve Apostles, two by two, to preach and perform miracles, leading to the disciples facing their greatest challenge. Jesus then returns to His hometown, Nazareth, which results in a shift to the ministry in the year of His popularity. After multiple miraculous occurrences, the season closes at the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus feeds thousands with loaves and fish and then walks on the water.

If you have any questions, please contact Randy Cooke, Teaching Pastor.

Wildwood Middle High School New Mentors Needed

New Covenant’s Mentor Program annually has around 40 Mentors working with Mentees from ninth to twelfth grade, primarily at Wildwood Middle High School.

Our current Mentors “move up” with their Mentees each year, but because of how popular 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 four 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 and you would like more information, please use the button below to contact Anne Foote Hill, Director of Administration.

CDL Drivers Needed

If you have an active Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or are interested in obtaining one, we need you! New Covenant has a bus that can be used for short day trips including gleaning, historical tours, and other activities, but a CDL and passenger endorsement are required to drive it. Our active list of available drivers has changed, and we are interested in your ability to serve by using your CDL!

For more information, please contact Anne Foote Hill, Director, Administration.

Production Volunteers

The Production Team helps make worship happen each week in ways most people never see, but everyone benefits from. From sound and livestream to lyrics, cameras, lighting, and presentation support, this team helps create a smooth and welcoming worship experience for both the people in the room and those joining online.

Please consider volunteering for this important ministry. No experience is required, just a willingness to learn, pay attention, and serve as part of a team. Training is provided. If you are interested in learning more about serving with Production, please contact Branden Paul, Technical Manager.

Upcoming Holy Land Tours and Journeys of Paul Tour

Pastor Harold will lead two trips to the Holy Land: the first one is scheduled for this fall (October 5 – 14, 2026) and another for next spring (March 8 – 17, 2027).

In addition, Pastor Harold will be leading a cruise tour that follows in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. The cruise (October 6 – 17, 2027) will take us to towns where Paul had established churches such as Philippi, Thessaloniki, Corinth, Athens, and Ephesus. There also will be stops in Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini, Greece. 

If you are interested in knowing more about these tours, you can pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center in the East Narthex, download the information from the New Covenant website, or use the links below.

In the fall, Pastor Harold will hold information meetings to talk more about these trips, answer questions and share more details.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

Praying Together meets at 2:45 PM in Classroom 14

Every Wednesday a small but faithful group come to pray over the requests and needs of the congregation. The written prayer cards and the online submitted prayer requests are prayed for by this team. If you would like to join this group, all are welcome! You do not need to be a member of New Covenant, or you don’t have to pray flowery, elaborate prayers, but just come with a spirit of humility and reverence as you bring these needs to God. Please use the link below to submit an online request.

Prayer Quilts

Carolyn, who has cancer.

Jamie, who had a heart attack.

Jessica, who has cancer.

Shane, who has cancer.

We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please click on the quilt to be taken to our Facebook Page, where you can "Like" the post to virtually tie a knot. Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church and throughout our community who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people experiencing life-changing challenges. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

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

Carl and Lauri Pearson, family and friends on the passing of Carl's brother, Edward “Eddie” Pearson.

Melissa Futrell, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Steven “Steve” Futrell.

The family and friends of Henrietta Catherine Doss on her passing.

Our Chancel Flowers have been provided by:

Bob & Doris Becker celebrating their 65^th wedding anniversary on May 28.

To place an order for Chancel flowers, please use the button below. For any questions about Chancel flowers, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator. Flower orders must be received by noon on Monday for flowers to be delivered that weekend.

Rev. Harold Hendren, Senior Pastor

Rev. Ellen Pollock, Associate Pastor