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

“Stay the course. When thwarted, try again: harder, smarter. Persevere relentlessly.”

John Wooden

Gleaning Ministry

New Covenant’s Gleaners provide a valuable food source for food pantries and soup kitchens in our local communities in partnership with SoSa, the Society of Saint Andrew. They are a nationwide, faith-based, ecumenical, nonprofit ministry operating a variety of programs to fight hunger in America. The Gleaning Ministry travels to the fields or groves on the church bus from early October to late May picking sweet corn, strawberries, cabbage, potatoes, etc. Last year 26,892 pounds of food was shared with 17 food pantries and soup kitchens in Marion, Lake, and Sumter Counties.

Gleaning refers to the practice in ancient Israel that allowed the poor, foreign residents, widows, and orphans to follow behind harvesters and collect leftover produce from the fields, vineyards, or orchards.

To hear a testimony of our ministry, please click the button below. If you are interested in volunteering with the Gleaning Ministry, please contact Leon Schein, Ministry Chair. 

Perfectly Flawed: 

God Transfers Our Weaknesses into Strengths

Monday evenings beginning September 29 from 6 – 7:30 PM

Tuesday mornings beginning September 30 from 10 AM – 12 PM

Do you ever feel like your imperfections define you? You’re not alone – and you’re not without hope. “Perfectly Flawed” is a powerful seven-week Bible study that explores how God meets us in our brokenness and transforms our flaws into faith-filled purpose.

All women are invited to join us for a welcoming and grace-filled journey to see how the life of Peter is an invitation to embrace imperfection, find strength in the relentless grace of God, and discover how each one of us is perfectly flawed but still deeply loved by God.

Two day/time options available – choose the one that fits your schedule. If you have any questions, contact Facilitator, Dana Osmanski.

Christmas Wish Tree

Please join us in providing holiday cheer for children supported by our Mentor Program, Kids Central, Inc., Shepherd’s Lighthouse, and the Refuge at Jumper Creek by selecting a tag from one of the Christmas trees in the East or West Narthex. A sign-up sheet is provided to ensure that we can keep track of the tags and gifts.

You can participate in this giving opportunity by:

Purchasing the items listed on the gift tag, or sending a check made out to New Covenant United Methodist Church with Christmas Wish Tree on the subject line. Please return all gifts by Friday, October 31.

Below is a brief description of the work of each ministry/organization:

Kids Central, Inc. — Kids Central’s Prevention Program provides support services to children and families in Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties to promote well-being, safety, and health. These families are also referred to other community organizations and resources to strengthen the family unit and build strong neighborhoods. 

Shepherd’s Lighthouse — Shepherd’s Lighthouse provides temporary, transitional housing for homeless, single teenage mothers and their children.  

The Refuge at Jumper Creek — The Refuge at Jumper Creek provides transitional housing and helps homeless families improve the quality of their lives through support and educational development.

Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program — A partnership between New Covenant and students at Wildwood Middle High School that provides mentoring for 40 students, and focuses on the physical, spiritual, academic/career, and behavioral well-being of each student.  

“The Chosen” Bible Study

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 PM

Pastor Harold’s sermon series on “The People Jesus Chose” has highlighted scenes from the series, “The Chosen.” The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. Due to the interest generated in this series, we are planning to show episodes of The Chosen one night a week at the church. We will introduce you to the episode for the evening, show the episode in its entirety, then provide a set of discussion questions for small group participation.

Please note the specific dates for each session:

So that we have an idea of how many people will be here, please contact Pat Hill, Coordinator, Care-Discipleship. Registration is not required.

Stewardship

Stewardship of our time is usually not the first thing we think of when we hear the word “Stewardship.” Time, we set aside and sit in the presence of our Lord is far more than just time well spent.

In addition to spending time with God, Moses instructs us with, “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you,” (Deuteronomy 16:17). Our Lord has provided us with abundant streams of living water so that we have the ability and time to help others by using our God given talents wisely—being good stewards of our time.

Legacy Giving

We can support ministries and missions that are particularly important to us with transformative gifts.

Annual Church Conference

Tuesday, September 23 at 5 PM in the Christian Life Center

Please join us for New Covenant’s Annual Church Conference. Members have the opportunity to vote on the 2026 Leadership Team, Clergies’ compensation, and removal of church members after a two-year absence. All are invited to attend.

Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

Next weekend is the last weekend to drop off your shoebox before worship service. The deadline is Tuesday, September 30.

You can help us with our goal during this giving season in one of two ways:

• Pick up one or more shoeboxes at the East or West Narthex (an instructional brochure will be included) and return your box filled with items and a check for $10 to help with shipping and processing.

• Send a check for $25 to fill a box. Please make your check out to New Covenant United Methodist Church with Operation Christmas Child on the information line. 

Terrific Tuesday (October 2025)

“Walking with the Wesleys”

Tuesday, October 7 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Join us as we celebrate our first Terrific Tuesday program in our newly renovated Fellowship Center. Pastor Harold will begin a new program series titled, “Walking with the Wesleys.” We will learn about the Wesley family heritage and how their early roots helped shape their Christian faith and the early Methodist Church. We also will explore our Wesleyan theology based on grace and how Christ’s grace has shaped the formation of our church. 

Doors open at 4:45 PM and the program begins at 5:45 PM.

Menu: Shephard's Pot Roast Pie, Mashed Potato Topping, Buttered Green Beans, and dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($14). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Blessed to Be a Blessing

The first weekend in October, Pastor Harold will begin a new sermon series called, “Blessed to Be a Blessing.” This three-week sermon series will bring us some exciting activities, so be sure to save the date: Saturday, October 18 from 9 AM –12 PM for a fun community event!

Keep reading your WeeklyWord, more details will be available soon.

Fresh Expressions Volunteer Opportunities

New Covenant is pleased to offer a Fresh Expression of ministry by providing a mini worship service for residents in many of the living facilities in The Villages and surrounding areas.

If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, being a part of this ministry may be a good fit for you. All volunteers for this Fresh Expression ministry undergo training in protecting vulnerable adults as well as a background check.

To learn more about getting involved, please contact Pastor Donna Hendren.

Prayer Cards

Prayer is an important part of life; it is our opportunity to communicate with God – individually or corporately. We have several ways you can add to your prayer life. One is the guided prayer cards that you can find in the East and West Narthex. They are also available in the Prayer Room (also located in the West Narthex).

Prayer request cards are another way you can share your concerns with the community of faith. We have prayer request cards all over the campus but you can also submit a prayer concern online.

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Art, who is suffering with several health concerns and pain.

Bill, who is suffering with cancer and heart problems.

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...

Diana Hohman, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Howard Hohman. 

The family and friends of Jean Hollowell on her passing.

The family and friends of Martha Nuckols on her passing.

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 online, please use the button below.