Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

“Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.”

Charles Stanley

Celebrate America 2025: The American Journey

A Concert of Hope, Justice, and Song

Sunday, June 29 at 5 PM in the Christian Life Center

Backpacks4Kids presents a powerful musical celebration of our nation’s spirit and story. Hosted by Angie Rose and Sean Pollock, this moving event features The Chancel Choir and special guest soloist Russell Stephens, performing a dynamic blend of patriotic, gospel, Broadway, and Americana favorites.

A suggested donation ($20) at the door benefits Backpacks4Kids, providing school supplies and backpacks to help children in Wildwood schools thrive in their education.

Backpacks4Kids presents “Aspects of Love”

Sunday, June 22 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Love is never just one thing. It is sacred and sensual, fragile and fierce, playful, tragic, and transcendent. In this richly varied program, soprano Cynthia Fisher, soprano Deanna Peden, and tenor Mark Schmidt explore love in all its shifting shades — through the soaring melodies of opera, the wit of Broadway, and the lush lyricism of song. Sean Pollock will be at the piano, bringing color and nuance to every note.

From the spiritual ecstasy of Thaïs to the glittering irony of Candide, from the light-hearted joy of I Could Have Danced All Night to Puccini’s luminous La Canzone di Doretta and Verdi’s iconic La donna è mobile, each performer brings a distinct voice and emotional palette to the evening.

Whether you come for the purity of Caro Nome, the tenderness of Somewhere, or the triumphant swell of Nessun Dorma, you’ll find yourself moved by the many facets — the many aspects — of love.

A suggested donation ($20) at the door helps to support the vital work of our Backpacks4Kids Ministry, providing school supplies for children in our Wildwood community. Come be inspired — and help make a difference!

Voyages of Paul Cruise

October 24 – November 4, 2025

Rev. Harold Hendren will be leading an upcoming “Voyages 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 learn more and to register, please use the buttons below.

Cost: starting at $4,298

Name Badges

At New Covenant, we believe that fostering genuine connections is the heart of our community. One simple but powerful way we can all contribute to this welcoming spirit is by wearing our name badges. Name badges do much more than just display a name – they help create a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone fells recognized and valued. 

When you wear a name badge, it opens the door to friendly conversations and new friendships. Guests and longtime members alike feel more comfortable approaching someone when they can see a name. It breaks down barriers and makes it easier to connect on a personal level. Especially for our guests, a name badge can be a small but meaningful sign that says, “You belong here.”

Additionally, wearing a name badge helps our volunteers and staff identify one another easily, ensuring that we can offer assistance promptly and efficiently. This is particularly helpful during church services and special events.

We encourage every member and regular attendees to order and wear their name badge every time you’re on the church campus. It’s a simple way to show hospitality and build a stronger sense of community. If you don’t yet have a name badge, please use the button below.

Together, let’s continue to make New Covenant a place where everyone feels known, welcomed, and loved. A place to call home.

Godly Contentment in Christ

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(Philippians 4:11-13)

These verses speak to the hope and strength we find in Christ, no matter what our financial situation is.  When you find Godly contentment in Christ, you can have hope and strength knowing that He is in control and that He loves you. Having God’s strength on your side can give you that extra boost you need to move forward to help others.

Legacy Giving

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

Join us for Love Your Neighbor Days this Summer!

We are thrilled with the incredible response to our Love your Neighbor days so far! This summer , our youth group has been busy living out their faith by serving others in meaningful and joy-filled ways. Frome handing out food and sorting donations at the thrift sore at Lake Panasoffkee UMC, to performing for memory care residents at local facilities – each day has been packed with service, songs and a whole lot of silliness!

These experiences have not only made a difference in the lives of those we serve, but they’ve also helped our students grow as compassionate leaders and loving neighbors. We’re so proud of how our youth are stepping up to be the hands, feet and voice of Jesus in our community. 

And the best part? There’s still more to come!

Each Wednesday in June, we’re inviting middle schoolers and older to join us for our remaining Love Your Neighbor days. Whether your child, grandchild, or a visiting friend is here for a week or longer, we’d love for them to be a part of this fun and meaningful experience. 

Here’s what a typical Wednesday looks like

• Drop off at 7:30 AM at the church

• Departure at 8 AM to Lake Panasoffkee UMC for food distribution and help in the thrift store (9 AM – 12 PM)

• Lunch out together to share about the morning and build community.

• Afternoon visit to Banyan Tree Residential Community, where students will engage with residents through games and creative activities.

• Return to New Covenant for snacks and fun, with pickup at 4 PM.

These days are a perfect blend of service, fellowship and laughter – and a wonderful way for students to grow in faith while making a real impact.

Registration is required and students can sign up for as many Wednesdays as they wish. We would love to see new faces join our crew as we continue spreading kindness and love all summer long. 

Let’s make this a summer to remember – come be part of something special!

Blood Drive

Monday, June 30 from 12 PM – 6 PM in the West Parking Lot

New Covenant is hosting an upcoming Blood Drive with OneBlood.

Donors receive a $20 eGift card and a trucker hat. You will also have a wellness check, which includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

Fact: Only three percent of those who are eligible actually donate blood.

Appointments are encouraged!

Congratulations Nait!

Wildwood Middle High School New Mentors Needed

New Covenant’s Mentor Program annually has around 35 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.

Digital & Production Ministry Volunteers

Have you ever wanted to give back to your Church in a very tangible and impactful way? Then consider joining the Digital & Production Ministry!

Volunteers in the Digital & Production Ministry help make sure that Worship and other church events go smoothly. Whether it’s displaying graphics for the Message, or lyrics on the screen to help the congregation follow along during hymns, or operating a camera for our in-person and livestreamed worship services. Your help is greatly needed!

If you’ve ever used a computer before, or taken pictures or videos with your phone, then you can use our equipment. Seriously! Our knowledgeable staff will work with you to train you on the specifics. If you’d like, we can arrange to have you shadow one of our existing volunteers to see if this ministry is a good fit for you. No commitment required!

If you are even a little technologically inclined, we need you. This Church would not be as effective in its Worship services, concerts, and other events and ministries if it were not for the Digital & Production Ministry. Please consider joining.

For more information, contact Branden Paul, Technical Manager.

Summer Volunteers Needed at Bargains & Blessings

Bargains & Blessings Resale Shop volunteers are needed to help fill vacant spots during the summer months in all areas of the store (cashiers, sales floor, intake, Family Interface, etc.).

If you have a few hours and would like to serve with us, please contact Barb Holevinsky, Bargains & Blessings Assistant Manager of Administration, or stop by the store at 301 N. Main St. to complete an application.  

Holy Land Trip

April 13 – 22, 2026

Pastor Harold will be leading 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. 

For more information, please click the button below to read the full brochure. 

To learn more and to register, please use the buttons below.

Cost: starting at $4,298

Christian Counseling

New Covenant is blessed to host Christian counseling here on our campus. We have two fully-licensed Christian Counselors – one who meets entirely in person on the church campus, and one who meets exclusively online via the internet. Sometimes life is challenging, and counselors have a way of being able to see situations in a non-biased way and can help the individual maneuver through rough waters.

You do not need to be a member of New Covenant or part of this community of faith to be able to receive counseling services. Counseling fees are offered on a sliding scale based on the ability of the patient/client. For more information, please contact the counseling office at (352) 750-4529. 

Dottie Barron

Nichole Chin 

Angie Fournie

Julie Hilkeman

Ginger Hinkle

Tim Purkis

Miny Weaver

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

John, who has multiple cancers.

Julie, who is has a kidney infection in her only kidney.

Ralph, who is having respiratory issues.

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 Shuey, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Linda Louise Shuey.

Sallie Abraham, family and friends on the passing of her brother, Todd Alexander.

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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.