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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Maya Angelou
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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!
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Love Your Neighbor Days
Wednesdays — June 11, June 18, June 25
Each Wednesday in June, we will have a “Love Your Neighbor Day” for middle schoolers and older. Students should be dropped off at 7:30 AM and drivers will depart at 8 AM. They will participate in food distribution to the neighbors of Lake Panasoffkee UMC. Lake Pan distributes food from 9 AM to noon. After helping at Lake Panasoffkee, the group will have lunch at a nearby restaurant to share about their morning.
After lunch, they will head to Banyan Tree Residential community near the New Covenant church campus on CR101. The students will interact with the residents by playing games and other fun activities. After Banyan Tree, the students will return to New Covenant for snacks and fun until picked up by their parents at 4 PM.
We are so excited about this wonderful opportunity to help our neighbors! Registration is required. Students may register for one day, two days, or all days.
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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.
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Television Ministry
We continue to be grateful for the New Covenant Television Ministry.
Each Sunday at 9:30 AM, Pastor Harold's messages are broadcast on the Villages News Network (VNN).
VNN is accessible to anyone in The Villages with a Comcast (Xfinity) connection on Channel 2 or Centric Fiber on Channel 70.
Consider keeping our Television Ministry in mind as an option to experience Pastor Harold's practical and relevant messages from the comfort of your home and as one of the many ways to invite your friends and neighbors to experience New Covenant United Methodist Church, A Place To Call Home.
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Why You Give
As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:13 NLT)
The blessings that God gives us cultivates a heart of thankfulness. This thankfulness gives glory to God. Ultimately, our giving becomes an act of confessing the gospel of Christ. This is huge! Our correct motivation for giving preaches the gospel! We give because God has given to us!! This is what makes the church different than a charity. We give for the sake of the gospel. When you put your offering in the plate, if your motivation is anything else other than gratitude and thankfulness for God’s salvation, then you don’t need to give. If you are giving for any other end than to see the church make disciples of all nations, then you don’t need to give.
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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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Catching the Flame of the Heavenly Dove – Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit descended like tongues of fire upon the disciples, igniting the birth of the Church. It is often called the Church’s birthday—a day when fear gave way to boldness, when a small, unsure group became a Spirit-empowered movement for Christ.
In the Gospels, the Holy Spirit is revealed not only as fire, but also as a dove—the same form in which the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism. The dove symbolizes peace, purity, and the abiding presence of God. This Pentecost, we remember that the Heavenly Dove still descends, not just once in history, but again and again, as God pours out the Spirit upon us today.
Our Christian Life Center will be adorned with 1,400 origami doves, appearing to fly forth from the stained glass image of Pentecost flames. This powerful visual reminds us that the Spirit moves through us—transforming us from within and sending us out to be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.
As our choir sings “Come, Heavenly Dove”, we open our hearts to that same Spirit, asking God to set us ablaze with love, justice, compassion, and bold witness. Following worship, each person is invited to take a small origami dove home—as a symbol of prayer, remembrance, and a reminder of our calling.
Let us catch the flame of the Heavenly Dove—and carry it with us into the world.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend
Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (June 7 and 8) before worship services. If you are willing to work each month during the summer until the seasonals return, please contact Charles Stuart. Recently, the donations have been extremely heavy so three people are needed to work between the services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry.
Please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up or volunteer opportunities.
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Solo Sisters in Spirit
Thursday, June 12 from 4 – 6 PM in Classroom 6 & 7
Our guest speaker will be Kari Walker from The Villages Health presenting Stress Management Techniques. She will help us to learn how to reduce our anxiety.
We will not meet in July or August. Our next group will meet on Thursday, September 11 from 4 – 6 PM.
There is no cost for this session, but registration is requested so we have enough chairs for everyone. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Stephen Ministry
Sometimes we all need an impartial listening ear to share our thoughts and feelings with, and maybe that person is a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are trained with over 50 hours of classroom training to be able to walk alongside you during various life challenges. Stephen Ministers are one-on-one, confidential partners to pray with you, to listen to you, and to offer encouragement and care. If you or someone you know needs this type of support, please contact Pastor Ellen in the Care Office, or click the button below.
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Diana Blalock
Carol Carlyon
Jeff M. Cobb
Jan Edmondson
Don Erickson
Kayla Jerido
Jennifer Majlaton
Ella Martin
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Jim McGill
Sally Miller
Walter Pytell
Jim & Dell Scarlett
Janice & Bob “Bubba” Swartz
Karen Weber
Board Members of “My Special Place”
| | The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for: | | Evelyn, who needs heart surgery. | | | Torin, a little girl with cancer. | | 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...
Sharon Musch, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Gary Musch.
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Altar Flowers
Robert & Joyce Smidt in celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Mark & Jan Stubbs in celebration of their 50th wedding 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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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