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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
“If you fish and catch nothing, you have still caught a lesson.”
Matshona Dhliwayo
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Zoe Empowers
New Covenant's third Zoe Empowers group in Zimbabwe, the "Flying Eagles" graduated this past March. Those 100+ orphans are no longer dependent on begging, stealing, or simply working all day for a handful of food. They now own their own businesses, their siblings are back in school, and the family has three well-balanced meals daily. They are now accepted in their communities as productive members. We are excited about having now sponsored over 300 children and helping them achieve a life that they may have never envisioned having.
New Covenant has signed up to sponsor a fourth group, which will be formed in the spring of 2026. The cost to sponsor a group is $27,000 total (or $9,000 per year). Through New Covenant's 2024 Giving In The Spirit, the ministry collected $3,670 and now has over $10,000 to use for the new group.
Additional support is needed to meet the three-year funding goal. If you would like to donate to Zoe Empowers, please write a check to New Covenant United Methodist Church, with Zoe Empowers in the subject line.
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Blood Drive
Monday, August 25 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 top handle drinkware. You will also have a wellness check, which includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.
Facts:
- Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.
- Approximately 62 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood.
- Only three percent of those who are eligible actually donate blood.
Appointments are encouraged!
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Upcoming Discipleship Opportunities
Back By Popular Demand
"Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation" by Bruce Metzger
A seven-session study facilitated by Judy Stuart, the Book of Revelation contains passages of great beauty and comfort, as well as passages that can strike us as bizarre, bewildering and sometimes frightening. This study will provide a trustworthy guide to the rich symbolism of this important book of the Bible. All are welcome!
- Thursdays, August 28 – October 9
- 10 AM – 12 PM
New Book Study for Women
"Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World" by Kristi McLelland
A seven-session study facilitated by Charlene English, the book Luke in the Land is all about the context Jesus lived in during the world of the first century. All women are welcome to join this study!
- Wednesdays, September 10 – October 22
- 10 AM – 11:30 AM
New Study for the Beloved Community Sunday Education Class
Biblical Perspectives on Immigration
On August 24, the Beloved Community Class will begin a 6-week study led by Vicki Southworth titled, "Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration." The study was developed by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church and is based on United Methodist social principles. This study will seek to understand what the Bible says about foreigners and immigrants and apply that understanding to current events.
- Sundays, August 24 – September 28
- 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
- Classroom 1
For any questions about these upcoming studies, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator-Discipleship.
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Thinking About Membership? We'd Love To Welcome You!
Wednesday, September 17 at 1 PM in the Chapel
Becoming a member at New Covenant is more than just filling out a form – it’s about saying yes to growing in your faith and connecting more deeply with this church family. Whether you live here full-time or spend just part of the year with us, there’s a membership option that fits your life and your journey.
Membership is a way we support one another in love, prayer, and accountability. It’s a step toward belonging and investing in something bigger than ourselves – God’s work through the local church.
If you’ve been thinking about making New Covenant your church home, we’d be honored to walk alongside you in that process. Have questions? Need help getting started? We'd love to speak with you! Just reach out to Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.
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“God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”
Skills and time are ours for pressing
toward the goals of Christ, your Son:
all at peace in health and freedom,
races joined, the Church made one.
Now direct our daily labor,
lest we strive for self alone.
Born with talents, make us servants
fit to answer at your throne.
Treasure, too, you have entrusted,
gain through powers your grace conferred,
ours to use for home and kindred,
and to spread the gospel word.
Open wide our hands in sharing,
as we heed Christ's ageless call,
healing, teaching, and reclaiming,
serving you by loving all.
As this hymn demonstrates, we give of our time, talents, and treasure to express our gratitude for the astounding generosity, extravagant goodness, and abundant grace of God.
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Legacy Giving
Giving through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them.
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GriefShare®
Begins Monday, September 8, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM
GriefShare® is an opportunity we offer twice a year to help those who are maneuvering the journey of grief and loss.
GriefShare® is a 13-week ministry that provides support for those in the new phase of loss. GriefShare® is led by experienced facilitators who have been on their own journey. We welcome all people who need to be a part of grief support; you do not need to be a part of New Covenant United Methodist Church to participate.
To register, please use the link below. For any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.
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Community Bible Study (CBS)
Come see what happens in people's lives when they discover God through the study of His Word, the Bible. Our class has both men and women groups. We also offer virtual classes through Zoom for those unable to meet with us locally in person.
For 2025-2026, we will study the book of Psalms.
The book of Psalms has served as the hymnbook and prayerbook of God's people from ancient times and on into the present. Known as the Psalter, this collection of Holy Spirit-inspired poetry captures the highs and lows of life. The Psalms are powerful prayers, guiding us into honest communication with God. They validate our doubts, passions, fears, and longings and show us how to draw near to God in our struggles. This Bible study organizes the Psalms thematically, making it easier to grasp their main ideas and apply them to your own conversations with God.
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The Upper Room Devotional
The Upper Room Devotional has been a staple of United Methodist ministry since 1935. It has undergone many changes in the last 90 years. Unfortunately, recovery from COVID has been very slow and there have been huge layoffs of their staff this year.
Along with those layoffs, they have increased their costs to us by 44 percent. The edition of the next Upper Rooms for September/October is almost double the price of our July/August order.
In an effort to lower our costs, we are going to lessen the amount of our November/December order, bearing in mind that we do want our congregation and our community to continue to benefit from this beloved devotional. We will continue to watch closely the number of copies that we are purchasing and will adjust our orders accordingly.
However, because of the increase in cost, we are now suggesting a $2 donation. This will cover the cost of purchasing and shipping the Upper Room devotionals.
While we want to provide all the resources we can to grow in our Christian faith, we must be good stewards of the offerings that we receive that make our ministries possible.
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Volunteer Central:
Your One-Stop Spot to Get Involved
Thinking about volunteering but not sure where to start? We’ve made it easy!
Head over to our Volunteer Central page on the New Covenant website. There, you’ll find a wide variety of opportunities to serve – each with a contact name, contact information, and description to help you connect directly.
If you have any questions after exploring the page, please feel free to reach out to the listed contact – or to Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager. And if you don’t see something that quite fits your interests or schedule, let’s talk! We’d be happy to help you find the right opportunity where your gifts can shine.
We’re excited to serve alongside you!
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Recreation Ministry
Explore opportunities to experience fellowship during an enjoyable recreational activity. If you would like contact information, please click the Recreation Ministry button below.
Men’s Golf
- Tuesdays, 9 Holes (South of 466)
- Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 Holes (North of 466)
Women’s Golf
- Tuesday, 9 Holes (North of 466)
- Thursday, 9 Holes
Bridge
- Ladies, Thursdays (North of 466)
- Ladies, Mondays
Pickleball
Recreational Pickleball takes place at Pimlico Rec Center. Beginners are welcome! (We do not play if the temperature is over 90 degrees.)
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At New Covenant — We “Care”
When it comes to looking for a church, many people say they hope the church will care for them in their time of need. New Covenant is a caring community of faith, and we want to be able to care for you when you need us. For us to be able to do that, please consider designating a neighbor or close friend to communicate with your church if you have a sudden hospitalization or emergency — even if it is after church office hours., they can call the church number (352-750-4529) and leave a message or request the pastor on call. Have your designee save the church phone number in their cell phone; it will be easy for them to reach out to your church. This is so important to help us care for you.
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Stevan Scott Creameans
Ginny Davis
Gary Easton
Michelle Foster
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John Kellar
Gordon Millsaps
Brian Ziemer
| | The Prayer Quilt on the Altar is for: | | 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. | | |
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.
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