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

“With God by your side, you have everything you need to get past everything you’ve done.”

Craig W. Hagin

Upcoming Grief Ministries

New Covenant has always been compassionate and supportive of those who are walking the journey of grief. We are a welcoming environment not only for those who are part of the church but also for the whole community.

GriefShare is a international, 13-week program for those who have lost a loved one. It covers emotions as well as practical viewpoints of learning to manage in a new normal. Registration is open now for GriefShare. This group will meet on Mondays, September 9 – December 2, from 10 AM – 12 PM in Classroom 3. Cost: $20 for new attendees.

Good Grief is a 6-week program for those who are further along in their journey with grief and may be looking for a smaller, more intimate setting to share and discuss the "firsts" that occur after the loss of a loved one. Registration for Good Grief will open on Monday, September 2. This group will meet on Thursdays, October 3 – November 7, from 1 PM – 3 PM in Classroom 1. This program is limited to ten attendees. Cost: $20 for new attendees.

A new part of our Care Ministry is called Solo Sisters in Spirit (SSiS). This group will be meeting once a month to help women who are now solo. Registration is required for this new group and will open soon. The first meeting will be on Thursday, September 12 from 4 PM – 6 PM in Classrooms 6 & 7. This will be a supportive opportunity to participate in fellowship with one another as women who are experiencing this new season. New Covenant’s hope is that you will find your place with other solo sisters in this group.

For any questions about Care Ministries, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Ministry Specialist.

Digital Ministry Update

New Covenant will have an exciting new opportunity as Pastor Harold's messages begin broadcasting on the Village News Network (VNN) at 9:30 am each week beginning this Sunday, August 18.

VNN is accessible to anyone in The Villages with a Comcast (Xfinity) connection on Channel 2 or Centric Fiber on Channel 70.

This initiative will allow us to extend our reach and bring Pastor Harold's inspiring teachings directly into homes across The Villages. It's a significant step forward in our mission to connect with our community and share our faith, providing a chance for those who may not be able to attend in person to benefit from Pastor Harold's wisdom and guidance from the comfort of their homes.

Student Ministry Updates

We are excited to share some important updates regarding our Student Ministry at New Covenant. To further enhance the Student Ministry, we are thrilled to introduce Kylie Elstad as our new Ministry Assistant. Kylie brings a wonderful energy and a passion for children's ministry. She has been working to create a nurturing and engaging nursery space for our youngest members, ensuring they have a positive and safe environment to begin their faith journey.

Together, Kylie and Olivia Collins, Student Minister, have been dedicated to developing a comprehensive ministry structure that serves the needs of all age groups within our church family. Our goal is to foster a strong sense of community and faith among our kids and youth while supporting their families in meaningful ways.

Please take a moment to review our new Student Ministry programs. We are confident that these changes will provide a more well-rounded approach to spiritual growth and community-building for all our members. We are also beginning a new small group for young adults. If you are interested in joining this small group, please contact Olivia Collins.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our Student Ministry!

Community Resources Guide

New Covenant has updated its "2024 Community Resources Guide" that provides a listing of a wide variety of the resources available for persons in need in Sumter, Lake, and Marion Counties.

The guide includes information about community services, government services, mental health resources, food, and much more.

To view the 2024 Community Resources Guide, please use the button below.

In addition, consider taking a moment to browse the H.E.L.P. (Helping Everyone Locate Providers) page on the church website to become more familiar with the many programs and services available to help address different needs.

Giving is About the Heart

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)

When it comes down to it, practicing generosity requires faith. In fact, it might be one of the best ways to gauge how strong our faith is. Do I believe enough to make sacrifices because I believe that I am not really losing anything?

Legacy Giving

As Luke 21 reminds us, it is not the size of the gift but the measure of faith that it represents.

Blood Drive

Monday, August 26 from 12 PM – 6 PM in the West Parking Lot

New Covenant is hosting an upcoming Blood Drive with OneBlood. There is a large need for blood donations in our area, and one pint of blood can save up to three lives. If you’re able to do so, participating in this Blood Drive is another way for us to love our neighbor and be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.

All donors receive a $20 eGift card, a OneBlood tote bag, and a wellness check.

Appointments are encouraged!

Human Trafficking Up Front and Personal

Tuesday, September 24 from 4 PM – 6 PM

The guest speakers for this event will be two local police officers, who will provide important information about human trafficking in our local neighborhoods, including The Villages.  

Our other guests will be Rainy and Babs, members of Bikers Against Human Trafficking, who will share their own personal stories about being survivors of human trafficking and their battle against the ongoing crisis.  

After the presentation, light refreshments will be served.

Cost: $5 at the door

Registration is required. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Pat Hill.

Revival

The weekend of August 31 & September 1, Pastor Harold will be starting a new sermon series about revival called “Our Wesley Roots” and is inviting us to follow along using the study book available through Amazon.

After feeling his heart “strangely warmed” by God, John Wesley ignited a firestorm of revival in England and America. Author Adam Hamilton invites you to embark on a 6-week journey through England to show how Wesley’s teachings definee our faith and shape our heritage as United Methodists. Wesley’s message and faith continue to speak to 21st-century Christians – calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our world might be changed. Wesley’s story is our story as United Methodists.

Pastor Ellen will be facilitating one of the study groups. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pat Hill.

September Women's Gathering

Thursday, September 19 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

The season of fall approaching can remind us of the many changes in our lives. God is always with us in changing seasons, changing times as we age, in both challenging and good times—always! You’re invited to join us for the September Women's Gathering titled, "Changes" as we look at people in the Bible whose lives were sustained by God through changes, just as ours are today. A lunch will follow the program. Please register by Monday, September 16 at 12 PM.

Lunch Menu: Tuscany Chicken Wrap, Caprese Pasta Salad and Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Registration is required and costs $10. If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill.

Jaxson Bradly

Auston Connell

Janice Cunningham

Malcolm Rowe

David & Esther Ann Walton

Lois York

The prayer quilt on the altar is for...

Ally: who is recovering from an accident

Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people facing difficult situations. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

Celebrations of Life

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by...

Mick & Beth Hall in loving memory of his father, Richard E. Hall.

Mary Jo & Ken Rockwood in celebration of their 65th 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 using the button below.