|
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
“There are two kinds of beauty; there is a beauty which God gives at birth, and which withers as a flower. And there is a beauty which God grants when by His grace people are born again. That kind of beauty never vanishes but blooms eternally.”
Abraham Kuyper
| | |
The Praise Ringers Begin a New Season
Tuesday, September 9 in the Christian Life Center
Choir #1 rehearsal at 12:30 PM — Choir #2 rehearsal at 1:45 PM
The Praise Ringers will launch their new season next month, and we are excited to welcome Amy Cornwall-Robinson as the new director of The Praise Ringers. She has also been ringing handbells since 2000 and is eager to continue building the rich tradition of handbell music here at New Covenant.
We are currently seeking a few additional ringers — both permanent members and substitute ringers — to join these vibrant choirs. If you have previous handbell experience and would like to be part of this ministry of music and fellowship, please contact Amy Cornwall-Robinson.
Come join the joy of ringing, serving, and praising together!
| | |
New Covenant Podcast
The New Covenant Podcast is a great way to listen to the audio of our weekly sermons.
The podcast has over 4,000 downloads and has been recognized by Feedspot as one of the “Top 100 Florida Church Podcasts.”
To receive New Covenant podcast episodes, go to the Podcast app on your smartphone, search “New Covenant United Methodist Church Sermons,” and tap “Follow.”
We hope that you will take advantage of this service not only to listen to the messages yourself but also to consider sharing with your family and friends.
| | |
Did You Know New Covenant has an Online Store?
The New Covenant Online Store is an exciting new opportunity for all of us represent our church to the community.
Through the Online Store, you can order New Covenant merch such as t-shirts, tote bags, and more.
Using New Covenant merch while you're out and about is a great way to help people in the community to hear about our church.
To visit the New Covenant Online Store and check out the available items, please use the link below.
| | |
God Is A Giver!
I appreciate the words of Jesus to Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son…”
That is a bold statement that summaries much of what we believe and hits at the heart of our Christian life. Jesus encourages us to follow His example by giving our time, talent, treasure.
As we finish the second half of the year, the New Covenant Finance Team would like to share with you where our church stands in our giving. A stewardship letter will be emailed out to you with a summary of our financial status and a link that will connect you to your giving statement for the year. If you don’t receive emails, you may stop by the Computer Center before or after services or the Administration office during business hours to get your statement printed.
We hope you will review both your statement and the letter.
During worship, Pastor Harold will also share about our financial status and how everyone can help.
Thank you for “giving” to our church, impacting our community, and moving the Kingdom of God forward. We all are incredibly blessed by God giving us His Son and His Church.
| | |
Legacy Giving
We can give back to God a portion, perhaps a tithe of all God has generously given to each of us.
| | |
Please Welcome Our Two New Staff Members!
We are pleased to welcome two new team members to New Covenant!
| |
Drake Artman, Camera Operator
Drake will run the main camera in our weekend services. Drake recently graduated from The Villages High School and will work part time for New Covenant for Saturday and Sunday services.
Drake reports to Branden Paul, Tech Manager, and works under the Worship team.
| | | |
Amy Cornwall-Robinson, Handbell Coordinator
Amy brings a wealth of experience, having taught high school and middle school vocal/choral music for 36 years, directed a church choir for 20 years, and played with the Village Ringers since its founding.
Amy will report to Sean Pollock, Director, Worship and the Arts.
| | | |
New Sunday Study: The Difficult Words of Jesus
Beginning Sunday, August 24 at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3
The Spirited Singles Sunday School class invites you to join them in their new study, “The Difficult Words of Jesus.” Jesus provided His disciples teachings for how to follow God’s word; He told them parables to help them discern; He offered them Beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now find difficult.
In this study, Amy-Jill Levine shows how these difficult teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how they have been understood overtime and how we might interpret them in the Gospel of love and reconciliation.
All are welcome.
| | |
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!
| | |
Fifth Sunday for the Florida Children's Home
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31
Each fifth Sunday we highlight “Residing Hope,” the United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise, Florida. Residing Hope has helped to transform the lives of over 9,000 young people through its various programs. Their new program, “Hope Cafe,” allows youth to serve as part of a culinary team and gain valuable experience by providing meals for employees each Wednesday. The youth have been preparing salads, Mexican food, pulled chicken, and barbequed ribs along with other fixings.
In another program at their Madison Youth Ranch location, older girls have been gaining experience by learning to preserve food from their on-site garden. Through this hands-on experience, they were able to can corn from the harvest.
In order to continue programs like these, your financial support is needed to ensure these children have the best care and success in life. If you are interested in donating, please write a check to New Covenant United Methodist Church with “Residing Hope” in the memo line.
| | |
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.
| | |
Community Bible Study (CBS)
Mondays, beginning September 8 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM
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.
| | |
“Just Like Jesus” — a Small Group Bible Study
Tuesdays, beginning September 9 from 2-3 PM
Our group will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. We will focus on Luke’s wonderful book of Acts of the Apostles.
Acts is the good news of the risen King Jesus leading to the formation of communities where individuals from various backgrounds are treated with equality as they pledge their allegiance to Jesus and live according to His teachings.
As we read through each chapter, we will learn of Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God spreading in Jerusalem, into the neighboring regions of Judea and Samaria full of non-Jewish people, and from there out to the nations and the ends of the earth.
Facilitated by George deJager. All are welcome. For more information, please contact George.
| |
Luke in the Land (September 2025)
A Women’s Bible Study
Wednesdays, September 10 – October 22, from 10 – 11:30 AM
In our Bibles, we have four Gospels describing Jesus's time on earth: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The land of Israel--the place Jesus walked and taught during His earthly ministry--is often referred to as the "fifth Gospel."
Follow Kristi McLelland through Israel as we study snapshots from the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place. Over 7 sessions, challenge the way you read the accounts of Jesus through teaching videos that take you to locations in Israel like Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus. Along the way, you'll see how Jesus, the Messiah, brought His kingdom to earth for everybody. Facilitated by Charlene English; all women are welcome!
There is no cost for this study, but please pre-purchase book.
For more information, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator-Discipleship.
| |
Solo Sisters in Spirit (September 2025)
Thursday, September 11 from 4 – 6 PM
Our first Solo Sisters for the season will be guest speaker, Nicole Anderson, Population Health Educator from The Villages’ Health. She will be sharing how to “Boost Your Brain,” promote cognitive function, mental sharpness, and overall brain health. Please register below or contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator, so we have enough chairs set up.
Bring a friend, who is also a Solo Sister.
| | |
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.
| |
September Women’s Gathering
Thursday, September 18 from 10 – 11:30 AM
(with lunch to follow)
Join us for the September Women’s Gathering as we welcome Lindy Schlabach, daughter of Mitch Miller, our New Covenant Facility Manager. Lindy will share her story from broken, abandoned, assaulted, and unlovable to experiencing redemption, wholeness, salvation, and love. Learn how her journey of healing and restoration reflects Gods perfect plan and grace.
All women welcome! Registration is required ($12).
Menu: Trio Salad Plate; Chicken, Tuna, Fresh Fruit, Mini Croissant, Tiramisu
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator-Discipleship.
| | |
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.
| | |
New Covenant “ID Cards”
When you are not here, we care! Please make sure you are checking in for worship using your New Covenant ID card. This is how we record attendance, and it is a valuable tool for the Care Department to know you are here. If you do not have a New Covenant ID card, please stop by the Computer Center on the weekends or in the Administrative office during the week!
Help us to care for you better!!
| | |
Sonya Bain
Sasha Barrios & Family
Beth
Brooke Bent
Pickles Cohen
Paul Kramer
Neil Mitchell
| |  | |
Thomas Penberthy
Lucille Sarler
Dennis Schaeffer
Buddy Thompson
Jen Yowell
Brian Ziemer
| | The Prayer Quilt on the Altar is for: | | Gordon, who is recovering from an aortic aneurysm. | | Kathy, who has severe pain that prevents her sleeping. | | Richard, who recently had heart surgery and now needs knee surgery. | | 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 Altar Flowers have been Provided by:
Jim & Carolyn Hernandez in celebration of their 65th anniversary.
Phil & Charlene English in celebration of their 30th anniversary.
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.
| | | | |
