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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
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.”
Bill Nye
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“What the Choir and The Guild Mean to Me”
by Jane Bakke
When I first stood on the risers with the Chancel Choir, I realized this wasn’t just a group that sings—it’s a community that worships. Week after week, voices around me become prayers, harmonies become hope, and the music we offer helps our whole church lift its heart to God. As choir president, I’ve watched strangers become friends and friends become family. We check on one another, celebrate milestones, and carry one another through hard weeks. In a big church, the choir has become my “large small group.”
Choir rehearsals aren’t only about notes and rhythms. They’re about breathing together—learning to listen, to encourage, and to trust. Some of us sight-read quickly; others are bravely returning to singing after years away. Everyone belongs. We laugh. We work. We pray. And on Sunday, when the first chord rings and the congregation joins us, I’m reminded why this matters: God uses our ordinary voices to do something extraordinary.
I also serve with The Guild, the behind-the-scenes team that quietly prepares our worship spaces. I help coordinate Advent and Christmas decorations, and I can tell you—beauty and order preach a sermon all their own. The change of paraments with the seasons, the oil filled in the candles, the thoughtful visuals for special Sundays, the burst of color at Easter—these details welcome people before a word is spoken. They say, “You’re in a holy place. God is near.”
What I love about The Guild is how every gift matters. Some folks love early-morning setup; others prefer weekday projects or seasonal decorating teams. Some have a designer’s eye; others have steady hands and a servant’s heart. Training is simple, the fellowship is real, and the impact is immediate. Together, we help worship feel both reverent and like home.
If you’re sensing a nudge, I hope you’ll respond.
- If you love to sing—or even wonder if you could again—come sit in on a rehearsal and meet the Chancel Choir.
- If you enjoy creating beauty, organizing details, or doing faithful, quiet work, come shadow a Guild setup or join a seasonal team.
There’s a place for you—with your schedule, your abilities, and your story.
Want to learn more or take a next step?
Contact Sean Pollock for more information. We’ll help you find a comfortable, meaningful way to begin. Let’s continue to live into the vision of being Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.
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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.
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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.
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Alzheimer's Ministry
Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 AM
Our Alzheimer’s Ministry has been an important part of our community for many years. We are grateful to offer support groups for the caregivers, as well as respite care for the loved ones who are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
In our support groups, the primary caregiver is able to share and discuss new experiences or insights with other caregivers. Meanwhile in the respite room, the loved ones are singing songs, playing games, and other brain stimulating activities.
The Alzheimer’s ministry is open to our community; you don’t need to be a member of New Covenant. This is also a free activity for the caregiver and loved one. For more information, please contact Jackie Damron, New Covenant’s Social Worker.
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What the Bible Says About Giving
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. (Proverbs 3:27)
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
God has provided for us generously, why not give generously back to His church so we can continue to good deeds and share the Word?
By giving we are expressing our faith and trust in God to continue to provide for us and our families.
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Legacy Giving
We can give back to God a portion, perhaps a tithe of all God has generously given to each of us.
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Holiday Closure
The church and office will be closed on Monday, September 1, in honor of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2, at 9 AM.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, September 2 has been canceled. All men are invited to join us again on Tuesday, September 9. Have a great holiday weekend.
Our Bargains & Blessings Resale Store will also be closed on Monday, September 1 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 at 9:30 AM.
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New Sunday Study: The Difficult Words of Jesus
Beginning Sundays 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.
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Beloved Community Sunday Education Class
Biblical Perspectives on Immigration
Sundays, through September 28 from 10:15 – 11:15 AM in Classroom 1
The Beloved Community Sunday school class is doing 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.
All are welcome.
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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!
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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)
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.
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“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.
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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.
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“Be Still and Know”
Devotional Coloring Book for Women
Fridays, beginning September 12 at 9:30 – 11:30 AM in Classroom 3
Our new book emphasized the word of the Lord through scripture and illustrations for you to enhance. God longs to give us true rest and peace. Our Friday group of women is a time where we can leave the worries and business of the past week behind us. A time to breathe as we go into the weekend. It gives us time to STOP with purpose, conversation, and plenty of laughter.
No cost or registration, however, you do need to purchase your book.
For more information, please contact Pat Hill, Coordinator, Care-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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“Rise Against Hunger” Food Outreach Event
Thursday, September 25 from 9:30 AM - 12 PM
New Covenant is hosting a "Rise Against Hunger" and we need 40 volunteers to help pack 10,000 meals. Because this is a food packing event, all volunteers will be required to wear a cap or hair net. Also, no food or drink will be allowed in the food processing area.
Rise Against Hunger was started by Ray Buchanan, a former United Methodist Minister, in 1998. The organization provides prepackaged, nutritious meals to non-governmental organizations throughout the world. The meals packed by New Covenant previously were sent to families in Haiti.
If you are interested in participating, please register below. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.
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Perfectly Flawed:
God Transfers Our Weaknesses into Strengths
Monday evenings beginning September 29 from 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday mornings beginning September 30 from 10 AM – 12 PM
Do you ever feel like your imperfections define you? You’re not alone – and you’re not without hope. “Perfectly Flawed” is a powerful seven-week Bible study that explores how God meets us in our brokenness and transforms our flaws into faith-filled purpose.
All women are invited to join us for a welcoming and grace-filled journey to see how the life of Peter is an invitation to embrace imperfection, find strength in the relentless grace of God, and discover how each one of us is perfectly flawed but still deeply loved by God.
Two day/time options available – choose the one that fits your schedule. If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Facilitator, Dana Osmanski.
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Life Inventory Forms
Did you know that you can preplan some of your desires for your Celebration of Life now? We have Life Inventory Forms that will help your family and your church plan for how you would like to celebrate your life and legacy. Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator, has these forms readily available. Stop by for a hard copy, or download a digital copy now.
Preplanning helps out everyone to know your final wishes. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.
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Baby Aubrey
Tammy Focken
William Gurgel
Jan Hippe
Tari Hyden
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Mary Ann Klingel
Peggy Mills
Joy Rae
Carolyn Wilkes
Brian Zieman
| | The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for: | | Bill, who fell and fractured his femur. | | | 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...
Harriet Hansen, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Jerome “Jerry” Hansen.
Orlando Reale, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Hazel Louise Reale.
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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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