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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
“Life is not a dress rehearsal.”
John Maxwell
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New Sermon Series
Next weekend, Rev. Harold Hendren will begin a new series titled, “Our Wesley Roots… A Revival of Faith.”
John Wesley was a visionary and an “outside-the-box” thinker. He was the founder of the Methodist movement and had a theological conviction of grace as well as a passion to preach to whoever would listen. His zeal for Christ was reflected in his preaching, teaching, service, and methodical empowerment to shape a church. Over the next few weeks in worship, we are going to rediscover our Methodist heritage and what can we learn from the rich Wesleyan tradition. The Methodist church helped spark a revival during the 18th Century that set ablaze a powerful movement.
Come and join us for worship as we seek a new revival within our church that will transform our lives and our community.
“Revival” Small Groups
Pastor Harold is inviting you to follow along with his new sermon series using Adam Hamilton’s book, “Revival.” You may purchase the book through Amazon. If you are interested in participating in a small study group based on this sermon series, please contact Pat Hill. Pastor Ellen will be facilitating one of the study groups.
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Operation Christmas Child
In 2023, 11.3 million shoebox gifts were collected to distribute to 100 countries for their boys and girls to enjoy. The Lake/Sumter area churches who participated collected 26,887 shoeboxes last year. New Covenant's goal this year is to complete 1,000 shoeboxes during the month of September as part of 2024 Christmas Giving. You can help us with this goal one of two ways:
- Pick up one or more shoeboxes at the church Narthex (an instructional brochure will be included) and return them filled with items.
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If you prefer not to shop, please send a check for $25 and a box will be filled for you. Please make your check out to "NCUMC" with Operation Christmas Child on the memo line.
Please return your filled shoebox(es) with $10 to help with shipping by Monday, September 30 so that they can be processed for National Collection Week.
Click the button below to watch a video overview. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director of Missions and Outreach.
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Night to Shine Returns in 2025
New Covenant United Methodist Church is thrilled to announce that we will once again host the unforgettable Night to Shine event on February 7, 2025, from 5–9 PM. This annual event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, celebrates people with special needs and provides them with an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love. We had so much fun last year, and we are beyond excited to bring this incredible event back to our community! The joy and smiles that filled our church last year were nothing short of amazing, and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, we’re holding a volunteer meeting on September 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. During this meeting, we will go through the various volunteer roles, discuss logistics, and answer any questions. If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry—this meeting will be live-streamed so everyone can participate.
Volunteer and guest registrations will open on September 23 at 8:00 AM, so mark your calendars! Whether you’re interested in being a buddy for one of our honored guests, helping with decorations, or serving in another capacity, we would love to have you join us.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click the button to learn more about the different opportunities and sign up for our volunteer newsletter to stay updated on all things Night to Shine.
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Women's Fall Retreat (October 2024)
Thursday, October 3 from 9 AM – 2 PM (doors open at 8 AM)
Ladies, please join us as we welcome back Carole Wolaver, the Pottery Lady, for a day filled with creativity, entertainment, and faith. Carole will take us on a journey through stories and testimony as she creates a beautiful piece of pottery before our very eyes. The mission of the Pottery Lady is to bring to life in a very visual way the plan that “The Master Potter” has for each one of us.
Carole desires to know God, make Him known through his word and through the vivid picture of being clay in His loving and gentle hands. As a Master Potter, Carole’s messages are dramatically presented from the potter’s wheel. Her unique style of storytelling mixed with her skill at the potter’s wheel bring scripture to life in a very visual way. Born Jewish, Carole received Jesus as her Savior in 1977. By using a unique Raku style and Hebrew designs, her pottery looks as if it were dug up from an ancient Israeli Tel.
Registration is required. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill.
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What Does the Bible Say About Giving
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. (Psalm 24:1)
Believe it or not, money and possessions are the most talked about subjects in the Bible — more than prayer, faith or salvation. That’s because God knew what areas we would struggle with. Our interaction with money should begin with acknowledging that everything belongs to God. When we honor the LORD with our wealth, we demonstrate that we trust him. In return he promises to take care of us.
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Legacy Giving
When planning for your estate, you feel good knowing that you are providing for the people and causes you care about.
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Holiday Closure
The church and office will be closed on Monday, September 2, in honor of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, at 9 AM.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, September 3 has been canceled. All men are invited to join us again on Tuesday, September 10. Have a great holiday weekend.
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Welcome Back Pastor Jeff
Pastor Donna Hendren will be taking a leave of absence from her role as Visitation Pastor, effective immediately. Pastor Jeff Vermilya has graciously agreed to fill in during Donna’s leave.
Pastor Jeff will be responsible for managing the teams of volunteers that assist with our Fresh Expressions Ministry, providing short worship services in many of our area independent, assisted, and memory care residence facilities.
Donna has built this ministry to approximately 15 different locations with over 300 people being reached each week with care and compassion from New Covenant. Please contact Pastor Jeff if you are interested in volunteering with this important ministry.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck Next Weekend
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend (September 7 & 8) before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry.
If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.
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Solo Sisters in Spirit (SSiS)
Thursday, September 12 from 4 PM – 6 PM
“Solo Sisters” is a brand-new Care Ministry where we’ll meet once a month as a supportive opportunity to fellowship with one another as women who are experiencing a new season. New Covenant’s hope is that you will enjoy being with other solo sisters in this group. This is not a grief support group.
Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert.
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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.
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Revealed Small Group
Thursdays, September 19 – October 24, from 1–2:15 PM
The Revealed Small Group will begin Max Lucado’s “Life Lessons from Philippians.” In the book of Philippians, Paul encapsulates why we should experience the joy of being a child of God even when the events of our lives become tough and painful. If you are interested in learning to be more joyful, please join us. Let the lessons of Paul’s letter to the Philippians deepen your joy in Christ. We hope you decide to join us on our journey of a joyful life.
For more information, please contact Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred.
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Human Trafficking Up Front and Personal
Tuesday, September 24 from 4 PM – 6 PM
One guest speaker for this event will be Lt. Jenn Hutchins of the Wildwood Police Department, 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. The cost is $5, payable at the door.
Registration is required. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Pat Hill.
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Special Church Conference
Tuesday, September 10 at 5 PM in the Christian Life Center
A called Church Conference will be held to vote on allowing New Covenant's Bargains & Blessings ministry to purchase a new building to expand our Bargains & Blessings Thrift Store. The purchase price is $420,000. This would be a cash purchase. All church members are invited to attend and to vote.
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Villages Concert Band presents
“Salute to American Composers”
Thursday, October 3 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center
The Villages Concert Band presents an unforgettable night of music highlighting the rich, diverse heritage of all the greatest American composers. You’ll hear works by Aaron Copland, Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa, John Williams, Leroy Anderson…and more! Whether you’re a longtime fan of these musical legends or discovering their genius for the first time — this concert promises to be a delightful and inspiring experience for all.
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Disciple I Fast Track (OT)
Do you have an interest in learning more about the Old Testament? This 12-week study immerses the participant in the Old Testament.
Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Fast Track groups meet for a total of 24 weeks, devoting 12 weeks each to the Old Testament and the New Testament. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 75 minutes.
Please contact Pat Hill if you are interested in this class.
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Front Desk Receptionist
We are in need of a volunteer to sit at the front desk in the Administration Office greeting visitors with a warm smile, and to answer phone calls. We specifically need someone for Thursday mornings, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Basic knowledge of computer skills is necessary.
If you have a heart for meeting new people — and old friends, please contact Judy Fitzgerald, Communications Coordinator.
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Interested in an Evening Bible Study?
Do you work full time or have a busy weekday schedule? Are you interested in taking an evening or weekend bible study? Please contact Pat Hill with your bible study wish list.
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We “Care”
Recently we have had several hospitalizations or procedures that we found out about after the event. Our Care department truly wants to care for our congregants and extended community, but we cannot do that without your help! Please call the church if you or someone in your household is having a procedure, surgery, or hospitalization. We would also appreciate you having a good friend or neighbor designated if you encounter an emergency.
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Margaret Buffone
Ramon Chavez
Barbara Conrad
Liz and Daniel Dover
Doris Drewes
Naylor Emory
Angela Fantizzi
Kevin Fitzgerald
James Frees
Roberta & Thom Hays
Jean Hollowell
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Keith & Family
Kendra
Judy Krauss
Patricia Masters
Lola Miller
Karen-Leigh Monsalvatge
Diane Placek
Caroline Rummery
Lynda Tiesmeyer
Kimberly Willison
Ed & Cindy Work
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The prayer quilt on the altar is for... | |
Jill, who has breast cancer. | |
Jim, who is struggling with multiple cancers. | |
Lynda, who needs God's healing. | |
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. | |
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Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...
Pete DiMaggio, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Elizabeth (Liz / Betty) DiMaggio.
Rosemary Cook, family and friends on the passing of her husband, George Cook.
| For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below. | |
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Our Altar Flowers have been provided by...
Bob & Pat Spicer in celebration of their 65th 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.
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