Message in a Minute

Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold as well as to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!

Spiritual Reflection

“The life function of [the local church] is to love the God who created it – to care for others out of obedience to Christ, to heal those who hurt, to take away fear, to restore community, to belong to one another, to proclaim the Good News while living it out. The church is the invisible made visible”

Charles Colson

New Summer Sermon Series

“The Point of the Parable”

Pastor Harold will begin a new sermon series on June 15 & 16 titled, “The Point of the Parable.” Jesus was a master storyteller. During many moments in His ministry, Jesus chose to make a point by telling a parable. Part of the legacy of Jesus is the deeper lesson He wanted us to understand and discern through His stories. Although these stories are two thousand years old, as Christians, the parables can still shape our lives today. The meaning in many of the parables of Jesus is straightforward; however, there are some through which He pushes us to a more profound thought. Join us this summer as we unravel the point of the parables of Jesus.

“Blind Eyes Opened”

A Documentary On Human Trafficking

Tuesday, June 25 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM in the Chapel

Everyone is invited to watch this documentary sponsored by Women's Ministry. Join us as we learn how God is shining a light on the problem of Human Trafficking that is threatening the precious young lives of our nation’s children and grandchildren. Helpless children and young people are being abused and victimized here in Central Florida. We are the number three state for Human Trafficking (growing larger than the fentanyl drug trade) to over $150 billion per year nationally — and it is here in our own back yard. Please join us and learn more about this heinous crime and the methods by which people commit it.

Registration is required, and will open next week.  A $5 donation will be accepted at the door which supports the production of the film. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Pat Hill. 

Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program

New Covenant’s Mentor Program annually has 35 - 45 Mentors working with Mentees from ninth to twelfth grade, primarily at Wildwood Middle High School.

New Mentors Needed

Each year, we recruit adults who have a heart for teenagers and a sincere desire to provide love, patience, guidance, and support over a period of four years as the Mentee journeys from ninth grade through graduation. Training will be provided.

If God is leading you to this special program please read the overview and submit your application to Olivia Collins, Student Minister. If you have any questions, please contact Olivia.

Stephen Ministry

Sometimes, we need a compassionate, impartial ear to listen to us. Stephen Ministers are just that. Whether you are experiencing fatigue from caregiving, a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or other challenges, Stephen Ministers are well equipped to listen and offer care. Each Stephen Minister goes through 50 plus hours of training to ensure that they are well prepared for any concern. 

Stephen Ministers will be a safe, confidential place to speak and share. Maybe you need this kind of care, please contact Pastor Ellen for more information.

Giving Is an Act of Worship

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Our willingness to freely give shows our deep trust and dependence on God, acknowledging that He is the provider for all our needs. Giving shows that we prioritize God above all else. This frees us from the love of money, dependence on our possessions, and desire to hoard for ourselves. In other words, it helps us keep our priorities straight. Our obedience with the tithe is about giving first to God.  

Legacy Giving

Giving through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them. 

The Revealed Study Group

Thursdays, June 6–27 from 1-2:15 PM

“Faith In Action” is the theme of The Revealed Study Group’s next series of meetings. We will explore the book of James in the Bible to better understand how our actions show the depth of our faith in Jesus. 

For more information, please contact Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred. If you’re interested in this study, we welcome new members to the group. We hope you can join us.

Registration is not required and there is no study guide, however, a Bible is needed for class. 

Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication

Monday, June 10 at 9 AM

10244 CR 229, Oxford

We are excited to announce the dedication of two new homes in partnership with New Covenant United Methodist Church and the Habitat Lake-Sumter Club of the Villages. We'd love to see you at the joint dedication to celebrate the family of Ashley Hunter and the Broughton family! Join us as we hand over the keys to the future homeowners!

Please RSVP for this event by June 9.

Backpacks 4 Kids present Celebrate America 2024

Sunday, June 30 at 3 PM in the Christian Life Center

Get ready for a spectacular explosion of music and patriotism at Celebrate America 2024! Dive into a sea of heart-stirring patriotic anthems, a vibrant assortment of Americana pop and folk tunes, and soaring marches. Hosted by Angie Rose and Sean Pollock, the stage will sparkle with the incredible talents of The Chancel Choir, guest soloists, and dynamic instrumentalists.

Admission is free with a suggested $20 donation at the door. Every dollar raised supports Backpacks 4 Kids in their mission to equip school children from Wildwood elementary through middle-high schools with essential supplies. Last year, your generosity helped raise over $20,000, benefiting 1,700 children in our growing community. Hosted by New Covenant, renowned for vibrant concerts that build futures, this event promises not only a feast for the ears but a boon for the heart. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of America’s spirit and community!

Coffee Bar Volunteers Needed on Sundays

We’d love to have you be a part of our team that helps with the coffee bar on Sunday mornings. If you want more information, please contact Joy Johnson.

Fresh Expressions Volunteer Opportunities

Fresh Expressions is a ministry that provides mini worship services for residents in many of the living facilities in The Villages and surrounding areas.

If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, being a part of this ministry may be a good fit for you. All volunteers for Fresh Expression undergo training in protecting vulnerable adults as well as a background check. To learn more about getting involved, please contact Donna Hendren, Visitation Pastor.

Production Volunteers Needed

Are you eager to be part of a vibrant community and serve your church in a fresh and exciting capacity? Our production team at New Covenant is actively seeking new volunteers to contribute to the thriving online community we've built. Each week, we're joined by 1000 people worldwide, all made possible by the dedicated efforts of our production team. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join us.

To learn more and get involved, please contact Mat Napp, our Digital and Production Director. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Bargains & Blessings Volunteer Opportunities 

Are you looking for an exciting volunteer opportunity that will allow you to make an impact on our local community? Do you enjoy working with other volunteers and New Covenant staff and serving customers? New Covenant’s Bargains & Blessings Resale Store in downtown Wildwood needs YOU! 

Volunteers are needed in intake, scheduling, the Family Interface Office, the annex building and main store. No experience is needed, just your willingness to help. Any amount of time is appreciated, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM – 4 PM. and Saturday from 10 AM –3 PM. If you are interested, please contact Barb Holevinksy at the store (352) 330-3333 or send her an email.

Volunteers Needed for Warren Willis Summer Camp

The Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, a United Methodist Ministry located in Fruitland Park, is looking for volunteers to help with the upcoming camps that it is facilitating this summer. The Warren Willis Camp provides opportunities for campers to grow in their relationship with God and in fellowship with one another through both spiritual practices and recreational activities.

For more information, please click the button below. To register, please contact Mike Carmine.

Holy Land Trip 2025

Monday, March 31–Tuesday, April 9, 2025

Pastor Harold will lead another Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land next year. The tour will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Jacob’s Well, Samaria, Emmaus, Megiddo, Mount Carmel, Jericho, Qumran, Masada, and the Dead Sea.

Click the button below to read the full brochure. Brochures are also located at the “Welcome Center” in the East Narthex. To register, please visit the EO website. 

Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry

Our Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry continues to go strong! There are quilts on the prayer rails each weekend for all to pray over and tie a knot for the recipient. New Covenant is proud to offer these tangible ways to show love and concern for those in need of prayer support. To order a prayer quilt online, please use the link below.

Dottie Barron

Bobby Dunphy

Derrick Heflin

Nancy Hendren

Suzanna Alpha Johnson

Danny Markley

Robert Masson

Bruce & Nancy Merrill

Andrew Pick

Judy Priest

Jerry & Jackie Rivet

Debbie Shaffer

Richard Shaffer

Terri Ward

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Davie, a baby diagnosed with Meningitis and recovering from surgery to place a cerebral shunt.

Jerry, who recently suffered a stroke.

Karen, who has an upcoming surgery.

Lucille, who began chemo for small cell lung cancer.

Nancy, who is having heart and lung issues.

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.

Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...

Tom McCracken, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Mary Katherine McCracken.

The family and friends of Yoby Whipp on her passing.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:

Sheri Hassler Hightower in honor of her sisters, Carol & Jane, and niece, Jewel, visiting.

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.