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

“Jesus ate good food with bad people.”

Jean Leclerc

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 (pictured above) 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 absolutely 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 1,300 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!

Alzheimer’s Ministry

Thursdays from 10 –1130 AM in Classrooms 2 & 3

Respite Care in Classroom 6/7

Our Alzheimer’s Ministry meets every week for support. Our programming is very special because we offer support for the caregiver and respite care for the loved one who is experiencing Alzheimer’s or other dementia.  While the caregiver is able to share with other caregivers, the loved one can be safe and secure to play games, sing songs, and other brain strengthening activities. Our respite care room has special entertainment every week — and they have an amazing time!

If you or someone you know could benefit from our Alzheimer’s Ministry, please contact Jackie Kuhn-Damron. We also need trained volunteers (we train you!) to help serve in the ministry.

Jackie is a licensed social worker with significant experience in dealing with persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

Fresh Expressions Volunteer Opportunities

Fresh Expressions is a ministry that provides a 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 this 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.

Giving

Search me, O god, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out everything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalms 139:23-24)

As you give you should ask God to make your motives pure. Are you giving out of pride? Are you giving just for the tax benefits? (The United States is one of a very few countries where you get a tax deduction of giving.) God knows the motive of your heart.

Legacy Giving

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

Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (June 1 & 2) 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.

New Members

We welcomed these new members into our family this past weekend.

“God Is Like a Box of Crayons”

Fridays from 9:30 AM–12 PM in Classroom 3

Ladies, please join our weekly devotion/coloring group and engage in God’s Word while having fun. We would love for you learn to more about our group! We are continuing to meet throughout the summer months. Join us and bask in the Word of God before the weekend. If you have any questions, please contact Wanda Eavers or Pat Hill.

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. 

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

Our current Mentors “move up” with their Mentees each year, but due to how well-received the program continues to be, we have more students who are asking for Mentors. 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. The Mentor Program focuses on four foundational areas: physical, spiritual, behavioral, and academic/career needs.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Gail Bain

Laura Bryant 

Lydia Ann Fowler

David & Pam Gish

Jessica

Richard Jones

Bev Petrina

Van Swanson

Muriel Twitchell

Terri Ward

Dave Zini

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Dottie, who is recovering slowly with a broken rib.

Jessica, a single mom with a young child who is having surgery.

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...

Sharon Huisman, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Ron Huisman.

David Barrows, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Mary Barrows.

The family and friends of Ann Maddox on her passing.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:

Gene Murray commemorating his wedding anniversary to Mary Alice Murray.

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.