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

“The words of Jesus are spot on: “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Because when you do, it has a boomerang effect. Happiness happens when you give it away.”

Max Lucado 

Wildwood Food Pantry's Fall Food Drive

Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24

According to Feeding America, 2,935,330 people in Florida are facing hunger, and of them 819,940 are children. Charity and government assistance programs help to fill the gap, but your help is needed as well. You can assist by bringing food items to support the Wildwood Food Pantry's Fall Food Drive. Bags will be placed on cars/golf carts this weekend, November 16/17.

Volunteers will pick up your bags of food the following weekend, November 23/24. Please place the bag next to your car or golf cart. Throughout the week, we also have bins that are conveniently located in both the East and West Narthexes for food donations. Thank you for helping to make a difference in others lives!

Each year the food pantry also provides calendars for the families who come to pick up food. If you are willing to donate a 2025 calendar for a family, please include it in your bag or bring it to Janine Rogers in the church administration building. 

Women's Monthly Gathering November 2024

Thursday, November 21 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Join us as we celebrate the freedom we enjoy in our United States of America and the women veterans who served to create that freedom. We’ll sing patriotic songs, listen to stories from those who served and offer prayers to God for our freedom and future peace. We also have several surprises for you throughout the morning. We’ll gather in the Christian Life Center for the program and eat lunch in the East Narthex.

“Operation Shoebox” is a group that meets each Monday at Lake Miona Recreation Center to pack boxes for our military stationed around the world. We are asking your help in providing items for their comfort and enjoyment. Please bring your donation of items such as small individual packets of cookies, cheese and peanut butter crackers, trail mix, pretzels, nuts, Slim Jim’s, band aids, safety pins, baby wipes, white socks, all occasion cards, small toothpaste, playing cards, etc. These donations acknowledge our thanks and gratitude for the many sacrifices these courageous warriors suffer to keep us safe.

Menu: Cheese Lasagna Rolls, Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Pumpkin Pie with Whip Cream Topping

Registration is required ($10). If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill.

Celebrate Brass Band Concert

Sunday, November 24, from 6 PM – 7:30 PM

Celebration Brass Band will perform a variety of music from the fast paced and up tempo familiars like "Meet the Flintstones" and "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines" to the more solemn and somber special arrangement of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" with tenor horn soloist, Margie Craver. You won't want to miss the robust flavor of the American spiritual in "Jubilation!" and the familiar strains of tunes from the "American Civil War Fantasy." Join us for this sure-to-be-special event!

Hope and Healing Service

Sunday, December 1 at 4 PM in the Chapel

At New Covenant, we seek throughout the year to provide support and walk with you on your journey of grief. As we prepare to enter the Advent and Christmas season, we will hold a special worship service. This service offers scripture, meditation, special music, and a time to light a candle in memory of your loved one. Pastor Jeff Vermilya will be giving the message at this special service.

Some churches refer to this as a “Blue Christmas” service; we offer this as a way not only to acknowledge our sadness but also to seek to experience comfort and peace during the upcoming holidays.

Our 13-week GriefShare^® program begins in January 2025. Please watch the WeeklyWord for more information and registration dates.

If you have questions, please call Care Office at (352) 750-4529.

Godly Contentment in Christ

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

These verses speak to the hope and strength we find in Christ, no matter what our financial situation is.  When you find Godly contentment in Christ, you can have hope and strength knowing that He is in control and that He loves you. Having God’s strength on your side can give you that extra boost you need to move forward to help others.

Legacy Giving

Less than two percent of people leave anything in their will or trust to their church. Would you consider including New Covenant in yours? Part of your legacy could be your ongoing offering to your church. Thank you for considering.

Congratulations Kylie

Student Ministry Car Wash

Saturday, November 16 from 9 AM – 12 PM

Our car wash fundraiser is on the church campus in the West Parking Lot. The suggested donation is $5 per golf cart or $10 per car. We are continuing our express lane for golf carts this year. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this event as well. While you are getting your car/cart washed, the youth will be selling craft coffees and teas for $4-5 for you to enjoy.

Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt

Monday, November 18 from 12 PM – 3 PM

The Men’s Ministry is sponsoring a golf cart scavenger hunt. This promises to be a fun event that is open to all, so please invite your friends. You can form a team, or we can put you on a team.

We will meet at the church at noon for a lunch of hamburgers / hot dogs, then receive your instructions with a list of tasks to complete. You will travel to Lake Sumter Landing to find the items from the clues given to you. The event will end back at the church where we will share a dessert and fun prizes. The rain date for this event is Tuesday, November 19.

Registration is required ($10). If you have any questions, please contact Don Buckey.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Begins Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 AM in the East Narthex

Men's Breakfast will resume having hot breakfast for $7.  Breakfast will run five weeks (through December 17), and then take a two-week break due to Christmas and New Year holidays.

Our Next Health Speaker — John Horsley

Wednesday, November 20 at 1 PM in the Chapel

Did you know that increasing your muscle mass can help improve your cognitive function? According to the National Institutes of Health, "even moderate exercise can increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory." Join John Horsley, a physiologist with AVIV Clinic, to learn more about the mind and muscle connection.

No registration required.

Giving in the Spirit

Donations are due by Sunday, December 1

Giving in the Spirit provides a very meaningful way to bless others and share the joy of Christmas giving. Pick up a booklet at the Welcome Center, an entrance to the Christian Life Center during weekend worship, or in the Administration office during the week. Complete the form inside the booklet and put the form and your donation in the envelope and bring it to the Administration office or place it in the offering basket during worship services.

You may also make a donation online using the button below.

“The Journey” Advent Study by Adam Hamilton

Sunday, December 1 at 10:15 AM in Classroom 1

The Beloved Community Sunday School Class is offering “The Journey,” a four-week book and video study facilitated by Vicki Southworth.

Adam Hamilton travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archeological findings, and personal reflections, Hamilton illuminates this most amazing moment in history. Follow the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others and gain insight into your own journey with Christ.

All are welcome to join this class. The participants guide may be purchased through Amazon. For more information, please contact Pat Hill. 

History of War Brides of WWII

(Sponsored by Women’s Ministry)

Thursday, December 5 from 3:30-4:30 PM in the Chapel

You are invited to come and hear Beth Braun — a Villages’ researcher of history — share with us about war brides of WWII. Beth has a multitude of information and photos with amazing stories about American soldiers who met and married women in foreign countries during the war. At the end of the war many reunited, and many did not, even those with babies. More than 150,000 women settled in every state struggling to learn the language and how to cook American foods, deal with a little-known husband, and meet in-laws. It was a challenging time for these ladies. This is a fascinating history lesson you won’t want to miss!

Snacks and drinks will be provided. For information, please contact Pat Hill.

Christmas at New Covenant 2024

The Colours of Christmas: The Carols of John Rutter

Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM

Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM

Join us for an enchanting holiday concert celebrating the warmth and wonder of Christmas with the beloved carols of John Rutter! This year’s concert, The Colours of Christmas, features the powerful voices of The Chancel Choir, the harmonious tones of the Praise Ringers, and the rich sounds of a full orchestra, all under the masterful direction of conductor Sean Pollock.

Special performances by mezzo-soprano Angie Rose and tenor Mark Steven Schmidt will bring Rutter’s cherished carols to life, while Mark Kirschenbaum graces the stage to narrate Rutter’s whimsical fable, Brother Heinrich’s Christmas.

Reserve your seats for an unforgettable evening of music and festive spirit! Tickets are free as our gift to the community. Suggested donations are welcome, and a limited number of “Friends of Music” tickets are available for purchase to support the concert series.

Please remember to have your TIX username and password if you would like assistance purchasing Christmas tickets at the Computer Center after worship services. Thank you!

Night to Shine Amazon & Walmart Registries

We're excited as we prepare for Night to Shine 2025, and we need your help to make it unforgettable for our honored guests! Here’s how you can get involved:

Purchase from Our Registries

We’ve created registries with needed items at Walmart and Amazon. Your purchases directly contribute to the event's success. 

Calling All Seamstresses!

If you have sewing skills and want to volunteer, we need seamstresses for our Prom Boutique on November 22. If interested, please visit the Night to Shine website at ncumcfl.com/contact-nts. Scroll down to the “Questions?” button and fill out the online form.

Thank you for your generosity and support in creating a magical night for our guests. Your contributions make a world of difference!

Helping Hands Volunteers Needed

Can you lend a Helping Hand? Additional volunteers are needed immediately to work with current volunteers on the New Covenant home build. No specific skills are needed, and other experienced volunteers will be on-site to provide instruction. Volunteers paint, landscape, lay sod, cut lumber, install doors and flooring, etc. Volunteer workdays will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:45 AM to 12 PM.

If you are interested or know of others who might be, please contact Janine Rogers.

Parking Lot Greeters Needed

As part of our First Impressions Ministry, we’re excited to introduce a new opportunity, Parking Lot Greeters.

Parking lot greeters are the first faces that churchgoers and guests encounter when they arrive. For newcomers, this initial contact sets the tone for their experience with us. Greeters will assist with directions, help people find parking, and answer questions, like which door to enter.

The impact of this role goes beyond simple logistics — it’s about making everyone feel welcome and valued even before they step inside. Every interaction has the potential to make someone’s day a little brighter and let them know they’re seen and cared for.

If you’re interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Ashley Hill. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming environment from the moment people arrive.

MOAMI 2025 Class

Thursdays, January 16 – March 27, 2025 from 1 PM – 4 PM

MOAMI (Moving on: Always Master Inspired) is a 11-week, faith based program open to all women looking for joy and purpose in the second half of their lives. MAOMI uses biblical principles to help each woman strengthen her relationship with God, develop supportive friendships with other women, learn strategies to successfully move through changes, discover her unique gifts, explore her purpose, and have fun with like-minded women.

The first class (January 16) is a Kickoff from 11 AM – 4 PM and the last class (March 27) is a Celebration from 11 AM – 4 PM (all other classes are from 1 – 4 PM). If you have any questions, please contact Barb Dougal.

Journeys of Paul Cruise Tour

October 24 – November 4, 2025

Pastor Harold will lead another “Journeys of Paul” Cruise Tour. The pilgrimage will be highlighting the key locations where the Apostle Paul launched many of his first century churches such as Corinth and Thessaloniki. The trip also includes time in Santorini and Mykonos, as well as Athens, one of the most historic cities in the world. To register, please use the button below and follow the instructions on the webpage. You may download a brochure for more information. Brochures are also available in the church office and at the Welcome Center.

Pastor Harold will hold an information meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 9 AM in the Chapel.

New Covenant Name Badges and ID Cards

One of the ways it is helpful to get to know people’s names is by wearing a name badge! Our pastors love to greet people by their name, so please make a point of wearing your name badge. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one online or visit the Computer Center after worship services. It is great when we can learn names this way and know you have been here. In a large church, it can be easy to feel lost, but this helps the pastors and staff know you. To order a name badge online, please click the button below.

Sherry Eldred

Jacob

Scott

Bill Hall

Matt Masemore

Fred & Corda Oehling

Simone Reinert

Jan Stubbs

Toni Trask

Ann Witt

Junior Witt

Prayer Quilts

Marge, who needs comfort, grace, and mercy.

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...

The family and friends of Andrew “Andy” Rauwerda on his passing.

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by…

Becky Garrett in memory of my husband, Jim Cone, who died on November 14, 2018

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.