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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
“Angels appear in many different forms to hold your hand through the difficult times.”
Doreen Virtue
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Upcoming Concert Series
This December, let the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with a series of breathtaking performances at our church! From the triumphant sounds of The Villages Concert Band to the delicate harmonies of The Villages Flute Choir, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the festive cheer of The Village Ringers with Horns A’Plenty, the grandeur of Christmas at New Covenant featuring The Chancel Choir, The Praise Ringers, and Orchestra, or the serene beauty of A Quiet Christmas with Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel.
Join us for these unforgettable concerts and share the joy of music, fellowship, and the true meaning of the season. Check out the full schedule and invite your family and friends to celebrate Christmas through the gift of music!
Concert Band Christmas Concert
Tuesday, December 3 at 7 PM
Tickets may also purchased at the door ($20).
The Colours of Christmas: The Carols of John Rutter
Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM and Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM
Tickets are required to reserve your seat. However, tickets are free, but suggested donations are welcome. A limited number of “Friends of Music” tickets are available to purchase to support the concert series.
Villages Flute Choir
Thursday, December 12 at 7 PM
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
Village Ringers & Horns A'Plenty
Friday, December 13 at 7 PM
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
A Quiet Christmas
Thursday, December 19 at 7 PM
Tickets are available online for reserved seating ($25-$35).
Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
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Greenery Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who placed an order with the Student Ministry Greenery Fundraiser. Greenery orders are expected to arrive next week, if you placed an order, you will receive an email when they are ready for pick-up.
Each item will be labeled, and you may pick your order up anytime the church campus is open in the hallway outside of the Chapel.
Net proceeds from the Greenery Fundraiser which will support our Youth attending Rock the Universe in January.
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Women's Monthly Gathering December 2024
Thursday, December 12 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)
Join our guest moderator, Lynn VanVeelen, as she takes us on a Christmas journey. The birth of Jesus initiated many journeys; Mary and Joseph’s, the Wisemen — and OUR journey as well. At our Christmas program, we’ll discover how our journey began with the birth of Christ and knits us together with grace and hope knowing Immanuel – GOD IS WITH US.
Menu: Mustard and Herb Crusted Pork Roast, Pan Gravy, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Boston Cream Pie
Registration is required ($10). If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill, Small Groups Coordinator.
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Staff Love Offering
As Christmas approaches, we think of those who are special to us. The Staff-Parish Relations Team invites you to remember our church staff, who is committed to meeting the needs of our congregation and does so with grace and a servant attitude. All gifts received will be distributed equally among all regular employees. Checks may be made payable to NCUMC with “Staff Gift” indicated on the memo line. If you choose to participate, all donations must be in by Monday, December 9.
Thank you,
Bob Wotring, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Team
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Generosity
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)
Generous people prosper in terms of being more connected to God. The word “refreshed” may be hinting at the feeling of joy and contentment one experiences when being charitable. A study found a direct correlation between being charitable and the brain’s reward system. When we are charitable, you just feel good afterward. However, when giving, it’s important to be modest and humble.
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Legacy Giving
Giving through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them.
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Holiday Hours for New Covenant
The Administration Office will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. The office will reopen on Monday, December 2 at 9 AM.
Bargains & Blessings will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. The store will reopen on Saturday, November 30 at 10 AM.
All worship services will be at the regularly scheduled times. We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
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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, and 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.
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New Sermon Series: Angels Watching Over Me
What comes to mind when you think about angels? In the Bible, angels are described as messengers of God. Leading up to Christmas, we will explore how angels bring help and hope during this Advent sermon series. What can we learn from the stories of angels for our everyday lives? How will we respond to the good news that the angels in the Christmas story announced? We invite you to join us for worship as we consider the theme of “Angels Watching Over Me.”
We are offering an Advent Devotional to be a companion to this sermon series. This devotional has been authored by many of our congregants and staff members and is formatted like the “Upper Room” devotional booklets.
We hope that you will take advantage of this resource to help us all draw closer to Christ during this holy season.
Printed copies are available for pickup during weekend services. You can access a digital copy by using the link below, or from our website click the "Resources" tab, and select "Advent Devotional."
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“Heaven and Earth" Advent Study by Will Willimon
Sundays, beginning December 1 at 8 AM or 10:10 AM in the Chapel
In this four-week study, we will anticipate and celebrate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news: God is coming to us! As we get ready for a new church year, we are offered a fresh start by accepting the greatest gift of all. Do we anticipate a new path from a God who is willing to show up among us and do something with us here and now?
The book is not required, however if you want to purchase the book, the link is below. The class may be available mid-week if there is enough interest. For more information, please contact Randy Cooke, Teaching Pastor.
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Other Advent Studies
Advent Begins Sunday, December 1
Several groups and classes will be doing a four-week Advent study. If you or your small group is interested in participating in an Advent Study other than Sunday morning, please contact Pat Hill, Small Groups Coordinator. She also has individual books available in her office. Here is a list of Advent studies from which to choose.
- Light of the World by Amy, by Jill Levine
- The Christmas Letters, by Magrey DeVega
- Incarnation by Adam Hamilton
- The Heart that Grew Three Sizes, by Matt Rawle
- An Unlikely Advent, by Rachel Billups
- Experiencing Christmas, by Matt Rawle
- The Redemption of Scrooge, by Matt Rawle
- The Angels of Christmas, by Susan Robb
- Faithful, by Adam Hamilton
- Almost Christmas and All the Good, by a compilation of authors.
- On the Way to Bethlehem, by Rob Fuquay
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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.
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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, Small Groups Coordinator.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck Next Weekend
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend (December 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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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, First Impressions Manager. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming environment from the moment people arrive.
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Fresh Expressions Volunteers Needed
Fresh Expressions is an international movement within our United Methodist family, serving by cultivating new Christian communities with new people, in new places, and in new ways.
At New Covenant, we have been carrying out this mission under the direction of Pastor Donna Hendren and 25 volunteers reaching out to a variety of independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities throughout the Villages. We are currently ministering in 17 facilities, and may be able to add more in the coming months. We lead devotionals and provide individual prayer and support for residents in many settings. We truly would love to have more of our congregants involved in this ministry.
As of now, our schedule include times on Saturday morning at 11 AM and afternoons at 4 PM, Sunday mornings at 11 AM and Sunday afternoons at 2 PM, and 10 different times throughout the entire day on Tuesdays from 9 AM until 2 PM. Some weeks we minister to as many as 300 people. We feel so blessed to provide this ministry to these folks; it is truly a joy to participate in Fresh Expressions.
If you would be willing to volunteer, or even if you want more information, please contact Pastor Jeff Vermilya who is currently coordinating this ministry by emailing him below, or calling him directly at (770) 595-5193.
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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. Our Helping Hands Ministry is partnering with Habitat for Humanity in order to provide a home for a family within our community.
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, Director, Missions & Outreach.
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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. Thank you for your generosity and support in creating a magical night for our guests. Your contributions make a world of difference!
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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.
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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, MOAMI Coordinator.
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New Covenant Library
New Covenant is happy to have a wonderful library with many resources available to you in Christian fiction, non-fiction, research, and more. Want to know more about the United Methodist Church? We have titles available to you. Looking for a small group curriculum? We have a special section with small group discussion in mind! Come check us out! And remember, you need a New Covenant ID card to check out a book! For more information, contact Ginny Davis. We also have an online link to see what materials you might be looking for, and you can access it here!
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Beverly
Wanda Eavers
Jean Hatten
Izzy
Marty Johns
Joe & Lyn McElwee
Lori Ann McKay
Tom Myers
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Beverly Parrish
Kenny Parrish
Michael Ray
Meredith & Gretchen Smith
Will & Terri Walters
Junior & Ann Witt
Ed Work
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Carol, who is going through a medical trial. | |
Kenny, who has cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. | |
Melanie, who has NET cancer. | |
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...
Bruce & Martha Ecker, family and friends on the passing of their son, Lucas Ecker.
For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.
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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, please contact Ginny Davis, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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