Spiritual Reflection

“We don't do this work to earn God's love. We do this work because Jesus poured out His soul unto death to satisfy our ultimate spiritual hunger. Because we have been filled at His table, we are now called to set a table for the world.” 

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Christmas Wish Tree

For many children in our community, Christmas is that special and magical time that they look forward to all year. Please help us during the month of October to fill the needs and desires of children from the following ministries through Christmas Wish Tree. 

These ministries are: Kids Central, Inc., New Covenant’s Mentor Program, The Refuge at Jumper Creek, and Shepherd’s Lighthouse.

You can participate in this giving opportunity in any of the following ways:

• Selecting a tag from one of the trees and purchasing the items listed on the gift tag (please be sure to complete the sign-up sheet to help us keep track of the tags and gifts).
• Purchasing a gift card from a local department store (Walmart, Target, Marshalls, etc.) in the amount of $25, $50, $75 or $100, and drop them off at the church administration office between October 3^rd and November 1st.
• Sending a check made out to New Covenant United Methodist Church with Christmas Wish Tree on the subject line.

For additional information about this giving opportunity, contact Paulette Raus, Christmas Wish Tree Coordinator. 

Pastor Appreciation Month

Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4

The Staff Parrish Relations Team (SPRT) invites you to join us in thanking Pastor Harold and Pastor Ellen for their service to New Covenant!

We will be serving cake to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month on Saturday, October 3 after the 5 PM worship service and on Sunday, October 4 BETWEEN the 9 AM and 11 AM worship services. 

Baskets will be available at the Welcome Center for you to drop a card or note to our clergy expressing your appreciation for their service. Any time after October 12, you may drop off a note at the Church Office.

October Women's Gathering

Thursday, October 15 from 10 AM - 11:30 AM lunch to follow

Calling all peacemakers, memory-makers, and “PIECEMAKERS”! Women have been stitching love, creativity, and history into our families and communities for generations; from cozy quilts and handmade clothing to beautiful embroidery and lace. Now it’s our turn to gather, celebrate the gifts God has given us, and enjoy the talents and traditions passed down through the women who came before us. Bring your stories, your smiles, and your love of heritage to the October Women’s Gathering. Come connect, laugh, remember, and celebrate the beautiful threads that tie us all together—we can’t wait to see you there!

Our mission this month is Sumter County School District's Families in Transition Program  A surprising number of children in our surrounding area go to school without underpants or socks. This month we will collect new packaged underpants and socks for children from toddler through 12th grade.

Our mission buckets will also be on the tables for those who would prefer to give a love offering. Thank you for helping us share God's love with those in need.

Deadline to Register is October 8th, registration fee is $12.

Meal: Chicken Cutlets, oven roasted baby potatoes, vegetable, roll and dessert.

If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Bridging Gaps Through Conversation - Dismantiling Racism: Call & Response

Thursday, October 22 from 1 PM - 3:30 PM

Please join Rev. Christy Allen Holden, Pastor of The Channel United Methodist Church in Ft. Myers and Tee Ormiston, the Channel's Care Minister, and facilitator of Hurt Mending Ministries for a musical call and response experience that is found in some African American worship experiences.

Come experience how they have created different ways for people to reflect on our call to notice the suffering systemic racism causes, and then consider what responses we can make. Resources were used from the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race. Concrete action suggestions will be given to take home and implement. 

Registration is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.

God's Money

The founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, is quoted frequently. One of my favorites is it’s “not, how much of my money will I give to God, but, how much of God’s money will I keep for myself?” Tithing is a big decision for many. It’s not such a big deal for others. Tithing helps us to look outside of our selfishness. It’s meant to be a benefit for us and to make us more aware of the needs of others.

Whether you tithe or not, giving to your church makes you feel good.  A generous heart is a kind heart. You will not find a generous person who is an unhappy person. Try it, you’ll like it.

Legacy Giving

You can adjust your Legacy plans at any time.

If you would like to know more about Legacy Giving, please contact Linda Stubits, Finance Manager. Thank you for considering our Legacy Giving Ministry.

The Villages Concert Band

Friday, October 2 at 7 PM

Join the Village’s Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Gordon Mason, for “Music From Around the World,” an entertaining concert that takes you on a musical voyage. The program begins in England, travels through France, Spain, Italy, and Korea, then crosses the Pacific to the United States with music from California and Virginia, before returning to England. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this colorful journey of music from the Beach Boys to a stirring Coronation march written for the King and Queen of England! Other familiar favorites are Clair de Lune, Shenandoah and music from the movie Around the World in 80 Days. All of these are woven into a single captivating voyage.

Be sure to come early at 6:30 PM for colorful and informal comments to the audience from the Conductor!

Tickets are $20 each for general admission purchase online or at the door.

Blood Drive

Monday, October 5th from 12 PM – 6 PM in the West Parking Lot

New Covenant is hosting an upcoming Blood Drive with OneBlood.

Donors receive a $20 eGiftcard and Halloween T-shirt. You will also have a Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Facts:

·     Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.

·     Only 3% of those who are eligible actually donate blood.

Appointments are encouraged! Click the link below to set an appointment.

The Chosen



Tuesday, October 6, at 3:00 PM

We are excited to continue showing and discussing episodes of “The Chosen”, a multi-season series depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through the eyes of those who knew him.

"The Chosen" returns with Season 4. Break-out discussions are planned to run until 5PM. There are eight episodes in season 4 and a schedule of classes will be handed out during this class. Participants may attend any class as they are able.

Season 4 of "The Chosen" follows the final year of Jesus’ ministry, highlighting growing opposition, pivotal miracles, and the transformation of His disciples. The season explores clashing kingdoms and rival rulers, as Jewish religious leaders ally with Roman authorities to oppose Jesus’ growing influence. The disciples struggle to keep pace with His mission, while Jesus bears the weight of His ministry largely alone.

Come see how Jesus establishes His church and how the disciples grow a deeper understanding of His mission.

Registration is not required.

If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Calling All Car Show Enthusiasts!

Saturday, Oct 10, Nov 14, & Dec 12, from 9 AM to 1:00 PM

If you enjoyed our Father’s Day event “Reved Up for Dad” then you will LOVE this! New Covenant is excited to partner with the community by hosting a monthly car show.

If you have a “show” car that you’d like to share with the community, please contact Greg Sullins below. All makes, models, and years are welcome.

Volunteers are needed to welcome guests to our campus; answer questions and help where needed! Please contact Connie Koster to volunteer.

Those participating by showing their cars will be supporting New Covenant ministries; for October, a suggested donation of $5 will go to support our Outreach Missions.

Come join us for Cars, Community, Fellowship, and Fun! We are excited about this opportunity to welcome the community to New Covenant UMC….A Place to Call Home!

Helping Hands

Wednesday, October 14^th at 8:30 AM

The Helping Hands Ministry will build its third Habitat for Humanity home this fall! The new home will be located on 620 5^th Street in Wildwood. The ministry is holding a kickoff celebration with Habitat for Humanity of Lake - Sumter, Florida at the home site. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This ministry has built 39 homes in our local community. Each home represents more than just walls and a roof; it represents hope, stability, and a brighter future for a family in need. We are grateful for everyone who has given their time, talents, and energy to make these projects possible. 

Volunteers are needed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8 AM to 12 PM to support this effort. No specials skills are required, just a willing heart, a desire to serve, and a willingness to help a family reach their goal of homeownership. Come join us, meet others in our community, and be part of something that will make a lasting difference in the life of a local family

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Search, Ministry Chair.

To learn more about the Helping Hands partnership with Habitat for Humanity, please view the video below.

Together, we can build more than a house; we can help build a future!

Holy Land Tour 2027 Information Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 9:30 am in the Chapel

Pastor Harold will be leading another trip to the Holy Land from March 8 – 17, 2027, and has a limited number of spaces still available.

If you are interested in knowing more about the tour and "walking in Jesus’s footsteps," or are already registered for this trip and would like to attend, please join us. (If you can’t attend in person, the meeting will also be live streamed for your convenience on the New Covenant website.)

You can download a brochure by clicking on the link below.

Additionally, Pastor Harold will be leading a cruise tour that follows in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. The cruise (October 6 – 17, 2027) will take us to towns where Paul had established churches such as Philippi, Thessaloniki, Corinth, Athens, and Ephesus. There also will be stops in Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini, Greece.

An information meeting will be offered at a later date for this trip.

Tour the Community of Royal

Wednesday, October 14 from 10:45 AM to 12:30 PM

Please join us for a tour of the historic Community of Royal! Learn from Beverly Steele, Royal's historian, about one of Florida’s oldest African American communities and the initiatives to restore this historically significant place.

Formed in 1865 by Freedmen, who received their land though the Special Field Order #15 after the Civil War, it was passed down through family generations who secured their land and kept their history intact. The current residents and property owners are direct descendants of the original Freedman land grantees.

Registration is required. $10 for the tour and $20 for lunch if needed.

Everyone who is registered will meet at: 
Alonzo A. Young, Sr. Enrichment & Historical Center 
9569 County Road 235 Wildwood, FL 34785

If you have any questions, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.

25^th Anniversary Celebration Weekend

The weekend of October 16–18, 2026

For 25 years, New Covenant United Methodist Church has been “A Place to Call Home.” From Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, we will gather for an entire weekend celebrating all God has done and looking with faith toward all God is calling us to do next.

Our 25th Anniversary Celebration Weekend will also be our fourth and final Bring Weekend of 2026. Bring Weekends are special opportunities designed to make it simple for all of us to invite friends, neighbors, and family members to worship with us. Consider who you might invite to join you for one event or for the entire weekend!

Bargains & Blessings Celebrates New Covenant’s 25th Anniversary

October 12 – 17

Bargains and Blessings will celebrate 25 years of New Covenant United Methodist Church with special anniversary sales throughout the week of October 12 – 17.

• Visit the Women’s Boutique and receive $5 off any purchase of $25 or more.
• Visit the Annex and look for a special linens rack with select items available for $2.50.
• Visit the Main Store and find the anniversary cart featuring select items for only 25 cents!

The items on the anniversary cart will be different each day, so be sure to visit throughout the week and join Bargains and Blessings in celebrating New Covenant’s 25th Anniversary!

Friday, October 16

Organ Concert Featuring Paul Fey

7:00 PM in the Christian Life Center

Our celebration weekend will begin with internationally recognized German organist and composer Paul Fey.

Born near Leipzig, Germany, Fey has developed a worldwide following through his concerts, recordings, original compositions, and engaging online performances. His videos reach more than a million viewers each month, introducing audiences across continents, and especially younger generations, to the beauty and power of the pipe organ.

Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Voluntary donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

NEW COVENANT DAY OF SERVICE

All activities begin at 9 AM

What better way to celebrate 25 years of ministry than by serving together!

Choose one of the opportunities below and be a part of making a difference in our community!

Ready to serve? Click the name of the opportunity that interests you to register. Several opportunities have limited space, and some are already filling up, so sign up today! After we serve, we’ll celebrate together!

Everyone is invited to a free Service Day Cookout from 11 AM – 12:30 PM in the West Parking Area.

• Family Care Kits Assembly - Help assemble hygiene kits for homeless youth and young adults aging out of foster care. Meet in Classroom 2.
• Bargains and Blessings Linens Sorting and Pricing Come help sort and price linens given to Bargains and Blessings. Please meet in Classrooms 8 and 9.
• Clean Up Church Grounds - Walk our campus to ensure all trash is picked up and the outside benches and tables are wiped down and clean. Please meet at the West Entrance by the Facilities Door.
• Fresh Expressions - Help create crafts that will be provided to assisted-living residents visited by our Fresh Expressions ministry. Please meet in Classrooms 6 and 7.
• Rise Against Hunger - 50 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Help us pack more than 10,000 meals in one morning! Caps or hair nets are required; no food or drinks are permitted in the food packing area.
• Teacher Appreciation Notes for the Wildwood Schools Write notes of appreciation and encouragement that will be given to teachers and staff at Wildwood Middle High School. Please meet in Classroom 3.
• Wildwood Food Pantry Help sort and organize donations that serve families in our community. Please meet at the Wildwood Food Pantry.
• CR 101 Pick Up Come clean the 1.5-mile section of CR 101 that New Covenant is responsible for keeping free of trash. Please meet in the northwest corner of the New Covenant parking lot.

Service Day Cookout

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the West Parking Area

Everyone is welcome at no charge. Invite a friend to serve and celebrate with you!

Anniversary Contemporary Worship

5:00 PM in the Christian Life Center

Derrick Burt will join our contemporary worship team in leading this special service celebrating God’s faithfulness and the vibrant ministry of New Covenant today.

Sunday, October 18

Anniversary Blended Worship

9:00 AM and 11:00 AM

Our anniversary celebration will continue during both Sunday morning services. Derrick Burt will join our pastors, choir, and musicians as we remember our story, honor those who brought us to this moment, and look toward New Covenant’s future.

A Celebration of Faithfulness: 25 Years of New Covenant

3:00 PM in the Christian Life Center

This special anniversary worship celebration will bring our entire church family together. Through music, prayer, storytelling, and thanksgiving, we will honor the past, celebrate the present, welcome home former members and leaders, and renew our vision for the future God is preparing.

Churchwide Anniversary Reception

4:30 PM in the Fellowship Center

Following the service, everyone is invited to continue the celebration at our Churchwide Anniversary Reception.

Bring Someone and Help Us Welcome Everyone!

This anniversary is not simply about remembering the past. It is about giving thanks for our shared story, celebrating the ministry happening among us now, and renewing our commitment to being Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world. A weekend of this size will require volunteers with many different gifts and abilities. Opportunities will include welcoming and directing guests, hospitality, parking assistance, setup and cleanup, refreshments, food service, photography, and other important work behind the scenes.

Watch your Weekly Word email for our 25th Anniversary Reflections, in which longtime members will share special memories of New Covenant.

Please use the individual links in the Service Day Opportunities section to register for a Saturday service activity and if you have any questions, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Terrific Tuesdays this Fall

Tuesday, October 27 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Join us for our Terrific Tuesdays this fall as Pastor Harold takes us a “Journey Through the James”. The Book of James is a practical New Testament letter that focuses on living out a genuine Christian faith through concrete actions rather than passive belief. Widely believed to be written by James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the early church in Jerusalem, this epistle serves as a direct, punchy guide to spiritual maturity and everyday wisdom. James highlight’s themes that we all can relate to in life such as faith and works, trials and perseverance, taming the tongue and humility vs. favoritism.

This three-part series will help us explore the key components according to James to a deeper richer life. As James challenges us, “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:1-2 

A great journey and adventure await!

Registration is required. Cost: $14.

Menu: Meatloaf, Cheesy Potatoes, vegetable, roll, and Dessert

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Men's Ministry Dinner and a Movie (November 2026)

Thursday, November 5 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM

The Men’s and Women's Ministry teams are happy to continue the “Dinner and a Movie” series with a showing of the movie, “Shining Through”. This is an inspiring World War II drama that will keep you rooting for the heroes to make it through together.

• Doors open at 4:30 PM
• Dinner will be served at 5 PM
• Showtime is 5:45 PM

Enjoy dinner followed by the movie and complimentary snacks.

Registration is required and ends on November 2 at 12 PM. Cost: $15.

Menu: Mustard & Herb Crusted Pork Roast, Pan Gravy and Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans and Dinner Rolls with Dessert.

Celebration Brass Band Fall Concert

Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 PM

Join the Celebration Brass Band for an evening of stirring marches, Broadway favorites, featured soloists, and the rich sound of brass and percussion. Led by Conductor Lewis Buckley and Assistant Conductor Christopher Priest, this British-style brass band brings warmth, brilliance, and a wide range of musical expression to the concert stage. Rooted in the British brass band tradition, the ensemble’s distinctive instrumentation offers a sound audiences have come to love.

The program will showcase the variety of the brass band repertoire, with selections ranging from The Phantom of the Opera and music by George Gershwin to John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and the familiar favorite Ticket to Ride. Stirring marches and Lewis Buckley’s transcription of the beautiful choral work Salvation Is Created will further highlight the ensemble’s versatility.



Two featured soloists will add to the evening’s musical variety. CBB President and Principal Cornet Greg Weber will perform A Trumpeter’s Lullaby. Principal E-flat Tuba Kevin Blackstock, Director of Bands at The Villages Charter School, will be featured in Celestial Morn, showcasing the lyrical and expressive possibilities of the tuba.



Whether you are a longtime supporter or discovering the Celebration Brass Band for the first time, this concert offers something for everyone. Come enjoy an evening of musical favorites and fresh discoveries as we welcome the band for its 2026 Fall Concert.

Tickets are $20 each for general admission purchase online or at the door.

Stephen Ministry

New Covenant UMC is a proud Stephen Minister congregation!

Our Stephen Ministers are well-trained for a number of situations, including dealing with grief and loss, hospital visitation, and more. Stephen Ministers are available to walk alongside an individual who is in need of a confidential friend who will listen, care, and pray for the one in need of this specific type of care. Stephen Ministers are completely confidential and are dedicated to one on one care.

If you feel this might be a need for you, please contact Pastor Ellen by using the link below

25th Anniversary Reflection

As we draw closer to New Covenant’s 25th anniversary, we’re taking a look back at the many memories, moments, and blessings that have shaped our church family over the years.

Living Our Value of Service: The Puppet Ministry

The Reachin’, Preachin’, Teachin’ Hands Puppet Ministry was one of New Covenant United Methodist Church’s early outreach ministries. It began in the fall of 2007 under the leadership of Judy Menefee and Linda Underhill, followed by Judy Johnson. During its first year, the puppet team presented four children’s messages during Advent and participated in the family Christmas Eve service.

Over the next eight years, the ministry shared the Christian message with children and adults throughout the church and the surrounding community. The puppeteers presented additional children’s messages during worship, established Puppetry 101 for junior puppeteers, and participated in Vacation Bible School, ministry fairs, Fall Ball, the Open Door worship service, Christmas Camp, BEACH 101, Spring Fling, Alzheimer’s Respite Care, Prime Time, and the 2015 performing arts program.

The ministry also reached far beyond New Covenant’s walls. The puppeteers gave 28 presentations at assisted-living and memory-care communities and visited Ocala Forest Kids, Grandma’s House, Mother’s Day at Wildwood United Methodist Church, Kid’s Central in Wildwood, Royal, and preschool classes in two local elementary schools.



The puppets even traveled on five mission trips—twice to the Dominican Republic and once each to Hungary, Papua New Guinea, and Ethiopia.

This ministry was made possible by the creativity and dedication of many puppeteers and volunteers, along with the faithful support of the congregation. Through their service, they brought joy to people of all ages, shared the love of Christ within and beyond New Covenant, and helped fulfill our vision of being Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.

Memory shared by Linda Underhill, charter member since 2000.

Do you have a special memory from New Covenant’s first 25 years or a ministry, volunteer, or moment of faithfulness you believe deserves recognition? Please share it with Sean Pollock, Director, Worship & Events as we celebrate the people and stories that have shaped New Covenant.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

Prayer Quilts

Claire is in need of healing from her continuous health problems.

Judy needs comfort as she goes through some medical issues.

Lynda is in need of healing from her heart surgery.

Parker needs prayers for palliative care for their cancer.

We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please click on the quilt to be taken to our Facebook Page, where you can "Like" the post to virtually tie a knot. Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church and throughout our community who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people experiencing life-changing challenges. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

Every Wednesday, faithful prayer warriors gather to review the prayer requests submitted by our congregants. They carefully pray for each request with intention and petition. This group has great dedication, but they need some help. We need more people who are willing to spend some time in prayer. You do not need to pray big, elaborate prayers, but just be present. 



This group meets in Classroom 14 each Wednesday at 2:45 - 3:45 PM. 

Anyone can submit a prayer concern or praise by prayer cards on campus or by submitting one through our website. 

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

The sons, family, and friends of Roberta Cook on her passing.

Caryl Baumann, their family and friends, on the passing of her husband Jim.

The family and friends of Ilse Seifert on her passing.

Christian Life Center Chancel Flowers

Chancel flowers donated by Corda Oehling and family in loving memory of Fred’s October 4^th Birthday.

To place an order for Chancel flowers in the Christian Life Center for Sunday worship services, please use the button below. For any questions about Christian Life Center Chancel Flowers, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.



Flower orders for the Christian Life Center must be received by noon on Monday for flowers to be delivered that weekend.

Rev. Harold Hendren, Senior Pastor

Rev. Ellen Pollock, Associate Pastor