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

"To the whole world you might be just one person, but to one person you might just be the whole world."

Pablo Casals 

Sermon Series

This weekend (October 4 & 5), Pastor Harold will begin a new sermon series titled, "Blessed to Be a Blessing."

"Blessed to Be a Blessing" is all about encouraging everyone to express gratitude to God for all of the blessings in our lives and to respond to God’s generosity by making a positive difference in our community.

This three-week sermon series is the theme of this year's fall campaign, which includes the opportunity to represent this message through t-shirts and to make a positive difference in our community through a service day.

Learn more about how to get involved in the "Blessed to Be a Blessing" campaign below!

Shirts

T-shirts will be available for sale this weekend (October 4 & 5) before worship services. Shirts are $20, payable by cash, check, or credit card.

Service Day

Saturday, October 18, 2025 (Times & Locations in the Registration Links)

Below are the opportunities to make a positive difference in the community through Blessed to Be a Blessing Service Day. Please click the underlined links to register. All are welcome to attend the cookout on the church campus afterward (no charge). Volunteers on the church campus are encouraged to wear a Blessed to Be a Blessing shirt to the event!

• Assembling Hygiene Kits: Volunteers will assemble feminine hygiene kits that will be donated to the schools in Wildwood. Please meet in Classroom 2. 
• Bargains and Blessings Merchandise Sorting: Volunteers will sort donations given to Bargains and Blessings. Please meet in the Youth Room (Classroom 10).
• Clean Up Church Grounds: Volunteers will walk our campus to ensure all trash is picked up and outside benches and tables are wiped down and clean. Please meet at the West Entrance by the Facilities Door.
• Fresh Expressions: Volunteers will create crafts that will be provided to assisted living residents visited by our Fresh Expressions ministry. We will meet in Classroom 6 and 7.
• Rise Against Hunger: We need 40 volunteers to help pack 12,000 meals. Because this is a food packing event, all volunteers will be required to wear a cap or hair net. Also, no food or drink will be allowed in the food processing area.
• Teacher Appreciation Notes for the Wildwood Schools (First Session): Volunteers will write notes of appreciation and encouragement that will be given to teachers and staff at the schools in Wildwood. (There will be two sessions for this. You are registering for the first session which will run from 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM.) Please meet in Classroom 3.
• Teacher Appreciation Notes for the Wildwood Schools (Second Session): Volunteers will write notes of appreciation and encouragement that will be given to teachers and staff at the schools in Wildwood. (There will be two sessions for this. You are registering for the second session which will run from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM.) Please meet in Classroom 3.
• Wildwood Food Pantry: Volunteers will meet at the Wildwood Food Pantry and will sort and organize donations. Please meet at the Wildwood Food Pantry.

Saturday, October 11, 2025 (See Time and Location in Registration Link)

• CR 101 Pick Up: Volunteers will walk 1.5 miles of CR 101 that New Covenant has responsibility for picking up trash. Please meet in the northwest corner of the New Covenant Parking Lot.

This event is a great opportunity to invite a friend and register them to attend!

Women’s Monthly Gathering (October 2025)

October 16 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM in the Newly Renovated Fellowship Center (lunch to follow)

For many years, Clay and Renee Crosse have been open about the challenges they faced in their marriage; they have been willing to share what they have learned and how they have grown as a couple. Because of this, we are opening the October Women’s Gathering with the Crosses to both women and men. We look forward to sharing this special event in our renovated Fellowship Center.

Clay, a four-time Dove Award winner with nine #1 Contemporary Christian songs, serves as Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden. Together, Clay and Renee share their powerful ministry, “HolyHomes,” encouraging couples and families to build Christ-centered homes. They will inspire us with music and testimony, joined in song by our own Sean Pollock.

Registration is required ($12).

Menu: Mustard Herbed Pork Roast, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, and New York Style Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping



If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Night to Shine 2026

Friday, February 13, 2026

We couldn’t be more excited to host this unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Join us for our third year of celebrating our honored guests with love, joy, and red-carpet moments they’ll never forget.

Volunteer Information Meeting

Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the Christian Life Center

This meeting will review the various volunteer roles, discuss logistics, and answer any questions. All are welcome, no registration is necessary, and please invite a friend. Volunteer registration will open on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 PM. 

To make this event truly extraordinary, we’re seeking support for:

Corporate Sponsorships / Individual Donations: If you own or work for a business or as an individual or family, and would like to partner with us, we’d love to showcase your support.

Volunteers

From buddies to greeters, photographers, setup and take down crews to prayer teams, we need many hands and hearts to bring this night to life. Roles we are currently seeking in particular are:

Prom Boutique Team

The Prom Boutique is a joyful prelude to Night to Shine, where honored guests with special needs select formalwear for their big night. Volunteers help create a dignified, celebratory experience—complete with fittings, accessories, and lots of love. We especially need skilled seamstresses to assist with hemming, alterations, and ensuring every outfit fits beautifully. Whether you can sew, organize, or simply offer a warm smile, your gifts will help create a joyful, dignified experience for our honored guests with special needs.

Ideal for: Helpers that love to make people feel special and shop for their formalwear for the big night.

Thank you for being someone that shines with compassion and joy. Let’s make Night to Shine 2026 a radiant reflection of God’s grace.

Terrific Tuesday (October 2025)

"Walking with the Wesleys"

Tuesday, October 7 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM in the Newly Renovated Fellowship Center

Join us as we celebrate our first Terrific Tuesday program in our newly renovated Fellowship Center. Pastor Harold will begin a new program series titled, “Walking with the Wesleys.” We will learn about the Wesley family heritage and how their early roots helped shape their Christian faith and the early Methodist Church. We also will explore our Wesleyan theology based on grace and how Christ’s grace has shaped the formation of our church. 

Doors open at 4:45 PM and the program begins at 5:45 PM.

Menu: Shepherd's Pot Roast Pie, Mashed Potato Topping, Pan Gravy, Roasted Potatoes, Buttered Green Beans, and dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($14). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

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

Reevaluate your insurance needs – life insurance beneficiaries can be changed to include your church.

Christmas Wish Trees

Tags are available throughout the month of October to provide holiday cheer for children supported by our Mentor Program, Shepherd’s Lighthouse, the Refuge at Jumper Creek, and Kids Central, Inc. Please select a tag from one of the Christmas trees located in the East Narthex. A sign-up sheet is provided to ensure that we keep track of the tags and gifts.

You may purchase the items listed on the gift tag, or send a check made out to "NCUMC" with "Christmas Wish Tree" on the memo line. All gifts and donations must be returned by Friday, October 31.

Volunteers are still needed to assist at 11 am services on Sunday, October 12 and Sunday, October 19. If you are interested, please use the button below to contact Paulette Raus. 

Below is a brief description of the work of each ministry/organization:

Kids Central, Inc. — Kids Central’s Prevention Program provides support services to children and families in Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties to promote well-being, safety, and health. These families are also referred to other community organizations and resources to strengthen the family unit and build strong neighborhoods. 

Shepherd’s Lighthouse — Shepherd’s Lighthouse provides temporary, transitional housing for homeless, single teenage mothers and their children.  

The Refuge at Jumper Creek — The Refuge at Jumper Creek provides transitional housing and helps homeless families improve the quality of their lives through support and educational development.

Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program — A partnership between New Covenant and students at Wildwood Middle High School that provides mentoring for 42 students, and focuses on the physical, spiritual, academic/career, and behavioral well-being of each student.  

Perfectly Flawed: 

God Transfers Our Weaknesses into Strengths

Monday evenings from 6 PM – 7:30 PM

Tuesday mornings from 10 AM – 12 PM

Do you ever feel like your imperfections define you? You’re not alone – and you’re not without hope. “Perfectly Flawed” is a powerful seven-week Bible study that explores how God meets us in our brokenness and transforms our flaws into faith-filled purpose.

All women are invited to join us for a welcoming and grace-filled journey to see how the life of Peter is an invitation to embrace imperfection, find strength in the relentless grace of God, and discover how each one of us is perfectly flawed but still deeply loved by God.

Two day/time options available – choose the one that fits your schedule. If you have any questions, contact Facilitator, Dana Osmanski.

Solo Sisters in Spirit

Thursday, October 9 from 4 PM – 6 PM in Classroom 6/7

Amy Wixted from The Villages Health will be back to give us a presentation of the latest scams and how we can better identify a scam.   Please bring a “Solo Sister” friend with you. 

Registration is requested so we have enough chairs set up. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

Pastor Appreciation Month

Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12, after worship services

We will be serving cake to celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month on Saturday, October 11 after the 5 PM worship service and on Sunday, October 12 after the 9 AM and 11 AM worship services. 

This weekend and next weekend, baskets will be available 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.

“The Chosen” Bible Study

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 PM

Pastor Harold’s sermon series on "The People Jesus Chose" highlighted scenes from the series, “The Chosen.” The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. Due to the interest generated in this series, we are planning to show episodes of The Chosen one night a week at the church. We will introduce you to the episode for the evening, show the episode in its entirety, then provide a set of discussion questions for small group participation.

Please note the specific dates for each session:

So that we have an idea of how many people will be here, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship. Registration is not required.

Spirited Singles Begin New Class This Sunday

Sunday, October 5 at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3

Spirited Singles Sunday School Class is beginning a brand-new study, "The Power of the Holy Spirit’s Names," by Tony Evans.

Many believers long for a clearer understanding of the Holy Spirit and the role He plays in our relationship with God.

In this book, Dr. Tony Evans examines twelve of the Spirit’s most significant names and what they reveal about this powerful, present, and personal expression of God.

Participants will gain eye-opening insights into how God moves within the hearts of believers.

At New Covenant — We “Care”

When it comes to looking for a church, many people say they hope the church will care for them in their time of need. New Covenant is a caring community of faith, and we want to be able to care for you when you need us. 

For us to be able to do that, please consider designating a neighbor or close friend to communicate with your church if you have a sudden hospitalization or emergency — even if it is after church office hours. They can call the church number (352-750-4529) and leave a message or request the pastor on call. Have your designee save the church phone number in their cell phone; it will be easy for them to reach out to your church. 

Please be sure that we also have your emergency contact information so that we can check on you.

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

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.

Alexis: has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis

Michael: is suffering from stage 4 cancer

Simone: has complications of liver/bile duct

Our Altar Flowers have been Provided by…

Children & family of Roger & Jeanette Kassing in celebration of Roger’s 85^th birthday and celebrating Jeanette & Roger’s 62^nd anniversary.



Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend. To place an order for altar flowers online, please use the button below.