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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
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Nelson Mandela
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Christmas Wish Tree
New Covenant's Christmas Wish Trees allow us to share and give love to children in our local community. Please join us in meeting the needs or desires of these children by selecting a gift tag from one of the Christmas trees in the East or West Narthex. A sign-up sheet is provided to ensure that we can keep track of the tags and gifts.
You can participate in this giving opportunity by:
- Purchasing the items listed on the gift tag.
- 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 Saturday, October 5 and Thursday, October 31.
- Sending a check made out to NCUMC with "Christmas Wish Tree" on the memo line.
We are sharing the love of Christmas with children from the following ministries and organizations:
Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program: A partnership between New Covenant and students at Wildwood Middle High School that provides mentoring for 35 students, and focuses on the spiritual, physical, academic/career, and behavioral well-being of each student.
Kids Central: Provides support services to children and families in Sumter, Lake, Marion, Citrus and Hernando counties to promote well-being, safety, and health.
Shepherd’s Lighthouse: Shepherd’s Lighthouse provides temporary, transitional housing for homeless, single teenage mothers and their children.
The Refuge at Jumper Creek: Provides emergency housing for homeless families, and dedicated housing for veterans.
Voices for Children: Voices for Children meets the basic, financial, and critical needs of the children, such as clothing, shoes, specialized medical or dental treatment, psychological evaluations and counseling through the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program.
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New Sermon Series
We will begin a new series titled, “Do Unto Others…A Kindness Campaign” next weekend (October 12 & 13).
The election brings many candidates seeking positions within our community, state, and country. Many people spend a great deal of time and money campaigning in hopes they will be elected. During the time leading up to election day, tensions among candidates and voters can escalate. What would Jesus say about all this? What if we could focus on what unites us rather than what divides us? The unifying principles that Jesus modeled for us were love, patience, kindness, mercy, and yes, even grace. Jesus never won an election, but He desires to win our hearts.
Come and join us as we launch into our own “Kindness Campaign” in which we live into the teaching of Jesus: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
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New Member Class
Wednesday, October 9 at 1 PM in the Chapel
Membership is about commitment to Christ through a local church. Whether you are here full-time, or seasonally, we have a membership type that will fit you and your needs. Church membership is your opportunity to hold each other in responsibility and love. We hope you will consider being a member and become more engaged with your church community.
An Online New Member Class is available for anyone who is unable to attend in person.
Registration is required. If you’re interested in the Online New Member Class or need help with registration, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.
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Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 12 from 9 AM – 11 AM in the Parking Lot
This special occasion, designed to celebrate the connection between humans and their animal companions, will feature blessings by our pastors and professional photos to capture the moment!
Partners from our community will also be present to offer a wide range of activities from pet services, products, adoptions, and craft coffees. Please make sure you are registered and following our social media.
To register, please use the button below, we want to ensure we have enough goody bags.
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Giving
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
The idea here is that giving is a gift that gives back. It’s similar idea to reaping what you sow – not necessarily in a literal sense, but in practice. A generous heart appreciates what it has and has been given by God. And people are more likely to give to a person who has been generous with them.
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Legacy Giving
Remember New Covenant in your planned giving.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (October 5 & 6) 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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World Communion Sunday
This weekend, our congregation will join churches worldwide in celebrating “World Communion Sunday” — a special day that emphasizes Christian unity. This event, observed by many denominations, including the United Methodist Church, reminds us that we are part of a global family of faith.
At the heart of this celebration is the Lord's Table, where Christians around the world come together in spirit to partake in Holy Communion. For United Methodists, this day also highlights the importance of the “open table”—a UMC principle that God's grace is available to all, regardless of background or church membership. Everyone who seeks Christ’s love is welcome to receive communion.
The "open table" reflects God’s invitation to everyone, symbolizing inclusion, love, and the free gift of grace. As we come together on World Communion Sunday, let us remember the unity we share with fellow believers across the globe.
Join us in celebrating this special Sunday as we gather at the table, united in Christ.
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Hurricane Helene — You Can Help!
We have received damage reports of varying levels from at least 50 churches in our conference and we are still assessing the full impact of the storm. We invite you to help provide relief to persons affected by Hurricane Helene by giving online. One hundred percent of donations to the Disaster Recovery Support Fund of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church goes to support the collaborative work of our Conference, districts, and local churches as we respond to disasters including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding events, and more.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We are grateful for the power of our United Methodist connection!
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Student Ministry Fall Fundraisers
This year, we want our students to be able to experience the whole weekend of worship music at Rock the Universe, a Christian atmosphere at Universal Studios. Net proceeds from the Student Ministry Fall Fundraisers will support the New Covenant Student Ministry.
Candy Donations – As we gear up for the fall, we’re asking for candy donations to help with upcoming events. Please drop off your candy in the designated bin by the Children’s Room by Sunday, October 13. When selecting candy, we kindly ask that you avoid chocolate, anything that melts easily, or hard candies.
Greenery Fundraiser – Our annual Greenery Fundraiser is here again! Items are delivered and distributed from the New Covenant campus. The greenery is live; you will need to pick up your order. Prices vary; to order, please click the button below.
This year we are taking credit, cash, and checks on Sunday mornings during the month of October. Our youth will be in the Narthex from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM to take your order and collect your payment. If you order online, you can drop off your cash or check on Sunday or to the Administration Office on weekdays during church business hours.
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Car Wash – Our car wash fundraiser on the church campus will be held Saturday, November 16 from 9 AM – 12 PM. 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. | |
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Fresh Expressions Workshop
Spiritual Care & Ministry for Persons Living with Dementia
Wednesday, October 16 from 10 AM – 12 PM in Classroom 6/7
New Covenant United Methodist Church is looking forward to hosting a workshop for family members, caregivers, and volunteers who live with and/or work with individuals with dementia. This workshop will provide practical tips for creating effective and helpful ways to offer spiritual care and support in a variety of settings. Fresh Expressions volunteers, Stephen Ministers, and Congregational Care Ministers may be particularly interested in this event.
The content of the workshop will be based on a book titled, "Spiritual Care for People Living with Dementia Using Multisensory Interventions" by author Richard Behers, a board-certified chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains and a Clinical Fellow in Hospice and Palliative Care by the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.
The cost of the workshop will be $20. Registration is required. To register, please use the button below.
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Our Next Health Speaker — Dr. Benjamin Lowry
Wednesday, October 16 at 1 PM in the Chapel
Do you find yourself forgetting names, misplacing your glasses, or repeating stories more often than you used to?
When ‘senior moments’ start increasing in frequency or other symptoms arise, then it’s time to get help. Join Dr. Benjamin Lowry, Aviv Clinics’ neuropsychologist, to learn how you can counteract these cognitive challenges. No registration required.
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Join Us for Solo Sisters in Spirit
Thursday, October 10 from 4 PM – 6 PM in Classroom 6/7
Feeling alone? Whether it’s through a word, song, or situation, we all sometimes face moments of isolation. Solo Sisters in Spirit (SSiS) could be the answer for you. This group is for solo women of all ages — whether widowed, divorced, or single — offering a supportive and caring community.
We meet once a month in for two hours of fellowship, food, and fun. Our mission is to create a space for social connections, where you can meet new friends and build a loving community of women who care, share, and support one another. Appetizers and beverages are provided.
If you’re interested, we’d love for you to join us! If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert or Pat Hill.
Admission is free, but registration is required.
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Night to Shine Returns in 2025
New Covenant United Methodist Church is thrilled to announce that we will once again host the unforgettable Night to Shine event on February 7, 2025, from 5 PM – 9 PM.
This annual event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, celebrates people with special needs and provides them with an unforgettable prom night experience centered on God’s love. We had so much fun last year, and we are beyond excited to bring this incredible event back to our community! The joy and smiles that filled our church last year were nothing short of amazing, and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store.
Volunteer registrations are open. Whether you’re interested in helping with decorations, or serving in another capacity, we would love to have you join us.
If you are interested in volunteering, please click the Night to Shine button to learn more about the different opportunities and sign up for our volunteer newsletter to stay updated on all things Night to Shine.
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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.
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Perfumes & Colognes
In consideration of allergic reactions of some worshipers, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to Worship Services. Thank you for your understanding.
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Jeff Bain & Family
Inez Hall
Jean Hollowell
Theodore
Walter Pytell
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Simone Reinert
Lynda Tiesmeyer
Kimberly Willison
Ed Work
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Ann, who has ovarian cancer. | |
Carol, who has been placed in home hospice. | |
Deb, who has ovarian 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...
Roberta Hays, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Thom Hays.
Thelma Eichholz, Andrew Eichholz (son), family and friends on the passing of her husband and his father, C. Paul Eichholz.
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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 using the button below.
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