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

“In the Christian life there is a fine line between a passionate pursuit of holy living and an unhealthy legalism focused on rules and guilt.”

Adam Hamilton 

Habitat Groundbreaking

Monday, September 23 at 9 AM

Please join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony for our second home build. This home will also be built through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumter, Florida, and is located immediately next door to the other two Habitat homes on County Road 229. Our first home was completed earlier this year for Ashley Hunter and her family.  Please watch the video below to hear a word of thanks from Ashley.

If you are interested in volunteering to help build the second home, please contact Janine Rogers.

Annual Church Conference

Wednesday, September 25 from 5 PM to 6 PM

New Covenant will be hosting our annual Church Conferences in the Christian Life Center. At the Church Conference, church members have the opportunity to vote on the 2025 leadership team, clergy compensation, and removal of church members after a two-year absence.

All are welcome to attend.

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 5–9 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 and guest registrations opens on Monday, September 23 at 8 AM. Whether you’re interested in being a buddy for one of our honored guests, 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. If you missed the Volunteer Meeting on Tuesday, September 17, you can still watch the video recording — just click the button below.

Christmas Wish Tree

Christmas Wish Tree kicks off in October.

New Covenant's Christmas Wish Trees allows 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 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.

Stewardship

Did you ever realize that Christ’s teachings about money in the Sermon on the Mount is followed by His teaching about worry? (Mat. 6:19-33) He tells us to save up heavenly treasures, not treasures on earth “where moths and vermin destroy.” Christ reminds us that “… where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mat. 6:21)

Then he teaches that God will take care of all our NEEDS (not our wants, our needs). I refer to this teaching as the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” teaching. He talks about how God takes care of the birds and the flowers. (Mat. 6:25-26)  Won’t He take care of us equally as well? 

So, I ask that you continue to support your church by storing up heavenly treasures, and reduce you worries by remembering that God will watch over you.

Legacy Giving

Planning for your estate helps you focus on your goals and become more aware of how you want to impact the world.

Hospitality Highlight

The third Thursday of each month will feature the Hospitality Highlight. This article will give reminders and pointers on how we can all work together on becoming more welcoming to guests, and each other. This month, we’d like to focus on the mission of the First Impressions Ministry. The mission of the First Impressions Ministry is to provide a welcoming environment of love, support, acceptance, comfort, care, and unity for members, guests, and friends in order to enhance their worship experience, encourage fellowship, and help build a community of believers. 

Why do first impressions matter at church? 

When you’re dining out, the way the hostess greets you, the way you are treated for the first few minutes, largely determines the remainder of the experience. The same is true here at church. Their first impressions absolutely determine if the first time guest returns for a second time.

Men's Prayer Breakfast on Hiatus

After much prayerful consideration we have decided to suspend the men’s prayer breakfast during the renovation project in the Fellowship Center. This is due to two key factors: the lack of adequate volunteers to create the breakfast on a weekly basis and the difficulty in logistics. 

Men’s Ministry will collect the names of breakfast attendees who attended the prayer breakfast and are members of New Covenant. We will attempt to create opportunities for all these men to join in weekly small groups. If men are interested in joining in small groups at any time during the week, please contact Randy Cooke. 

We thank all the men who have made the men’s prayer breakfast ministry a success. We will plan to recreate a prayer breakfast or devotional time once the construction is complete — if we can secure enough volunteers to make that possible. We look forward to continuing a strong Men’s Ministry at New Covenant with the help of all the men of the church.

Operation Christmas Child

You can still help us with our goal to complete 1000 shoeboxes.

Pick up one or more shoeboxes at the church Narthex (an instructional brochure will be included) and return them filled with items. 

If you prefer not to shop, please send a check for $25 and a box will be filled for you. Please make your check out to "NCUMC" with Operation Christmas Child on the memo line.

Please return your filled shoebox(es) with $10 to help with shipping by Monday, September 30 so that they can be processed for National Collection Week. If you have any questions, please contact Janine Rogers.

Candy Donations Needed

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our children’s department, and we need your help! 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 October 13.

When selecting candy, we kindly ask that you avoid chocolate, anything that melts easily, or hard candies.

While you’re there, take a peek in the window of our new nursery! We’ve been working hard to create a safe and welcoming space for not only your grandchildren but also for all our families. Your support is helping us continue to grow and provide a loving environment for every child in our church community.

The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race and Resistance

This group will meet Tuesdays on Zoom from 6:30-8 PM

(October 1, 15, 29, November 12, 26, December 10)

"The spirit of justice is the inner force that moves us to demand dignity and respect for ourselves and others. It is the cry of our souls for the world to be a fair and kind place. It is the power that inspires people to speak up when others remain silent. To move when others stand still. To put themselves on the line when others choose to remain comfortable." Jemar Tisby

The Spirit of Justice reveals the stories of the people who fought against racism and agitated for justice—and what we can learn from their example, their suffering, their methods, and their hope.

In this book, award-winning author Jemar Tisby will open your eyes to the "pattern of endurance" in the centuries-long struggle for Black freedom in America. Through a historical survey of the nation from its founding to the present day, this book gives real-world examples of people who opposed racism, how they did it, what it cost, and what they gained for themselves and others.

Participants must purchase their own book. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill.

Introducing the “Do Unto Others” Kindness Campaign

New Covenant is excited to announce our “Do Unto Others” Kindness Campaign for this fall. “Do Unto Others” is a grassroots movement launched by Resurrection, a United Methodist Church in the Kansas City area, to encourage people to be intentional about treating one another with kindness, even those with whom we disagree. A vote for kindness is a step toward overcoming the polarization in our country through civility and respect.

Over the period of time leading up to Election Day, we will be rolling out different elements of this campaign, including a sermon series, special events, merchandise, and more. We hope that you will join us in the “Do Unto Others” Kindness Campaign as we continue to live into the vision of being a thriving body of Christ by being His hands, feet, and voice in the world.

As part of the Kindness Campaign, “Do Unto Others” shirts, customized with the logo of New Covenant on the back, are here! Shirts will be available ($25) in the Narthex before worship services, beginning this Sunday. Net proceeds from the shirts will support the ongoing ministries of New Covenant.

Women's Fall Retreat (October 2024)

Thursday, October 3 from 9 AM – 2 PM (doors open at 8 AM)

Ladies, please join us as we welcome back Carole Wolaver, the Pottery Lady, for a day filled with creativity, entertainment, and faith. Carole will take us on a journey through stories and testimony as she creates a beautiful piece of pottery before our very eyes. The mission of the Pottery Lady is to bring to life in a very visual way the plan that “The Master Potter” has for each one of us.

Carole desires to know God, make Him known through his word and through the vivid picture of being clay in His loving and gentle hands.   As a Master Potter, Carole’s messages are dramatically presented from the potter’s wheel. Her unique style of storytelling mixed with her skill at the potter’s wheel bring scripture to life in a very visual way. Born Jewish, Carole received Jesus as her Savior in 1977. By using a unique Raku style and Hebrew designs, her pottery looks as if it were dug up from an ancient Israeli Tel. Pottery shopping available throughout the day!

Registration is required. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill.

Good Grief

Thursdays, October 3 – November 7, from 1–3 PM

Good Grief is a 6-week, Christ centered grief support group offered in the spring and fall with discussions drawn from topics presented in a workbook. As we fellowship together, we offer support and comfort through your journey of grief. Two caring and supportive facilitators, who have walked the same path, will guide you along your journey. 

There is no cost for the class but, if you wish to purchase a workbook, it is $20. Space is limited to ten people to allow for time for sharing.

Registration ($20) is required. For more information, please contact Sharon Weimert.

Villages Concert Band presents

“Salute to American Composers”

Thursday, October 3 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

The Villages Concert Band presents an unforgettable night of music highlighting the rich, diverse heritage of all the greatest American composers.  You’ll hear works by Aaron Copland, Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa, John Williams, Leroy Anderson…and more!  Whether you’re a longtime fan of these musical legends or discovering their genius for the first time — this concert promises to be a delightful and inspiring experience for all.

New Member Class (October 2024)

Wednesday, October 9 at 1 PM

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.

Solo Sisters in Spirit (SSiS) (October 2024)

Thursday, October 10 from 4–6 PM

Please join us for "Solo Sisters in Spirit" (SSiS).  Sometimes we get 'ambushed' through a word, song, or situation where we really feel alone.  SSiS could be your answer.  SSiS is for solo women of all ages — widowed, divorced, or single.  We will meet once a month in Classroom 6/7 for two hours of fellowship, food, and fun! 

Our goal is to have a social fellowship time to meet new friends and have a loving community of women who care, share, and support each other.  Please join us and find out more.

Appetizers and beverages provided.  Admission is free, however, registration is required.  Please contact Sharon Weimert or Pat Hill if you need help or have questions. 

Madison Youth Ranch 10^th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, October 12 at 1647 NE Captain Buie Rd, Pinetta, FL

Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children's Home) manages the Madison Youth Ranch located in Madison County. The youth ranch will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a catered lunch, special program, and tours of the ranch. If you would like to attend, please RSVP below. In addition to therapeutic residential care, this facility also provides Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.  

The children who are in the care of Residing Hope and the other programs managed by them are:

• Victims of neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Victims of a family crisis, dysfunction or turmoil
• Abandoned or orphaned
• Parents/guardians could not care for them

If you are interested in supporting their various programs, please make a check out to 'NCUMC', with Residing Hope on the memo line. For more information, please contact Rev. Brian Carr, Director of Church Relations, at (386) 668-4774.

We “Care”

Help your church help you! Please make sure we know when you or a loved one is hospitalized, has a procedure, or surgery scheduled. If you have a trusted neighbor or friend that would call and let your church know, the Care department would be so grateful!! It is so much easier to care when we are aware!

Seasonal residents, let us know if you have a permanent residential address elsewhere, so we can keep your records current and updated. Please call the care office with that information!

Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen

Susan Edwards

Paul & Thelma Eichholz

Rose Mcleer

Becky Sippel

Ken & Barbara Smith

Lynda Tiesmeyer

Becky Townley

Jan Walters

Prayer Quilts

Bob, who is in hospice care for terminal cancer.

Dave, who is in critical condition from an auto accident.

Elaine, who is having several medical concerns after a severe auto accident.

Ilse, for peace, love, and hope.

Jan, who needs comfort and support after losing her daughter.

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 Altar Flowers have been provided by...

The Chancel Choir in celebration of Sean Pollock’s 10 years at New Covenant.

Harry & Laurie Parham in celebration of their 63^rd anniversary.

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.