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

“By justification we are saved from the guilt of sin, and restored to the favour of God; by sanctification we are saved from the power and root of sin, and restored to the image of God.”

John Wesley — “On Working Out Our Own Salvation” (1785)

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, a coffee truck, and professional photos to capture the moment!

Local partners will also be present to offer services, products, and animal adoptions. Note that some will be able to take credit card, and others will only be able to take cash. (We will send an email before the event with the full list of vendors and their pricing.)

If you are looking to adopt and already have a pet at home, please bring the up-to-date shot records.

Please join us even if you don't have an animal. We will have “Stuffies” for adoption that can be brought home, and net proceeds will go to support a local animal rescue.

To register, please use the button below.

Residing Hope

Each Fifth Sunday weekend, New Covenant collects donations to support Residing Hope, formerly known as the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.

Residing Hope provides independent living, foster care, and res­idential care at the Enterprise and Madison Youth Ranch lo­cations; a Legacy Scholars Academy for middle & high school students; outpatient counseling; and early childhood educa­tion for children in crisis.

Donations ensure that they can continue to provide the care needed to support these children.

To contribute, please make your check payable to New Covenant and put “Residing Hope” on the memo line.

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.

Car Wash Fundraiser

Saturday, November 17 from 9 AM – 12 PM

We invite you to support the New Covenant Student Ministry by taking part in the Student Ministry Car Wash Fundraiser on the church campus. 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.

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.

Generosity

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10)

But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Legacy Giving

The purpose of the legacy fund is to endow and support the lasting impact of New Covenant’s ministry and mission.

Bargains & Blessings Truck Next Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next 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.

Spiritual Care & Ministry for Persons Living with Dementia

Wednesday, October 16 from 10 AM – 12 PM

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.

Operation Christmas Child

Filled Boxes are due Monday, September 30

This is the last week to return your filled shoebox (with $10 to help with shipping) so that they can be processed for National Collection Week.

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

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.

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

This group will meet Tuesdays on Zoom from 6:30 PM – 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.

Women's Fall Retreat

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 PM –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.

New Member Class

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)

Thursday, October 10 from 4 PM – 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. 

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 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.

Praying Together

Wednesdays at 2:30 PM

Praying Together is our steadfast group of prayer warriors that pray over all the prayer concerns submitted in person or online. They meet weekly and spend time in prayer for the needs of our congregation, the extended family and community. Praying Together is an open group and anyone is welcome to join at any time.  To submit a prayer request online, please use the link below.

Harlan

Mark

Thom & Roberta Hayes

Dan Melzer

Ed Pease

Mario Smith

Ramon Chavez

Prayer Quilts

Becky: recovering from hip surgery

Chela: facing personal challenges

Sophie: a 12-year-old with lupus and kidney infections

Angela: undergoing chemo and radiation

Irene: experiencing painful rheumatoid arthritis

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.

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by...

Sharon Weimert in remembrance of her husband, Roy Weimert’s birthday

and in loving memory of his passing.

Phil & Charlene English in loving memory of our daughter, Laura English.

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.