Spiritual Reflection

“We discover who we are in service to one another, not the self….

Our humanity is diminished when we have no mission bigger than ourselves.”



Bono

More Than a Concert:
The Kingsmen Sing for a Cause

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 7:00 PM

On Thursday, September 17, seventy years of Southern Gospel music will come alive in New Covenant’s Christian Life Center as The Kingsmen bring their 70th Anniversary Tour—and their Big & Live Band—to The Villages.

Recent concertgoers describe far more than a routine quartet performance, after one tour appearance, an attendee wrote that The Kingsmen “sang like there were thousands there” and encouraged anyone who has the opportunity to experience their joyful, anointed music in person.

The Kingsmen’s remarkable catalog includes more than 100 charted songs and Gospel favorites such as “Excuses”, “Wish You Were Here”, “He’s All I Need”, “Go and Tell Somebody”, “Saints Will Rise”, “The Glory Road”, and “Is That the Old Ship of Zion”. Their new anniversary album, Still Jesus, brings together treasured classics and new music. Singing News describes the project as honoring the group’s storied history while carrying its unmistakable sound into a new generation.

This concert benefits New Covenant’s Bertha Fund, which helps ensure that no one in need of mental health care is prevented from receiving it because of financial hardship. The Bertha Fund was established by Donna Hendren, wife of Senior Pastor Harold Hendren, in memory of her Aunt Bertha, who experienced difficulty obtaining quality mental health care. This non-budgeted fund assists those who otherwise could not afford counseling through New Covenant’s Christian Counseling Ministry. Our counselors are fully licensed by the State of Florida, and every $50 contributed to the fund can provide one counseling session for someone in need.

By purchasing a ticket, you are not only reserving a seat for an extraordinary evening of Gospel music, you are also helping someone in our community receive compassionate, professional care and take an important step toward healing and hope.

Doors open at 6:15 PM

New Covenant Christian Life Center

Tickets are on sale now:

• $40 — Artist Circle (Front/Center)
• $35 — Center
• $30 — General Admission
• $20 — Side View

Annual Church Conference

Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Community UMC, 309 College Ave, Fruitland Park FL 34731

Please join us for New Covenant’s Annual Charge Conference. Members have the opportunity to vote on the 2027 Leadership Team, Clergies’ compensation, and removal of church members after a two-year absence.

All are invited to attend this annual meeting held at Community UMC in Fruitland Park.

Introducing the Newest ZOE Empowers Group

Worldwide there are over 330 million children living in extreme poverty. 

New Covenant supports ongoing work in global missions through ZOE Empowers. ZOE Empowers is an organization that equips orphan children with tools and training to overcome life-threating poverty forever. Through a three-year program, youth are organized into groups and receive life skills and vocational training to become secure, healthy, and connected community members. They create their own sustainable futures.

New Covenant has sponsored five groups. Three have completed their training and continue to meet as alumni groups for support and new business ideas from their peers. Our fourth group is in the middle of their second year of training. Their first year was an incredible year as the group is no longer suffering from hunger, frequent sickness, and society rejection. The youth-led households are now creating businesses that provide income, food security, and connect them to their communities.

Our fifth, and newest group, pictured above, started their training in March of this year and is made up of 27 households and a total of 99 youth and children ranging in age from 1 to 18 years old. They are in the process of getting to know each other and basic life skills such as brushing their teeth.

Thank you to everyone for your generous giving that allows us to continue our vision of being the hands, feet, and voice in the world.

Celebrate, Invite, and Serve

From October 16–18, 2026 we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of New Covenant United Methodist Church; “A Place to Call Home.” This historic celebration will also be our fourth and final Bring Weekend of 2026.

Bring Weekends are special opportunities designed to make it simple for each of us to invite friends, neighbors, and family members to worship with us. Our anniversary weekend will be especially meaningful as we welcome former members and leaders, celebrate the ministries of New Covenant today, and give thanks for all God has done through our church during the past 25 years.

Who might you invite to experience this special weekend with you? A personal invitation can be as simple as saying, “My church is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and I would love for you to join me.” Your invitation may help someone discover the welcoming church family they have been seeking.

As we approach the anniversary, be sure to watch your Weekly Word email for our 25th Anniversary Reflections. In these special articles, longtime members will share memories of New Covenant’s early years, important moments in our history, and the people and ministries that have helped make this church A Place to Call Home.

A celebration of this size will also require many volunteers with all kinds of gifts and abilities. We will need people to welcome and direct guests, assist with hospitality, help with setup and cleanup, participate in service projects, support refreshments and food service, assist with parking and traffic flow, and serve in many other visible and behind-the-scenes roles.

You do not need special experience, and you do not have to be available for the entire weekend. Whether you can offer a few hours or serve in several areas, your participation will help us extend Christ’s welcome to everyone who comes through our doors.

As Scripture reminds us, “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received” (1 Peter 4:10). Every gift matters, and every act of service contributes to the hospitality and joy of this celebration.

Please use the link in this Weekly Word email or visit the 25th Anniversary page on our website to:

• Explore all the exciting events planned for October 16–18.
• Express your interest in volunteering.
• Begin planning whom you will invite to join you.

As we prepare, let each of us consider two simple questions:

Whom will I bring?

How will I serve?

Together, we will give thanks for 25 years of faithfulness and look with hope toward all God is calling New Covenant to do next.

Click the button below to contact Angie Rose and express your interest in volunteering.

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 our selfishness. It’s meant to be a benefit for us and 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 donate today, why wait?

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

Holiday Closure

The church and office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in honor of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, at 9 AM.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, September 8 has been cancelled. All men are invited to join us again on Tuesday, September 15. Have a great holiday weekend!

Our Bargains & Blessings Resale Store will also be closed on Monday, September 7 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 at 9:30 AM.

Bargains & Blessings Truck on Campus

The weekend of September 5 & 6, 2026

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations during the weekend of September 5 & 6.

To better accommodate our donation collection, we will now collect donations on Saturday's from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM and Sunday's from 8:00 AM - 11:15 AM only. This change is due to the limited number of donations received before the 11:00 a.m. service. Thank you for your understanding.

We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. Each item donated and sold helps us to fulfill the needs of so many in our local community.

If you are interested in volunteering, your support is needed in all areas of the store, including drivers for the weekends. If you have large items to donate, please call the Bargains & Blessings store at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

Tuesday Bible Study (TBS)

Tuesday, September 8 at 2:00 pm

Tuesday Bible Study or (TBS), formally “Just Like Jesus” is a mixed small group study that resumes this fall. The group will be reading Acts 16 where we find Timothy joining Paul and Silas as they take the good news further into the nations.

Come join us as we read through the chapters in Acts, learning more of this orderly account of the only historical record of the birth and early growth of the church.

No registration is required.



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

September Women’s Gathering (Mini Retreat)

Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 10 AM - 2 PM

"Sacred Threads: Wedding Gowns through the Ages"



Join us for the kick-off of the 2026-2027 Women's Ministry Season with a mini retreat of wedding gowns from Leigh Anne Browne's collection. Leigh Anne will share her beautiful gowns, the stories and dreams associated with each one, and a journey from the Civil War to the present.

For any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Menu: Chicken Salad wrap and Fresh Fruit with a Special Dessert

Cost: $20.00 

Registration Deadline: September 10 at 12 PM

Terrific Tuesdays this Fall

Tuesday, September 22 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Join us for our Terrific Tuesdays this fall as Pastor Harold takes us on a "Journey Through the Book of 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.

The book of James highlights 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)

An exciting journey through Scripture awaits!

For any questions, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Menu: Pot Roast Shepherd's Pie and a salad with Dessert.

Cost: $14

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 21 at 12 PM

Remembering the Forgotten God

Saturdays, September 26 – November 7, from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Join best-selling author, Francis Chan as he offers a 7-week in-depth video study on the true source of the Churches power - the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Despite this, Chan contends we have neglected the Spirit for far too long.

This study includes thoughts on: I’ve got Jesus – why do I need the Holy Spirit, what are you afraid of, theology of the Holy Spirit 101, why do you want the Holy Spirit, building a real relationship, remembering His will for YOUR life and building a supernatural church.

Remembering the Forgotten God offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives.

Join us to learn more about the Holy Spirit and how to build a stronger relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Please Register your attendance. 

Facilitator: Lee Williams, Retired UM Pastor

The Study book may be purchased through Amazon.

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

The Belonging Project
Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive

Mondays, October 5 – October 26: 4:30 – 6:00 PM

“The Belonging Project” by Amberly Neese is a four-week video-based Bible study built around four ‘one another’ commands in the New Testament: love one another, serve one another, build up and strengthen one another, forgive one another. Not as a checklist. As a road map for building the kind of community most of us have stopped believing is possible.

You did everything right. So why does it feel so wrong?

The perfect marriage. The well-behaved kids. The Instagram-worthy life. An yet you’re exhausted, lonely, and quietly wondering if this is really all there is. You’re not failing. But something’s missing. And you already know it isn’t more stuff.

Please Register your attendance. 

Facilitator: Dana Osmanski

The book may be purchased through Amazon.

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

Upcoming Holy Land Tour and Journeys of Paul Tour

Pastor Harold will lead a pilgrimage to the Holy Land next spring (March 8 – 17, 2027).

In addition, 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.

If you are interested in learning more about these tours, you can pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center in the East Narthex, download the information from the New Covenant website, or use the links below.

Pastor Harold will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 9:30 AM in the church chapel to talk more about these trips, answer questions, and share more details.

New Fall Studies

We are really excited to be able to offer so many study choices for you this fall. Dare to be UNcommon, Forgotten God, and The Chosen Season 4 are just a few of the choices. We invite you to explore the different studies we are offering and find one that speaks to you.

In addition, all of our Sunday School classes are welcoming new participants, and new small groups are being formed every week! We want you to get plugged in - to learn, to grow, and to serve.

If you have questions about any of our small groups, classes, or studies, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

25th Anniversary Reflection: 
More Than Breakfast

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.

New Covenant’s Men’s Prayer Breakfast began in the spring or summer of 2000, before the church had a permanent campus; or even a large congregation.

Wayne Underhill remembers that many of the men were quickly recruited for leadership positions or put to work renovating the old farmhouse on County Road 466 that served as the church’s administrative building.

“I am anything but a handyman,” Wayne recalls. “So Pastor Gary Bullock found another way for me to serve and gave me the title ‘Coordinator of Men’s Prayer Breakfast.’ I suspect it was partly to keep me from getting underfoot while the other gentlemen remodeled the farmhouse!”

The men began gathering on Tuesday mornings at 7:30. Jim Miller and several volunteers cooked eggs and sausage in electric frying pans and brewed coffee in the farmhouse’s tiny kitchen. At first, four or five men could gather around a table in what had once been the living room.

But the ministry grew.

Soon, the men moved into the renovated garage, an all-purpose room shared by the choir, church committees, and the Prayer Breakfast. Eventually, 50 to 60 men were gathering regularly.

The farmhouse was not prepared for that much breakfast. As more electric frying pans were plugged in, fuses began to blow. On Tuesday mornings, staff members sometimes arrived to discover that they could not turn on their computers!

The Prayer Breakfast soon outgrew the farmhouse and began its own pilgrimage. Oxford United Methodist Church welcomed the group in 2002, followed by Lady Lake United Methodist Church in 2003. Finally, in November 2004, the ministry found a permanent home on New Covenant’s new campus.

Yet this was never simply a gathering for breakfast.

The men increased their weekly contributions so they could support charitable needs. Bill Elliott began the tradition of having participants sign a letter of encouragement for people lifted in prayer. Around those breakfast tables, relationships deepened, burdens were shared, and people learned that they did not have to face illness, grief, or hardship alone.

That is New Covenant’s value of caring in action.

Caring often begins in ordinary ways: preparing a meal, remembering someone in prayer, signing a letter, sharing a burden, or making room at the table. What began with a few men, some electric frying pans, and an old farmhouse became a ministry through which people experienced the love of Christ.

Twenty-five years later, the locations and facilities may have changed, but the calling has not. New Covenant is at its best when we notice one another, pray for one another, and turn our concern into tangible acts of compassion.

And perhaps when we are willing to risk blowing a fuse or two in the process.

Memories shared by Wayne Underhill, founding coordinator of the New Covenant Men’s Prayer Breakfast and Charter Member

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.

Prayers and Squares

Prayers and Squares Ministry is an active and busy group who produces, prays, and prepares for the quilts we see on the prayer rails each weekend for specific recipients. Many of our quilts are made by church members but many are lovingly crafted by those quilters who work tirelessly to give something back to those in need. 

Prayers and Squares is always welcoming to those who want to share in the joy of the quilt preparation; you do not have to be a skilled seamstress you just need a desire to work with the team, to help out in various ways, and to serve the Lord through this very special ministry. 

For more information about Prayers and Squares, please contact Alice Kalinowski. 

Weekly Prayer Concerns

Prayer Quilts

The family of Robert needs comfort as they grieve his passing.

Linda needs prayers for a successful leukemia treatment.

Geo seeks comfort over the passing of his brother.

Judy needs relief from her pain.

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.

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

Glenn Meloni, Eric and Janell Baldwin and families, Heather Baldwin and families, in the passing of their fiancé, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Diana Baldwin. 

Christian Life Center Chancel Flowers

Flowers have been donated in Celebration of Les and Barbara Schott’s 60^th Wedding Anniversary.

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