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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
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”
Corrie ten Boom
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September Women’s Gathering
Thursday, September 18 from 10 – 11:30 AM
(with lunch to follow)
Join us for the September Women’s Gathering as we welcome Lindy Schlabach, daughter of Mitch Miller, our New Covenant Facility Manager. Lindy will share her story from broken, abandoned, assaulted, and unlovable to experiencing redemption, wholeness, salvation, and love. Learn how her journey of healing and restoration reflects Gods perfect plan and grace.
All women welcome! Registration is required ($12).
Menu: Trio Salad Plate; Chicken, Tuna, Fresh Fruit, Mini Croissant, Tiramisu
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator-Discipleship.
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Annual Church Conference
Tuesday, September 23 at 5 PM in the Christian Life Center
Please join us for New Covenant’s Annual Church Conference. Members have the opportunity to vote on the 2026 Leadership Team, Clergies’ compensation, and removal of church members after a two-year absence. All are invited to attend.
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“Rise Against Hunger” Food Outreach Event
Thursday, September 25 from 9:30 AM - 12 PM
New Covenant is hosting a "Rise Against Hunger" and we need 40 volunteers to help pack 10,000 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.
Rise Against Hunger was started by Ray Buchanan, a former United Methodist Minister, in 1998. The organization provides prepackaged, nutritious meals to non-governmental organizations throughout the world. The meals packed by New Covenant previously were sent to families in Haiti.
If you are interested in participating, please register below. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.
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Fresh Expressions Volunteer Opportunities
New Covenant is pleased to offer a Fresh Expression of ministry by providing a mini worship service for residents in many of the living facilities in The Villages and surrounding areas.
If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, being a part of this ministry may be a good fit for you. All volunteers for this Fresh Expression ministry undergo training in protecting vulnerable adults as well as a background check.
To learn more about getting involved, please contact Pastor Donna Hendren.
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What Does the Bible Say About Finances?
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (Malachi 3:10)
Biblical financial stewardship requires prioritizing God in our finances. This includes giving to God first through tithes and offerings. The principle of tithing involves giving a tenth of our income back to God as an act of worship and trust in His provision.
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Legacy Giving
Less than two percent of people leave anything in their will or trust to their church.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck
Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7
The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend before worship services. If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.
We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. Each item donated and sold helps to support children and families in our local community.
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New Sunday Study: The Difficult Words of Jesus
Sundays at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3
The Spirited Singles Sunday school class invites you to join them in their new study, “The Difficult Words of Jesus.” Jesus provided His disciples teachings for how to follow God’s word; He told them parables to help them discern; He offered them Beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now find difficult.
In this study, Amy-Jill Levine shows how these difficult teachings would have sounded to the people who first heard them, how they have been understood overtime and how we might interpret them in the Gospel of love and reconciliation.
All are welcome.
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Beloved Community Sunday Education Class
Biblical Perspectives on Immigration
Sundays at 10:15 AM in Classroom 1
The Beloved Community Sunday school class is doing a 6-week study led by Vicki Southworth titled, “Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration.”
The study was developed by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church and is based on United Methodist social principles. This study will seek to understand what the Bible says about foreigners and immigrants and apply that understanding to current events.
All are welcome.
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Why Tracking Attendance Matters
Tracking attendance is more than just counting numbers – it’s a way to measure the growth and health of our church family. It helps us provide pastoral care to members, plan resources and activities effectively, and guide important decisions about the mission and ministry of New Covenant. By keeping track of trends and noticing who is present or absent, our church leaders gain a clearer picture of how we are engaging with one another, and how we can best serve you.
At New Covenant, we use our New Covenant ID cards to check in for in-person worship. These cards were introduced in 2020, during the pandemic, when we needed a more effective and sanitary way to track attendance. After careful research, we put the ID cards into place – and they serve more than one purpose! In addition to checking in for worship, they cards can also be used to check out books from our expansive Library.
But what about our virtual family who worship online? Because ID cards weren’t an option for them, we created a new check-in system. During the livestream, a QR code will appear on your screen. Simply open the camera app on your phone, point it at the QR code on your TV or device, and a link will pop up. Tap the link and you’ll be taken directly to our online check-in screen. This helps us connect with our virtual attendees in much the same way we do with those who worship with us in person.
Thank you for helping us stay connected as one church family, whether you’re here in person or worshipping with us from home.
If you have any questions about using the QR code, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager to walk you through it.
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GriefShare®
Begins Monday, September 8, from 10 AM – 12 PM
GriefShare® is an opportunity we offer twice a year to help those who are maneuvering the journey of grief and loss.
GriefShare® is a 13-week ministry that provides support for those in the new phase of loss. GriefShare® is led by experienced facilitators who have been on their own journey. We welcome all people who need to be a part of grief support; you do not need to be a part of New Covenant United Methodist Church to participate.
To register, please use the link below. For any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.
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Community Bible Study (CBS)
Mondays, beginning September 8 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Come see what happens in people's lives when they discover God through the study of His Word, the Bible. Our class has both men and women groups. We also offer virtual classes through Zoom for those unable to meet with us locally in person.
For 2025-2026, we will study the book of Psalms
The book of Psalms has served as the hymnbook and prayerbook of God's people from ancient times and on into the present. Known as the Psalter, this collection of Holy Spirit-inspired poetry captures the highs and lows of life. The Psalms are powerful prayers, guiding us into honest communication with God. They validate our doubts, passions, fears, and longings and show us how to draw near to God in our struggles. This Bible study organizes the Psalms thematically, making it easier to grasp their main ideas and apply them to your own conversations with God.
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The Praise Ringers Begin a New Season
Tuesday, September 9 in the Christian Life Center
Choir #1 rehearsal at 12:30 PM — Choir #2 rehearsal at 1:45 PM
The Praise Ringers will launch their new season next month, and we are excited to welcome Amy Cornwall-Robinson as the new director of The Praise Ringers. She has also been ringing handbells since 2000 and is eager to continue building the rich tradition of handbell music here at New Covenant.
We are currently seeking a few additional ringers — both permanent members and substitute ringers — to join these vibrant choirs. If you have previous handbell experience and would like to be part of this ministry of music and fellowship, please contact Amy Cornwall-Robinson.
Come join the joy of ringing, serving, and praising together!
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“Just Like Jesus” — a Small Group Bible Study
Tuesdays, beginning September 9 from 2-3 PM
Our group will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. We will focus on Luke’s wonderful book of Acts of the Apostles.
Acts is the good news of the risen King Jesus leading to the formation of communities where individuals from various backgrounds are treated with equality as they pledge their allegiance to Jesus and live according to His teachings.
As we read through each chapter, we will learn of Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God spreading in Jerusalem, into the neighboring regions of Judea and Samaria full of non-Jewish people, and from there out to the nations and the ends of the earth.
Facilitated by George deJager. All are welcome. For more information, please contact George.
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Solo Sisters in Spirit (September 2025)
Thursday, September 11 from 4 – 6 PM
Our first Solo Sisters for the season will be guest speaker, Nicole Anderson, Population Health Educator from The Villages’ Health. She will be sharing how to “Boost Your Brain,” promote cognitive function, mental sharpness, and overall brain health. Please register below or contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator, so we have enough chairs set up.
Bring a friend, who is also a Solo Sister.
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“Be Still and Know”
Devotional Coloring Book for Women
Fridays, beginning September 12 at 9:30 – 11:30 AM in Classroom 3
Our new book emphasized the word of the Lord through scripture and illustrations for you to enhance. God longs to give us true rest and peace. Our Friday group of women is a time where we can leave the worries and business of the past week behind us. A time to breathe as we go into the weekend. It gives us time to STOP with purpose, conversation, and plenty of laughter.
No cost or registration, however, you do need to purchase your book.
For more information, please contact Pat Hill, Coordinator, Care-Discipleship.
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Thinking About Membership? We'd Love To Welcome You!
Wednesday, September 17 at 1 PM in the Chapel
Becoming a member at New Covenant is more than just filling out a form – it’s about saying yes to growing in your faith and connecting more deeply with this church family. Whether you live here full-time or spend just part of the year with us, there’s a membership option that fits your life and your journey.
Membership is a way we support one another in love, prayer, and accountability. It’s a step toward belonging and investing in something bigger than ourselves – God’s work through the local church.
If you’ve been thinking about making New Covenant your church home, we’d be honored to walk alongside you in that process. Have questions? Need help getting started? We'd love to speak with you! Just reach out to Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.
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Perfectly Flawed:
God Transfers Our Weaknesses into Strengths
Monday evenings beginning September 29 from 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday mornings beginning September 30 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.
If you need help with registration, please visit the Computer Center before weekend worship service.
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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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Sandra Arebalo
Bill Boe
Brian Campbell
Kimberly Tracy Franklin
Dave & Sandy Fuller
Donna Gagnon
Lloyd & Sandy Granaas
Thomas Harmon
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Janet
Kaye Jobe
Ruth Morris
Mindy & Chris Siple
Carl Sippel
John Wilson
Brian Ziemer
| | The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for: | | Emil, who has terminal cancer. | | Melissa, who needs healing from cancer. | | Tanya, who needs healing from cancer. | | Wade Family, who lost their one-year-old child to cancer. | | 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...
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Our Altar Flowers have been Provided by…
Kathy Wolf in loving memory of H. Sue West.
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.
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