Message from Pastor Harold | WeeklyWord

Message in a Minute

Spiritual Reflection

"Grace is God’s acceptance of us.

Faith is our acceptance of God accepting us."

Adrian Rogers

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Ministry Focus

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child gives us the opportunity to share the love of Christ with children all over the world through the gift of a shoebox filled with school supplies, toys, crafts and activities, clothing, and personal care items. In 2020, over 9 million children received special gifts. Help us meet our goal of completing 1,500 shoeboxes as part of our 2021 Christmas Giving opportunities. You can help us with this goal in one of three ways:

Pick up one or more shoeboxes in the east or west narthex (instructional brochure included), and return them filled with items and a check for $9.00 for shipping before November 15, 2021. The list of suggested shoebox gift items can be found here.

Visit New Covenant’s goal page on the Samaritan’s Purse website and complete a shoebox. Completing shoeboxes on this webpage will help us meet our goal.

Send a check for $34.00 to fill a box and for shipping cost. Please make your check out to New Covenant United Methodist Church with Operation Christmas Child on the information line.

Key Announcements

Remembering September 11

Next weekend is the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. On Saturday, September 11, the 5 PM worship service will be a special time of music and liturgy led by Pastor Marilyn Anell and the worship band reflecting on the anniversary, giving thanks for God’s provision, and offering prayers for the ongoing conflict in our world. On Sunday, September 12, the 9 AM and 11 AM services will include worship elements of remembrance and hope considering the events of 9/11, and Pastor Harold will continue his series on the Words of Wisdom from the Apostle Paul. We hope to see you for a meaningful time in worship next weekend.

Racial Justice Study Groups

The Faith, Race, and Justice Class will meet on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in Classroom 1 beginning on September 12. Using the Bible and United Methodist Church resources, we will examine and discuss ways to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus in expanding God’s love and justice in our community. There is no registration required. For more information, please contact Vicki Southworth.

You are invited to join the Racial Justice Study Group on Zoom from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from September 7 - November 9. This group, facilitated by Vicki Southworth, will discuss how to effectively confront racial injustice and end racism through Christian faith by discussing the book How to Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby. Please pre-purchase the book; it is the only expense for this group.

GriefShare

GriefShare is a 13-week program that will meet Mondays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., September 20 - December 13, in the Fellowship Center. Led by trained facilitators, participants will explore hope and healing through engaging videos, guided activities, and meaningful discussions. Previous participants regularly share that they have found this time together extremely helpful. Registration is $20 and covers the cost of your workbook. Registration ends Wednesday, September 15.

Happy Labor Day!

The church office and facilities will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day. The church campus will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, September 7. We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend!

In addition, Youth Group will not be meeting this Sunday, September 5 in observance of the holiday weekend but will resume meeting next Sunday, September 12.

General Announcements

Stewardship

Columbarium Facts: Here are a few interesting facts about our Columbarium, which is located on the north side of the East Parking Lot.

Each niche has room for two urns of cremated ashes.
How many total niches are in our columbarium? 452
How many niches have been sold? 201
How much does a niche sell for? $2,500
How much did the Columbarium cost, including benches, pavers, fountain, etc.? $311,000

If you don’t wish to be “buried” there, there’s a Memorial Stone on which you can place a plaque for yourself or a loved one.

If you would like more information about the columbarium, pick up a brochure from the literature rack in the Narthex, contact Sharon Weimert, or call the Care Department at (352) 750-4529.

Charles Stuart

Chair, Finance Committee

Give

Louisiana Hurricane Relief

As Louisiana continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we invite you to give towards their relief efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Give

Bargains & Blessings Truck

We invite you to bring your donations for Bargains & Blessings to the truck that will be in our West Parking Lot this weekend, September 4 & 5.

Bargains & Blessings Annex Building

Bargains & Blessings Resale Shop will have a soft opening on the Tuesday, September 21 and a Grand Opening on Tuesday, September 28 for the new Annex Building. A special thank you to the entire team of individuals who have been diligently working to make this happen!

Cards for Pastor Ellen

Pastor Ellen has had some health issues that are related to her back. If you wish to send Pastor Ellen a card, there will be a basket at the Welcome Center this weekend for you to drop off your card. We will be sure she gets them.

Sunday School Classes

Rev. Ellen Pollock's Sunday Study Time will not be meeting this weekend. We hope to see you again next Sunday, September 12.

In addition, until further notice, the ANEW Sunday Education Class is on a temporary break.

Villages Evening Bible Study

Villages Evening Bible Study will resume Monday, September 13 at 7 p.m.

This year's studies will include the Book of Mark, Galatians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. These studies are open to both men and women and provide instruction for new Christians and refreshment for more seasoned Christians. Participants may attend all 3 studies or chose individual studies as they wish.

For more information, please contact Tom or Joanna Cavanaugh.

Disciple II

Disciple II will meet on Sundays from 10:15 - 11:30 a.m., September 19, 2021 - March 27, 2022.

Into the Word, Into the World identifies needs in the world for which ministry is needed, suggests possible responses, and invites participants to summarize the Scripture message that will shape their ministry and to decide what response and commitment to make to that message.

Each week, participants will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal. Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks, studying Genesis and Exodus and Luke and Acts for 12 sessions each. Preparation is manageable, with 3 - 5 chapters of the Bible to read each week. George de Jager will facilitate the group, and the cost is $28.

Men's and Women's Ministry

Men's Prayer Breakfast returns Tuesday, September 14. The cost is $5, and there will be a speaker each week. There is no pre-registration required, but we do need your RSVP to prepare enough food. We plan to scan the New Covenant ID cards to take attendance, so please bring your card with you or come to the Church Office to get one.

RSVP

The September Women's Gathering will be on Thursday, September 16 from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Christian Life Center. We'll reflect on the idea of Jesus shining His light through us and seeing ourselves as a beautiful, stained-glass window. Registration is required, and there is no fee.

Meeting Cancelations

If you have a small group or Bible study meeting in the church and need to cancel your meeting for a week or more, please contact the church. A phone call or email helps our Facilities Team know if they do not need to clean and set up a classroom that isn't being used. To cancel a meeting, call the church at (352) 750-4529 or email Ginny Davis or Ashley Hill.