Message in a Minute

Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold as well as to learn about our Three Key Announcements for this week!

Spiritual Reflection

“Winners embrace hard work. They love the discipline of it, the trade-off they're making to win. Losers, on the other hand, see it as punishment. And that's the difference.” 

Lou Holtz

New Covenant Columbarium

We are very fortunate at New Covenant to have our own Columbarium in the East Parking Lot. We were very blessed to have a group of forebears who felt this was an important offering to New Covenant members. 

The Columbarium has expanded over the years, and added lovely features such as benches and the fountain. The Columbarium Committee is always welcoming new members that are passionate about keeping our property well cared for and in good repair. 

If you are interested in knowing more about our Columbarium please click the button for our brochure, or contact Sharon Weimert, Ministry Specialist, and she will be happy to help!

The Villages Swing Band - Serenade in Swing

Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 PM  9:00 PM

Let us transport you to a bygone era of music, as the exhilarating rhythms of the Villages Swing Band take center stage. With toe-tapping melodies and infectious energy, this concert promises an unforgettable evening of timeless classics and electrifying performances. Get ready to swing and sway to the harmonious sounds of “Serenade in Swing” and relive the magic of the swing era.

Terrific Tuesday Fall Dinner Event (January 2024)

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 beginning at 4:30 PM

Join us for our first Terrific Tuesday of the new year as Pastor Harold shares photos from his “Journeys of Paul” tour and highlights some of the Biblical, historical sites that are associated with the Apostle Paul’s scriptures.

You may also come at 5:45 PM just to hear Pastor Harold speak without attending dinner — no charge and no registration required for the presentation only.

Menu: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Roast Top Round of Beef, Pan Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Carrots & Turnips, Roll, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

(menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($12). If you need help registering, please contact Ashley Hill.

Habitat for Humanity — New Partnership

“Ribbon Cutting Ceremony”

Wednesday, January 10 at 8 AM

A new year means a new beginning for New Covenant’s Helping Hands Ministry. After 16 years of serving families and building 35 new homes in Sumter County, the church has developed a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter, Florida. Join us as we celebrate this great partnership with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10244 County Road 229 in Oxford. 

As part of this new endeavor, the church will sponsor and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build two new homes each year and participate in their home repair and preservation projects. This will be an important way that we can support the local affordable housing needs of families in our local community and live into our vision of being Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.

You can join us in this effort by volunteering for our first home building. No specific skills are needed, and other experienced volunteers will be on-site to provide instruction. Volunteers paint, landscape, lay sod, cut lumber, install doors and flooring, etc. Volunteer workdays will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 12 PM. If you are interested in adding your name to the volunteer list, please contact Scott Paris.

Generous People are Happier

As we head into a new year, we often make Resolutions which we rarely keep. So, what might be your financial new year’s resolution (commitment) to New Covenant, which, with the Lord’s help, you will keep. 

Studies have shown that generous people are happier, less self-centered and have less stress. Dave Ramsey says, “Giving is the most fun you will have with your money.”

One of our membership vows — promises, is to support our church with your gifts. So, as we begin this new year, consider your membership vow in your giving, and as a result be happier with less stress in your life

Legacy Giving 

Remember New Covenant in your planned giving.

Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (January 6 & 7) 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.

Special Accessibility in the Christian Life Center Creates Enhanced Worship Experience for All

We're thrilled to announce an exciting addition to the Christian Life Center – a dedicated space for individuals with sight impairments. Thanks to our Worship Tech Manager, Mat Napp, we've set up a specialized TV on the East side of the Christian Life Center, mirroring the main projectors to ensure a unified experience. This initiative is a work in progress, underscoring our commitment to enhancing worship experiences for everyone. We believe in creating an inclusive environment, and this is just one step forward in making our services more accessible.

We also have designated handicap seating within the worship area, ensuring that every member of our community can comfortably participate in our worship experiences.

In 2019, we introduced the addition of the "Hearing Loop" assisted listening system. This system ensures that individuals with hearing challenges can fully engage with our services. You simply switch your hearing device to "T" (telephone). For more information on the Hearing Loop, click the button below.

All these enhancements are part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where all feel welcome and included.

New Covenant Name Badges and ID Cards 

One of the ways it is helpful to get to know people’s names is by wearing a name tag! Our pastors love to call people by their name in greeting and in communion time, so please make a point of wearing your name tag. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one online or visit the Computer Center after worship services.

Everywhere you go, you have an ID card — whether it is the gym, the grocery store, or a rec center. An important part of being hospitable is by scanning your New Covenant ID card when you come in. This helps us know you are present at worship or at particular events. It is great when we get to learn names this way or know you have been here. In a large church, it can be easy to feel lost but this helps the pastors and staff know you. You can get an ID card on the weekends at the Computer Center or during the week at the Administrative office. 

Disciple I Fast Track New Testament (January 2024)

Tuesdays, January 9 – March 26 from 10 AM – 12 PM

Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. This will be the second half, focusing on the New Testament. Judy Stuart will facilitate.

Registration is required ($20). If you would like more information, please contact Pat Hill.

The Villages Choralettes 

Tuesday, January 9 at 6 PM

The Villages Choralettes are back with a musical bang! You thought Christmas was over, but we're here to prove you wrong. Join us for "Encore ... and More," the first concert of 2024, and let the festive spirit continue! As we bid adieu to Christmas 2023, we're not quite ready to let go of the joy and magic of the season. Join us as we keep the spirit alive and honor the birth of our Savior. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and beautiful music that will warm your heart. 

But that's not all! We're not just looking back; we're also looking ahead to the possibilities of the new year. So, join us in welcoming 2024 with open arms and open hearts. It's a night filled with enchanting melodies, harmonious voices, and a sense of community that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a fan of choral music, Christmas classics, or simply enjoy the company of fellow music enthusiasts, this concert is for you! "Encore ... and More" promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, celebration, and a reminder that the spirit of Christmas can last well into the new year. Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the Villages Choralettes. Let's make 2024's first musical memory together! 

Admission is free – a Love Offering will be taken in support of New Covenant Youth Missions.

Revealed Book Study (January 2024)

Thursdays, January 11 – February 22 from 1 – 2:15 PM

In her book, “Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You about Yourself”, psychologist and Christian author Angela Schaffner helps us experience what the Bible has to say to us on a personal level. This six-week study, facilitated by Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred, helps us to know:



• What we already have
• What to do with one’s pain
• Where to find truth
• How our relationships heal
• Why our faith needs fun
• What is next for each of us

Registration is required. There is no cost for the class, but please purchase book before the first meeting.

Early Risers and Late Risers Sunday School Classes begin “The God Who Speaks”

Begins January 14 at 8 AM and 10 AM

There is a war raging around us — in society, in our churches, and in our homes. It is not a battle over marriage, race, or the sexual revolution. Rather, it is a battle for the truth. On Sunday mornings for eight weeks, we will review how God speaks to us through Scripture. How does the inspired Word of God inspire us and challenge us to live our lives? "The God Who Speaks" is an eight-part film series that traces the evidence of the Bible’s authority through interviews with some of the world’s most respected biblical scholars. This film answers common objections about the Bible’s reliability and equips believers to confidently base their lives on the power of God’s Word. This is an interactive study which will challenge us all to think about the role of the Bible in our lives. New Covenant's Teaching Pastor, Randy Cooke, is co-leading this study. No registration is required.

Beloved Community Sunday School Class begins “Reckless Love”

Begins January 14 at 10:15 AM

In his exploration of Jesus’ teaching and travels with his disciples, Bishop Tom Berlin (Bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church) suggests that Jesus teaches us how to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength by showing us how to love our neighbor. While many hope to learn to be better family, friends, leaders, and neighbors by finding a deeper relationship with God, what if becoming a better neighbor leads you to that deeper love of God? In "Reckless Love," you will consider your life, and learn how loving the people around you will completely renew your faith and give you a new experience of loving God. No registration is required; book is optional.

Disciple II Fast Track New Testament (January 2024)

Wednesdays, January 17 – April 3, 2024 from 2 – 3:30 PM

“Into the Word Into the World” identifies some needs in the world for which ministry is needed and suggests possible responses, then 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 you will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal. Classes meet for 24 weeks. Daily preparation is manageable, with 3–5 chapters of daily Bible reading. Facilitated by George Dejager.

Registration is required ($20). If you need help registering, please contact Pat Hill.

Women's Monthly Program (January 2024)

“Angels Among Us”

Thursday, January 18 from 10–11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Angels are everywhere—both heavenly and earthly ones. We will be reading about angels in the Bible, hearing stories of real angel visits, and also hear about earthly angel encounters. We'll enjoy exploring that angels are among us, led by Shirley Bunny. We'll even have an opportunity to "look like an angel" through a photo opportunity. Be sure to register and enjoy lunch following the program.

Menu: Taco bar (choice of ground beef or chicken), soft (flour) or crisp (corn) tortillas, mild tomato salsa, fresh pineapple salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, Cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn salad, and Angel food cake with strawberries.

Registration is required ($10). If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill.

GriefShare

Mondays, January 22 through April 22, 2024 from 10 AM–12 PM

Our next session of GriefShare will begin in January. If you know someone who is walking the journey of grief, please invite them to participate in GriefShare. Our facilitators are not only trained in the curriculum, but have also experienced their own seasons of loss of a loved one. GriefShare is an international program designed to help those who are in this particular time of their life. 

Registration is required ($25). For more information, please contact Sharon Weimert, Ministry Specialist.

New Member Class

Wednesday, March 6 at 1 PM in the Chapel

Are you interested in becoming a member of New Covenant United Methodist Church? We have a couple of options for you. First, we offer an informational, in-person New Member class. You can register for this class online, or contact Ashley Hill.  Second, we also have a virtual video option available for those who are interested in partnering with New Covenant but live out of our area. 

Membership, in New Covenant or any United Methodist Church, means you will support the UMC by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness. All of these are very important components of our Wesleyan heritage.  

For more information, please contact Ashley Hill.

New Covenant Library

New Covenant is happy to have a wonderful Library with many resources available to you in Christian fiction, non-fiction, research, and more. Want to know more about the United Methodist Church? We have titles available to you. Looking for a small group curriculum? We have a special section with small group discussion in mind!  

Come check us out! And remember, you need a New Covenant ID card to check out a book!  For more information, contact Ginny Davis.  We also have an online link to see what materials you might be looking for, and you can access it here! 

Jeff Bain Family and Sonya

Wanda Eavers

Joan Foxtack

Jack Gonzalez

Jennifer and Raymond

Jerry and Harriet Hansen

Paulette Raus

Frances VanHorn

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Franklin who is suffering with cancer.

Phyllis who needs healing and peace.

Shannon who is having hip replacement surgery, following back surgery.

Tom who is suffering significant pain from an undetermined cause.

We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please pray for healing, comfort, and peace. Click on the quilt to be taken to our Facebook Page, where you can "Like" the post to tie a knot virtually.

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

Karen Menard, family and friends on the passing of her son, Bruce.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by…

Lois Philbrick in memory of her husband, Don Philbrick.

Thom & Roberta Hays — thanks to everyone at New Covenant for the love and support for the last 12 years.

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.