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

“You cannot arrive at your life’s purpose by starting with a focus on yourself. You must begin with God, your Creator. You exist only because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God – and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end.” 

Rick Warren

Upcoming Lenten Sermon Series

Pastor Harold will begin a new Lenten sermon series next weekend based on the book, “The Third Day,” by Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference. 

Based on the topic of “Living the Resurrection” in our daily lives, we will learn what the “third day” meant to Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, Thomas, Paul, plus the disciples at Emmaus, and how the Resurrection transformed their lives. The third day changed everything for these people and ultimately for the world. Join as we take a closer look at how the third day changes every day we live.  

Souper Bowl of Caring

We will collect for the Souper Bowl of Caring on Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11 before and after worship services.

Every year we collect for Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, students of all ages will be collecting change before and after all services during Super Bowl weekend. The money collected will benefit the Wildwood Soup Kitchen.

To contribute, please bring your donations of change and place them in the pot for San Francisco 49ers or the pot for the Kansas City Chiefs, or make a check payable to "NCUMC" with the team of your choice ("49ers" or "Chiefs") in the memo line.

Ash Wednesday, February 14

Personal Meditation and Imposition of Ashes

Come anytime between 9 AM and 9:30 AM in the Chapel to receive the imposition of the ashes.



Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday. The Lenten season is a time to prepare for the celebration of Easter. By receiving the mark of ashes, we are reminded of our own mortality and our need for forgiveness. The Imposition of the Ashes is a powerful way to participate in our own personal call to repentance and reconciliation.

Spring Food Drive 

Last year, the Wildwood Food Pantry received 515,400 pounds of donated food and served 13,320 food-insecure families. Your support is greatly appreciated. Bags will be placed on each car/golf cart during services on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3.  

Please fill the bags with the needed food items and leave the bags beside your car/golf cart the following weekend, Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10. Volunteers will be on hand to gather your food donations. You may also drop off your donations at the church anytime during the week. Bins are conveniently located at the west entrance to the church and in the East and West Narthexes.

Current needs include canned fruit, canned soups, canned tuna and chicken, canned vegetables, cereal, flavored pastas (Hamburger Helper, Rice-A-Rona, Pasta Sides), macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly, spaghetti sauce, and SpagettiOs / RavioliOs, etc.

Giving

I tell you the truth, Jesus said, this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.  (Luke 21:3-4)

This verse demonstrates how, in God’s economy, the amount sacrificed always supersedes the amount given. It is all about the heart.

Legacy Giving 

When planning for your estate, you feel good knowing that you are providing for the people and causes you care about.

Women's Monthly Gathering (February 2024)

Thursday, February 15 from 10–11:30 AM

(with lunch to follow)

Several months ago, one of our Small Groups took a field trip to visit the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, Florida. What began as a pleasurable day trip ended with a passion in this group's hearts to do more than a Fifth Sunday offering for the kids. For our February luncheon, we are celebrating and helping God's children. Please select something from the list below (NEW items only please) and bring it with you to the luncheon.

Menu:  Roasted chicken cutlets with roasted potatoes, apples and carrots, mini corn muffins, apple bread pudding with vanilla custard.

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

In addition, through February 15, there will be a display in the East Narthex. The display consists of decorated boxes for you to donate needed (NEW items only please) items and gifts to the children. Please see the list of items below. Our filled church bus will make its delivery to the children’s home the end of February.

The Third Day

Pastor Harold will begin a new Lenten sermon series next weekend based on the book “The Third Day” by Bishop Tom Berlin. Many of our small groups, Sunday school classes, and Bible study classes will study the book during this series. “The Third Day” is a six-week study that focuses on the experiences of several characters around Jesus during his final days, their despair at losing him, and the surprise and joy that awaits them in the Resurrection. 

If you are interested in participating in this study and following Pastor Harold through his sermon series, please contact Pat Hill. There will be an opportunity to join an class just for the duration of the study.

The Color of Compromise (February 2024)

Tuesdays, February 20 – May 7, from 6:30 – 8 PM (ZOOM)

In his book, “The Color of Compromise,” Jemar Tisby discusses how ideas of race developed over time and affected American society and churches from colonial times through today.

Via an online Zoom class, we will look at different responses to racial differences and social realities within denominations — including the Methodist Church — as well as different views of race and racism evident in churches today. Understanding where different ideas have come from historically can help us have a clearer vision of how to build understanding and agreement on a united future together and how biblical truths can bridge divides today.

There is no cost for this study, but please pre-purchase book. Facilitated by Vickie Southworth and Janice Swartz. Registration is required.

Bridging Gaps Through Conversation

Thursday, February 22 from 1:30–3:30 PM in the Fellowship Center

Please join us for a continuation of “Bridging Gaps Through Conversation” with diverse groups of people from different backgrounds in our community who will comfortably dialogue on the three topics that people find most difficult to discuss — race, religion, and politics. 

Snacks and drinks will be served. At the end of the discussion, a table leader will facilitate feedback. 

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.

Youth Group Meal

Our youth group is a vital part of our church community, and we invite you to join us in supporting them through a special initiative. Consider purchasing a meal for our youth group on Sundays, providing a delicious meal, and fostering connections and support for these young members. Your generosity ensures they have a meal to fellowship together both spiritually and socially. Click the button below to choose which option you would like to purchase for the youth group and make a secure online payment. Thank you for making a positive impact on the spiritual journey of our future leaders!

Helping Hands Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

Want to have some fun? Volunteers are needed for the home being constructed by New Covenant and Habitat for Humanity. No tools (other than a pair of work gloves) or construction experience is needed. 

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 Janine Rogers.

ZOE Empowers

April 9 through April 19, 2024

Travel to Zimbabwe to visit the New Covenant ZOE group. You will be inspired by the story of these young entrepreneurs and their group projects that have allowed them to go from poverty to self-sufficiency. We have two possible flights from which you may choose: you may leave Tuesday, April 9 or Wednesday, April 10. Please see the flight details below

April 9 (27 Hours)

• Delta from Orlando to ATL, then non-stop to Johannesburg. 
• Spent night in JNB and fly to Harare the next day.
• ZOE: $1,400, Flight $1,917, Hotel $200, Total $3,517

April 10 (33 Hours)

• Kenya Airlines from Orlando to NYC to Nairobi and Harare, Zimbabwe. 
• ZOE: $1,400, Flight $1,776, Total $3,176

For more information, please contact Charles Stuart.

Technical Volunteers Needed for Saturday Worship

Join our Saturday Night Services Volunteer Team! While our Sunday morning services are thriving with amazing volunteers, we're in need of enthusiastic individuals for our Saturday night services. No prior experience is required as we provide training on our simple camera systems, but if you have previous camera experience, that's a bonus!

As we embark on a new year, consider this your opportunity to make a significant connection. Your involvement in this ministry is a crucial part of New Covenant, helping people of all stages connect to their church home. Be a part of something special – join us on Saturday nights and make a difference! If you've been seeking a way to get involved, reach out to Mat Napp, our Digital Director, via email or find him in the back of the Christian Life Center after Worship.

Stephen Ministry

Sometimes, we need a compassionate, impartial ear to listen to us. Stephen Ministers are just that. Whether you are experiencing fatigue from caregiving, a difficult diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or other challenges, Stephen Ministers are well equipped to listen and offer care. Each Stephen Minister goes through 50 plus hours of training to ensure that they are well prepared for any concern. 

Stephen Ministers are a safe, confidential place to speak and share. Maybe you need this kind of care, please contact Pastor Ellen for more information.

Jeff Bain, family, and Sonya

Rev. Sarah Campbell

Junior & Ann

Cindy LaDow

Danny Millsaps

Carol Millsaps

Peggy Morrison

Terry Nottage 

Fred and Nancy Robertson

Harry and Sharon Rodkey

Doreen Schena

Van Swanson

Carroll Tackett

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Andy who is struggling with metastatic cancer.

Eric who has multiple health issues.

MG who is beginning chemo for multiple aggressive cancer.

Ofelia who needs strength and hope for healing.

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...

Rev. Dick Wolters, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Yuka Wolters.

Altar Flowers

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.