Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

“Jesus’ death and resurrection are the antidotes to human sin and mortality….Death is the one shared experience of all human beings.”

Adam Hamilton 

Celebrating our Mentees

On Sunday, April 28, New Covenant had the opportunity to celebrate our nine graduating mentees from Wildwood Middle High School. Pastor Harold welcomed the families and began our evening in prayer. Each mentee, surrounded by family and their mentors, enjoyed a meal prepared and served by our wonderful kitchen volunteers. Anne Foote Hill, provided an overview of the program with the special recognition of celebrating 10 years of our Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program. This is our sixth graduating class and we’ve honored 47 seniors! 

Olivia Collins, Student Minister, welcomed each mentor and mentee, allowing each mentor to share highlights about their mentee and their time together. Each student was presented a goody bag which includes a bible with their name engraved, and a beautiful prayer quilt, hand made by members of our Prayers and Squares Ministry.  Many of the quilters were present and able to meet the student they quilted for and have been praying for since November. The guests enjoyed photos and cake to wrap up the evening.  

Congratulations to our Mentees and Mentors

• Sophia Kniepkamp — Joan Chirumbolo
• Malachi Martin — Al Lehman
• Esly Villeda Castillo — Marlene Wedel
• Temarionte’ Williams — Milton White
• Ra’Nayzia Brown — Debby Cody
• Keoni Hill — Jean Lehman
• Valerie Gomez Lopez — Sandy Ruhland
• Ke’marein Williams — Lynn and Art Clever
• Ondre’ Ryan (not pictured) — OJ Sampson

Backpacks 4 Kids Benefit Concert

Shades of Blue Octet

Friday, May 10 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

The Shades of Blue Concert will benefit our Backpacks 4 Kids Ministry. Backpacks and school supplies have been provided for the last 10 years to school children in the Wildwood elementary, intermediate, and middle-high school each year to ensure their success during the school year. Last year we raised over $20,000 to support this effort. New Covenant has been hosting concerts for several years to purchase the needed items. Due to our growing community, 1,300 children benefitted last year. 

The Shades of Blue Octet draws its musical lineage from the Dave Pell Octet, a celebrated ensemble that sprang from Les Brown's big band in the 1950s. This eight-piece band proudly carries forward a substantial collection of original arrangements from the Pell ensemble, embracing the contributions of iconic composers such as Marty Paich, Shorty Rogers, Bill Holman, and Andre Previn, among others. Under the leadership of Paul Holtzman, who also crafts arrangements, the group champions a distinct approach to jazz that prioritizes ensemble cohesion over extended solos. This emphasis on collective sound, powered by a blend of four horns and a guitar, channels the full-bodied resonance of a big band, despite the ensemble's more intimate size.

Adopting the West Coast Jazz style, the Shades of Blue stand out in the Villages for their unique musical offering, diverging from the more commonly performed genres of rock, country, and doo-wop. The band's composition features Chuck Mander on trumpet, Mike James wielding the tenor sax, Margaret Banton on baritone sax, Tommy Rocco on guitar, Bob Wilson at the piano keys, Al Cheatham handling the bass, Rod Jacobs on drums, and band leader Paul Holtzman on trombone. Adding a special touch to their performances, vocalist Donna Francis not only lends her voice to the ensemble but also offers insights into the band's repertoire, enhancing the audience's appreciation of their music.

Tickets may be also purchased at the door ($25).

Bridging Gaps through Conversation

Tuesday, May 21 from 1 PM – 3:30 PM in the Fellowship Center

Please join us as we continue the discussion on race, religion and politics with diverse groups of people from different backgrounds in our community. Each table has a facilitator that will pose questions to those in attendance. You will have an opportunity to dialogue with others who have the same views or a different perspective. It is also an opportunity to learn more about our neighbors through our similarities and differences and love them because of it.

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

Registration is required. There is no cost for this event. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director of Missions & Outreach.

Women’s Monthly Program (May 2024)

“Special Ladies in Our Lives”

Thursday, May 16 from 10–11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

This month we will honor the special ladies in our lives. Jesus had Mary, his mother, and Mary Magdalene, his disciple, as important women in His life. Not only will we hear about those ladies, but we will hear from New Covenant ladies who will share stories about special women in their lives. During the second part of our gathering, we will learn how to keep our special ladies safe during this time when trafficking of women is prevalent. Tomas J. Lares, Co-founder and Chairman of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force will educate us about this crisis and how to keep our ladies safe. 

We will have a very “special” guest joining us. Lynn Van Veelan, who moved away from us several months ago will be here to do our devotion. Please plan to attend so we can let Lynn know how much we miss her!

Menu: Trio Salad Entree Plate (Chicken, Tuna, and Egg), Veggie and Pickle Garnish, Mini Croissant, Carrot Layer Cake. The menu is subject to change due to food availability.

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

John Had It Right

John Wesley, the Founder of the Methodist Church, was an incredible servant of God. Wesley reminded his followers that “the love of money,” not money itself, is the “root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

He said, “the fault does not lie in the money, but in them that use it.” He declared that when used in ways that are consistent with biblical wisdom, money is “an excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends.” On another occasion he said, “…Do not throw it away on idle expenses, which is just the same as throwing it in the sea.”



Wesley saw using money properly as a practical way of conducting one’s life. How well are we using God’s gift?

Legacy Giving

The purpose of the Legacy Fund is to endow and support the lasting impact of New Covenant’s ministry and mission.

Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend (May 4 & 5) before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. Since Bargains & Blessings opened in September 2014 we have given away $4 million to 82 different outreach ministries locally and internationally.

If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

“God Is Like a Box of Crayons”

Fridays from 9:30 AM–12 PM in Classroom 3

Ladies, please join our weekly devotion/coloring group and engage in God’s Word while having fun. We would love for you learn to more about our group! We are continuing to meet throughout the summer months. Join us and bask in the Word of God before the weekend. If you have any questions, please contact Wanda Eavers or Pat Hill.

“Love Your Neighbor Camp”

Sunday, June 2 – Friday, June 7

“Love Your Neighbor Camp” is an empowering at-home experience for students to be immersed in a dynamic program aimed at cultivating empathy, fostering community bonds, and igniting a passion for service. As an overnight experience (students will stay at New Covenant each night), this week-long adventure provides a safe and supportive environment for young minds to explore the transformative power of compassion and selflessness.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to support the “Love Your Neighbor Camp” for our students — from the comfort of your home. We’ve set up a Walmart registry where you can easily purchase items that will directly benefit the “Love Your Neighbor Camp.” It’s very convenient to be involved – just click the button below, choose the items you’d like to contribute, and contact Olivia Collins when they should be picked up. Thank you for supporting our youth program!

Women of the Bible Speak (May 2024)

Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25 from 2–3:30 PM

The women of the Bible lived timeless stories—by examining them, we can understand what it means to be a woman of faith.

People unfamiliar with Scripture often assume that women play a small, secondary role in the Bible. But in fact, they were central figures in numerous Biblical tales. It was Queen Esther’s bravery at a vital point in history which saved her entire people. The Bible contains warriors like Jael, judges like Deborah, and prophets like Miriam. The first person to witness Jesus’ resurrection was Mary Magdalene, who promptly became the first Christian evangelist, eager to share the news which would change the world forever.

In The Women of the Bible Speak, Fox News Channel's Shannon Bream opens up the lives of sixteen of these Biblical women, arranging them into pairs and contrasting their journeys. In pairing their stories, Shannon helps us reflect not only on the meaning of each individual’s life, but on how they relate to each other and to us. Facilitated by Charlene English.

Please purchase the book prior to the start of class. For more information, please contact Ashley Hill.

Terrific Tuesday (May 2024)

The Sower of the Seeds (Matthew 13:1-23)

Tuesday, May 7 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Please join us for our last Terrific Tuesday of the spring, as Pastor Harold leads a discussion on the “Sower of the Seeds.” This story shows that once the seed of the word of God is sown, only time will show how a person’s faith will grow and develop. 

Menu: Mushroom and Barley Soup, Sausage and Apple Stuffed Pork Roast, Cheesy Hashed Potato Bake, Green Beans with Pimento Butter, Dinner Roll & Butter, Lemon Berry Cream Cake (The menu is subject to change due to food availability.)

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

Abba Art Spring Show

Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 in the Cardinal Alcove

Join us before or after worship services for the Abba Art Spring Show, where our faith community's talent shines through in stunning displays of acrylics, watercolors, colored pencils, and graphite artworks. Inspired by our faith, we paint with God for creation, the Son for salvation, and the Spirit for inspiration, making this exhibition a profound experience of artistic and spiritual reflection. Don't miss this captivating fusion of art and worship!

New Member Class (May 2024)

Wednesday, May 22 from 1–3:30 PM in the Chapel

Membership is about commitment to Christ through a local church.  Whether you are here full-time, or seasonally, we have a membership type that will fit your and your needs.  Church membership is your opportunity to hold each other in responsibility and love.  We hope you will consider being a member and become more engaged with your church community.

Registration is required. There is no cost for this class.

For more information, please contact Ashley Hill.

Pickleball Players Needed

Sundays at 4 PM at Pimlico Rec Center

Recreational Pickleball takes place at Pimlico Rec Center. Following our fun play time, we enjoy a light dinner and good fellowship at a local fast-food restaurant. Beginners are welcome! For more information on Pickleball, please contact Roger Kassing. To see what other recreation opportunities New Covenant has, please click the Recreation button.

Holy Land Trip 2025

Monday, March 31–Tuesday, April 9, 2025

Pastor Harold will lead another Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land next year. The tour will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Jacob’s Well, Samaria, Emmaus, Megiddo, Mount Carmel, Jericho, Qumran, Masada, and the Dead Sea.

Click the button below to read the full brochure. Brochures are also located at the “Welcome Center” in the East Narthex. To register, please visit the EO website. 

Life Inventory Form

Did you know that we have Life Inventory Forms available for you to complete and return to the Care office? In these special forms, you can compile the information that is important for your church or your family to know when you are not here to tell us your final wishes. You can download this form below, or pick one up in the Care office. If you need more information, please contact Sharon Weimert, Ministry Specialist.

Richard and Susan Edwards 

Jim H

Pam and Jim Little

Dan and Sandy Mosley

Cindy O’Lear

Betty Powell

Scott

Rita Tanner 

Van

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Denise, who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is beginning treatment.

Jane, who is having surgery for ovarian cancer.

Kym, who recently lost her mother.

Maxine, who recently lost her husband.

Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people facing difficult situations. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

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

Gary Powell, family and friends o the passing of his mother, Betty Powell.

Karen Nelson, family and friends on the passing of her husband, William “Bill” Nelson.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:

Ida Poret in memory of her mother, Zenaida (Zeni) and brother, Dennis.

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, Care & Discipleship Ministry Assistant, using the button below.