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

“Let us go to Calvary (the cross) to learn how we may be forgiven. And let us linger there to learn how to forgive.”

C.H. Spurgeon

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).

The National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 2 from 8 AM-5 PM in the Chapel

New Covenant will observe this special day for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. There will be guides available for your prayer time. We hope you will make time in your day to come and pray for God’s church, our country, and our world.

Men’s Ministry Mt. Dora Canal Tour May 2024)

Monday, May 6 from 10 AM – 3 PM

Join us on the Rusty Anchor Tour! This comes highly recommended as a scenic, leisure, and fun tour. Meet at the church by 8:30 AM; leave by 8:45 AM; tour begins at 10 AM. We will be driving individually and using the church bus. Spouses, neighbors, and friends are welcome. Lunch will follow at Fish Camp Lake Eustis (tentative).

Cost: Two-hour tour per person ($30). Lunch is an individual cost.

For more information, please contact Randy Cooke.

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.)

Cost: $12

Registration is required. If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill.

Quotes to Give By

Here’s a few great quotes on giving that a few of God’s people have given us. 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.” Victor Hugo

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens

“Your life will become better by making other lives better.” Will Smith

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” Kathy Calvin

“Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others.” Helen Keller

Legacy Giving

Giving through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them.

Blood Drive

Monday, April 29 from 12 PM – 6 PM

Please consider joining us in the West Parking Lot to donate blood. Did you know that the average human heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood each day? Or that a single car accident victim can require 100 pints of blood?

Appointments are encouraged; please use the button below to schedule. All donors will receive a $20 eGift card, an insulated tote bag, and a wellness check-up (including blood pressure, iron count, and cholesterol screening).

“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!

UMC General Conference 2024

As General Conference approaches, we want to ensure that you are well-equipped with resources to stay informed about the proceedings. General Conference will be held from April 23 to May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.

Here are some key ways The Florida Conference is communicating about GC:

• A recording of the Pre-General Conference briefing held on April 2 is now available on our website at www.flumc.org/general-conference-2020. Additionally, a summary article of the briefing can be found here.
• Courtesy of the Virginia Conference, we have provided helpful infographics to explain what General Conference is, what happens during the gatherings, and how decisions made at GC will impact your church. Download them here.
• Stay tuned to the Florida Conference website and our social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn) throughout GC as we will be sharing video updates from Bishop Berlin, prayers for the delegates, and recap articles about important events and decisions made. We'll also be disseminating these updates conference-wide via email.

Thank you for your commitment to staying informed and engaged during this important time for our denomination. Together, let's continue to pray for wisdom and guidance for all involved.

The Choralettes present “An American Journey”

Tuesday, April 30 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

Experience the spirit of America like never before! Join the Villages Choralettes for an electrifying concert as we embark on a musical odyssey celebrating the very essence of our great nation. This isn't just a concert; it's a heart-stirring tribute to the heroes who have safeguarded our freedom and a nostalgic voyage through the timeless songs that echo the soul of America.

Prepare to be captivated by the power of music and community spirit in an evening where every note resonates with the stories of our land. Sing along with us, rekindle your patriotic pride, and revel in the melodies that have shaped our country's legacy.

This event is more than just entertainment; it's an opportunity to give back. Admission is free, but your generous love offerings will illuminate the paths of young souls embarking on missions of hope and service. Don't miss this chance to celebrate America and support a noble cause. Let's fill the air with music and our hearts with pride. Join us on this unforgettable American Journey!

Admission is Free (A love offering will be taken to support Youth Missions.)

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.

Women’s Monthly Program (May 2024)

“Special Ladies in Our Lives”

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

Next 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. 

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.

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!

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. 

Please Welcome Our New Staff Member

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 a 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!

Jeff Bain Family and Sonya

Evelyn Bain

Buzzy & Elaine Farquhar

Diane & Rodney Johnson

David, Burgandy, Brittany & family

Patricia Masters

Peggy Mills

Heather O'Neal-Kober

Katherine Poole

Frances Van Horn

Ricky Wilkes

Prayer Quilts

The prayer quilts on the altar this week are for our graduating mentees from our Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program.

We ask for prayers of guidance, wisdom, safety, and "seeds that have been planted" by their mentors as they transition into this next phase of life.

Esly

Ke’marein

Keoni

Le'Zariah

Malachi

Ondre’

Ra’Nayzia

Sophia

Temarionte’

Valerie

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...

Maxine Duroe, family and friends on the passing of her husband, John Duroe.

Carol Stevenson, family and friends on the passing of her mother, Ellen Elwell.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:

Lisa Lasio in memory of my beloved parents, Gary and JongJa Jenkins.

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.