Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

“Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.”

Desmond Tutu

Join the Chancel Choir for the Fall '24 Season!

Are you passionate about music and worship? Do you have a desire to lead others in praising God? If so, we invite you to join the Chancel Choir as we kick off our fall '24 season! Whether you're a seasoned singer or simply love to sing, there's a place for you in our choir family.

Rehearsals for the Chancel Choir will resume on Wednesday, August 7 at 6 PM in Classrooms 8/9. We meet weekly to practice and prepare for our Sunday services and special events. Your dedication and enthusiasm will help us create beautiful, uplifting music for our congregation.

The Chancel Choir sings every Sunday throughout the year at both the 9 AM and 11 AM blended services. By joining the choir, you'll have the opportunity to lead God's people in worship, enhancing their spiritual experience with your voice and example. Our choir is committed to excellence, and your participation will make a significant impact.

In addition to our weekly services, the Chancel Choir presents annual Christmas concerts and other special concerts and services throughout the year. These events are highlights of our church calendar, bringing joy and inspiration to all who attend. As a choir member, you'll be part of these cherished traditions.

The Chancel Choir is more than just a group of singers; we are a passionate family dedicated to worship. We support and encourage each other, and our shared love for music and faith creates strong bonds among us. Joining the choir is not just about singing; it's about becoming part of a community that values worship and fellowship.

Ready to be part of something special? Joining the Chancel Choir is easy! Simply come to a rehearsal and try it out. We welcome all voices and look forward to meeting you. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Sean Pollock. Let's make this fall season unforgettable with beautiful music and heartfelt worship. We can't wait to welcome you into our choir family!

Summer Food Drive for Wildwood Food Pantry

Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21

This is a friendly reminder to bring your food items to support the Wildwood Food Pantry's Summer Food Drive this Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.

Researchers have found that food insecurity impacts a child's ability to succeed in school. They are also at an increased risk for behavioral and emotional problems. Food insecurity also has an effect on parents’ mental health by causing depression and anxiety because they don't have food available to feed their children. Let's help families thrive, not just survive by supporting the summer food drive. 

Volunteers will pick up your bags of food this weekend. Please place this next to your car or golf cart. Throughout the week, we have bins that are conveniently located in both the East and West Narthexes for food donations. 

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, SpagettiOs, RavioliOs, etc., and spaghetti sauce.

Thank you for helping us help others!

Community Bible Study

Mondays, August 26, 2024 – April 28, 2025, from 3 PM – 5 PM

The Villages Community Bible Study (CBS) will be offering a small group Bible Study for men and women. Both in-person and online options are available.

CBS is an interdenominational Bible study that brings people together around God’s word. We offer a 30-week, in-depth study through the five essentials of CBS: Individual Study, Encouraging Discussion, Effective Teaching, Insightful Commentary, and a Caring Community.

For 2024–2025 season, we will study the Gospel of Matthew. Small groups will meet at New Covenant. Workbooks will be available for pick up on Monday, August 5 from 10 AM – 12 PM in the West Narthex.

The registration fee is $35. Scholarships are available by request. Register on the CBS website. Space is limited for this class. For more information, please contact Susan Hayes.

Nursery Volunteers Needed for Kids Ministry

We are excited to announce that our Kids Ministry has been revamped and is now better than ever! One of the most significant enhancements we've made is the creation of a brand-new nursery, designed to provide a warm, nurturing, and faith-filled environment for our youngest members.

To ensure the success of this new initiative, we need your help. We are seeking enthusiastic and caring volunteers to join our nursery team on Sundays. Volunteering in the nursery is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a lasting impact on the lives of our littlest ones and their families. A background check provided by the church is required to volunteer with children.

To volunteer or to learn more about this ministry, please contact Olivia Collins, Student Minister.

Becoming a Cheerful Giver

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

A Generous Person:

• Can depend on God to provide all their needs.
• Shows that God’s love abides in them.
• Helps those in need.
• Furthers the kingdom of God.
• Can expect that God bless their lives.

Legacy Giving

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

Revealed Small Group New Study

Thursdays, July 25 through August 29, from 1 PM – 2:15 PM

“Lessons I Learned in the Dark: Steps to Walking by Faith, Not by Sight” is the theme for the next Revealed Study Group led by Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred.  The author, Jennifer Rothschild, explains her book is not about blindness, although she herself is blind, but rather a book about learning how to really see: to move with freedom, even in confining circumstances, to hear echoes of hope, even in heartache, to be empowered, even when you don’t feel strong.

For more information, please contact Sherry and Pastor Gary Eldred.

New Small Group Study

Mondays, Beginning July 22 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

LOL (Ladies of Light) will begin a new study of “The Chosen – Part 4” an 8-week DVD study. With clashing kingdoms and rival rulers, the enemies of Jesus close in while His struggling followers leave Him to carry the burden alone.

No registration required and all ladies are welcome. For more information, please contact Pat Hill. 

Tri-County Plus Emmaus Fourth Day Gathering

Sunday, July 28 at 5:30 PM

Florida Aldersgate EMMAUS invites you to attend the Tri-county Fourth Day Gathering and Potluck Dinner next weekend. Please bring a covered dish to share. Gathering will include Communion, music, and speakers. This event will be held at Lake Deaton United Methodist Church (6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood). Doors open at 4:30 PM.

If you have any questions, please call Buddy Acton at (352) 425-4457.

Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein

Sunday, August 11 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Get ready to be transported to the golden age of Broadway as we present “Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein.” This special concert will feature songs from timeless classics such as “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” and many more. This will be an evening of unforgettable melodies and enchanting performances. We are thrilled to have the renowned tenor Mark Steven Schmidt and the talented pianist Gary Powell gracing our stage. Their exceptional talent and passion for music will bring the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein to life, creating a night you won’t want to miss.

The admission is free, but we kindly suggest a $20 donation to benefit our Backpacks4Kids ministry. Our goal is to raise an additional $5,000 to ensure every child in our community has the supplies they need for the upcoming school year. Your generosity will make a significant impact, helping provide essential tools for children to succeed.

So, mark your calendars and join us for an extraordinary evening filled with music, joy, and community spirit. Together, we can make a difference and ensure every child is ready for the new school year.

“Many Hands Make Light Work”

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, serve our community, and connect with our church. New Covenant has many different areas to get involved. Whether it is serving during the weekend services or volunteering within one of our missions, you are a necessary part of this church. No role is unimportant, and we need many volunteers to continue to live into the vision of being Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.

Below are just a few positions with immediate needs, but many more are listed on our Volunteer Central webpage. We invite you to explore these great opportunities!

• Bargains & Blessings Store
• Bus Drivers
• Children's Nursery
• Coffee Bar on Sundays
• Fresh Expressions
• Production Crew for Saturday Worship Services
• Quilters
• Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program

For information on any volunteer position, please click the button below, visit the Volunteer Central webpage (located under the Ministries tab; then select First Impressions), or call the church office.

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. 

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 badge! Our pastors love to greet people by their name, so please make a point of wearing your name badge. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one online or visit the Computer Center after worship services. It is great when we can learn names this way and 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. To order a name badge online, please click the button below.

Also, 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 scanning your New Covenant ID card when you come in. This helps us know you are present at worship or at events. You can get an ID card on the weekends at the Computer Center or during the week at the Administration office.

Dick Blalock

Carol & Dan Bonebrake

Louise Clark

Ramon Chavez

Marv Eavers

Dick Lenz

Susan Payne

Bob Pederson

Marilyn Pegler

Ray

Lynda Tiesmeyer

Roland Whitford

David William

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

The family and friends of Mozelle “Moe” Mangus on her passing.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by...

Amy Huckaby in memory of her husband, Riley Huckaby, on their anniversary.

Mick & Beth Hall in loving memory of father, Dr. Richard E. Hall.

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 using the button below.