Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

“I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.”

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Love Your Neighbor Camp Highlights

Love Your Neighbor Camp was an at-home mission trip our middle school youth group participated in the first week of June. This was an impactful experience for them to grow their faith and serve our community! Some of the places we visited were the Habit for Humanity house, Bargains and Blessings Store, the Humane Society, three assisted living facilities, Jumper Creek Refuge, Lake Panasoffkee and Wildwood Food Pantries. The kids also performed for the Alzheimer’s Respite Group. We had a reaffirmation of faith at St. Petersburg beach for baptized students. This week was incredibly special!

Thank you to all the small groups and people who purchased from our Walmart Registry, provided breakfast and dinner, and gave donations!

Backpacks 4 Kids present Celebrate America 2024

Sunday, June 30 at 3 PM in the Christian Life Center

Get ready for a spectacular explosion of music and patriotism at Celebrate America 2024! Dive into a sea of heart-stirring patriotic anthems, a vibrant assortment of Americana pop and folk tunes, and soaring marches. Hosted by Angie Rose and Sean Pollock, the stage will sparkle with the incredible talents of The Chancel Choir, guest soloists, and dynamic instrumentalists.

Admission is free with a suggested $20 donation at the door. Every dollar raised supports Backpacks 4 Kids in their mission to equip school children from Wildwood elementary through middle-high schools with essential supplies. Last year, your generosity helped raise over $20,000, benefiting 1,700 children in our growing community. Hosted by New Covenant, renowned for vibrant concerts that build futures, this event promises not only a feast for the ears but a boon for the heart. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of America’s spirit and community!

New Covenant Podcast

The New Covenant Podcast is a great way to listen to the audio of our weekly sermons. The podcast has over 3,000 downloads and was recently recognized by Feedspot as one of the “Top 100 Florida Church Podcasts.” To receive the New Covenant podcast, go to the Podcast app on your smartphone, search “New Covenant United Methodist Church Sermons,” and tap “Follow.” We hope that you will take advantage of this service not only to listen to the messages yourself but also to consider sharing with your family and friends.

Habitat for Humanity — Celebrating the Win!

On Monday, Pastor Harold presented Ashley Hunter and her children with keys to her new home at the home dedication in Oxford. This is the fourth home New Covenant’s Helping Hands Ministry has built in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This brings the total number of homes built by the ministry in the local community to 39. 

The Hunter family was joined by her immediate family and friends, Habitat for Humanity and New Covenant staff and church members, County Commission Chair Craig Estep and Brad Webber, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Lake Sumter, Florida Board of Directors. Cindy Brown was also present to represent U.S. Congressman’s Daniel Webster’s office.

New Covenant has plans to assist Habitat for Humanity this summer with two homes that are part of their Preservation & Repair Program. Another home build is planned for the fall of this year. If you are interested in volunteering with the Helping Hands Ministry, please contact Ministry Chair Gary Search. 

Tithing is Trust in God’s Will

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through or steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

You should be encouraged to look at giving as an investment in eternity. You have the exciting privilege and opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the world. The world and people’s lives can be changed by your investments in God’s work.

Legacy Giving

Remember New Covenant in your planned giving. 

Blood Drive

Monday, June 24 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, a OneBlood t-shirt, and a wellness check-up (including blood pressure, iron count, and cholesterol screening).

“Blind Eyes Opened”

A Documentary On Human Trafficking

Tuesday, June 25 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM in the Chapel

Everyone is invited to watch this documentary sponsored by Women's Ministry. Join us as we learn how God is shining a light on the problem of Human Trafficking that is threatening the precious young lives of our nation’s children and grandchildren. Helpless children and young people are being abused and victimized here in Central Florida. We are the number three state for Human Trafficking (growing larger than the fentanyl drug trade) to over $150 billion per year nationally — and it is here in our own back yard. Please join us and learn more about this heinous crime and the methods by which people commit it.

Registration is required. A $5 donation will be accepted at the door which supports the production of the film. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Pat Hill. 

Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program

New Covenant’s Mentor Program annually has 35 - 45 Mentors working with Mentees from ninth to twelfth grade, primarily at Wildwood Middle High School.

New Mentors Needed

Each year, we recruit adults who have a heart for teenagers and a sincere desire to provide love, patience, guidance, and support over a period of four years as the Mentee journeys from ninth grade through graduation. Training will be provided.

If God is leading you to this special program please read the overview and submit your application to Olivia Collins, Student Minister. If you have any questions, please contact Olivia.

Coffee Bar Volunteers Needed on Sundays

We’d love to have you be a part of our team that helps with the coffee bar on Sunday mornings. If you want more information, please contact Joy Johnson.

Fresh Expressions Volunteer Opportunities

Fresh Expressions is a ministry that provides mini worship services for residents in many of the living facilities in The Villages and surrounding areas.

If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, being a part of this ministry may be a good fit for you. All volunteers for Fresh Expression undergo training in protecting vulnerable adults as well as a background check. To learn more about getting involved, please contact Donna Hendren, Visitation Pastor.

Production Volunteers Needed

Are you eager to be part of a vibrant community and serve your church in a fresh and exciting capacity? Our production team at New Covenant is actively seeking new volunteers to contribute to the thriving online community we've built. Each week, we're joined by 1000 people worldwide, all made possible by the dedicated efforts of our production team. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join us.

To learn more and get involved, please contact Mat Napp, our Digital and Production Director. We look forward to welcoming you to the team!

Bargains & Blessings Volunteer Opportunities 

Are you looking for an exciting volunteer opportunity that will allow you to make an impact on our local community? Do you enjoy working with other volunteers and New Covenant staff and serving customers? New Covenant’s Bargains & Blessings Resale Store in downtown Wildwood needs YOU! 

Volunteers are needed in intake, scheduling, the Family Interface Office, the annex building and main store. No experience is needed, just your willingness to help. Any amount of time is appreciated, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM – 4 PM. and Saturday from 10 AM –3 PM. If you are interested, please contact Barb Holevinksy at the store (352) 330-3333 or send her an email.

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. 

Card Ministry

Our Card Ministry needs volunteers to send greeting cards to individuals. Each week you will receive a few Prayer Requests emailed to you and are asked to send get well or prayer cards to those in need. Cards and envelopes are provided, but you may send your own cards with uplifting words and/or verses.

If you are interested, please contact Ginny Davis in the Care office for more information.

Brenda Bailey

Donald Berrier

Mindy & Chris

Family of Tanner White

Tammy Hayes

Karen-Leigh Monsalvatge

Julian Navarro

Ed Nuernberg

Carol Packer

Don & Sue Schreifels

Charles Stuart 

Kim T.

Karen Wallace 

Trenton Wilkes

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Amy, who is having surgery this week, and recently lost her mother.

Ashley, who is beginning a new journey with her four children.

Judy, who will be undergoing cancer treatment.

Suzy, who is facing many health challenges.

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...

Bob Underhill, family and friends on the passing of his sister, Margara Grillo.

Alan Benson and Jean Morse, family and friends on the passing of his wife and her daughter, Nancy Benson.

The family and friends of Barbara Mahoney on her passing.

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 using the button below.