Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

"Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change."

Author Unknown

The LOVE>hate Project (A Message of Forgiveness)

"Love is Stronger Than Hate" was a grieving father’s message to 1,000 people who attended his daughter Jessie’s funeral after she was brutally murdered in their home.

Born of this statement was Jessie Blodgett’s legacy, The LOVE>hate Project. 

"A Message from Jessie" tells the true story of Dr. Buck Blodgett’s daughter, Jessie, whose murder shattered their family but ultimately inspired a mission rooted in healing and love. Dr. Blodgett will share how he chose forgiveness over hatred and transformed tragedy into advocacy through The LOVE>hate Project. He has appeared on Dateline and will be our guest speaker for the events below.

Please join us at one of these special events as Dr. Buck Blodgett shares his personal story of forgiveness.

January Women's Gathering

Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Menu: Parmesan Chicken Cutlets, Wild Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($12). If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Worship Services

Saturday, January 24 at 5 PM and Sunday, January 25 at 9 AM & 11 AM

Join us the weekend of January 24 & 25 for a special worship service as Dr. Blodgett will be a guest speaker with Pastor Harold. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor who may need to hear a message of forgiveness. To learn more about Dr. Blodgett and his family’s story, please visit The LOVE>hate Project website.

Men's Breakfast

Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 AM

Buck will be presenting his series on Forgiveness at Men’s Breakfast. The first session will be on Tuesday, February 3, with the others to be scheduled.  

Lunch and Learn

Tuesdays: February 3, March 3, April 7, & May 5 from 12 PM – 1 PM in the Fellowship Center

At these events, you're invited to bring a sack lunch as Dr. Blodgett teaches about the topics of faith and forgiveness.

New Sermon Series

Pastor Harold will begin a brand-new sermon series on January 10 & 11 titled, "Forgiveness." Forgiveness is an important part of each of our lives, and the Biblical authors have a lot to say about the power of forgiveness to transform our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. Throughout these upcoming messages, we will consider how to accept and extend forgiveness as we continue to journey towards healing and grace.

We invite you to join us for worship during this series, online or in person.

Bands of the Villages Ensemble Concert

Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM in the Fellowship Center

Join us for an evening of beautifully crafted, small-group performances showcasing the remarkable musicianship of our community. This intimate concert features a variety of ensembles, including Clarinet Connexion led by Paula Vargas, Flute Fanatics led by Rocco Russomano, Saxations led by Harl Hoffman, The Villages Trumpet Ensemble directed by Dr. Anita Kupriss, Horns A Plenty led by Don Brannon, and the Flute Ensemble directed by Linda Quinn.

Each ensemble highlights the unique colors, textures, and personalities of its instrument family, creating a diverse and engaging musical journey. Audiences will enjoy beloved selections such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Gabriel’s Oboe,” “When I’m 64,” and “The Forrest Gump Suite,” along with other musical favorites. Don’t miss this special evening celebrating the talent, artistry, and collaborative spirit of The Villages ensemble performers!

Tickets are available on the website. If you have any questions or need help with tickets, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Blessed to Be a Blessing T-Shirts

This past October, we celebrated our blessings with our church family and community with Blessed to be a Blessing New Covenant T-shirts. Shirts are $20 each. We still have some shirts available in various sizes in the Discipleship Office.

If you would like to purchase a Blessed to Be a Blessing t-shirt, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager, using the link below.

We encourage you to wear your shirt in our community as a testimony to our blessings and as a great way to let people know about New Covenant!

Giving Is About The Heart

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crown putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything." (Mark 12:41-44).

God does not need our money or resources, so it’s not about giving a certain amount. Instead, it’s about the heart. The Gospels record the story of a widow who put two small copper coins in the offering box. Although Jesus and His disciples saw the rich putting in larger offerings, Jesus highlighted the poor widow’s sacrifice. She gave a perfect gift because she gave what she had, from the heart.

Legacy Giving

Maintaining a place for future generations to thrive.

Temporary Classroom Closures

Due to our ongoing floor renovations, several Classrooms (1, 2, 3, 6/7, 8/9, and 10) are closed.

The following Sunday classes will not meet this weekend: Faith Bible Class, Spirited Singles, and ANEW. These classes resume on Sunday, January 11 at their regular times. Beloved Community will meet in the Cardinal Alcove in the East Narthex. Pastor Randy's Early and Late Risers will still meet in the Chapel, but you must enter the Chapel from the outside door. There is no access from the hallway.

Community Bible Study (CBS) is also cancelled on Monday, January 4.

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, January 3 and Sunday, January 4

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. Each item donated and sold helps to support children and families in our local community. 

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

As a reminder, we Do NOT accept...

We are very sorry for your inconvenience, but the Main Building will remain closed until Monday, January 5, due to maintenance. We will reopen Monday morning at 9:30 AM. No donations will be accepted over the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.

Regular Church Hours Changing

In order to be better stewards of New Covenant’s resources, it has been decided that the church hours will be adjusted beginning in January. The revised hours for the church building will be:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesdays from 8 AM to 8:30 PM
• Fridays 8 AM to 1 PM

When planning for group meetings or classes, please consider scheduling during the day or in homes. The Administration office will continue to be open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday – Thursday) and 9 AM to 1 PM (Friday). Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus in our community.

Weekly closing hours may be adjusted based on special events.

GriefShare^® (January 2026)

Mondays, January 5 through April 13, from 10 AM – 12 PM

GriefShare® support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you will discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s ‘normal’ in grief. You will learn hopeful ways of coping with grief in all of its unpredictability — and gain solid support each step of the way.

Registration is required. Workbook is $20. For more information, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

Terrific Tuesday (January 2026)

"Walking with the Wesleys"

Tuesday, January 13 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Join Pastor Harold for part three of our Terrific Tuesday program, “Walking with the Wesleys.” Learn about the Wesley family heritage and how their early roots helped shape their Christian faith and the early Methodist Church. We also will explore our Wesleyan theology based on grace and how Christ’s grace has shaped the formation of our church. 

Doors open at 4:45 PM, and the program begins at 5:45 PM.

Menu: Meat Loaf, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, and Dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($14). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

“The Chosen” Season Two

Begins Wednesday, January 14 from 2 PM – 4 PM in the Chapel

"The Chosen" Season 2 follows Jesus as His fame grows, leading to larger crowds, new disciples, and escalating conflict, focusing heavily on the disciples' internal struggles to understand their roles, their growing community dynamics (especially Simon/Matthew tension), Mary Magdalene's relapse, and preparations for the Sermon on the Mount, while antagonists like Shmuel plot against Jesus, and Roman involvement increases.

The season highlights the "beatitudes," showing Jesus's way of living and teaching amidst new challenges and deepening faith.

Register for these free events below. For any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

MOAMI Class of 2026

Thursdays, January 15 – March 26, 2026



MOAMI (Moving On: Always Master Inspired) is a powerful hands-on-class that uses Biblical principles to help women strengthen their relationship with God, develop supportive friendships with other women, learn strategies to successfully move through changes, discover their unique gifts, explore their purpose, and have fun with like-minded women.

The first class (January 15) is a Kickoff from 11 AM – 4 PM, and the last class (March 26) is a Celebration from 11 AM – 4 PM. All other classes are from 1 PM – 4 PM.

Registration is required ($45). If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship. If registration fills, you will be added to a waiting list.

Seeds of Hope Concert

Thursday, February 5 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

An Evening of Inspirational Songs with Sean Pollock and friends, featuring Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel with a live band for a night of gospel, sacred, and modern worship music that has shaped Sean’s journey.

Free Concert. Love Offering will be accepted at the door. Canned food donations are also welcomed.

Christmas Wrapping Paper

Our Outreach Ministry can use any donated Christmas wrapping (paper, gift bags, tags, tissue paper) that you might have left over from Christmas. If you are shopping and would like to purchase discounted wrapping paper, we’d love to accept it. Donations can be dropped off at the Administrative office during business hours.

Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed

We are looking for a few volunteers to work at our check-in Kiosks located in the East and West Narthexes on Sunday mornings. It’s a fun job and we will train you!  Please contact Ashley Hill if you are interested in learning more.

Fresh Expressions

The New Covenant Fresh Expressions ministry serves and reaches out to the residents who live in memory, assisted, and independent living facilities in The Villages and the surrounding areas. We strive to provide meaningful mini devotions each week and to build relationships with the residents as we share the love of Jesus Christ and remind the residents that they are not alone.

Our Fresh Expressions ministry is a wonderful blessing as we continue to live into the vision of being the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus Christ in the world. If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, this ministry may be a good fit for you to be a part of serving the underserved!

For any questions, please contact Pastor Donna Hendren.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Alisa: who recently lost her father.

Carole: who is having surgery.

Dave: who is recovering from hip surgery.

Sandy: who is recovering from surgery and undergoing cancer treatment.

Skeeter: who is grieving the loss of her two daughters.

We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please click on the quilt to be taken to our Facebook Page, where you can ‘LIKE’ the post to virtually tie a knot. Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church and throughout our community who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people experiencing life-changing challenges. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

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

Rev. John Hinkle, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Virginia “Ginger” Hinkle.

Kay Pliszka, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Michael Pliszka.

Leann Garten, family and friends the passing of her husband, Alton “Al” Garten.

The Altar Flowers have been provided by:


Leon & Audrey Schien in celebration of their 63^rd wedding anniversary.

Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend. To place an order for altar flowers online, please use the button below.