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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“The Bible is not a script for a funeral service, but it is the record of God always bringing life where we expected to find death. Everywhere it is the story of resurrection.”
Eugene Peterson
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New Sermon Series
Begins Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27
Many people see religion as outdated and irrelevant to life. Some have struggled with questions and doubts. Others see Christians act in an un-Christian manner.
Some of the world’s greatest Christian cathedrals have more tourists visiting than worshipers attending. This reveals how some see the Church as hopelessly worn out, like an old piece of furniture.
What if the problem isn’t faith but the way it’s been practiced? What if faith could be shared in a light that reflects a love that is so powerful that it couldn’t be disputed or denied? What if faith could be restored, positively impacting our lives and the world around us?
Join us over the next three weeks as we consider our role in helping make Jesus relevant to others. Even though Jesus lived two thousand years ago, His message of hope, joy, love, and peace never grows outdated, rusted or ancient. Jesus was, is, and always will be relevant.
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Symphonic Winds
Sunday, April 27 at 6 PM
Join us for a concert that demonstrates the versatility of the modern concert band. It will open with a march by Conductor Lewis Buckley honoring first responders; will continue with classic concert band works including Grainger’s famed Lincolnshire Posy, Robert Russell Bennett’s Suite of Old American Dances; and will include Carmen Dragon’s gorgeous arrangement of America the Beautiful. In the proud tradition of concert band programs going back to John Philip Sousa, co-principal clarinetist Terri Quirk will perform a beautiful and technically dazzling solo, Ernesto Cavallini’s wonderful Adagio and Tarantella.
Jean Butler has been a prime mover in the development of band music in The Villages, forming and conducting the Villages Concert Band and laying the groundwork for all the other concert bands we have here. And Jean is also a long time member (on French horn) of Symphonic Winds. To honor her before she moves to New England in the fall, we are inviting her to conduct Rossano Gallante’s wonderful A Childhood Remembered, which she says perfectly captures her own feeling that “you’re never too old to have a happy childhood!"
The dazzling concert finale will be Conductor Buckley’s arrangement of virtually all the songs in Meredith Willson’s famed Broadway hit, The Music Man, which Buckley was commissioned to write in honor of Willson’s 100th birth date in 2002. Fair warning — you’ll have 76 Trombones running through your ears for days!
Tickets are required ($20). Tickets are also available at the door.
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Bargains & Blessings Truck
Thanks to your generous donations, the Bargains & Blessings Truck made 908 pickups and 165 deliveries in 2024. Each item donated and sold helped to support children and families in our local community. We greatly appreciate your willingness to support this ministry.
There will have an opportunity to donate again on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. The truck will be parked in the West Parking Pot of the church campus before worship services.
If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.
The ministry is also in need of drivers on the first weekend of each month. If you are interested, please contact Charles Stuart.
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Staying Informed
The WeeklyWord — the email you’re reading right now — is New Covenant's weekly digital newsletter and the best way to stay informed about what’s going on in the life of the church.
Visiting on the New Covenant Facebook Page is another great way to see the latest updates from the church. In addition, the church website is full of helpful resources including Online Worship, Registrations, Tickets, the WeeklyWord, and so much more. We hope that you will take advantage of these digital channels to stay connected with us.
For any questions about the WeeklyWord, please contact Bradley Collins, Creative Director.
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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
This Holy week hymn offers one of the most poignant and eloquent expressions of Christian stewardship ever composed: “love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
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Legacy Giving
Over 50 percent of people die without a will. Do you have one?
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Holy Thursday Worship with Communion
April 17 at 6 PM
Worship leader Angie Rose with The Praise Band
and a special message by Rev. Ellen Pollock
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
The Solemn Shadows by Joseph Martin
April 18 at 12 PM
The Chancel Choir with The Community United Methodist Church Choir
Readings by pastors of both New Covenant and Community UMC
Saturday Contemporary Worship
April 19 at 5 PM
The Praise Band
and a special message by Rev. Harold Hendren
Easter Sunrise Worship (East Parking Lot)
April 20 at 6:30 AM
Worship leader Angie Rose with The Praise Band
and a special message by Rev. Harold Hendren
Easter Sunday Blended Worship
April 20 at 9 AM & 11 AM
The Chancel Choir, The Praise Ringers, Brass, and Organ
and a special message by Rev. Harold Hendren
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Easter Floral Crosses
The Guild will have wire crosses at the East Entrance and the West Entrance on Easter weekend. Carnations will be available for you to place in the wire in memory or honor of a loved one. If you prefer, you may bring a flower from your garden to insert on the cross.
If you ordered Easter plants, they will be available for you to take home after the 11 AM worship service on Easter Sunday.
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Sunday Morning Adult Education Classes
All Sunday Education Classes — except for Spirited Singles and Friends — are cancelled for Easter Sunday.
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Holiday Closures
The Administration Office will be closed through Monday, April 21. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 22 at 9 AM. The church will be open for the Holy Week services listed above. Men’s breakfast is cancelled on Tuesday, April 22.
Bargains & Blessings will be closed from Thursday, April 17 at 1 PM through Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21. The store will be open on Saturday, April 19 from 10 AM to 3 PM.
From the staff at New Covenant, we wish you a very Happy Easter!
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Dedicating Our Second Helping Hands Home Built In Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to dedicate the second Habitat for Humanity home built by the New Covenant Helping Hands Ministry on Tuesday, April 1 in Oxford. Thanks to our dedicated group of volunteers and the support of the church, Elizabeth Tatlow and her sons, Thomas, Mason, Ivan, and LeGary are now able to move into this beautiful four-bedroom, two-bathroom house. We pray for God’s continued blessings on this family as they transition into their new home.
Volunteers will be needed for the home build in the fall of this year. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Search, Helping Hands Ministry Chair.
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Blood Drive
Monday, April 28 from 12 PM – 6 PM in the West Parking Lot
New Covenant is hosting an upcoming Blood Drive with OneBlood.
There is a large need for blood donations in our area, and one pint of blood can save up to three lives. We're grateful to report that our total blood collections for 2024 was 90 pints of blood saving up to 270 lives!
Donors receive a $20 eGift card, a t-shirt, and a wellness check. Appointments are encouraged!
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Wildwood Food Pantry
Thank you to everyone who attended the 20-year celebration of the ministry of Wildwood Food Pantry. There were 162 volunteers and other supporters present!
We also received 3,000 pounds of food as part of the Spring Food Drive. Thank you for your generosity. People experiencing food insecurity in Sumter County will benefit greatly from your donations!
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Good Grief
Thursdays, May 1 – June 5, from 1 PM – 3 PM
Good Grief is a 6-week, Christ centered grief support group offered twice a year with discussions drawn from topics presented in a workbook. As we fellowship together, we offer support and comfort through your journey of grief. Two caring and supportive facilitators, who have walked the same path, will guide you along your journey.
There is no cost for the class but registration is required. If you wish to purchase a workbook, it is $15. Space is limited to ten people to allow for time for sharing.
For more information, please contact Sharon Weimert.
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Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, May 3 from 9 AM – 11 AM
Join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals and bring your furry, scaly, or feathered friends to be blessed by one of our pastors. This special event celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals, recognizing the unconditional love they bring into our lives.
Enjoy a morning filled with fellowship, visit with local rescue organizations and even opportunities for pet adoptions. Refreshments will be served, so bring a lawn chair or blanket and make yourself comfortable as we honor our beloved animal companions.
If you have a pet who is older, less mobile, or uncomfortable in social settings, you are welcome to bring a photo of them, and we will gladly offer a blessing in their honor.
There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Ashely Hill.
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The Choralettes Spring Concert
Tuesday, May 6 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center
Singers, Trumpets, and You, Oh my! Come and join The Choralettes and The Wonderlands in a fun-filled evening concert filled with great music — "Happy Songs and Sing-a-Longs"! These lovely ladies will present patriotic songs to honor our country, as well as heartfelt tunes from yester-year. The Choralettes always have a few surprises up their sleeves too! You are invited to join them in a sing-a-long with some of the great songs that you remember and love! So tune up your voices and come have fun at The Choralettes Spring Concert!
This is a free concert. A Love Offering will be taken for our New Covenant Ministries.
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Bridging Gaps Through Conversation
Wednesday, May 14 from 1 PM – 3:30 PM
Please join us as we show the trailer and discuss the movie “American Son.” American Son is a drama starring Kerry Washington as a mother (Kendra) who searches for her missing son after a police shooting. The 2019 film, adapted from a play by Christopher Demos-Brown, explores the themes of race, identity, and family in a divided America.
The movie revolves around Kendra, a black woman who frantically worries about her missing son. To report this, she arrives at a police station at 4 in the morning. When a cop finally reaches out, her concern seems to be a bit exaggerated as her son is 18 years old and could be out doing “teenage things” with his friends.
When the white cop dismisses her plea for help by questioning her about her son’s involvement with gangs or any form of criminal activity, she begins to realize that the cop is stereotyping her son just because of his racial background. A heated feud ensues between the two, after which the cop finally gives in and claims that he will further investigate the case.
The film received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. We encourage you to watch the full movie prior to your attendance. It can be found on Netflix, Prime Video, and Tubi (which is free).
For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.
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Alzheimer’s Support Group
Thursdays from 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Our Alzheimer’s Support Group meets year-round! Every Thursday the caregivers meet in support groups to share their experiences, resources, and fellowship. While the caregivers are in group, the loved ones are in our Respite Care group, singing songs, enjoying brain stimulating activities and more. We have some amazing volunteers that are so faithful to help! If you would like to know more about either, or maybe you might be interested in volunteering, contact our Social Worker, Jackie Damron.
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Arnold Cox
Stan & Phil Graves
Barbara Figuried
Larry & Cheri Hawley
Thomas Hayes
Brian Kagan
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Carolyn Lee
Fran Lundy
Jesse Meier
Nina Pooler
Volkart Family
| | 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 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...
Inez Hall, family and friends on the passing of her husband, William “Bill” Hall.
For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.
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The Altar Flowers have been provided by:
Dick & Jeanne Maxfield in loving memory of Matt and the Maxfield & Smith families.
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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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