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

“Christianity isn’t about secrets… The secret to holiness is to draw near to the living Christ. It’s not about keeping secrets... it’s one whose secret has been revealed through Christ. Christianity’s mystery is an open secret. It’s not about the cat being let out of the bag, but Christ being let out of a cave.”

Len Sweet

National Volunteer Week

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27, we would like to take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those individuals who give their time and energy to help others and promote good causes. Whether you oversee a ministry, lead a small group, glean fresh fruits and vegetables, make prayer shawls or quilts, greet guests or build homes for needy families, you are key to vision and mission of New Covenant. The impact you make at church is vitally important to building and nurturing ministry work. We could not function and have the church family we do here without you.

We are blessed to have so very many volunteers that serve on our leadership teams, in our ministries, and behind the scenes.

Our heartfelt thanks, appreciation, and love go out to each of you for exemplifying our core values. We are so grateful for your faithful service to God and to the community through New Covenant! If you are looking for ways to connect to New Covenant, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions and Outreach.

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.)

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Thursdays from 10–11:30 AM

Every Thursday, our Alzheimer’s Support Group faithfully help caregivers of loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s or dementia related diseases. During the same time, our Alzheimer’s Respite Care meets in Classroom 6/7. In the Respite Care, the loved ones can play games, sing songs, enjoy entertainment, and other brain stimulating activities. These groups are open to everyone, so please invite someone you know who could benefit from this important ministry. 

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact our Social Worker, Jackie Kuhn-Damron.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is an ecumenical ministry that offers specially trained persons to walk alongside you in difficult times. Stephen Ministers undergo 50+ hours of training to be supportive, caring friends to help us on the journey of life’s challenges. If you are feeling overwhelmed, let Stephen Ministry help you – an impartial person to listen and care. All requests are confidential.

For more information about Stephen Ministry or to request a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Ellen Pollock.

Giving Shows that He is Lord of Our Lives

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Everything we own and everything we have comes from God, so, when we give, we simply offer Him a small portion of the abundance He has already given to us. Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God. It comes from a heart of worship that recognizes everything we have and give already belongs to the Lord.

Legacy Giving

Less than two percent of people leave anything in their will or trust to their church.

T-Shirts

If you ordered a church t-shirt, the order has arrived. Shirts may be picked up outside the Children's Room (next to the Chapel).

If you have already traveled north for the season, please contact Olivia Collins.

Symphonic Winds

To Dance in the Secret Garden

Sunday, April 21 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

Immerse yourself in an evening of enchanting melodies and unprecedented musical discoveries with Symphonic Winds. Kickstarting the event with the vibrant La Peri Fanfare, we're venturing into uncharted territories with a selection of pieces making their debut performance in The Villages. Among these, Randall Thompson's transcendent "Alleluia," originally a choral masterpiece, has been reimagined by our very own Lewis Buckley into a symphonic treasure. Prepare to be captivated by "Rising Dragons," a powerful tribute to a legendary Korean war hero, and embark on an emotional journey with "At the End of the Rainbow," which explores our universal quest for belonging and purpose. Additionally, our program includes a spirited Sousa march, the whimsical "Eine Kleine Yiddishe Ragmusik," and the "Young Person's Guide to John Williams," promising a concert that resonates with audiences of all ages, especially the young and young-at-heart. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of live music and celebrate the rich tapestry of sounds that only Symphonic Winds can deliver. Secure your seat for a musical evening that promises to be nothing short of spectacular!

Tickets may be also purchased at the door ($15).

The Women of the Bible Speak

Mondays, April 22 – June 17 from 9:30–11:30 AM

or

Tuesdays, May 7 – June 25 from 2–3:30 PM

Through warm and engaging stories, this study reveals how central women were to God’s story in the Bible. They were courageous queens, strong mothers, and wise prophets. You will be introduced to brave, noble, and sometimes vulnerable or broken women. This study is a helpful tool to demonstrate – no matter what you are going through – other women experienced the same and still came out on top.

You have two different opportunities to join a small group for this 9-week study. Please purchase the book prior to the start of class.

For more information on the Monday group, please contact Pat Hill.

For more information on the Tuesday group, please contact Ashley Hill.

Holy Land Trip 2025 — Informational Meeting

Wednesday, April 24 at 9 AM in the Chapel

Please join Pastor Harold at the upcoming informational meeting to learn about his next Holy Land trip.

He will lead another Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land next year, Monday, March 31–Tuesday, April 9, 2025. 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.

You may attend the informational meeting or 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. 

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.

Good Grief

Thursdays, May 2 – June 6 from 1 PM – 3 PM

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Good Grief is a 6-week, Christ-centered support group meeting based on the book by Granger Westberg and the workbook/journal created by Chaplain Cecil Fike. Using the themes from the workbook, we share our stories together as we learn how to manage this journey that we call grief. Included in our time will be such topics as: The Process and Tasks of Grieving, The Individual Factors of Your Grief, Dealing with Sudden Death, and Facing Holidays and Special Anniversaries. Annamay Baldwin and Karen Cleveland will be the facilitators for this group.

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Registration is required ($20). For more information or assistance with registration, please contact Sharon Weimert.

Terrific Tuesday (May 2024)

“The Sower of the Seeds”

Tuesday, May 7 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Pastor Harold will lead a discussion on the “Sower of the Seeds” (Matthew 13:1-23). 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.

Registration is required ($12). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill.

Backpacks 4 Kids Benefit Concert

Shades of Blue Octet

Friday, May 10 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

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).

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.

New Covenant Library

New Covenant is happy to have a wonderful Library with many resources available to you in Christian fiction, non-fiction, research, and more. We are happy to announce the arrival of two new Guidepost series that were graciously donated to the library, “Ordinary Women of the Bible” and “Extraordinary Women of the Bible.”

Looking for a small group curriculum? We have a special section with small group discussion in mind!  Come check us out! And remember, you need a New Covenant ID card to check out a book! 

For more information, please contact Ginny Davis.  We also have an online link to see what materials you might be looking for, and you can access it here!

Anthony

Jeff Bain Family and Sonya

Evelyn Bain

Justin Collins

Anna J. daSilva

Linda Dardick

Ellen Elwell

Judy Holbrook

Sarah Holloway

Diane & Jim Moffat

Christina Thompson

Neighborhoods in Jackson, MS Frances Van Horn

Anne & Junior Witt

The prayer quilt on the altar is for...

Jim, who is undergoing chemo for hematologic cancer.

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...

Sharon Wyatt, family and friends the passing of her husband, Robert “Bob” Wyatt.

Marge & Bill Berrier, family and friends the passing of her sister, Donna Tardy.

Scott Freeland, family and friends the passing of his father, William “Bill” Freeland.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by:

Debra Keitel Frey in memory of Frederick & Dorothy Keitel.

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.