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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
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.”
Pope Francis
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National Volunteer Week — Recognizing Volunteers
National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually during the third week of April and this year it will be observed from April 20 to 26. Since 1974, volunteers around the country are recognized for the impact of their service. This year commemorates 50 years of celebration. This week was established by former President Richard Nixon who made it possible through an executive order.
We would like to “Shine a Light” on New Covenant members who tirelessly give of themselves in ministry and inspire everyone to transform the world around us by being the hands, feet and voice of Jesus.
If you quilt, usher, serve as a ministry leader, drive the church bus, glean, build homes, work in our store, greet customers, cashier, provide beds for children, repair homes, facilitate bible classes, decorate the church, sing in the choir, minister to the sick or those who are grieving, clean-up litter, direct traffic, mentor students, or provide food to needy families, etc., your impact to our community is tremendous.
We Thank YOU for your continued service within the church and for active participation as we make changes for the betterment of all who live here!
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National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 1 from 8 AM – 4 PM in the Chapel
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed into law that the first Thursday in May of each year should be noted as a National Day of Prayer where we are called as individuals, churches, and schools to turn to God in prayer.
The Chapel will be open and available for you to honor this long-standing tradition of praying for our country. This year’s theme verse is Romans 15:13 which declares, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
There will be guided prayer sheets if you so desire to use them. Please make a point to join us and pray next Thursday.
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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 previously registered for the earlier date, you don’t need to reregister.
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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Love
1 Corinthians 13 tells us that, “If I give all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
In God’s eyes, the value of the gift comes not from how badly it is needed, but from whether or not I give in love. Give for the wrong reasons and what you’ve done is of no value at all, no matter the worthiness of the need you’re meeting.
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Legacy Giving
Your legacy giving can be funded by making your church the beneficiary of an insurance policy.
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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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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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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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Bargains & Blessings Truck
Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4
The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend before worship services. If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.
We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. 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.
The ministry is also in need of drivers on the first weekend of each month to drive the truck to the church and back to B & B. If you are interested, please contact Charles Stuart.
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Jesus and Women (May 2025)
Wednesdays, May 7 – June 18, from 10 – 11:30 AM
Jesus and Women, by Kristi McLelland, profiles seven women Jesus encountered and what that means for us. It explores how Jesus generously restores dignity and honor to the women in the first century. You will gain deeper insight into the Biblical world, including a fresh perspective on familiar Bible stories, you will discover the Bible through the lens of Middle Eastern Culture, and you will understand Jesus more fully and fuel your worship of Him.
Registration is required, however, there is no cost for this study. We ask that you pre-purchase book please.
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator.
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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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Women's Monthly Program (May 2025)
Thursday, May 15 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)
Don’t miss our last Women’s Gathering of the season! Pastor Ellen will be giving the devotion and some details of her and Sean’s Wesley experience during their trip to England.
Our keynote speaker is Mary Ellen DePetrillo. Mary Ellen is a clean stand-up comedian renowned for her hilarious performances that draws from her rich Italian family experiences. Her unique comedic style masterfully blends sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling. Her comedy emphasizes family, faith, and everyday life.
Registration is required ($10). Register early as lunch seating is limited. Doors open at 9 AM and the program starts promptly at 10 AM.
If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator.
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Carol Baker
David Bechill
Debbie Carpenter
Cary Kauffman
Velta Kelly
Jessie Meier
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Denise Miller
Norton Family
Nina Pooler
Isabelle Rogness
Bill Sweeney
Dick & Pat Throckmorton
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Prayer Quilts
The prayer quilts on the altar this week are for our graduating mentees from our Wildwood Middle High School Mentor Program.
We ask for prayers of guidance, wisdom, safety, and "seeds that have been planted" by their mentors as they transition into this next phase of life.
| | 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. | | For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below. | | |
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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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