Message in a Minute

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

Spiritual Reflection

"Think of how a seed must first push down into the dark earth before it can reach toward the light. The deeper the roots grow in darkness, the higher the plant can stretch toward the sun…'The people who walked in darkness,' Isaiah proclaimed, 'have seen a great light.' But first they had to walk in darkness. First they had to learn to trust the night, to let it teach them, transfigure them, prepare them for the light to come."

Len Sweet

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 use the button below to contact Pastor Donna Hendren. Pastor Donna will also be present in the Narthex after worship services this weekend (December 27 & 28, 2025) to discuss volunteer opportunities with the Fresh Expressions ministry.

MOAMI Class of 2026

Thursdays, January 15 – March 26



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.

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, January 3 and Sunday, January 4

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend before worship services. This year we have picked up 734 donations and delivered furniture and other store items to 247 customers.

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.

Volunteer Central

Thinking about volunteering but not sure where to start? We’ve made it simple!

Head over to our Volunteer Central page on the New Covenant website. There, you’ll find a wide variety of opportunities to serve, each with a contact name, contact information, and description to help you connect directly.

If you have any questions after exploring the webpage, please feel free to reach out to the listed contact or to Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager. And if you don’t see something that quite fits your interests or schedule, let’s talk! We’d be happy to help you find the right opportunity where your gifts can shine.

We look forward to the opportunity to serve alongside you.

Holiday Closures

The church Administration Office will be closed though Friday, December 26 and will reopen Monday, December 29 at 9 AM.

Bargains & Blessings will be closed through Thursday, January 1. No donations will be accepted during this time. The store will reopen on Friday, January 2 at 9:30 AM.

We wish you a blessed Christmas.

Blood Drive

Monday, December 29 from 12 PM – 6 PM in the West Parking Lot

New Covenant is hosting an upcoming Blood Drive with OneBlood.

Donors receive a $20 eGift card and a sweatshirt. You will also have a wellness check, which includes blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.

Facts:

• Approximately 62% of the population is eligible to donate blood.
• Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.
• Only 3% of those who are eligible actually donate blood.

Appointments are encouraged!

Men's Breakfast

We will not have Men's Breakfast on Tuesday, December 30. Please join us again on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:30 AM. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Randy Cooke.

The Beloved Community Sunday Class Reads the Bible Over the Course of the Upcoming Year

Sundays at 10:15 AM (following the 9 AM Worship Service)

Knowing the Bible is a wonderful way to grow closer to God! But, are you the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Our goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. Think about a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since “The Bible Year” has it all mapped out for you day by day. 

At the end of each week, we will have a video lesson and discussion on the week's readings to help you better digest and understand what you read. So, you're not just reading verses, but enriching your spiritual life, developing a deeper faith and forming a closer connection to God and to others. "The Bible Year" by Magrey Devega as our reading guide. All are invited to join this class.

The book is available through Amazon, Cokesbury, and other booksellers. If you would like assistance ordering it or have other questions, please contact Vickie Southworth at (352) 661-5648. 

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.

GriefShare^® (January 2026)

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

GriefShare® support group is a safe, welcoming place where people learn to 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. The workbook costs $20.

For any questions, contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

The Gospel on the Ground (January 2026)

Wednesdays, January 7 – February 18, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Come along with Biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland in this 7-session study as she unpacks the life of the early church in the Book of Acts and shows us that the Kingdom of God is always on the move, always looking outward to bring meaning and joy to a world searching for true fulfillment and hope.

Explore the call of Jesus to His disciples then and to us today, see how God's Word can sustain us even in the most difficult of times, and embrace the transformative grace that we experience as children of God in His kingdom of celebration. Charlene English will facilitate this popular study.

Registration is required. There is no cost for this study, but please pre-purchase the book. For more information, contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Solo Sisters in Spirit

There will not be a Solo Sisters meeting in January. Please join us again on Thursday, February 12 at 3 PM. Happy holidays!

The 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 ensemble performers in The Villages!

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

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.

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 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.

We invite you to 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 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 and 11 AM

Join us the weekend of January 24-25, 2025 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 Buck and his family’s story, please visit The Love>hate Project website.

Men's Breakfast

Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 AM

Dr. Blodgett 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 Learns

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 Covenant Columbarium

We are very fortunate at New Covenant to have our own Columbarium. We were very blessed to have a group of forebears who felt this was an important offering to New Covenant members. It has lovely features such as restful benches, a Memorial Stone and a soothing fountain in a serene environment ready for mediation and prayer.

Effective January 1, 2026, the cost of a niche will change from $2500 to $3000 due to increased costs to continue to maintain this sacred space.



The Columbarium Committee is always welcoming new members that are passionate about keeping our property well cared for and in good repair. If you are interested in knowing more about our Columbarium, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator, using the button below.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Ashley, who is recovering from recent medical concerns.

Michael, who is suffering from vision loss.

Phyllis, who is in congestive heart failure.

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...

Barb and Stu Yowell, family, and friends on the passing of Barbara's sister, Gladys Wolcot.

Our Altar Flowers have been Provide by:


 Amy Huckaby in memory of her parents on their 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.