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

“The more powerful you are, the more your actions will have an impact on other people; therefore, the more responsible you are to act humbly. If you don't, your power will ruin you and you will ruin others.”

Pope Francis (2017 TED Talk)

This is Christmas!

Two Performances!

Saturday • December 13 • 5 PM

Sunday • December 14 • 5 PM

Our music ministry is entering a remarkable season of celebration, and you’re invited to be part of it. This December, New Covenant and Community UMC in Fruitland Park will come together with composer Mary McDonald to present her joyful Christmas musical This Is Christmas! along with the Florida premieres of her brand-new concert work, “Gloria.”

We are blessed to welcome an extraordinary group of musicians. The New Covenant Chancel Choir, the Praise Ringers, the Community UMC–Fruitland Park Chancel Choir and Christian Voices United, and the Morrison UMC–Leesburg Chancel Choir will unite their voices in these powerful concerts. Mary McDonald will conduct “This Is Christmas!” at every performance, with Sean Pollock conducting “Gloria.”  Special performances by Angie Rose and Mark Steven Schmidt, along with the New Covenant Praise Ringers under the direction of Amy Cornwall-Robison will be a highlight of the concerts.

This season’s concerts are especially meaningful. Just days before our local performances, singers from our New Covenant Chancel Choir traveled to New York City to join the Distinguished Concerts Singers International for the Carnegie Hall premiere of McDonald’s “Gloria” and “This is Christmas!” on December 1. What a gift to bring this new music home to our own congregations immediately afterward.

This is shaping up to be one of the most joyful and inspiring musical moments of our year. We hope you’ll join us as we welcome Mary McDonald, celebrate our choirs, and proclaim the message of Christmas through music that lifts the heart and stirs the soul.

Tickets are Required (Prices range: Free – $20 for premium seating)

A love offering will be accepted.

Tickets are available on the website. Those needing assistance can visit the Ticket Kiosk in the West Narthex after Saturday night worship service and between services on Sundays. If you have any questions or need help with tickets, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Hope and Healing Service

Sunday, December 7 at 3 PM in the Chapel

The Hope and Healing Service is a meditative time to reflect on the emotions of the holidays as well as the loss of a loved one. We are grateful to offer this time together as a time of healing and hope to soothe your soul.



For any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

“The Chosen: Holy Night”

Monday, December 8 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Center

We invite you to experience Christmas with “The Chosen: Holy Night.”

Experience Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a young mother and an unclean shepherd boy. Christmas with “The Chosen: Holy Night” blends the Messengers and the Shepherd, both by Dallas Jenkins, into one special remastered and re-scored story. This special feature also includes an original performance from Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, six favorite songs from the past, and two beautiful new monologues. This promises to be a wonderful start to our Christmas journey.  

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Women’s Monthly Gathering (December 2025)

“An Intimate Moment with Mary and Joseph”

Thursday, December 11 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Pastor Donna Hendren will lead this program as we gather to reflect on the part of the manger that is so much a part of us all — the human side. In this time of quiet sharing, we will be reminded of the simplicity of God’s love for all of us and the power of His personal approach to each one of us. May you find this to be a very special time to reflect and recall His closeness to you this year!

Following Pastor Donna's program, our own Joy Singers will entertain us with beautiful Christmas carols. Please join us for this special morning.

If you wish to donate to the mission project this month, we ask that you make a donation to “The Little Ones’ Fund.” This love offering will be given to the family of N'dai Tawale who live in the tiny village of Concession, Zimbabwe, Africa. This fund has provided food for the family for many years. With this fund, the family has been able to buy essential items such as oil, sugar, flour, rice, chicken, soap, and salt for the entire village.

Menu: Turkey Breast with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Glazed Carrots, Cranberry Sauce, and Red Velvet Cake. (Menu subject to change based on food availability.)

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

Giving From Your IRA

For those who are 70-½ and older, the IRS code has a provision that allows a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to the church from your IRA without having to pay income taxes that would otherwise be due on the distribution. If you have already started taking distributions, the donation counts as part of your RMD.

If you are interested, first discuss it with your financial advisor. Then call Linda Stubis in the church finance office (352-750-4529) and she will supply you with the information you will need to make the donation.

Legacy Giving

An IRA is a great asset to use for both current and future gifts.

Spirited Singles Sunday Class begins a New Study

Sunday, December 7 at at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3

All singles are invited to attend the Spirited Singles Sunday class as they begin their new Christmas study, “The Purpose of Christmas,” by Rick Warren.

At the very first Christmas — the birth of Jesus — an angel announced three things. In those three statements we find the three purposes of Christmas.

• Christmas is a Time for Celebration
• Christmas is a Time for Salvation
• Christmas in a Time for Reconciliation

You do not need to purchase the book. All are welcome to join us.

The Village Ringers present

“Christmas and Candlelight”

Friday, December 5 at 7 PM

This concert will feature the Village Ringers, an auditioned group of 14 handbell ringers under the direction of Bonnie Fisher. You’ll be delighted at the rich, full, and varied sounds a handbell can make! The Village Ringers strive to make their performances both beautiful and memorable. This concert is no exception, complete with candlelit ambiance and lovely visuals.

The evening will begin with a beautiful, candlelight processional and include arrangements of the well-known Christmas song "Angels from the Realms of Glory," and carols from the Renaissance era including "Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming" and "Ding Dong! Merrily On High." You’ll also hear favorites such as “We Need a Little Christmas” and a unique and lovely rendition of "Ave Maria." The evening will end with a glorious arrangement of "O Come, All Ye Faithful."

To make this concert extra special, the ringers will be accompanied by Gary Powell on the organ. Gary serves as the director of the Cabaret Lobby Series at the Sharon Morse Theatre as well as organist at New Covenant United Methodist Church. In addition, you will enjoy a couple of selections from Village Ringers TOO, a group of ringers-in-training under the direction of Cathy Bullock. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to try bellringing yourself.

If you have any questions or need help with tickets, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Wooten Hill Christmas

Sunday, December 7 at 7 PM

This December, New Covenant UMC is delighted to welcome Wooten Hill, the celebrated duo of Grammy-nominated Dove Award winner Kim Hill and acclaimed songwriter and composer Paulette Wooten. Known for their authenticity, warmth, and artistry, Kim and Paulette have created a unique musical partnership that blends story, song, and soul-stirring harmony.

Their newest project, "Joy, Come More Than Once a Year," is a heartfelt Christmas collection that weaves together timeless carols and original songs of hope, healing, and connection. More than a concert, a Wooten Hill evening invites audiences into a shared journey of music and storytelling - uplifting spirits and creating space for both joy and reflection.

Kim and Paulette bring with them years of experience touring nationally, performing everywhere from Max Lucado’s church in San Antonio to Jen Hatmaker’s beloved events, and even the upcoming Wild Goose Festival. Their concerts resonate because they speak honestly about life - celebrating the beauty of holiday traditions while acknowledging that the season can be complicated. With humor, grace, and honesty, they share stories of childhood Christmas memories, moments of loss, and the reminder that joy can be found even when the holidays don’t look "perfect."

Both women bring personal depth to their music, having walked through seasons of grief after losing parents - ironically on the same date, twelve years apart. Yet, they also balance these tender stories with laughter and songs that leave audiences inspired and renewed. Their concerts are not performances alone; they are gatherings of hope.

For the past five years, Wooten Hill has served as Artists-in-Residence at St. Thomas Episcopal in Burnsville, NC, furthering their calling to connect faith, art, and community.

New York Times best-selling author Jen Hatmaker puts it best. "If you’ve never experienced the magic of a Wooten Hill concert, let me tell you — you are missing out on something extraordinary. Kim and Paulette are not just incredibly talented musicians; they are absolute queens of the stage and the heart. Their music is breathtaking, their harmonies are heavenly, and their presence is pure joy. You’ll leave their concert feeling inspired, uplifted, and full of holiday cheer."

Join us for this unforgettable evening of story and song as we welcome Wooten Hill to New Covenant. Net proceeds will benefit Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, hosted by New Covenant United Methodist Church.

If you have any questions or need help with tickets, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Staff Love Offering

As Christmas approaches, we think of those who are special to us. The Staff-Parish Relations Team invites you to remember our church staff, who is committed to meeting the needs of our congregation and does so with grace and a servant attitude. All gifts received will be distributed equally among all regular employees. Checks may be made payable to NCUMC with “Staff Gift” indicated on the memo line. If you choose to participate, all donations must be in by Monday, December 8.

Thank you,

Bob Wotring, Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Team

Safety Training Class – Join Us!

Wednesday, December 10 at 9 AM

At New Covenant, creating a warm and welcoming environment is one of our greatest priorities and an essential part of that is keeping our church family safe. We are offering upcoming Safety Training Classes for our ushers and greeters, and we would like to invite anyone in the congregation who has an interest in learning how to better recognize, respond to, and prevent safety concerns on our campus. You have two opportunities to choose from: morning or afternoon.

These trainings will provide practical tools for being more aware of your surroundings, understanding how to identify potential risks, and knowing what steps to take if a situation arises. Whether you serve in a ministry area, greet or usher on weekends, or simply want to feel more confident while attending church, these classes are a valuable resource.

Your presence not only equips you but also strengthens the safety and hospitality of our entire community. If you have a heart for helping others or a desire to be more prepared, we encourage you to join us.

Registration is required. Please bring your NCUMC ID card to check in at the self-check-in kiosks. If you do not have an ID card, please contact the administration office at (352) 750-4529. If you need help registering, please contact Ashley Hill.

“Slide Into Christmas” – A Bunch of Bones

Tuesday, December 16 at 12 PM

Celebrate the season with the inaugural performance of Bunch of Bones — a brand-new trombone ensemble featuring 12 of The Villages’ finest trombonists. These musicians bring with them decades of experience, passion, and artistry, now united to share the joy of Christmas music with you.

Admission is free — bring your friends, your holiday spirit, and “slide into Christmas” with us!

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Choralettes – “Christmas Is Coming!”

Tuesday, December 16 at 6 PM

Join the Choralettes for a fun-filled evening of Christmas songs! They will share some new-found treasures, some long-loved oldies, and invite you to join along in welcoming the season with a few of your most beloved holiday songs and tunes. You’ll hear “Angel’s Lullaby”, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, “Carol of the Bells”, and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” in addition to some of your favorite Christmas carols.

Admission Free (A Love Offering will be accepted)

If you have any questions, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

“A Quiet Christmas” with Angie Rose & Ryan Loeckel

Friday, December 19 at 3 PM & 7 PM

Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel return for their beloved annual performance of “A Quiet Christmas,” a cherished tradition for returning audiences and newcomers alike. This intimate holiday experience, with beautiful music and stunning visuals, is crafted to quiet your heart, warm your spirit, and leave you touched by the magic of the season.

Best friends and longtime collaborators Angie Rose (piano/vocals) and Ryan Loeckel (violin/vocals) blend their talents seamlessly, now joined by a full band featuring guitar, bass, and drums. Enjoy an evening of timeless Christmas melodies, thoughtfully arranged, including the show’s title song, A Quiet Christmas, written and performed by Angie Rose. You’ll hear all of your favorites, with newly added songs each year, including a very special addition to this year’s program.

Step away from the holiday rush and let this experience envelop, inspire, and move you. Leave the evening with a quiet heart, an uplifted spirit, and the joy and warmth of Christmas lingering long after the final note.

Make A Quiet Christmas part of your own holiday tradition. Take home a CD of the music and visit www.aquietchristmas.org for more information.

Tickets are available on the website. Those needing assistance can visit the Ticket Kiosk in the West Narthex after Saturday night worship service and between services on Sundays. If you have any questions or need help with tickets, please contact Angie Rose, Associate Director, Worship.

Christmas Eve Worship Services

Wednesday, December 24 at 4:30 PM and 7 PM

Celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth with traditional Gospel readings that bring the nativity story to life. Rev. Harold Hendren will deliver a heartfelt Christmas Eve message, sharing the hope and light of the Savior’s arrival and its significance for us today.

Nursery will be available for children ages 6 years and under during worship services.

Holy Communion from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the Chapel

If you wish to spend time in solitude, prayer, and meditation, Communion will be available in the Chapel. You are welcome to drop in during this hour and be guided by a special Christmas Eve meditation.

Holiday Closures

The church administration office will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 though Friday, December 26. We will reopen Monday, December 29 at 9 AM. We will be open for Christmas Eve Worship Services.

Bargains & Blessings Resale Store will be closed from Monday, December 22 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. No donations will be accepted.

The store will reopen on Friday, January 2 at 9:30 AM.

We wish you a blessed Christmas.

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.

This Christmas, Give the Gift of a Magical Night!

Friday, February 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM

As you’re decking the halls and spreading holiday cheer, consider joining us in making dreams come true at “Night to Shine,” hosted by New Covenant and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation!

We are looking for…

• In-kind donations to make the night unforgettable  
• Corporate sponsors ready to help us shine even brighter 

Our Amazon Registry offers the opportunity to donate specific items, and every gift makes a difference — it is a simple way to bless our honored guests and volunteers with the items we need most. You can help by purchasing items from our registry.

Whether it’s nametags, decorating support, or a touch of sparkle, your generosity helps create an unforgettable evening of love, joy, and celebration. 

Let’s wrap up the year with purpose and prepare to crown our honored guests with love, joy, and a night they’ll never forget.

Let’s be the light this season!

#NightToShine #ChristmasGiving #TheVillagesCares

Prayer Room

New Covenant is blessed to have a beautiful Prayer Room that is open for your use anytime the church building is open. Located right off the West Narthex, next to the entrance to the Fellowship Center. Our prayer room offers a quiet and peaceful space to offer prayers, meditate, read, and reflect.

Please consider this a sacred space for these activities. Resources such as prayer cards, devotional books, and Bibles are available for your use. 

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilt on the Altar is for:

Lynn, who has a long recovery ahead of her.

We request your prayers for this prayer quilt. 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...

Kay McMurtrie, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Larry McMurtrie.

Deborah Tiesmeyer, family and friends on the passing of her partner, William “Bill” Gurgel.

Our Altar Flowers have been Provided by…

Nancy Nelson in honor of Bob Nelson’s birthday.

David & Carol Priser in memory of their son, Jeremiah Priser.

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.