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 greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose… The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.”

Rick Warren

Invitation to Discipleship

One of the key ways to truly make New Covenant “A Place We Call Home” is to be a part of the journey! By the journey, we mean growing in your walk with God as you seek to learn, grow, and serve. For our ministry focus this week, please watch a short video (below) from Judy Stuart, an active participant in Discipleship Ministry.

There are many ways to do this, but let’s talk about these important ones: 

• Joining a small group 
• Being a part of a Sunday Education class
• Sign up for a Bible or book study, such as “The Chosen,” which is currently in season 2. All are welcome at any time!
• Participate in Men’s Breakfast or the monthly Women’s Gatherings
• Come to Terrific Tuesday for fellowship, and learn scriptural and life application topics from Pastor Harold
• Volunteer for a ministry (either inside or outside the church walls). Examples of inside would include hospitality ministries (usher, greeter, welcome center, coffee bar) and so many more. Examples of outside would be Bargains & Blessings, Helping Hands, CR101 Trash Collection, Fresh Expressions, and others.

Being a part of this community in active ways helps us to grow and develop in our faith journey. We hope that you will consider jumping in, and we are here to assist you. If you want to learn what your spiritual gifts are, we have an online spiritual gifts survey to help you determine them!

For more information, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager, to help you find your way!

A Sacred Beginning to Our Lenten Journey

Lent is not merely a season of giving things up; it is an opportunity to create space for God to work in our lives. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to renew our faith, and to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter morning. Lent is a season of deep spiritual significance — a time set apart for reflection, repentance, and renewal. For 40 days, we are invited to journey with Christ, examining our hearts, surrendering our burdens, and drawing closer to God's transforming grace.

Our journey begins on Shrove Tuesday and continues to Ash Wednesday — a day that reminds us of both our mortality and God's unending mercy.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 AM

‘Shrove’ is an ancient practice where we confess our sins before vowing to be better during Lent. On this day, people would use all their rich ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar. Therefore, it became common to have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. We offer everyone an opportunity to participate in this tradition.

All men and women are invited to share pancakes, eggs and sausage, fellowship, and a devotion focused on forgiveness and mercy as we prepare for our Lenten journey. 

On this special day — as honored guests of Men's Prayer Breakfast — all women will eat free. Men may pay at the door ($7).

Terrific Tuesday (February 2026)

Tuesday, February 17 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM



Join us for a fun evening celebrating Mardi Gras. Dress up in your favorite Mardi Gras outfit and we will provide the beads and a photo opportunity. Pastor Harold will be teaching on the importance of Lent in our lives along with the historical and theological understandings of Lent. This will be an enjoyable and educational time as we move into this powerful season of Lent. 

Menu: Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya, Vegetable, Salad, Roll, and Dessert.

Registration is required ($14) and closes on Monday, February 16 at 12 noon. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Ash Wednesday Worship

Imposition of Ashes: 9 AM – 10 AM in The Chapel (Come and Go)

Ash Wednesday Worship Service: 6 PM in the Christian Life Center, featuring The Chancel Choir and our pastors

On Ash Wednesday, we receive the sign of the cross in ashes — a powerful symbol of repentance and humility. The words spoken over us, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” call us to recognize our dependence on God. Yet, even in this solemn reminder, we find hope. The ashes are traced in the shape of the cross, pointing us to the promise of resurrection and new life in Christ.

Whether you come in the morning for quiet prayer or gather with the community for evening worship, we encourage you to begin this journey with intention. Let us turn toward God together, embracing the grace that leads us from ashes to resurrection.

Women's Gathering (February 2026)

Thursday, February 19 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Get ready for a program at the next Women’s Gathering of music, stories, and connection! Join us for a special event featuring the New Covenant Worship Team as they bring together a dynamic mix of traditional hymns, contemporary worship, and well-loved popular songs — perfect for listening, singing along, and soaking it all in.

Beyond the music, you’ll be invited into the conversation. During an engaging Q & A session, our talented musicians will share how they got their start, the journeys that shaped them, and the artists and songs that inspire them most. You’ll also hear fun behind-the-scenes stories from rehearsals and performances, along with insights into how they encourage and motivate one another as a team.

Come for the music, stay for the stories, and leave feeling more connected – to the worship, the musicians, and each other. 

Menu: Meatloaf with Cheese Potatoes, Vegetables, Dinner Roll, and Tiramisu.

Registration is required ($12) and closes at 12 noon on Monday, February 16. If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

The Villages Concert Band

“An Evening of Timeless Romance”

Friday, February 20 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

“An Evening of Timeless Romance” will take you on a journey of romantic favorites from years gone by right up to the very present. Do you remember Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves searching for each other in “Somewhere in Time”? Or, Yul Brenner and Jodie Foster dancing spiritedly together in “The King and I”? How about Christine and The Phantom in “Phantom of the Opera”? 

You will be reminded of all of these characters and much more as the Villages Concert Band presents music that is guaranteed to help you recall nostalgic memories from the past as well as enlivening current relationships from the present. Come and reminisce to jazz standards such as Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” and other classics like “Embraceable You” and “Funny Valentine” as well as the English/Irish tune “The Girl I Left Behind Me”!

Prepare for a night of beauty, nostalgia, and unforgettable music and bring your date — a memorable evening of fun and magic await!

Investing in the Kingdom of Heaven

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)

Jesus loved us so much that he paid the ultimate price for us so that way we could have eternal life and be forgiven for our sins. Since Jesus gave us this incredible gift, we should be excited to generously give back to the Lord a small percent of all that he has done for us to invest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Tithing originally came from the Old Testament and the word itself literally means ten percent. God wants us to give the first ten percent of all our profits back to Him to bless.

Legacy Giving

There are various ways to give to the Legacy Fund.

“Blessed to be a Blessing”

Wear the Message — Share the Joy

Looking for a simple way to spread hope and positivity beyond our church walls? Our “Blessed to be a Blessing” t-shirts do exactly that. Every time you wear one, you’re sharing encouragement, faith and love within our community – without saying a word. Supplies are limited so you don’t want to miss out. Each shirt is just $20, and you can pay by cash, check, or card. (Please note, we have all sizes available, except large and X-large).

Stop by the kiosk in the East Narthex before or after services this weekend and grab yours while they’re still available. Let’s wear our faith and be a blessing wherever we go.  

Bridging Gaps Field Trip

Thursday, February 19, from 8 AM to 4 PM

Bridging Gaps through Conversation will participate in an educational tour of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune home and grave site in Daytona Beach. This is a unique opportunity to discuss topics such as race, religion, and politics with others in our community. We will stop for lunch (at your own cost).

Dr. Bethune is the founder of Bethune-Cookman University and was an avid daily reader of the Upper Room. Her home which was built in 1905 by A.B. Raddick, a black architect and builder is also listed as an United Methodist Historic Site.

Registration is required, however, there is no cost for admission (donations accepted) and no cost to ride the church bus. For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Mission & Outreach Director.

New Lenten Study: Why Did Jesus Have to Die? 

The Meaning of the Crucifixion

Study begins the first week of Lent, February 22

Rejecting the idea that God needed Jesus to die, Adam Hamilton encourages us to ask what Jesus’ death means. What if the cross isn’t a transaction to be explained, but a living Word from God meant to transform who we are and how we live. If you imagine or were taught that there is one correct answer to this question, this six-week video study by Adam Hamilton is for you.

If you are interested in participating in either a small group or Sunday morning study, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship, for more information. All are welcome!

You may purchase the book from Amazon or Cokesbury. Please click below.

“An Unlikely Lent” – A Spirited Singles Sunday Class

Study begins the first week of Lent, February 22, from 10:15 – 11:45 AM

The crucifixion and resurrection are at the heart of the story of Easter. But the resurrection was not witnessed in isolation, it unfolded before a crowd. What might the stories of those men and women teach us today? How will they help us step into the story of Easter.

Spirited Singles Sunday School class begins a new class, “An Unlikely Lent,” a six-week video study.  Gain new insight from the crowd on the themes of:

• Devotion
• Opposition
• Freedom
• Courage
• Companionship
• Alliances

By seeing the Easter story through their eyes, we may discover that the resurrection is not just a past event, but an invitation into something new, unexpected, and unlikely. Walk through this season of Lent with eyes wide open, ready to see where God is moving. All singles are welcome!

Registration is not required, and you do not need to purchase a book.

Blood Drive

Monday, February 23 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 long-sleeved T-shirt. You will also have a Wellness Checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

Facts:

• Every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood.
• Only 3% of those who are eligible actually donate blood.

Appointments are encouraged!

Journey Through Lent: A Midweek Musical Invitation

Wednesdays at 11 AM (February 25–March 25) in the Chapel

This Lenten season, we invite you to make time for what your soul truly needs: rest, reflection, and renewal. Step away from the noise of the world and into the peaceful stillness of Lenten Musical Meditations — a simple, sacred 30-minute gathering of music, scripture, and spiritual focus.

Each week features a different musician or ensemble offering meditative music designed to help you reflect on your journey through Lent.

• February 25: Gary Powell, organ

Begin the season with a time of grounding and stillness through the voice of the organ.

• March 4: Bonnie Fisher & Cheryl Steinborn, pianists 

A gentle mixture of piano solos and duets bring depth and color to this week’s meditation.

• March 11: Lesan Van Syckle, horn and Sean Pollock, piano

Music of tenderness and contemplation invites you into deeper listening and trust.

• March 18: Joel Alexander, violin

The lyrical voice of the violin stirs the soul and lifts the spirit in this mid-Lent moment.

• March 25: Noah Laney, cello

A powerful close to the series with rich, resonant reflections leading into Holy Week.

Whether you come for just one or make the full journey, each service offers a space to breathe, listen, and be renewed. No registration is needed. Just come as you are and let this season shape your heart.

Let this be the Lent you lean in. Let this be your journey toward Easter.

Thinking About Membership?

Thursday, February 26 at 1 PM in the Chapel

Becoming a member at New Covenant is more than just filling out a form – it’s about saying yes to growing in your faith and connecting more deeply with this church family. Whether you live here full-time or spend just part of the year with us, there’s a membership option that fits your life and your journey.

Membership is a way we support one another in love, prayer, and accountability. It’s a step toward belonging and investing in something bigger than ourselves – God’s work through the local church.

If you’ve been thinking about making New Covenant your church home, we’d be honored to walk alongside you in that process. Have questions? Need help getting started? We'd love to speak with you! 

For more information, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Men's Breakfast with Dr. Buck Blodgett

Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30 AM

Dr. Blodgett will present, “Faith,” part-two on his “F Words” series. He returns for parts three and four the first Tuesday of April and May.

Forgiveness. Faith. Fruitfulness. Fortitude. This four-part, faith-based series, “The F-Words,” is a personal journey, told from a Christian perspective. The most unstoppable and transformative force in this universe is love.

Registration is not required for Men's Breakfast. You may pay at the door ($7).

Lunch and Learn with Dr. Buck Blodgett

Tuesday, March 3 from 12 – 1 PM in the Fellowship Center

Dr. Blodgett will present part-two of his “F Words” series on “Faith” at this month's Lunch and Learn. He returns for parts three and four the first Tuesday of April and May. If you missed part one, you are still welcome to join him.

Dr. Buck Blodgett continues to expand on his theme of “The LOVE>hate Project” message. “The F Words” include Forgiveness, Faith, Fruitfulness, and Fortitude. These study sessions are designed for all groups to hear about the transformative force of love!

All are welcome to join. There is no charge for this event, but we do ask that you preregister. At each session, you're invited to bring a sack lunch.

Dr. Buck’s book will be available for $20, benefitting the LOVE>hate Project.

Following dates will be April 7 and May 5. Each will require a separate registration.

Dinner and a Movie

Tuesday, March 3 at 5 PM in the Fellowship Center

Our Men’s and Women's Ministries are sponsoring a Dinner and a Movie event. This is an opportunity for a great date night or a fun evening with friends. It will feature a full dinner, followed by a wonderful movie displayed on our large screen.

Doors will open at 4:30 PM and dinner will be served at 5 PM. The movie will begin at 5:45 PM.

Menu: Mustard & Herb Crusted Pork Roast with Pan Gravy, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Rolls, and Dessert

Registration is required for this event ($15 per person). For more information, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

“The Chosen” Season Two

Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, from 2-4 PM

“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.

Registration is not required. Please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship, for information.

The Celebration Brass Band

Sunday, March 8 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

The Celebration Brass Band, under the dynamic baton of Lewis Buckley, invites you to an exciting spring concert in New Covenant’s newly renovated Fellowship Center. This engaging program showcases what brass bands do best — bringing to life a rich and colorful cross-section of music drawn from a wide range of original sources.

Audiences will enjoy works written especially for brass band, including the stately Prelude for an Occasion and the stirring march Silver Star, alongside beloved favorites from the world of musical theater and film such as An American in Paris, Can-Can, and selections from West Side Story. Adding a special highlight to the evening is the beautiful tenor horn solo Demelza, performed by New Covenant’s own Leslie Ann Van Syckle.

From powerful fanfares to lyrical melodies, this concert promises an evening of variety, virtuosity, and musical excitement. Don’t miss this wonderful celebration of brass band music!

Register Now

It is important when registering for an event or class to register early! This helps church staff adequately prepare for the number of people for room size and set-up, resources, and food quantity. We are also committed to being able to share the cut-off date of registrations per event. If an event is closed because we have met our maximum for space and food requirements, we will not be accepting walk-ins.

Please help us serve you better by registering for events using the links on our website or in your WeeklyWord emails. If you are unable to register from home, please call the church office and we will be happy to assist you.

When registering, please be sure you are logged into your portal account. Your portal account saves all your information, so you don’t have to retype it every time. If you do not have a portal account, or are unsure if you have an account, please contact the church office. To log in to your account or to register for a new account, please click the button below. If you have forgotten your username or password, you can change it here also.

Volunteers Needed at Bargains & Blessings

Bargains & Blessings Resale Store is in need of volunteers in the following areas: Main Store, Annex, Boutique, Intake, and Family Outreach. Duties vary and include cashiering, answering phone calls, intake of donations, assisting families, etc. 

No experience is needed and training will be provided. Volunteers work half or full days, Monday to Saturday.  If you or someone you know may be interested, please download, print and complete the application. You can also pick up an application at the store located at 301 N. Main Street in downtown Wildwood.  

We invite you to join us! For more information, please contact Tina Lander.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Donald, who has Parkinson's disease.

Harold, who has leukemia and needs a stem-cell transplant.

Helen, who will be in rehab after a major fall.

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.

Altar Flowers

To place an order for altar flowers, please use the button below. Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend.