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

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

John Wesley

Women’s Retreat — Living Your Best Legacy

Friday, March 14 from 9:30 AM–3 PM

Doors open at 8:30 AM

Robyn Dykstra, national speaker, Bible teacher, humorous speech champion and best-selling author is our keynote speaker. The theme of the day is “Living Your Best Legacy.” Step into a day of faith and unshakable hope as we explore what life can look like when you live intentionally looking to Christ. Your day also includes a delicious lunch! 

Call your sister and your mama and every girlfriend to come too. We’ve pulled out all the stops with this one. You must come! 

Registration is required ($20). Contact Pat Hill for more information or help with registration.

Bands of the Villages Ensemble Concert

Thursday, February 27 at 7 PM

The Bands of The Villages will be presenting an unforgettable combined Ensemble Concert. At this very special concert you will hear six of The Villages Bands coming together to showcase the rich and vibrant sounds of flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and horns. This includes the Trumpet Ensemble; led by Dave Czohara, Horns Aplenty; led by Don Brannon, Saxations; led by Harl Hoffman, Carinet Connexion; led by Paul Vargas as well as the Flute Choir and Flute Fanatics; both under the baton of Linda Quinn. 

Experience an evening of musical brilliance as each ensemble brings its unique charm to the stage, celebrating the artistry and harmony of these beloved instruments. Don’t miss this captivating performance!

Tickets are required ($20). Tickets are also available at the door.

Bargains & Blessings Truck Next Weekend

The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next weekend (March 1 & 2) before worship services. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry.

If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

Sunday Classes, Bible Studies, and Small Groups

As we approach the season of Lent, we would like to encourage all members to participate in a Bible study or small group. We have many interesting and exciting studies planned for you to choose from. One of New Covenant’s core values is Spiritual Growth. We hope all members will take the opportunity to learn more about the teachings in the Bible and how it applies to our lives and our mission as a Church.

There are many opportunities for you to join a Bible study on Sunday morning or at other times during the week. These are summarized on cards which are available at the Welcome Center. All classes are ready to welcome new members. In addition, you can request to join a small group, which is a great way to meet people and grow in Discipleship.

If you have any questions, please contact teaching Pastor, Randy Cooke, or Discipleship Coordinator, Pat Hill. 

Kindness

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17)

This verse impacts our finances in two ways: First, it’s directed where much of our giving goes. We look for organizations that serve the poor and give to them. Second, we have seen God’s blessings on our finances as a result.

Legacy Giving

Over 50 percent of people die without a will. Do you have one?

The Kramers Return to New Covenant!

Sunday, February 23 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening of worship and music. This talented family will also minister during our Sunday 9 AM and 11 AM worship services.

When God’s gifting, anointing, and calling converge in one family, powerful ministry happens. The Kramers are known for their exceptional musical excellence and their passion for leading others to know Jesus Christ as Savior. Their music reflects not only their love for the Lord but also their genuine care for all who attend their concerts.

From Rachel’s soaring soprano voice to Maria’s tender delivery of heartfelt lyrics, combined with smooth family harmonies, The Kramers create an unforgettable experience of worship. Their ministry has gained national recognition, including a nomination for the Singing News Fan Awards’ 2020 New Artist of the Year. Their latest album, Soli Deo Gloria, showcases a wide range of musical styles, from touching ballads to awe-inspiring orchestrations.

Come and be blessed by their uplifting music, personal testimonies, and the life-changing message of the gospel. Don’t miss this opportunity to worship together with The Kramers and invite others to experience the hope and joy found in Christ. We look forward to seeing you there!

This concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be collected.

LOL (Ladies of Light) Small Group

Mondays, beginning February 24 from 9:30 – 11:30 AM

You are invited to join our next study on "Becoming Heart Sisters — A Bible Study on Authentic Friendships" by Natalie Chambers Snapp. If you have ever been hurt by a friend, struggled to balance friendship with everyday life, or seen a friendship end too early, this study will help you discover the secret to authentic friendships. This six-week study combines scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.

No registration necessary. Books are available from Amazon. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill.

Blood Drive

Monday, February 24 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. Fact: our total blood collections for 2024 was 90 pints of blood saving up to 270 lives! That’s is awesome! Let’s make 2025 even better!

All donors receive a $20 eGift card, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and a wellness check. Appointments are encouraged!

Celebration Brass Band

Sunday, March 9 at 6 PM

Patterned after the traditional brass bands of Europe and England in particular, Celebration Brass is made up of brass and percussion instruments — no strings or woodwinds. This instrumentation lends itself to a purity of sound that is quite unique, yet vibrant with variety. Whether soothing and quiet or shouting with excitement, it is a sound like no other. Its great strength lies in the fact that, with the exception of the percussion, all the instruments are in the same family.

The typical brass band concert is full of variety, and Celebration Brass concerts are no different. On March 9, from the exciting opening piece Bridgewater Intrada, to John Williams famously reverent Hymn to the Fallen, to a Fantasy on British Sea Songs, to a set of rollicking Irish Dances, to Queen’s unforgettable Bohemian Rhapsody, Celebration Brass will carry its audience through all kinds of wonderful and varied musical moods.

Tickets are required ($20). Tickets are also available at the door.

New Member Class (March 2025)

Wednesday, March 12 at 1 PM

Membership is about commitment to Christ through a local church. Whether you are here full-time, or seasonally, we have a membership type that will fit your and your needs. Church membership is your opportunity to hold each other in responsibility and love. We hope you will consider being a member and become more engaged with your church community. 

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

Solo Sisters in Spirit

Thursday, March 13 from 4 – 6 PM

(Note time change)

Please join us for our next gathering. This is a great opportunity for single women to get together to mingle and fellowship.  

Registration is required so we have enough tables and chairs. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

The Village Ringers

Saturday, March 29 at 7 PM

The Village Ringers, an auditioned group of handbell ringers under the direction of Bonnie Fisher, is proud to present their spring concert titled “Colors.” Step into your imagination with this beautiful program featuring songs all about our colorful world.  Selections include “Mr. Blue Sky”, “The Pink Panther”, “Shades of Forest Green”, “Yellow Submarine”, “Over the Rainbow”, and even “Silver Bells”!

You will thoroughly enjoy this prismatic performance with a wide and vibrant variety of uplifting tunes that are sure to bring out your own, colorful personality!

Tickets are required ($20). Tickets are also available at the door.

2025 Walks to Emmaus

Men's Walk: Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, April 6

Women's Walk: Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program’s approach seriously considers the model of Christ’s servanthood and encourages Christ’s disciples to act in ways appropriate to being “a servant of all.” Participants seek to Christianize their environments of family, job, and community through the ministry of their congregations. The three-day Emmaus experience and follow-up groups strengthen and renew Christian people as disciples of Jesus Christ and as active members of the body of Christ in mission to the world.

For more information, please visit the Aldersgate website, or call Buddy Acton at (352) 391-1751.

Hospitality Highlight – February 2025

If you’re looking for a way to serve at New Covenant but haven’t found the right fit yet, consider becoming a Hospitality Attendant. This role ensures that event signs are current and that the restroom hospitality baskets are stocked with items such as hairspray, hand sanitizer, dental picks, mints, and more.  This can be scheduled in your own time, to fit easily into your schedule! 

Volunteering in this way might seem like a small task, but it plays a big role in making every guest and member feel welcomed and cared for. A well-placed and current sign can help someone find their way, and a simple hospitality item can make a difference in someone’s dy. When we serve, we reflect Christ’s love through small acts of kindess, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who walk through our doors. 

If you’d like to explore this opportunity, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager, for more details.

Fresh Expressions

We are pleased to offer a new opportunity of outreach as New Covenant serves and reaches out to the many living facilities in The Villages and the surrounding areas. We hope that you will be excited about this opportunity to join in serving the many residents who live in these local living facilities. We will strive to provide a meaningful mini worship service for the residents. If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, this may be the perfect fit for you. Our hope is to build meaningful relationships with the residents as we offer the love of Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in serving, please contact Pastor Donna Hendren. A background check provided by the church is required.

Our Children Need You!

At New Covenant, we believe in surrounding our children in a loving and caring community where all can be nurtured and encouraged in a Christ-centered environment. We offer nursery during Sunday morning worship from 9 -10 AM and from 11 AM - 12 PM for children ages infant up to third grade.

If you love and enjoy children, we need you! Please consider volunteering in our children’s ministry to help enrich the lives our children. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Ellen Pollock for information. A background check provided by the church is required.

Sensory Room

New Covenant is delighted to introduce a Sensory Room for our guests and congregants. This room, formerly known as The Special Needs Room, features soothing colors, updated furniture, and items to support those with special sensory needs. We are happy to offer a welcoming space for any of our families who may need a calming space while they are at church. We are grateful to the Night to Shine Leadership Team for helping make this a reality so all God’s people can call New Covenant “a place to call home.”

Jeff Bain & Family

Dottie Barron

Nancy Brunson

Phil Byers

Jo Hazlett

Suzanne Katrishen

Meghan Keating

Sandra McGloin

Sherri Miller

Priscilla Moulds & Family

John and Pam Tracy

Prayer Quilts

Andersen, a baby diagnosed with Leukemia.

Stacy, who is suffering with still-person syndrome and diabetes.

Sue Yen, who needs strength and stamina for daily challenges.

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...

The family and friends of Bob Hilton on his passing.

Joyce Ziemer, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Jim Ziemer.

Rita Liddle, family and friends on the passing of her husband, David Liddle.

The family and friends of Diane Machande on her passing.

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Our Altar Flowers have been Provided by...

Mike & Rhoda Miller in celebration of their 60^th wedding anniversary.

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.