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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
“On the mountaintop, you see the world through different eyes.”
Anonymous
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New Sermon Series
Seeing Jesus Through Paul's Eyes
The Apostle Paul was the most influential person in the world, ever, in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. His impact upon the Christian movement was paramount in spreading the message of Jesus’s life, teachings, and resurrection. Paul has been attributed as writer of 13 letters that the world has cherished and criticized and that have sometimes left people confused.
During Lent, we are going to take a journey together as we see the story of Jesus unfold through Paul’s eyes. Each week, we will seek a new truth that we hope will draw us all closer to Jesus and reveal a clearer understanding of the life-changing message of Jesus: the message of hope and salvation found in the resurrection. Jesus transformed Paul’s life and message. Our hope this Lent is that the message of Jesus will transform your life, too.
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A Sacred Beginning to Our Lenten Journey
Ash Wednesday, March 5
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
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. This journey begins on Ash Wednesday, a day that reminds us of both our mortality and God's unending mercy.
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.
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.
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.
To learn more about the meaning of the ashes, please use the button below to view a one-minute video from the United Methodist Church!
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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.
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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!
Menu: Chicken Salad Croissant, Pasta Salad, Fresh Fruit Cup, and Chocolate Cream Pie
Registration is required ($20). Contact Pat Hill for more information or help with registration.
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Godly Contentment in Christ
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
These verses speak to the hope and strength we find in Christ, no matter what our financial situation is. When you find Godly contentment in Christ, you can have hope and strength knowing that He is in control and that He loves you. Having God’s strength on your side can give you that extra boost you need to move forward to help others.
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Legacy Giving
Re-evaluate your insurance needs – life insurance beneficiaries can be changed to include your church.
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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), and are also available at the door.
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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.”
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Bargains & Blessings Truck This Weekend
The Bargains & Blessings Truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this 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.
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LOL (Ladies of Light) Small Group
Mondays from 9:30 AM – 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.
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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.
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Solo Sisters in Spirit
Thursday, March 13 from 4 PM – 6 PM
(Please note the 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.
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Seeds of Hope Concert
An Evening of Music and Mission
Featuring Alex-Zsolt and The NCUMC Chancel Choir
Sunday, March 16 at 6 PM in Christian Life Center
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Music has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. This powerful evening of worship and inspiration promises to be an unforgettable experience of faith, music, and community.
For over 27 years, Alex-Zsolt has used his extraordinary talent to share the gospel through music, traveling to over 2,500 churches worldwide. With a unique ability to bring hymns, praise songs, and original compositions to life, his music reaches deep into the hearts of audiences. Whether through his dynamic piano playing or heartfelt testimony, Alex’s ministry serves as a conduit for encouragement, renewal, and a closer relationship with Christ.
The NCUMC Chancel Choir will join Alex for this special event, lending their voices in beautiful harmony to create a worship experience that will fill the room with joy and inspiration. Together, they will share a message of hope, faith, and love—one that aligns perfectly with the mission of the “Seeds of Hope” Concert Series.
The “Seeds of Hope” concert is more than an evening of uplifting music—it is an opportunity to support a vital ministry in our community. Proceeds and donations from this event will go toward the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and the Wildwood Food Pantry, organizations dedicated to providing healthy and appetizing food to those in need, including the poor, the hungry, and the lonely.
This concert is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10.
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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.
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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.
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Looking for a Place to Serve?
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 and ready for weekend services. This can be scheduled in your own time, to fit easily into your schedule!
If you’d like to explore this opportunity, please contact Ashley Hill for more details.
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Because We “Care”
Pastor Harold spoke recently about how important it is to our congregation that the church is there for them when they need them. The New Covenant Care Team wants to be able to pray with you before a procedure, during a hospitalization, or going through a difficult time. Please let your church know when you have a procedure or surgery scheduled. If you have an emergency, please designate a neighbor or family member to contact us. We cannot care unless we are aware!
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Billy
Bill Eggert
Edward Exum
Mary Griffin
Dick Grimm
William Gurgel
Barbara Logudine
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Mary Jean
Tonya Melchoir
Corda Oehling & Family
Bill Spencer-Strong
Bonnie Thompson
Clay Wilson
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Clay, who needs a pacemaker. | |
Donna, who possibly has Parkinson’s or had a stroke. | |
Bill, who is recovering from a heart procedure. | |
Jerry, who is in rehab after serious hospitalization for upcoming months; can’t walk; has Lewy body and multiple medical problems. | |
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. | |
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Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...
Corda Oehling, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Frederick Oehling.
Harry Parham, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Laurie Parham.
Rich Vlerebome, family and friends the passing of his wife, Jean Vlerebome.
For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.
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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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