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 gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness. Faith working by love, is the length and breadth and depth and height of Christian perfection.”

John Wesley

Impacting Future Generations

Do you want New Covenant to continue to be the Hands, Feet, and Voice of Jesus? To ensure that we continue our commitment to the Kingdom of God impacting future generations, the Legacy Fund was created. It was established as an endowment fund on the premise that all we have is from God.

By investing the principal and by using only the earnings, it ensures a steady stream of income which allows the church to continue its endeavors, even during challenging economic times, and to plan for the future with greater financial security.

You can donate to the Legacy Fund now, however, most of us prefer to keep our assets available until we don’t need them any longer. Those donations can be made through your will or trust or by making New Covenant Legacy Fund one of the beneficiaries of your IRA or an insurance policy.

If you would like to know how you can benefit your church for years to come, contact Linda Stubits, Finance Manager, and ask for the Legacy Fund information packet.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 AM

Did you know that the day before we start Lent on Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday? ‘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



Lent is almost upon us. Come 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. 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). If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

A Sacred Beginning to Our Lenten Journey

Ash Wednesday, February 18

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.

Give Your First and Best

There’s something spiritually significant about giving God your first and best, rather than your leftovers. And it means something to Him too. 

In Malachi 1:6-12, some of the priests decided to make sacrificing more convenient and cost-effective. They began encouraging people to give their blind and lame animals to sacrifice, instead of the first and best.

In response, God said, “Where is My honor?... Where is My reverence?” (Malachi 1:6, NKJV). He viewed this as dishonoring to Him – and it was.

When God gave us His first and only Son as a sacrifice for our sins, He gave His first and best.  He deserves nothing less than the same from us.

Legacy Giving

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

Celebrating the Win: Bring Weekend with Dr. Buck

What an incredible Bring Weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out to hear Dr. Buck Blodgett share his powerful story of tragedy, forgiveness, and hope. From the packed services, it was clear that many of you invited friends, neighbors, and loved ones to experience New Covenant — a place to belong and call home. Because of you, our attendance increased by nearly 30% — now that is worth celebrating!

Bring Weekends are all about opening the door wide and introducing others to New Covenant and all we have to offer, and this one was a beautiful example of just that.

If you missed Dr. Buck – or want to hear more – you’re in luck! We have several upcoming opportunities to continue this meaningful journey together:

• Dr. Buck began a discussion last week at Men’s Prayer Breakfast, exploring the “Four Fs” – Forgiveness, Faith, Fruitfulness, and Fortitude – expanding on his Love>hate message. These sessions are designed for everyone and highlight the transformative power of love. The next session of his four-part, series will be Tuesday, March 3. He shares his deeply personal journey told through a Christian lens. Breakfast is $7, and all men are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. If you missed the first one, please join us next month!

• Dr. Buck also started a once-a-month, faith-based, program called “Lunch & Learn,” also based on the “Four Fs.” You may join him the first Tuesday of the next three months (March 3, April 7, and May 5) from 12 – 1 PM.  Everyone is invited to join Lunch & Learn. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Feel free to bring your own lunch!

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

Our Bring Weekends will continue quarterly, with the next one happening Easter weekend. We can’t wait to see you there — and don’t forget to bring a friend! 

Year End Statement & Impact Report

2025 Contribution Statements

Your contribution statements were sent out on January 22, either via email or mail for those annual contributions of $500 or more. 

If you have an email address with us and have not received your email, please check your spam folder. For those of you who may not have received a statement but would like to access your contribution statement, please click the button below for a tutorial on how to access your portal and print your own contribution statement. 

Attached to the email or letter you received from the church was a “Ministry Impact” sheet celebrating some of the highlights from this past year. These are also available at the Computer Center and the Welcome Center.

If you have any questions, please call the church office.

Seeds of Hope Concert

Thursday, February 5 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

An Evening of Inspirational Songs with Sean Pollock and Friends is more than a concert—it’s a musical testimony. On this special night, Sean Pollock is joined by Angie Rose and Ryan Loeckel, backed by a live band, to share the gospel, sacred, and modern worship songs that have helped form his faith, calling, and years of ministry.

The program weaves together music that stirs the heart and steadies the soul— songs of comfort, songs of courage, songs that remind us who God is when life is loud, and songs that carry us when words run out. Some will feel like an old friend. Others may be new — but all are offered in the same spirit: honest worship and encouragement for the road we’re walking now.

Whether you come needing peace, hope, joy, or simply a place to breathe and be lifted, this evening is for you. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring your own story—and come ready to sing along, reflect, and leave strengthened.

Come expecting a night of meaningful music, sincere worship, and the kind of community that reminds us we don’t travel this journey alone.

Free Concert. Love Offering will be accepted at the door which benefits The Wildwood Food Pantry and the Wildwood Soup Kitchen. Canned food donations are also welcomed.

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend before worship services. 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.

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 more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Mission & Outreach Director.

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). If you have any questions, 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!

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.

Journey Through Lent: A Midweek 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 the Chapel each Wednesday at 11:00 AM for 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 registrations 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? We'd Love to Welcome You!

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.

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.

Registration is required for dinner ($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.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Al, who has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

Gary, who is having a kidney transplant.

Sandy, who had open heart surgery.

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...

Darol Stroman, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Karen M. Stroman.

Cedalia Carroll, family and friends the passing of her husband, Alan Carroll.  Alan's first wife, Penny died on May 31, 2020.

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 online, please use the button below.