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

“I'm not perfect. And who knows how many times I've fallen short. We all fall short. That's the amazing thing about the grace of God.”

Tim Tebow

Dissonance - A Play

Sunday, February 16 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

Please join us for "Dissonance," a 90-minute, two-person drama of Three Cord Productions, LLC that features Marci Duncan and Kerry Sandell, both Florida-based actors and writers. The play poses the question: Can a black woman and white woman, who have been friends for 20 years, have an open and honest conversation about race and have their friendship survive? Two women who met in graduate school and became godmothers to each other’s children have never had a conversation about race. They soon discover that having a very brutal and honest conversation may jeopardize their friendship. As they open up, they do discover that this difficult conversation brings them closer together. 

This production is hosted by New Covenant's Social Justice Initiative. Tickets are required ($15). Tickets are also available at the door.

Solo Sisters in Spirit

Thursday, February 13 from 3 – 4 PM in the Chapel

(Note time and location change)

Please join us for our next gathering. This is a great opportunity for single women to get together to mingle and fellowship.  At this meeting we’ll have a guest speaker, Amy Wixted from The Villages Health to share a presentation on Fall Prevention and how to improve our balance.  Be prepared to do a little “audience participation.”

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

The Villages Concert Band Valentine Concert

Thursday, February 13 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

Join The Villages Concert Band for a special Valentine Concert titled "Young at Heart", a delightful journey through music that captures the wonder, whimsy, and joy of youth! Featuring beloved tunes from The Wizard of Oz, The Wonderful World of Disney, The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Music of the Beatles, and Peter and the Wolf, along with playful selections like Cartoon Express and Circus Days, this concert will enchant audiences of all ages. Let the sounds of nostalgia and imagination bring out your inner child!

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

Congregational Care Minister (CCM) Training

Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22

New Covenant is excited to offer Congregational Care Minister (CCM) training. CCMs are extensions of the pastors by making hospital visits, prayer calls, and serving communion to the homebound. The idea of Congregational Care Ministers was developed at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, KS, by Rev. Karen Lampe. A few years ago, we hosted Karen to teach and help us with the start-up of our initial step into this ministry.

We need people who have a compassion and caring spirit to help us with the ministry. Please use the link below to register for this two-day webinar, hosted here at New Covenant. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Ellen.

Give Thanks!

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given

Jesus Christ His Son

And now let the weak say I am strong

Let the poor say I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us

Give thanks!

Legacy Giving

We can give back to God a portion, perhaps a tithe, of all God has generously given to each of us. 

Souper Bowl of Caring This Weekend

We will collect for the Souper Bowl of Caring before and after worship services. Every year we collect for Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, students of all ages will be collecting change before and after all services during Super Bowl weekend. The money collected will benefit the Wildwood Soup Kitchen.

To contribute, please bring your donations of change and place them in the pot for the Kansas City Chiefs or the pot for the the Philadelphia Eagles, or make a check payable to "NCUMC" with the team of your choice ("Chiefs" or "Eagles") in the memo line.

The Choralettes present “Spices and Spouses”

Tuesday, February 18 at 6 PM

Join The Choralettes as they present “Spices and Spouses,” a musical tribute to all the special people who fill our lives with friendship and love. At this very special concert, we will also be honoring the memory of our dearly departed founding director, Joan Weintraub. Come, reflect and remember, listen and sing along with the Choralettes for a heart-warming evening of music! 

This concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be collected for our continuing New Covenant ministries.

Women’s Monthly Program (February 2025)

Thursday, February 20, from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Destination: Eternity — Journey of a Lifetime!

We ask: Where, exactly are we going? How should we prepare? How many seats are available and when does the train leave? Notice, the ticket clearly says, “One-way, making preparation essential.” We cannot leave “things” left undone, and we’re not talking dirty dishes in the sink. Phyllis Sommerman will guide us in preparing our hearts and our homes. Following, Marilyn Anell will share Biblical evidence and written testimonies of individuals that tell us — Heaven is for REAL. Your and your traveling companions will find encouragement and direction.  

Menu: Italian Cheddar Baked Chicken Breast, Wild Rice Pilaf, Italian Vegetable Blend, Dinner Rolls, and Carrot Layer Cake.

Registration is required ($10). For more information, please contact Pat Hill.

Women's Retreat with Special Guest Speaker

Tuesday, March 25 through Thursday, March 27

Hope Lutheran Church sponsors a Women of Hope retreat each year at the Lutheran retreat center near Hawthorne, Florida. This year, New Covenant’s Pastor Ellen Pollock is the featured speaker. If you are interested in joining, the registration deadline is Monday, February 17.

Click the button below to download the form to be completed and turned into Hope Lutheran’s church office. Space is limited.

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

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.

Happy Retirement

We are sad to share that John Kellar will leave us on February 12 to pursue life as a retiree. John has served as our Kitchen Manager for over 10 years. We congratulate John and wish him the best during this new season! 

California Wildfire Relief

Thank you for your generosity in helping our brothers and sisters in California. New Covenant has sent a check totaling $7200 for relief of those impacted by the recent fires. New Covenant is grateful to be in connection with other UMCs across the country and be able to help those in need.

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. Items include hairspray, hand sanitizer, dental picks, mints, and more.

If you’d like to explore this opportunity, please contact Ashley Hill 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 Kylie Elstad, Student Ministry Coordinator for information. A background check provided by the church is required.

New Covenant Card Ministry

One important part of caring for our congregants is our Card Ministry. We have a small group of dedicated volunteers to send out cards for encouragement, for caring thoughts while a person recovers, for holidays, for significant birthdays, and more. We provide the names and addresses of the recipients; we have a healthy supply of cards in the care office; and we help with any other needs like return address labels. Our Card ministry shares the love of Christ through the simple gift of a handwritten note and card. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please contact Pastor Ellen using the link below.

Evelyn Bain

Harolyn Beasley

Megan Burgess

Robin Bruno

Bob

Kathleen Cannon

Marie Champion

Sally Crawford

David

Allen Gurka

Nancy Harmon

Doug Kinley 

Jennifer Waldinger Kinley

Kelly Lawrimore

Lisa Leonard

Jerry Lyday

Betty Kinley McAnelly

Winfred McLaughlin

Priscilla Moulds

Pat Parente

Lynn Pekoe

Larry Rowold

Gene, Marian & Kristi Russell

Anderson (Andi) Sears

Bill Severson

Dave & Marcy Zini 

Prayer Quilts

Glenda, who was injured in an auto accident and suffered a fractured vertebrae.

John, who is retiring as New Covenant's Kitchen Manager.

Kristen, who lost her mom last week.

Larry & Glenda, who were in an auto accident.

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...

Linda Leavitt, two sons, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Leonard “Lenny” Leavitt.

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

Our Altar Flowers have been Provided by...

Laurie & Bill Grant in memory of Laurie’s mother, Ruth Speer, for her

100^th birthday.

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.