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

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”

Paul Boone

A Night to Shine is Coming Soon

Friday, February 13, 2026

Our Night to Shine Prom is just around the corner, and we’re inviting our church family and community to partner with us in a meaningful way. As we prepare to welcome our honored guests with the love, dignity, and celebration they deserve, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help make the evening truly extraordinary.

Our Amazon Registry is filled with the specific items we need to create a joyful, welcoming, and memorable prom experience. Every single gift — big or small — makes a real difference. From traffic control supplies to snack bars and treats for the volunteer workers, to fun touches of sparkle that bring the night to life, your support directly blesses both our guests and our volunteers.

If you’re able, please consider purchasing an item from our Amazon Registry or making a monetary donation. Your kindness helps transform this event into a night overflowing with joy, inclusion, and God’s love.

Thank you for being part of this beautiful ministry and for helping us shine His light in such a special way.

Discover New Covenant

Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 between Worship Services

Looking for a way to get more connected at New Covenant? Curious about how you can use your gifts to serve? Then you won’t want to miss Discover New Covenant, our exciting ministry fair happening next weekend.

This weekend is all about connection, community and calling. Ministries from across our church will be set up with creative, colorful displays, ready to share how they serve and how you can be a part of the mission. Whether you are new to New Covenant, or have been here for years, Discover New Covenant is the perfect opportunity to explore new ways to grow, serve and belong.

From worship and outreach to small groups, hospitality, and more — you’ll get a behind the scenes look at the many ways God is moving through our church family. Ministry leaders and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, share their passion, and help you find a place that fits your heart and your schedule. 

So stop by, grab some info, meet new friends, and take the next step in your faith journey. You never know, this could be the beginning of something amazing!

Come see where you belong — we can’t wait to welcome you!

Worship Services

Saturday, January 24 at 5 PM and Sunday, January 25 at 9 AM & 11 AM

“A Message from Jessie” tells the true story of Dr. Buck Blodgett’s daughter, Jessie, whose murder shattered their family but ultimately inspired a mission rooted in healing and love. “Love is Stronger Than Hate” was a grieving father’s message to 1,000 people who attended his daughter Jessie’s funeral after she was brutally murdered in their home. Born of this statement was Jessie Blodgett’s legacy, “The LOVE>hate Project.”

Dr. Blodgett will be a guest speaker with Pastor Harold. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor who may need to hear a message of forgiveness.

To learn more about Dr. Blodgett and his family’s story, please visit “The LOVE>hate Project” website.

Lunch and Learn with Dr. Buck Blodgett

Tuesdays: February 3, March 3, April 7, & May 5 from 12 – 1 PM

The first Tuesday of each month this spring, Dr. Buck Blodgett will present a four-part study called, “The F Words.”

“The F Words” include Forgiveness, Faith, Fruitfulness, and Fortitude. He continues to expand on his theme of “The LOVE>hate Project” message. 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.

Generosity

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:13)

The spirit of all giving is love. When one gives grudgingly, or of necessity, there is little regard. The heart must be right with God to make giving a pleasure to the giver, and acceptable to the Lord, the ultimate receiver and final rewarder. To the true Christian, giving is an important part of his life.

Legacy Giving

You can adjust your legacy plans anytime.

Holiday Closure

The Church, Administration Office, and Bargains & Blessings will be closed on Monday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

The church campus will reopen on Tuesday, January 20 at 9 AM, and Bargains & Blessings will reopen on Tuesday, January 20 at 9:30 AM.

We will have Men's Breakfast on Tuesday at 7:30 AM.

January Women's Gathering

The LOVE>hate Project (A Message of Forgiveness)

Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Dr. Buck Blodgett will share how he chose forgiveness over hatred and transformed tragedy into advocacy through “The LOVE>hate Project.” He has appeared on Dateline and will be our guest speaker for the events below.

Menu: Parmesan Chicken Cutlets, Wild Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($12).

We are nearing our seating capacity, so please register no later than noon on Friday, January 16. If you have any questions or need help with registering, please call the church office.

2025 Contribution Statements

Your contribution statement will be emailed next Thursday, January 22, and paper statements will be mailed out the following week to those who do not have an email address in our system or have previously requested a paper statement. This year, the Finance Committee has determined that contribution statements will be sent out to those with annual contributions of $500 or more. 

If you do not receive your email, please check your spam folder. For those of you who would like to access your contribution statement earlier, 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 receive from the church will be a “Ministry Impact” sheet celebrating some of the highlights from this past year.

If you have not received your statement by the end of January, or if you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at (352) 750-4529.

Spirited Singles Begin New Study

Sundays at 10:15 AM in Classroom 3

Please join the Spirited Singles Sunday Class as they begin an 11-week, video-based study, “Promise of Heaven: 31 Reasons to Get Excited about Your Eternal Home,” by Dr. David Jeremiah. In the “Promise of Heaven,” you will explore what the Bible really says about heaven. With Biblical truth and powerful real-life stories, this study will stir your longing for eternity and give you strength for whatever you’re facing today. Through this study, Dr. Jeremiah will attempt to shed some light on frequently asked questions.

All are welcome!

“The Chosen” Season Two

Wednesdays, January 21 & January 28 from 2 PM – 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.

Register for these free events below. For any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

The Villages Symphonic Winds Concert

Sunday, February 1 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

The Villages Symphonic Winds, under the baton of Conductor Lewis Buckley, invite audiences to an exhilarating evening of some of the finest and most beloved works in the concert band repertoire. This vibrant program showcases the full power, color, and emotional range of the ensemble—from thrilling bursts of energy to moments of profound beauty.

Highlights include the unmistakable sparkle and drive of a classic Sousa march, followed by the irresistible rhythmic fire of the iconic “Mambo” from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. The program also features Eric Whitacre’s luminous musical portrait of a breathtaking autumn day in October, as well as Frank Ticheli’s playful and witty "Abracadabra", contrasted by his deeply moving and heartfelt setting of the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace". The concert builds to a rousing conclusion with Conductor Buckley’s own concert band transcription of the triumphant final movement from Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony.

Adding to the excitement of the evening, the featured soloist will be Lesan Van Syckle, Principal French Horn of the Symphonic Winds and NCUMC member. Van Syckle will perform one of the most dazzling and expressive horn solos in the repertoire—Paul Dukas’ Villanelle—a true showcase of brilliance, lyricism, and technical mastery.

Men's Breakfast with Dr. Buck Blodgett

Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 AM

Dr. Blodgett will present his four-part series on “Forgiveness” the first Tuesday of each month through May 5.

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).

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. Canned food donations are also welcomed.

Mardi Gras Ball — A Night to Shine Fundraiser

Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 PM at The Savannah Center

All About Theater presents DJ Gail & Alan (The Keichers) for a fun evening and special event to raise funds for our 2026 Night to Shine.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased from allabouttheater.thundertix.com.

For more information, you may download the flyer by clicking the button below.

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!

Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed

We are looking for a few volunteers to work at our check-in Kiosks located in the East and West Narthexes on Sunday mornings. It’s a fun job and we will train you!  Please contact Ashley Hill if you are interested in learning more.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Bev, who is recovering from a stroke.

Linda, who is recovering from surgery.

Michael, who had a reoccurrence of cancer.

Sugar, who needs strength for healing.

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


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.