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

“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Bring Weekends” — Four Key Events

“Bring Weekends” are extra special weekends where we are making it easy for you to invite your friends, neighbors, family to worship services. We encourage you to invite people year-round; but we hope that you will focus on these four weekends throughout the year!

January 24 – 25

• The LOVE>hate Project (A Message of Forgiveness)
• Special Guest Dr. Buck Blodgett

“Love is greater 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.”

“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. Dr. 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 all worship services on Jan. 24 and 25. Please check the Weekly Word for additional dates and events where Dr. Buck will be speaking.

April 2 – 5

• Jesus' Resurrection Celebration
• Holy Week Services

Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior with special services during Holy Week. We invite you to attend each service walking through Jesus’ journey to the cross by experiencing Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the celebration of the resurrection at Easter services. This is the most important week of the year and we hope that you will commit to be a part by attending and inviting a friend or neighbor to join you for the meaningful season culminating with Easter. 

• Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at 5 PM: Palm Sunday Concerts
• Thursday, April 2 at 5 PM: Maundy Thursday Service
• Friday, April 3 at noon: Good Friday Service
• Saturday, April 4 at 5 PM: Contemporary Worship Service
• Sunday, April 5 at 6:30 AM: Sunrise Service
• Sunday, April 5 at 9 AM and 11 AM: Blended Worship Service

June 20 – 21

• Family Togetherness
• Father’s Day Event

Join us for a special Father’s Day event this weekend. More details to follow.

October 17 – 18

• A Place to Call Home
• 25^th Anniversary Celebration

We are thrilled to celebrate New Covenant, “a place to call home”, as we celebrate 25 years in our community. We will offer special events during this week with more details to follow.

Terrific Tuesday (January 2026)

“Walking with the Wesleys”

Tuesday, January 13 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Join Pastor Harold for part three of our Terrific Tuesday program, “Walking with the Wesleys.” Learn about the Wesley family heritage and how their early roots helped shape their Christian faith and the early Methodist Church. We also will explore our Wesleyan theology based on grace and how Christ’s grace has shaped the formation of our church. 

Doors open at 4:45 PM, and the program begins at 5:45 PM.

Menu: Meat Loaf, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, and Dessert (the menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($14). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

“The Chosen” Season Two

Begins Wednesday, January 14 from 2 PM – 4 PM in the Chapel

“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.

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)

When tragedy shattered his family, Dr. Buck Blodgett, chose a response in faith, forgiveness, and love. After the murder of his daughter Jessie, Buck found hope in Christ and turned unimaginable loss into a mission of healing through “The Love>hate Project.”

Buck will share Jessie's story and how choosing forgiveness over hatred became a powerful testimony of God's redemptive love. His story, featured on Dateline, reminds us that even in our darkest moments, love truly is greater than hate.

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

Registration is required ($12). If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

God Will Supply Your Needs

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

I am the Lord Your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalms 81:10)

In the Bible, there are many accounts of God providing for those in need. We see God provide food for Israel in the wilderness, for Elijah during a drought, for Samaria during a time of famine. We also see God providing money, healing, comfort, and protection. In times of need, we aren’t promised that God will give us wealth and riches. But we see in these bible verses about managing finances that God will supply the needs of his people.

Legacy Giving

Giving through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them.

2025 Contribution Statements

Your contribution statement will be emailed on 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.

Guest Parking – A First Impressions Reminder

One of the very first ways we show hospitality at New Covenant is through our parking areas. Our new signage is designed to help first-time guests easily identify our campus, entrances, and designated guest parking. These spaces allow our guests to arrive with confidence and feel welcome before they ever step inside the building.


As we continue inviting our friends and neighbors to worship with us, we kindly ask our church family to leave guest parking spaces available for those visiting New Covenant for the first time. Thank you for helping us create a thoughtful and welcoming first impression for every guest.

The Beloved Community Sunday Class Reads the Bible Over the Course of the Upcoming Year

Sundays at 10:15 AM (following the 9 AM Worship Service)

Knowing the Bible is a wonderful way to grow closer to God! But, are you the type to sit down and read the entire Bible? Our goal is to read the whole Bible in a year, but think about it in terms of smaller, daily goals. Think about a commitment to read a short selection from the Bible plus a concise devotional every day. You can do that – especially since “The Bible Year” has it all mapped out for you day by day. 

At the end of each week, we will have a video lesson and discussion on the week's readings to help you better digest and understand what you read. So, you're not just reading verses, but enriching your spiritual life, developing a deeper faith and forming a closer connection to God and to others. “The Bible Year” by Magrey Devega as our reading guide. All are invited to join this class.

The book is available through Amazon, Cokesbury, and other booksellers. If you would like assistance ordering it or have other questions, please contact Vickie Southworth at (352) 661-5648. 

Bands of the Villages Ensemble Concert

Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM in the Fellowship Center

Join us for an evening of beautifully crafted, small-group performances showcasing the remarkable musicianship of our community. This intimate concert features a variety of ensembles, including Clarinet Connexion led by Paula Vargas, Flute Fanatics led by Rocco Russomano, Saxations led by Harl Hoffman, The Villages Trumpet Ensemble directed by Dr. Anita Kupriss, Horns A Plenty led by Don Brannon, and the Flute Ensemble directed by Linda Quinn.

Each ensemble highlights the unique colors, textures, and personalities of its instrument family, creating a diverse and engaging musical journey. Audiences will enjoy beloved selections such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Gabriel’s Oboe,” “When I’m 64,” and “The Forrest Gump Suite,” along with other musical favorites. Don’t miss this special evening celebrating the talent, artistry, and collaborative spirit of The Villages ensemble performers!

Tickets are available at the door.

Regular Church Hours Changing

In order to be better stewards of New Covenant’s resources, it has been decided that the church hours will be adjusted beginning in January. The revised hours for the church building will be:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesdays from 8 AM to 8:30 PM
• Fridays 8 AM to 1 PM

When planning for group meetings or classes, please consider scheduling during the day or in homes. The Administration office will continue to be open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday – Thursday) and 9 AM to 1 PM (Friday). Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus in our community.

Weekly closing hours may be adjusted based on special events.

MOAMI Class of 2026

Thursdays, January 15 – March 26, 2026



MOAMI (Moving On: Always Master Inspired) is a powerful hands-on-class that uses Biblical principles to help women strengthen their relationship with God, develop supportive friendships with other women, learn strategies to successfully move through changes, discover their unique gifts, explore their purpose, and have fun with like-minded women.

The first class (January 15) is a Kickoff from 11 AM – 4 PM, and the last class (March 26) is a Celebration from 11 AM – 4 PM. All other classes are from 1 PM – 4 PM.

Registration is required ($45). If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship. If registration fills, you will be added to a waiting list.

Worship Services

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

Dr. Buck 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.

Lunch and Learn with Dr. Blodgett

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

Dr. Blodgett will continue to teach on the topics of faith and forgiveness. At each of these events, you're invited to bring a sack lunch.

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

The Villages Symphonic Winds Concert

Sunday, February 1 at 6 PM

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

Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 AM

Dr. Buck Blodgett will be presenting his series on Forgiveness at Men’s Breakfast. The first session will be on Tuesday, February 3, with the others to be scheduled monthly.  

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, please contact Dr. Linda Succi at (401) 323-4072.

Help Spread the Word About Sponsorships!

Another way to support our Night to Shine Prom night is through Sponsorships or purchases from our Amazon Registry. Our Amazon Registry has items we know that we need and every gift makes a difference—it is a simple way to bless our honored guests and volunteers with the items we need most. Whether it’s a tiara, a toiletry kit, or a touch of sparkle, your generosity helps create an unforgettable evening of love, joy, and celebration.

Christmas Wrapping Paper

Our Outreach Ministry can use any donated Christmas wrapping (paper, gift bags, tags, tissue paper) that you might have left over from Christmas. If you are shopping and would like to purchase discounted wrapping paper, we’d love to accept it. Donations can be dropped off at the Administrative office during business hours.

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.

Blessed to Be a Blessing T-Shirts

This past October, we celebrated our blessings with our church family and community with Blessed to be a Blessing New Covenant T-shirts. Shirts are $20 each. We still have some shirts available in various sizes in the Discipleship Office.

If you would like to purchase a Blessed to Be a Blessing t-shirt, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager, using the link below.

We encourage you to wear your shirt in our community as a testimony to our blessings and as a great way to let people know about New Covenant!

Perfumes & Colognes

In consideration of allergic reactions of some worshipers, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to Worship Services. Thank you for your understanding.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Anita, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Kathy, who broke her hip.

Mary Ann, who is recovering from 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...

Larry Frum, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Jane Frum.

The Altar Flowers have been provided by:


George & Andrea Davidson in thanks to our church, family, and friends who supported us with your love and prayers. 

Carol Exum in loving memory of Eddie for their 54^th anniversary.

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.