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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold as well as to learn about the Three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“Paul’s life and testimony is another convincing piece of evidence for the resurrection of Jesus.”
Tom Berlin
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Invite a Friend to Experience Worship
Holy week is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be something truly special. New Covenant has tailored offerings that are not only meaningful but also incredibly inviting for anyone, whether they’re familiar with church or just curious. It's the perfect opportunity to bring along someone you care about to share in the experience.
“The Story — The Musical”
Saturday, March 23 at 5 PM and Palm Sunday, March 24 at 5 PM
Featuring The Chancel Choir and Orchestra with Special Guest Clay Crosse, "The Story — The Musical" isn't your ordinary church event. It's a captivating musical and visual experience that brings to life the greatest story ever told, about God's enduring love, a path to salvation, and the journey to eternity. This performance, with its breathtaking music and storytelling, offers an excellent occasion for you to invite a friend or loved one to witness the impactful narrative of faith and grace firsthand. No registration needed (free) — just come, bring someone, and be moved.
Your Guide to Holy Week Worship
Palm Sunday Services, March 24 at 9 AM & 11 AM
Celebrate the start of Holy Week with the uplifting sounds of the Chancel Choir and palm branches waving high to proclaiming the coming of "The Saving One"! Pastor Harold will continue in our exploration of what it means to live as Easter People in light of Christ's resurrection.
Maundy Thursday Service, March 28 at 6 PM
Reflect on the significance of the Last Supper with a service that includes Holy Communion - a moment of deep reflection and connection as we contemplate Christ's humility and serving offered by Pastor Ellen.
Good Friday Concert, March 29 at 12 PM
Experience the poignant beauty of Haydn's "The Seven Last Words of Christ," interspersed with the passion readings. This service promises to be both moving and memorable. Ryan Loeckel, violin with Sean Pollock, piano.
Saturday Contemporary Easter Service, March 30 at 5 PM
An engaging, contemporary service featuring our Praise Band—ideal for guests who enjoy a modern worship experience.
Easter Sunrise Service, March 31 at 6:30 AM
Witness the dawn of Easter Sunday in our East Parking Area, a unique service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Easter Sunday Services, March 31 at 9 AM & 11 AM
Join us for the climax of Holy Week with services that feature the Chancel Choir, Brass, and Praise Ringers, celebrating Christ's resurrection in the culmination of our "Third Day"! Pastor Harold concludes our Lenten journey through those impacted first hand by the Risen One!
Nursery will be provided during our Sunday worship at all 9 AM and 11 AM services. Children in third grade and below are invited to our Children's Room located by the Chapel during services. If you have a fourth or fifth grader, they are encouraged to go to services but always welcome at nursery.
Extend the invitation this Holy Week; make it a point to invite someone to join you. Whether they’re exploring faith for the first time or simply love great music and stories, there’s something for everyone. It's more than just attending services; it's about sharing an experience that could be meaningful and transformative. Let's make this week an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate together. See you there!
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The Villages Flute Choir presents
The Beauty of the Earth
Thursday, April 4 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center
Immerse yourself in the enchanting fusion of nature and melody as The Villages Flute Choir unveils “The Beauty of the Earth.” Our carefully selected repertoire includes evocative pieces like On Wings of the Wind, Songs of the Ocean, Forest Scenes, Water Music Suite, and the timeless What a Wonderful World, among others. Allow the rich tapestry of sounds from an array of flutes to transport you to a realm where music mirrors the splendor of the natural world. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the melodies that celebrate the Earth's magnificence. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the unique charm of The Villages Flute Choir.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Easter Plants
Experience the joy of Easter in a truly special way by participating in our Chancel decoration initiative. The Guild will adorn the Chancel with live flowering plants for our Easter weekend Worship services. This is an opportunity for you to honor or remember someone dear to you. By donating a plant, you not only contribute to the beauty of our worship space but also create a lasting tribute to a loved one. Each plant can be ordered online for just $10. Following the 11 AM Worship Service on Easter Sunday, March 31, these plants will be available for you to take home, serving as a reminder of the love and blessings of Easter. Join us in making this Easter celebration truly unforgettable.
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T-shirts for Sale
Our youth group is selling stylish t-shirts for $25 each, available for purchase during Sunday services with payment options of cash, check, or credit card. All profits go toward funding summer activities for the youth. Your support not only adds flair to your wardrobe but also helps our community's young leaders thrive. Plus, wearing these shirts is a great way to show your love for your church! Grab a t-shirt and join us in making a difference this summer!
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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. (II 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.
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Legacy Giving
Giving Through your will or trust allows you to keep your assets while you need them.
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“For His Glory” – A Study of Ephesians
Tuesdays, March 19 – May 7 from 10 AM – 12 PM
Have you ever been captivated by a beautiful masterpiece, something that fills you with wonder and leaves you in awe of its creator? We've all likely had that experience at one time or another. But have you ever considered that you are a masterpiece? It's true!
The Book of Ephesians unashamedly declares that the church is God's masterpiece — and because we are the church, that includes you and me. Please join us as we journey with the first followers of Jesus through the Book of Ephesians as we are transformed into the masterpiece God intends us to be!
Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Shelia Clinton or Pam Little.
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Cornocopia Concert
Sunday, March 17 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Center
Get ready for Cornocopia - a unique concert experience that showcases the rich and versatile sounds of the French horn ensemble. This captivating performance will feature a dynamic array of musical styles, from the lively rhythms of a polka and the structured beats of a march to the soulful depths of a blues number. Immerse yourself in the soothing serenades of our Lake Music, perfect for unwinding and relaxing. And in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we're thrilled to present a special arrangement of the beloved "Danny Boy." Prepare to be astonished by the French horn's adaptability, an instrument traditionally associated with classical music, as we explore its full range through pieces that are old, new, borrowed, and blue. This concert promises an unforgettable journey through the sounds and emotions that the French horn can evoke, truly a cornucopia of musical treasures.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Planning For the “Autumn of your Life”
Wednesday, March 20 from 1-2 PM in the Chapel
For our next Health Speaker Series, please join John Ferguson, Funeral Director with Baldwin Brothers and Cindy LaDow, RN, MSM — an expert on aftercare — as they lead us in end of life planning. These are topics we don’t like to discuss but so necessary. Their topics will include:
- Where are you in planning and knowing what may be needed
- Discussion on a family checklist
- What is needed before a loved on passes
- What to do after the death of a loved one
- Living life to its fullest
For more information, please contact Jackie Kuhn-Damron.
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Small Group Invites You to Join Their New Study
Thursdays, April 4 through May 23 from 1–2:15 PM in Classroom 14
The Revealed mixed small group invites you to an eight-week discussion of the book, “Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father’s Questions about Christianity,” by Gregory A. Boyd. Questions you’ve asked, or have been asked, about Jesus and Christianity are given very thorough examination.
You may purchase your book through Amazon. For more information about joining the group, please contact Sherry and Gary Eldred.
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Horns A Plenty
Sunday, April 7 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Center
From Kentucky to Vermont; from Mahler to Mariachi; from Sassy to Prayerful — there will be something for everyone. Hear the variety of sounds and moods that we present with 3 to 14 performers on the versatile French Horn. The only instrument essential in bands, orchestras, brass quintets, and woodwind quintets; the horns show off their ability to stand on their own. You will be sure to enjoy the instrument that so many other musicians wish they could play.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Villages Concert Band
Thursday, April 11 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center
Step into the vibrant world of music and springtime rejuvenation with "Celebrate Spring," a mesmerizing concert by The Villages Concert Band. Set against the backdrop of the season's renewal, this concert is a vibrant tapestry of melodies ranging from the spirited marches of "El Capitan" to the profound depths of "Dvorak Symphony #9" excerpts, and the rhythmic pulses of "Bolero." Revel in the nostalgia of "America" from West Side Story and hum along to the beloved tunes from "My Fair Lady." Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the essence of spring through a musical journey that promises to be as exhilarating as the season itself. Join us to capture the joy, renewal, and boundless energy of spring through the universal language of music.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Village Ringers
Sunday, April 14 at 3 PM in the Fellowship Center
Village Ringers present "Put Your Dancin' Shoes On!" Directed by Bonnie Fisher, come hear - and see live dancers - as handbells perform beautiful dances of all sorts - waltz, folk, Irish, line dance, even Doo-Wop! You'll have the opportunity to cut a rug yourself!
Tickets may also be purchased at the door ($15).
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Terrific Tuesday Dinner Event (April 2024)
Tuesday, April 16 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM
Pastor Harold will lead a new Terrific Tuesday series titled, “Jesus by the Sea.” During the three-year ministry of Jesus, He spent more time around the Sea of Galilee than any other location. We find that the greatest teachings, miracles, and callings of Jesus came around that body of water. During this series, Pastor Harold will pick a key event that is connected to the Sea of Galilee and explore the meaning with us. Join us as we follow Jesus around the lake. There is plenty to learn and discover.
You may also come at 5:45 PM just to hear Pastor Harold's presentation without attending dinner — no charge and no registration required for the presentation only.
Menu: Caesar Salad, Breaded Veal Cutlet Parmigiana, Baked Ziti Pasta, Italian Green Beans, Dinner Roll & Butter, Tiramisu
Registration is required for dinner ($12). To register, please use the button below.
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Women's Monthly Gathering (April 2024)
“Make Me a Blessing”
Thursday, April 18 from 10–11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)
Join us this month as we learn about several different missions and the roles they play in our community. We will be having a speaker from each mission talk briefly about their particular mission and about how you can get involved. The missions included will be Friends of Sozo Kids, Beds and Blankets, Zoe Empowers, Guardian Ad Litem, The Mentor Program, NCUMC Youth Program, Shephard's Lighthouse, Kid's Central, Bargains and Blessings, and Helping Hands.
Registration is required ($10). Registration opens Friday, March 15 at noon. If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill.
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Bargains & Blessing Volunteers Needed
Bargains & Blessing Resale Store is looking for volunteers that can help with a variety of duties, including scheduling, cashiering, labeling items for sale, sorting items that come in, and helping customers. Any amount of time you can provide Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM – 4 PM would be appreciated.
If you are interested, please contact Kerri Unclebach at (352) 330-3333, or send her an email.
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Please Be Aware of the New Stop Signs
Beginning Monday, March 18, new multi-way stop signs will be placed at the intersection of CR 101 and Woodridge Drive. This intersection is located at the northeast corner of New Covenant and may impact anyone who uses the church entrance on CR 101.
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Volunteers Needed in the Nursery
Looking for Nursery workers for Sunday Services. Your role is to provide safe, secure, nurturing, clean and efficient care to our children. Your ministry responsibilities include playing with the child or directing their play, reading to them, praying for each child, exhibiting Christ-like patience and love, and relating the events of the day to the lesson and theme in words the child can understand. Background check required. Please contact Amie Haffner for more information.
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We “Care”
Recently we have had several hospitalizations or procedures that we found out about after the event. Our Care department truly wants to care for our congregants and extended community, but we cannot do that without your help! Please contact the church if you or someone in your household is having a procedure, surgery, or hospitalization. We would also appreciate you having a good friend or neighbor designated if you encounter an emergency.
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Jeff Bain Family and Sonya
Jack Dilworth
Bob Estes
Sandelle Finnegan
Thom and Roberta Hays
Larry Hilley
Isaiah (in Texas)
Eric Justie
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Floretta McCormick
Jerry Meinert
Samuel Moore
Diane Worthington
Van Swanson
Rita Tanner
Tony Wedel
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The prayer quilts on the altar are for... | |
Ellen, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. | |
Mary, who recently lost her husband to a heart attack. | |
Pamela, who needs healing. | |
Traci, who has breast cancer. | |
We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please pray for healing, comfort, and peace. Click on the quilt to be taken to our Facebook Page, where you can "Like" the post to tie a knot virtually. | |
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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, Care & Discipleship Ministry Assistant, using the button below.
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