Spiritual Reflection

 “I could more easily contain Niagara Falls in a tea cup than I can comprehend the wild, uncontainable love of God.” 

Brennan Manning

Holy Week Worship Services

One of our “Bring Weekends”

"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 weekends throughout the year!

Palm Sunday, March 29 at 9 AM & 11 AM

Begin Holy Week with worship and praise as we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem — waving palms, lifting our voices, and preparing our hearts for the journey to the cross and the joy of Easter.

Maundy Thursday, April 2 at 6 PM

Holy Communion with the Chancel Choir

Good Friday, April 3 at 12 PM

Service of Darkness — readings and music

Contemporary Easter Worship, Saturday, April 4 at 5 PM

Worship Band with Rev. Harold Hendren

Easter Sunrise Worship, Sunday, April 5 at 6:30 AM

Simple outdoor worship with Rev. Harold Hendren

Easter Sunday Worship, Sunday, April 5 at 9 AM & 11 AM

Festival Worship — Chancel Choir, Praise Ringers, Brass & Organ with Rev. Harold Hendren

Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 5 at 9 AM and 11 AM

On our playground for children 4^th grade and under

Easter Plants

Help us prepare a beautiful Chancel for Easter weekend by purchasing a flowering plant in memory of or in honor of someone special.

Plants are $15 each and will include a variety of tulips, daffodils, Easter lilies, and hydrangeas. Your purchase helps offset the cost of decorating the Chancel for Easter and adds beauty and celebration to this sacred weekend.

To place an order, please use the button below.

Order deadline: Monday, March 30 at 11 AM.

Pickup: After the 11 AM Easter Sunday worship service on April 5.

Fifth Sunday for Residing Hope Children's Home

Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29

Residing Hope is now operating as a holistic organization to provide unique services for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. These services include:

• Therapeutic Residential Care (80 children served)
• Foster Care (135 children served)
• Outpatient Counseling (7,757 total hours received by children in this program)
• Independent Living (22 children served)
• Childhood Education-Montessori (220 children served)

We can help them continue to provide the support systems needed by these children. Please donate by writing your check out to New Covenant with Residing Hope in the memo line. 

The Villages Concert Band

Friday, April 10 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

The Villages Concert Band closes its season with a thrilling musical adventure that spans nearly seven decades of exploration and imagination. JOURNEY – From Sputnik to SpaceX traces humanity’s fascination with the skies—from the historic 1957 launch of Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, to the groundbreaking innovations of SpaceX, which continue to redefine space travel today.

It’s a concert filled with imagination, nostalgia, adventure, and heart—celebrating both where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for liftoff…join us April 10 and come fly with us on a journey that reaches for the stars!

The Glory of God

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

We glorify God when we invest His money in things that are aligned with His values. We dishonor God when we invest His money in things that violate His values and do harm. This verse reminds us to carefully and joyfully consider how we can bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus in everything we do.

Financial Highlights January 2026 – February 2026

Stewardship is a key component of our Chrisitan faith. Your tithes and offerings to New Covenant UMC supports missions, funds quality worship, enhances discipleship and offers care to those in need. Our Finance team wants to thank you for your generosity and your commitment to New Covenant’s vision of being the “hands, feet and voice” of Christ. In order to keep you informed on the finances of New Covenant United Methodist Church, the finance team is providing you with these financial numbers monthly. We hope this information is helpful to you as we track our financial status throughout the year. Thank you again for all your support and faithfulness. 

Legacy Giving

Your legacy gift will impact lives long after you are gone. If you would like to know more, please contact Linda Stubits in our church office or click the link below. Thank you for considering our Legacy Giving Ministry.

Wildwood Food Pantry Spring Food Drive

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22

Please fill the bags with the needed food items and leave the bags beside your car/golf cart the following weekend, Volunteers will be on hand to gather your food donations. You may also drop off your donations at the church anytime during the week. Bins are conveniently located at the west entrance to the church and in the East and West Narthexes.



Please click on the link below for the current list of food items that are needed.

Terrific Tuesday (March 2026)

Journey Through the Gospel of John

Tuesday, March 24 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Ever wonder why the gospel of John has Jesus referring to himself as "I am the light of the world," or Paul spends so much time talking about "Joy" in his letter to the Philippines? What’s all the rejoicing, contentment, and gladness about despite the fact that Paul is writing from prison? Pastor Harold is on a quest to help answer those questions and more.

He will begin a new Terrific Tuesday series entitled: "Bible Basics…Everything you need to know about the Books of the Bible." Each month he will pick out a book in the Bible to study and give an overview of that book’s themes and theology in order to take what we learn and apply it to our daily lives. This month we will be studying the book of John. Join us for our next Terrific Tuesday as we live, learn, and lean into the gospel of John. 

​Menu: Spiral Sliced Honey Ham, Cheese Potatoes, Candied Carrots, Roll and Dessert (menu is subject to change due to food availability).

Registration is required ($14) and closes at 12 noon on Friday, March 20. If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

"The Chosen" Season Two

Wednesday, March 25 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.

Registration is not required. Please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship, for information.

Spring Choir Concert

Saturday, March 28 at 5 PM in the Christian Life Center

Joel Raney’s Blessed: A Holy Week Journey Through the Beatitudes, featuring The Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra.

You’re invited to a Holy Week experience that reaches deeper than a typical concert. This contemporary work weaves the Beatitudes, the "Blesseds" Jesus proclaims in the Gospel, into the emotional and spiritual arc of Christ’s final days. Set in the present tense, it feels less like a retelling and more like we’re standing inside the story as it unfolds: blessing and cost, grace and sorrow, courage and love on the road to the cross.

Come ready to listen, reflect, and be moved. This is music that doesn’t just describe Holy Week; it helps you enter it. Bring a friend to this meaningful worship concert. This is a free concert; no tickets are required.

A Love Offering will be accepted.

Please note: Due to our beautiful concert, there will be no Contemporary Worship Service on Saturday.

Lunch and Learn with Dr. Buck Blodgett

Tuesday, April 7 from 12 – 1 PM in the Fellowship Center

Dr. Blodgett will present part three of his “F Words” series on “Fruitfulness” at this month's Lunch and Learn. He returns for part four the first Tuesday of May. If you missed part one and two, you are still welcome to join him. He continues to expand on his theme of “The LOVE>hate Project” message. “The F Words” include Forgiveness, Faith, Fruitfulness, and Fortitude. 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.

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

Our final date will be May 5 and will require a separate registration.

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations next month on the second weekend before worship services, due to Easter services the first weekend. 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 are interested in volunteering or have large items to donate, please call the Bargains & Blessings Store at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

New Bible Study — Starting Point, A Conversation About Faith

Begins Saturday, April 11 from 3:30 – 4:45 PM

Welcome to “Starting Point” – an 8-session video-based study by Andy Stanley based on conversations about faith. Whether you’re new or old to faith, curious about God, or coming back to God after sometime away, it’s a place where your opinions and beliefs are valued, and no question is off limits.

Everything has a starting point – your life, your relationships, your education, your career — and sometimes we forget that faith has a starting point as well.

For some of us, our faith journey begins in childhood, or maybe you developed a framework of faith based on personal experience…or maybe you have no faith at all. But what if you could find a new starting point for faith?

Come as you are and build relationships with others as you discover your “starting point.” This class will be facilitated by Lee Williams.

Registration is required, but there is no cost for the class. We ask that you prepurchase the book. If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

The Villages Symphonic Winds

Sunday, April 12 at 6 PM

The Villages Symphonic Winds presents “The Vibrant Colors of Wind Music” featuring some of the finest works ever written for concert band, and two beautiful pieces originally written for other groups first and later transcribed for band including conductor Lewis Buckley’s own transcription for the band of a new Carmen Suite. This will be a classic concert band concert, made up of both original band music and transcriptions from other media, and it will beautifully display the remarkable talents of the musicians who make up the Symphonic Winds.

Women’s Gathering (April) with Pastor Marilyn Anell

Thursday, April 16 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

If someone tells you about a problem, you can offer to pray later, or you can pray right now, out loud!  Which is better? Both! If you are not comfortable praying out loud, Pastor Marilyn will teach you a technique designed as an easy way to help you do this — using your hand! 

With the help of a diagram, prayer examples, scripture, and jokes, you will leave with concrete knowledge of how to pray out loud. In the future, you will be very comfortable doing this with friends, or even strangers.

Praising God can happen in two ways: prayer and singing. Following Pastor Marilyn’s prayer message, we will sing and praise God with a “Singspiration.”

We will sing the songs you choose, accompanied by Cheryl Steinborn, pianist and the Strummin’ Sisters ukulele group. Harmony Sisters will also share a song and there will be a fun surprise for everyone. It will be a great time for all.

This month's mission will be Beds & Blankets presented by Pam Brown, Ministry Leader.

Menu: Chicken Parmesan, Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Tossed Salad, Roll and Dessert

Registration is required ($12) and closes at 12 noon on Monday, April 13. If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

Horns Aplenty

Thursday April 16 at 6 PM

Horns Aplenty present a concert celebrating the noble, golden voice of the French horn in all its warmth, brilliance, and depth. This exciting program will feature music written especially for horns alongside beautifully crafted arrangements that showcase the instrument’s extraordinary range and character. Audiences will enjoy selections by composers from both Europe and the United States, highlighting the horn’s rich heritage and global artistry. We’re especially proud to present an arrangement by our very own Don Daily, adding a personal and homegrown touch to the evening. As a special highlight, Cornucopia — a horn quartet that grew out of Horns Aplenty, will return to the stage promising an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich, dynamic, and unmistakable sound of the French horn.

Blessing of the Animals

A Special Morning for Our Furry Friends

Saturday, April 18 from 9 AM – 10:30 AM

Join us for one of our newest heartwarming traditions – the Blessing of the Animals! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy our pets bring to our lives and to ask God’s blessing over them. Our pastors will be present to offer individual blessings for your beloved pets.

Who’s Invited? All pets — and their humans!

Come enjoy a relaxed and joyful atmosphere as we gather together. We’ll have pigs in blankets, donut holes, beverages and other tasty treats for everyone to enjoy. Furry or not!

Be sure to bring a chair so you can sit comfortably, visit with friends, and watch all the adorable pets receive their blessings. 

Whether your companion has fur, feathers, or whiskers, we can’t wait to celebrate them with you. Invite a friend or neighbor to join us for this sweet time of fellowship and gratitude of God’s creation!

We ask that you please bring an item for a local shelter to help out our other furry friends in need. 

Registration is not required. We look forward to seeing you, and your pets!

The Village Ringers

Sunday, April 19 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

Village Ringers, under the direction of Bonnie Fisher, and Village Ringers TOO, directed by Cathy Bullock invite you to an unforgettable evening of music with their concert, “Ringing Reflections.”

Experience the shimmering sound of handbells paired with stunning visuals as you journey through iconic hits by The Beatles, thrilling music from Star Wars by John Williams, beloved American classics celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, the electric joy of Mr. Blue Sky, the sly charm of The Pink Panther, and so much more. Join us for an evening of nostalgia, celebration, and breathtaking musical color - where every ring tells a story.

The Villages Flute Choir

Tuesday, April 21 at 7 PM

The Villages Flute Choir invites you to “Animals, Legends and Whimsy,” a delightful concert celebrating music inspired by imagination, storytelling, and the natural world. This enchanting program brings together elegance, humor, and a touch of mystery as the beautiful voices of the flute family bring beloved favorites to life. Join us for a captivating musical journey filled with color, character, and whimsical sound. 

The Bands of the Villages Ensemble Concert

Tuesday, April 29 at 7 PM



Join us for a delightful evening of music as the Bands of The Villages present a special Ensemble Concert showcasing some of our most talented small groups. Featured ensembles include Flute Fanatics, Clarinet Connextions, Saxsations, Horns a Plenty, and The Villages Flute Choir, each bringing their own unique sound and style to the stage. Enjoy an entertaining and relaxed evening filled with variety, musical color, and the wonderful artistry of these outstanding ensembles. 

Prayer Cards

New Covenant wants to pray with you and for your prayer concerns! Please submit a prayer card at any one of the prayer card boxes on campus (there is a box at the Welcome Center, the main entrances to the Christian Life Center, the Prayer Room, the Care office, and Administration office).

You may also submit a prayer concern online. Use the button below to submit your care concern. We want to walk with you through your needs. Our prayer team prays over these requests every Wednesday at 2:45 PM in Classroom 14. These names are also listed below in the WeeklyWord so you can pray for them at your convenience, if they are indicated to be published.

Weekly Prayer Concerns

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Angela, who has cancer.

Karen, who has cancer.

Lynda, who is healing from a broken pelvis.

Sue, who has cancer.

We request your prayers for these prayer quilts. Please click on the quilts 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...

Ralph “Drew” Balch, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Claudia Balch.

Greg Seymour, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Gail Seymour.

The family and their friends of Janet Gillespie on her passing.

Chancel Flowers

To place an order for Chancel flowers, please use the button below. For any questions about Chancel flowers, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator. Flower orders must be received by noon on Monday for flowers to be delivered that weekend.