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

“The gift of the Holy Spirit closes the gap between the life of God and ours. When we allow the love of God to move in us, we can no longer distinguish ours and his; he becomes us, he lives us. It is the first fruits of the Spirit, the beginning of our being made divine.”

Austin Farrer

Staying Connected: Why Your Information Matters

As we’ve been sharing with you, this month’s focus is on strengthening our connections through an information roundup. Keeping your contact details up to date is more than just a formality – it’s a vital way for us to care for one another. Having accurate emergency contact information allows us to reach your loved ones quickly in case of an emergency, a concern about your well-being, or an unforeseen incident on church property.

Another simple, yet meaningful way we can stay connected is by wearing name badges. A name badges does more than just identify you – it puts a name to the face and fosters a sense of community and belonging. When we know each other’s names, we build deeper relationships and create a warmer, more welcoming environment for everyone.

We also encourage you to visit the computer center before Saturday evening service or between 8 to 11 AM on Sunday mornings to have your photo taken or updated. These photos are used internally by our pastors to help them put a name with a face, strengthening the personal connections that make our church family feel like home.  

Thank you for helping us keep our church family connected and cared for. Your participation makes a difference!

“Voyages of Paul Cruise” Informational Meeting

Wednesday, March 26, at 9 AM in the Chapel

Pastor Harold is hosting an informational meeting regarding the upcoming “Voyages of Paul Cruise” Tour that is scheduled for October 24 – November 4, 2025. If you are interested in this opportunity and have not participated in one of these informational meetings before, we hope that you will consider attending. A live stream of the meeting will be available as well.

To learn more about the trip, please use the button below.

Blessing of the Animals (March 2025)

Sunday, March 30 from 3 – 5 PM

Join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals and bring your furry, scaly, or feathered friends to be blessed by one of our pastors. This special event celebrates the deep bond between humans and animals, recognizing the unconditional love they bring into our lives.

Enjoy an afternoon filled with fellowship, fun, and food — including free hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Visit with local rescue organizations with opportunities for pet adoptions.

If you have a pet who is older, less mobile, or uncomfortable in social settings, you are welcome to bring a photo of them, and we will gladly offer a blessing in their honor.

Registration is required. 

If you have any questions or need help registering, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager. We look forward to celebrating with you and your beloved pets!

The Villages Concert Band

Thursday, April 3 at 7 PM

Step into a world of music magic as The Villages Concert Band takes you on an unforgettable journey "From Broadway to the Big Screen". This spectacular Spring Concert features timeless masterpieces from "The Phantom of the Opera", "Dances with Wolves", and "Pirates of the Caribbean", alongside classic gems like "El Capitan", "King Cotton", and "Pilgrims Chorus."

Get swept away by the power of "Bohemian Rhapsody", the excitement of "The Great Steamboat Race", and the jazzy charm of "A Touch of Jazz". Special guest Gary Powell joins the band on organ, adding his virtuosity to the haunting melodies of "The Phantom of the Opera" and the stirring "Pilgrims Chorus."

Don’t miss this incredible evening of music that celebrates the grandeur of Broadway, the thrill of cinema, and the joy of live performance. A perfect way to welcome Spring.

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

Tithing, Offering, Giving

These three words are used a lot. Do you know the difference?

Tithing is giving of your first fruits (10% of your income), not what is left over after you have paid all your other bills. This requires faith to know that when you give to Him first you will have enough for everything else.

Offering is in addition to tithing, it is an extra gift that might be where your passion lies.

Giving is service to benefit people around you as you give of your time and resources.

Whether you are doing one or all three, these acts come from a place of gratitude both from the giver and the receiver, knowing that we have been blessed by an awesome and loving God.

Legacy Giving

With Legacy Giving, we can give back to God a portion of all God has generously given to each of us.

Easter Plants

The Guild will place "Florida-friendly, live plants" on the altar for the Easter weekend worship services. To donate a plant in honor or memory of someone, please sign up at the kiosk in the East Narthex this weekend. Each plant costs $10 (payable by cash or check to NCUMC), and payment is due when you sign up.

You may also order plants online using the button below (credit card only).

Plants will be available for you to take home after the 11 AM worship service on Easter Sunday.

Lenten Music Meditations:

A Time of Reflection and Renewal

Wednesdays at 12:15 PM in the Chapel

As we journey through the sacred season of Lent, we invite you to step away from the busyness of life and enter a space of peace, prayer, and contemplation. Each week, organist Gary Powell and friends will guide us through a 30-minute musical meditation enriched with thoughtful readings. This noontime concert series offers a sacred pause — a moment to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts as we continue toward the promise of Easter.

• March 26 – Sean Pollock, piano and Gary Powell, organ
• April 2 – Lesan Van Syckle, horn and Gary Powell, organ
• April 9 – Ryan Loeckel, violin and Gary Powell, organ 

Music can quiet our souls and draw us closer to God, and through these meditative offerings, we hope to provide a sanctuary for spiritual renewal. Whether you come for a brief respite from your day or to seek deeper connection in your Lenten journey, you are welcome to join us. We look forward to sharing this meaningful time with you. Come as you are, and let the music lead you into stillness and grace.

Spring Food Drive for the Wildwood Food Pantry

Saturday, March 29 & Sunday, March 30

This month we celebrate 20 years that the Wildwood Food Pantry ministry leaders and volunteers have been providing a very needed service for families in the Wildwood community and throughout Sumter County. According to Don and Marlene Huggins, they could not have done it without the support of Wildwood United Methodist Church, New Covenant, The Villages, and the community. The growth of the food pantry is due to your continued prayers and assistance.

According to a recent study by No Kid Hungry Florida, a staggering 72% of Floridians report finding it more difficult to afford groceries compared to just a year ago. The Wildwood Food Pantry fills this need in our community. Last year they received 447,446 pounds of donated food and served 10,706 food insecure families. Please continue to support this ministry through the Spring Food Drive.

Grocery bags will be placed on your car/golf cart this weekend with a list of needed foods. Volunteers will pick up your filled bags of food next weekend, March 29 & 30. Please place your food bag next to your car or golf cart. Throughout the week, we also have bins that are conveniently located in both the East and West Narthexes for food donations. 

Please click the button below to see the list of current food needs.

Fifth Sunday Weekend for Residing Hope

Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30

Residing Hope is a ministry that provides care, education, and counseling for children and families in Florida. Its services include therapeutic residential care, foster care, independent living assistance, Montessori education for the community, and counseling services in multiple counties.

The vision of Residing Hope is that children and families will be healed and restored through the love of God. The children in their care have been abused, abandoned or neglected. Your continued financial contribution ensures that these children get the support needed. 

There are currently:

• 260 children in their Montessori Program
• 104 children served in their Therapeutic Residential Care Program
• 13 young adults served in their Independent Living Program
• 166 children served in their Foster Care Program
• 8,481 children received counseling through their Outpatient Counseling Programs

Financial support is needed to ensure these children from across the state of Florida continue to receive the care needed. Please make a donation today.

The Village Ringers

Saturday, March 29, at 7 PM

The Village Ringers, an auditioned group of handbell ringers under the direction of Bonnie Fisher, is proud to present their spring concert titled “Colors.” Step into your imagination with this beautiful program featuring songs all about our colorful world. Selections include “Mr. Blue Sky,” “The Pink Panther,” “Shades of Forest Green,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Over the Rainbow,” and even “Silver Bells.”

You will thoroughly enjoy this prismatic performance with a wide and vibrant variety of uplifting tunes that are sure to bring out your own, colorful personality!

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

Shredding Event

Saturday, March 29 at 9-9:30 AM, 9:30–10 AM, or 10–10:30 AM

New Covenant is the host site for The Property Owners’ Association of The Villages’s Shredding Event. The event takes place in the church parking lot. Because we are hosting, we have been given a limited number of free tickets for our congregants. There are three different times. Please stop by the church Administration Office during business hours to pick one up while supplies last. 

Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication

Tuesday, April 1 at 11 AM at 10244 CR 229, Oxford

Please join us as we dedicate our second Habitat for Humanity home built by our Helping Hands Ministry. Our dedicated group of volunteers is proud to provide this four bedroom, two bathroom home for Elizabeth Tatlow and her sons, Thomas, Mason, Ivan, and LeGary. We pray for God’s continued blessings on this family as they transition into their new home. 

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday, March 26.

The Villages Horns Aplenty Spring Concert

Sunday, April 6 at 4 PM

The Villages Horns Aplenty is back once again to present their Spring Concert! Experience the depth of these rich and mellow sounds as they serenade the space with “Three Sacred Songs,” as well as the classic and energetic “1812 Overture” by Tchaikovsky. Sit back and listen to the versatility of the horn, which started as an outdoor signal instrument and later developed into one that has melded perfectly into the stately courts of Europe, as well as gifting us with some of the most iconic movie themes we know and love! Please join for this wonderful program that you and your friends are sure to remember and love!

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

Praying Out Loud Workshop (April 2025)

Tuesday, April 8 at 10:30 AM in the Chapel

Does the thought of offering a prayer make you nervous or break into a cold sweat? Pastor Marilyn Anell can help! Join us for her upcoming workshop. Whether you are an experienced “pray-er” or a novice, this workshop is well worth your time! Pastor Marilyn brings practical helps to ease our fears and discomfort in praying for ourselves and others, all while making this a fun and joy-filled experience! 

There is no cost for this workshop. However, registration is required so we can plan our handout materials and SNACKS.

The Villages Flute Choir “A Breath of Spring”

Tuesday, April 8 at 7 PM

The Villages Flute Choir is back again with “A Breath of Spring,” a concert that beautifully blends the elegance of classical music, including the cherished “Ave Maria” and “Nessun Dorma.” “March of the Trolls” will be performed with great energy and character. “The Bird Song” will be presented with humor and fun, giving these classical flute lovers a rare opportunity to laugh at themselves, with the lovely and talented Jill Marrese featured as the soprano soloist. Rounding out the program will be outstanding audience pleasers “A Spanish Polonaise,” “Shut-Up and Dance,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Traffic Jam.” Don’t miss The Villages Flute Choir Spring concert! It is truly a breath of fresh air, and sure to please every music lover!

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

Experience the Power of the Cross 

Lamb of Glory / Risen King: A Worship Concert for Holy Week

Saturday, April 12 at 5 PM (Doors Open at 4:15 PM)

Experience a wonderful evening featuring The Chancel Choir, Worship Band, Orchestra, and Special Guest Clay Crosse. As we approach the most sacred season of the year, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice and victory of Jesus and to share the hope of the gospel.

We invite you to be part of Lamb of Glory / Risen King, a powerful worship concert that tells the story of Christ’s love, His journey to the cross, and His triumphant resurrection. This night of music and praise will bring to life the message of salvation through moving anthems and worship songs.

More than just a concert, this is a time for our church family to reach out — to friends, neighbors, and loved ones who need to hear the message of Jesus. Who in your life could use the encouragement of knowing they are deeply loved and redeemed by Christ? A simple invitation could change a life.

Featuring Dove Award-Winning Artist Clay Crosse

We are honored to welcome Clay Crosse, an artist whose music has impacted the Christian community for decades. Clay’s debut album My Place Is With You introduced him as a dynamic voice in Contemporary Christian Music, leading to four Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year in 1995. His hit songs, including I Surrender All, He Walked a Mile, and I Will Follow Christ, have touched countless hearts, reminding us of the depth of God’s grace.

This is a night you won’t want to miss. Let’s fill the room with voices of praise and hearts ready to receive the good news of the risen King!

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Let’s worship together and share the story of Jesus with our community!

Women’s Monthly Gathering (April 2025)

“Redemption”

Thursday, April 17 from 10 – 11:30 (with lunch to follow)

On July 4, 1990, eighteen-year-old Stacey Lannert shot and killed her father, who had been sexually abusing her since she was eight.  Missouri state law, a disbelieving prosecutor, and Stacey’s own fragile psyche conspired against her. She was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

“Redemption” is Stacey’s candid memoir of her harrowing childhood and the pain and protective love of her sister that led her to that horrifying night. It is also an extraordinary portrait of what happened after she found herself in prison and how she grew determined to live positively — even triumphantly — despite her circumstances. Ultimately, and most profoundly, she learned the healing power of forgiveness.

Stacey will be our guest and speaker at the April Women’s Gathering. Doors open at 9 AM. 

Menu: Shepherds Pot Roast Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, Lemon Meringue Pie 

Registration is required ($10).

The Villages Symphonic Winds

Sunday, April 27 at 6 PM

Join us for a concert that demonstrates the versatility of the modern concert band. It will open with a march by Conductor Lewis Buckley honoring first responders; will continue with classic concert band works including Grainger’s famed Lincolnshire Posy, Robert Russell Bennett’s Suite of Old American Dances; and will include Carmen Dragon’s gorgeous arrangement of America the Beautiful. In the proud tradition of concert band programs going back to John Philip Sousa, co-principal clarinetist Terri Quirk will perform a beautiful and technically dazzling solo, Ernesto Cavallini’s wonderful Adagio and Tarantella.

Jean Butler has been a prime mover in the development of band music in The Villages, forming and conducting the Villages Concert Band and laying the groundwork for all the other concert bands we have here. And Jean is also a long time member (on French horn) of Symphonic Winds. To honor her before she moves to New England in the fall, we are inviting her to conduct Rossano Gallante’s wonderful A Childhood Remembered, which she says perfectly captures her own feeling that “you’re never too old to have a happy childhood!"

The dazzling concert finale will be Conductor Buckley’s arrangement of virtually all the songs in Meredith Willson’s famed Broadway hit, The Music Man, which Buckley was commissioned to write in honor of Willson’s 100^th birth date in 2002. Fair warning — you’ll have 76 Trombones running through your ears for days!

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

Are You Interested in Going to Africa

Witness first hand the ZOE Empowers group sponsored by New Covenant in Zimbabwe, Africa. Trips are scheduled for this year (July 9-18) and next year (September 9-18, 2026).

For more information, please contact Betty Callahan or Audrey Schien.

New Covenant Library

New Covenant is happy to have a wonderful library with many resources available to you in Christian fiction, non-fiction, research, and more. Want to know more about the United Methodist Church? We have titles available to you. Looking for a small group curriculum? We have a special section with small group discussion in mind!  Come check us out! And remember, you need a New Covenant ID card to check out a book!  For more information, contact Ginny Davis.  We also have an online link to see what materials you might be looking for, and you can access it here!

Sonya Bain

Betty & Grace

Arthur & Brenda Boyd

Stuart (Rocky) Coleman

Jim Frees

Rev. Theo Gee

William Gurgel

Shelia Hall

Muriel & Brennan

Peggy & Barbara

Donna Pheneuf

Kelly Porter

Meadow Thomas 

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Elizabeth Tatlow and family, on receiving keys to her new Helping Hands / Habitat House.

Jennifer, who will be having surgery in April and recovering alone.

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...

Elaine Farquhar, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Edward “Ed” Farquhar.

George Heritage, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Barbara S. Heritage.

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

The Altar Flowers Have Been Placed by:

Jan Rugg and family in loving memory of her husband, Bob Rugg.

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.