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

“All those who belong to Jesus Christ are fastened with Him to the cross.”

St. Augustine

Collingsworth Family Classics Hymns Tour

Monday, March 16 at 7 PM in the Christian Life Center

Excitement, spiritual anointing, family emphasis, and musical excellence are what you can expect to find when you step across the threshold for an Evening of Family Worship and Praise with The Collingsworth Family.

Tickets selling quickly, get yours today. There are less than 200 tickets available. Online purchase only.

Women’s Monthly Gathering (March 2026)

Thursday, March 19 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Join us for a meaningful and inspiring morning as we welcome Rev. Sarah Campbell, PhD, Senior Pastor of Forest United Methodist Church in Ocala and Silver Springs and Congregational Vitality Specialist for the Northeast District of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. 



Dr. Campbell will share the unique and powerful story of ministry in and around the Ocala National Forest, where community needs look very different from what many of us experience day to day. Through outreach efforts like a thriving thrift store and the Forest Food Pantry, Forest United Methodist Church is meeting people where they are and making a tangible difference in daily lives. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in compassion as we gain a deeper understanding of how our neighbors live and how faith in action can transform communities.

The mission for March’s gathering will benefit Forest UMC’s food pantry, clothing closet, and other Ocala Forest related ministries. 

Menu: Chicken Alfredo, Italian Garden Salad, Garlic Toast, Dessert

Registration is required ($12) and closes at 12 noon on Monday, March 16. If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator - Discipleship.

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. However, a Love Offering will be accepted.

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

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

Giving Is About the Heart

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crown putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything. (Mark 12:41-44)

God does not need our money or resources, so it’s not about giving a certain amount. Instead, it’s about the heart. The gospels record the story of a widow who put two small copper coins in the offering box. Although Jesus and His disciples saw the rich putting in larger offerings, Jesus highlighted the poor widow’s sacrifice. She gave a perfect gift because she gave what she had, from the heart.

Legacy Giving

Support your favorite Care Ministry with your Legacy Giving.

Daylight Saving Time Begins this Weekend!

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead this Saturday, March 7. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8 at 2 AM.

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus this weekend before and after worship services to accept donations.

Last year we generated $11,278 in delivery fees. Donations are picked up on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and deliveries are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

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 have large items to donate, please call the Bargains & Blessings Store at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

The Celebration Brass Band

Sunday, March 8 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

The Celebration Brass Band, under the dynamic baton of Lewis Buckley, invites you to an exciting spring concert in New Covenant’s newly renovated Fellowship Center. This engaging program showcases what brass bands do best — bringing to life a rich and colorful cross-section of music drawn from a wide range of original sources.

Audiences will enjoy works written especially for brass band, including the stately Prelude for an Occasion and the stirring march Silver Star, alongside beloved favorites from the world of musical theater and film such as An American in Paris, Can-Can, and selections from West Side Story. Adding a special highlight to the evening is the beautiful tenor horn solo Demelza, performed by New Covenant’s own Leslie Ann Van Syckle.

From powerful fanfares to lyrical melodies, this concert promises an evening of variety, virtuosity, and musical excitement. Don’t miss this wonderful celebration of brass band music!

Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Journey Through Lent: A Midweek Musical Invitation

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25 from 11 AM – 12 PM

This Lenten season, we invite you to make time for what your soul truly needs: rest, reflection, and renewal. Step away from the noise of the world and into the peaceful stillness of Lenten Musical Meditations — a simple, sacred 30-minute gathering of music, scripture, and spiritual focus.

Each week features a different musician or ensemble offering meditative music designed to help you reflect on your journey through Lent.

• March 11: Lesan Van Syckle, horn and Sean Pollock, piano

Music of tenderness and contemplation invites you into deeper listening and trust.

• March 18: Linda True, flute

The expressive voice of the flute brings clarity and light in this reflective mid-Lent moment.

• March 25: Noah Laney, cello

A powerful close to the series with rich, resonant reflections leading into Holy Week.

Whether you come for just one or make the full journey, each service offers a space to breathe, listen, and be renewed. No registration is needed. Just come as you are and let this season shape your heart.

Let this be the Lent you lean in. Let this be your journey toward Easter.

“The Chosen” Season Two

Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25 from 2 – 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.

Wildwood Food Pantry Spring Food Drive

Last year, the Wildwood Food Pantry received 495,000 pounds of donated food and served 5,700 families. Your support is greatly appreciated. Bags will be placed on each car/golf cart during services next weekend, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15.

Please fill the bags with the needed food items and leave the bags beside your car/golf cart the following weekend, Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. 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.

New Covenant Men’s Chorus

Sunday, March 22 at 9 AM and 11 AM

Attention men — and anyone who’s ever sung in the car and thought, “I've still got it.” Here’s a low-commitment, high-fun chance to sing with us — no long-term choir signup required. The New Covenant Men’s Chorus is coming together for a one-time special, singing in both worship services.

Nervous? No problem. Haven’t sung in years? Even better. If you can match a pitch most of the time and you’re willing to jump in, you belong here.

We will only have two rehearsals:

• Tuesday, March 10 — 9 AM (Choir Room)
• Tuesday, March 17 — 9 AM (Choir Room)

If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Fisher at (614) 565-0953, or email Bonnie using the button below.

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 or 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, with 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.

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.

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.

This inspiring program captures the ever-changing moods of the cosmos — the mystery of the moon, the sweep of the horizon, the drama of the clouds, and the exhilaration of flight itself. Through powerful symphonic storytelling, you’ll soar through unforgettable music from Star Trek, relive the courage and triumph of Apollo 13, and experience the timeless wonder of “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.

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 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. The first of these transcriptions will be “Rest,” by Frank Ticheli. This was originally a choral work by Ticheli himself, which he later transcribed into a beautiful wind band piece. The original choral work, “There Will be Rest,” was a setting of a poem of the same name, by Sara Teasdale. And like choral work, “Rest” is relatively short, quiet, and quite beautiful.

The second transcription and one of three major works on the program, will be conductor Lewis Buckley’s own transcription for band of a new “Carmen Suite.” There were two previous orchestral suites based on excerpts from the opera “Carmen.” Buckley chose the movements from both suites that he thought would work well for concert band and transcribed them, thereby creating a new, third “Carmen Suite.”

The first of the other two major works will be “Of Sailors and Whales,” Francis McBeth’s masterwork based on the Herman Melville novel, “Moby Dick.” It is a multi-movement piece with each movement depicting one of the major characters in the novel, and it is positively spellbinding. Short quotes from the novel will be read to introduce each movement in the piece.

And the last major work will close the concert, Jerry Bilik’s famed “American Civil War Fantasy,” made up of the songs and sounds of the Civil War. Rounding out the program will be three marches, Kenneth Alford’s famous “Colonel Bogey,” Henry Fillmore’s lesser known “Men of Florida,” and John Philip Sousa’s “Thunderer.”

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.

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 — returns to the stage with a thrilling performance of “Espionage,” sure to captivate with its intrigue and flair. They will also present “Frippery” by the late Spike Shaw, whose vision and dedication were instrumental in the growth of our horn ensemble and expanding the repertoire for a remarkable group of instruments.

From bold fanfares to lush harmonies and playful brilliance, this concert promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich, dynamic, and unmistakable sound of the French horn.

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.” These auditioned handbell ensembles brings extraordinary artistry and passion to the stage as they perform their most beloved and dazzling selections from years past — the pieces that have resonated most deeply with both audience and ringers alike. 

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 250^th 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!

New Covenant ID Cards

So, what are New Covenant ID cards? Our ID cards are assigned to each churchgoer and serve two important purposes:

• The first is Attendance Tracking. For weekend services, please check in at our self-check by scanning your ID card at one of the kiosks or with greeters at the main entrances. If you forget your card, you can check in using the last four digits of your phone number.

• The second is Library access. Your card also allows you to check out books from our expansive Library.

By checking in, you help us keep accurate attendance records, ensure that you maintain receiving the WeeklyWord, and allow us to follow up if you’ve been away for a while. This is a meaningful way for our care department to stay connected with you. This small tool helps to create a welcoming church family. Let’s continue building meaningful connections together!

If you don’t have an ID card, please stop by the Administration Office or visit our Computer Center after worship services, we will be happy to help you. If you have questions, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager.

Scam Alert for Churches and Ministries

Churches across the country are seeing an increase in identity spoofing scams that impersonate pastors and other trusted church leaders. These fake emails and text messages often request gifts cards, financial assistance, or sensitive information – and they can look very convincing.

Please be cautious and double check unexpected or urgent requests before responding. When in doubt, contact the church office at (352) 750-4529 directly to verify. Let’s help protect one another!

Volunteers Needed at Bargains & Blessings

We invite you to join us! Bargains & Blessings Resale Store is in need of volunteers in the following areas: Main Store, Annex, Boutique, Intake, and Family Outreach. Duties vary and include cashiering, answering phone calls, intake of donations, assisting families, etc. 

No experience is needed and training will be provided. Volunteers work half or full days, Monday to Saturday.  If you or someone you know may be interested, please download, print, and complete the application. You can also pick up an application at the store located at 301 N. Main Street in downtown Wildwood.  

For more information, please contact Tina Lander, Assistant Manager, Bargains & Blessings.

Welcome Pickleball Players!

Sundays at 4 PM at Pimlico Rec Center

Recreational Pickleball takes place at Pimlico Rec Center. Following our fun play time, we enjoy a light dinner and good fellowship at a local fast-food restaurant. Beginners are welcome!

For more information on Pickleball, please contact Jeanette Kassing. To see what other recreation opportunities New Covenant has, please click the Recreation button.

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 Quilt on the Altar is for:

Lynn, who recently lost her husband and now has fallen and broken her arm.

We request your prayers for this prayer quilt. 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 Chancel Flowers have been provided by:

Cindy Work in celebration of her husband Ed's 90^th birthday.

To place an order for Chancel flowers, please use the button below. Flower orders must be received by noon on Monday for flowers to be delivered that weekend.