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

“Do not even give a single thought of separating from your brethren whether their opinions agree with yours or not. Just because someone does not agree with everything you say does not mean that they are sinning, nor is this or that opinion essential to the work of God. Be patient with those who disagree with you. Do not condemn those who do not see things just as you do, or who think it is their duty to contradict you. Whether in a great thing or small.”

John Wesley

Fellowship Center Update

There has been substantial progress in the Fellowship Center Renovation Project over the past few months!

A new stage has been constructed, new lighting has been installed, and the overall look of the room has been redesigned with all kinds of uses in mind — from dinner events to concerts to Bible studies and more. We also look forward to utilizing our new, state-of-the-art LED video wall that will be able to display powerful visuals to enhance presentations during Biblical teaching, ministry programs, concerts, and more.

Once the Renovation Project is complete, we believe that the Fellowship Center will be one of the finest gathering spaces in The Villages. We look forward to utilizing the Fellowship Center not only for New Covenant ministries but also for concerts and other special events that will attract new guests to our church campus. We currently anticipate that the Fellowship Center Renovation Project will be complete by early summer of this year.

We are grateful for your patience and especially for your financial support of this important project to enhance the ministries of New Covenant United Methodist Church. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and the stewardship of our leadership team, we have been able to accomplish this vision without taking on additional debt.

We will continue to provide updates as the project approaches completion. Thank you again for your support!

Hospitality and the Church

Hospitality plays a vital role here at New Covenant. Whether you’re actively greeting, ushering, working the coffee bar, saying good morning, holding the door for someone, or offering a genuine compliment — these are all powerful ways to be hospitable.

To be hospitable means to be friendly and welcoming to strangers or guests. One definition I particularly love is this: “A hospitable person is friendly, generous, and welcoming to guests or people they have just met.” I especially appreciate that the word generous is included. 

True hospitality requires us to look beyond our own needs and focus on others. Generosity is the willingness to share, give, or contribute freely without expecting anything in return. It involves acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. And generosity isn’t limited to material things — it includes offering your time, attention, support, or even emotional understanding.

When we live generously and practice hospitality, we create an environment where others can feel at home, loved, and cared for. But the beauty of it that it blesses us too. According to the Cleveland Clinic’s health blog, helping others and giving can increase our “feel-good” chemicals — dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Science suggests we are wired to be generous. Health benefits comes from giving and expecting nothing in return. It is the kindness that counts.

The gift doesn’t have to be big. In fact, some of the most impactful gifts are invisible and free-a heartfelt note, a helping hand, a listening ear. Decades of research on kindness tells us that giving is the social glue that connects us to each other and strengthens our communities.

At New Covenant, hospitality isn’t just a nice gesture — it’s a calling. It reflects the heart of Christ and creates space for people to feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether it’s through a warm smile or a selfless act of service, your hospitality has the power to change someone’s day — or even their life. Let’s continue to be generous, kind and welcoming — because in doing so, we don’t just open doors; we open hearts. 

For more information to volunteer, please contact Ashley Hill, First Impressions Manager or check out our Hospitality webpage.

Bridging Gaps Through Conversation

Wednesday, May 14 from 1 PM – 3:30 PM

This event is designed to give everyone a safe space to discuss race, religion and politics in table conversations. We will discuss the 2019 movie “American Son,” which was adapted from a play by Christopher Demos-Brown. It explores the themes of race, identity, and family in a divided America. 

Although we encourage you to watch the full movie prior to your attendance, a trailer of the movie will be shown at the beginning of the event. The full movie version can be found on Netflix, Prime Video, or Tubi (which is free).  

For more information, please contact Janine Rogers, Director, Missions & Outreach.

Women's Monthly Program (May 2025)

Thursday, May 15 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Don’t miss our last Women’s Gathering of the season! Pastor Ellen will be giving the devotion and some details of her and Sean’s Wesley experience during their trip to England.

Our keynote speaker is Mary Ellen DePetrillo. Mary Ellen is a clean stand-up comedian renowned for her hilarious performances that draws from her rich Italian family experiences. Her unique comedic style masterfully blends sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling. Her comedy emphasizes family, faith, and everyday life.

Registration is required ($10). Register early as lunch seating is limited. Doors open at 9 AM and the program starts promptly at 10 AM.  Lunch will be a catered box lunch.

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator.

More Blessed to Give

Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Luke 6:38)

When we are generous to others, we remind one another of the great generosity of our God. Your generosity for the church impacts many in our ministries here and the generosity we can share with others in need. 

Legacy Giving

We can support ministries and missions that are important to us with transformative gifts. 

Bargains & Blessings Truck

Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4

The Bargains & Blessings truck will be on the church campus to accept donations this weekend before worship services. If you have large items to donate, please call Bargains & Blessings at (352) 330-3333 for information about donation pick-up.

We appreciate your ongoing support of this important ministry. Thanks to your generous donations, the Bargains & Blessings truck made 908 pickups and 165 deliveries in 2024. Each item donated and sold helped to support children and families in our local community. We greatly appreciate your willingness to support this ministry. 

Helpers are needed every other month to accept donations before Worship Service at 8 AM and in-between Worship Services from 10–11 AM.  If you are interested, please contact Charles Stuart.

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, May 3 from 9 AM – 11 AM

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 a morning filled with fellowship! You may visit a rescue organization, a couple of dog sitters, and a mobile groomer. There will even be opportunities for pet adoptions. Refreshments will be served, so bring a lawn chair or blanket and make yourself comfortable as we honor our beloved animal companions.

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.

There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. If you previously registered for the earlier date, you don’t need to reregister.

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Hill.

The Choralettes Spring Concert

Tuesday, May 6 at 6 PM in the Christian Life Center

Singers, Trumpets, and You, Oh my! Come and join The Choralettes and The Wonderlands in a fun-filled evening concert filled with great music — "Happy Songs and Sing-a-Longs"! These lovely ladies will present patriotic songs to honor our country, as well as heartfelt tunes from yester-year. The Choralettes always have a few surprises up their sleeves too! You are invited to join them in a sing-a-long with some of the great songs that you remember and love! So tune up your voices and come have fun at The Choralettes Spring Concert! 

This is a free concert. A Love Offering will be taken for our New Covenant Ministries.

Jesus and Women (May 2025)

Wednesdays, May 7 – June 18, from 10 – 11:30 AM

​

Jesus and Women, by Kristi McLelland, profiles seven women Jesus encountered and what that means for us. It explores how Jesus generously restores dignity and honor to the women in the first century. You will gain deeper insight into the Biblical world, including a fresh perspective on familiar Bible stories, you will discover the Bible through the lens of Middle Eastern Culture, and you will understand Jesus more fully and fuel your worship of Him.

Registration is required, however, there is no cost for this study. We ask that you pre-purchase book please.

If you have any questions or need help with registration, please contact Pat Hill, Care Coordinator.

Solo Sisters in Spirit (May 2025)

Thursday, May 8 at 4 PM in Classroom 6 & 7

Our next Solo Sisters will again have guest speaker Charlie Kanton from Seniors vs Crime Project from Florida Attorney’s Office to give us “Page 2” on current fraudulent crimes and how to protect ourselves.   Also, we are going to have a representative from Sumter County Sheriff’s Office to discuss home security and helpful hints to give us “peace of mind”!

There is no charge for this event, but registration is required to ensure we have enough chairs for everyone. All single ladies are welcome!

For more information or help with registering, please contact Sharon Weimert, Care Coordinator.

New Member Class (May 2025)

Wednesday, May 21 at 1 PM

Membership is about commitment to Christ through a local church. Whether you are here full-time, or seasonally, we have a membership type that will fit you and your needs. Church membership is your opportunity to hold each other in responsibility and love. We hope you will consider becoming a member and become more engaged with your church community.

For more information or assistance with registration, please contact Ashley Hill First Impressions Manager.

Please Join Us in Welcoming Qua and Ethan!

We are pleased to welcome two new team members to New Covenant! Both Qua Thompson and Ethan Thomas may be familiar faces.

Qua is a driver for Bargains & Blessings and reports to Nait Armstrong, Assistant Manager, Bargains & Blessings. Qua had previously been a temp with us for several months.

Ethan is working with our Facilities team and reports to Mitch Miller, Facility Manager. He also serves in our Praise band on Saturday nights and choir on Sundays.

Qua

Ethan

Pickleball Players Needed

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 Roger Kassing. To see what other recreation opportunities New Covenant has, please click the Recreation button.

Barbara Androwicz

Mike Bushman

Debbie Carpenter & Family

Scott Davis

Don Erickson

Mary Griffin

Jean Hatten

Nell Houston

Rich James, Jan Rugg, & Family

Doug Marcrum 

Bob McAnelly

John McIntosh

Jeri Whitmire

The Prayer Quilts on the Altar are for:

Aron, who is waiting for a heart transplant.

Fran, who has been admitted to the hospital with serious health concerns.

Janis, who is having kidney issues.

Marlene, who needs strength and healing.

Thomas, who has mesothelioma.

Tito, who is going through chemo treatment.

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...

Celia Craft, family and friends on the passing of her husband, William “Bill” D. Craft.

Jan Rugg and Rich James, family and friends on the passing of her cousin and his wife, Donna James.

Gary Elmen, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Elizabeth “Beth” C. Elmen.

The family and friends of Virginia “Carolyn” Lee on her passing.

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

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, Ministry Assistant, using the button below.