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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!

Spiritual Reflection

 

There is no form of love that does not require some level of courage.”


Tom Berlin

Attend Online
Ministry Focus

Digital Attendance Video


We are excited about our new initiative to help connect our online church community with the larger church community here at New Covenant. Although this is helpful for those who watch online, it is very important for our in-person attendees to watch as well. We want you to be aware of how to connect with us when you are away for the weekend. 


To learn more about this digital update, please click the video.

Key Announcements

Your Guide to Holy Week 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.


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!

 

“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.

 

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 Service, 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.

Terrific Tuesday Dinner Event (April 2024)


Tuesday, April 16 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM


Pastor Harold is leading a 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. Join us as Pastor Harold is going to teach on Jesus turning the “water into wine.”


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.

Register Now

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).

Purchase Tickets
General Announcements

Grace

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)


This verse shows that grace is available, and that we are sufficiently provided for “now,” and it is all for good works. So, by faith we give first, and rest that grace, and as we increase the good works, the sufficiency increases.

Make a Gift

Legacy Giving 

Planning for your estate helps you focus on your goals and become more aware of how you want to impact the world.

Legacy Giving

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.


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.


This is the last week to purchase Easter Plants. Plants may be purchased after worship services for just $10.

Fifth Sunday for the Florida Children's Home


Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31


Each Fifth Sunday weekend, New Covenant collects donations to support “Residing Hope(formerly the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home). New Covenant was recently recognized during the Women’s Ministry Monthly Event as a “2023 Top 25 Giving Church.” The plaque was presented to Pastor Harold by Kitwana McTyer, President & CEO of Residing Hope and Rev. Brian Carr, Director of Church Relations. In 2023, New Covenant gave $50,779 to support the needs of the children who reside at the home. Please help continue to support these efforts by making a donation today.  

Donate Online

Holiday Closures

 

Please note that the Church Office and Bargains & Blessings Store will be closed from Thursday, March 28 at 1 PM through Monday, April 1.


The Church Office will reopen on Tuesday, April 2 at 9 AM, and Bargains & Blessings will reopen at 9:30 AM.

Sunday Education Classes for Adults

 

All classes have been cancelled on Easter Sunday. Everyone is welcome to join us again on Sunday, April 7. 

Men's Prayer Breakfast

 

Our Men's Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, April 2 has been cancelled. All men are invited to join us again on Tuesday, April 9.

Small Group Invites You to Join Their New Study


Thursdays, April 4 through May 23 from 1–2:15 PM


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.

Contact Sherry and Gary Eldred

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).

Purchase Tickets

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).

Purchase Tickets

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).

Purchase Tickets

Women's Monthly Gathering (April 2024)

“Make Me a Blessing”

 

Thursday, April 18 from 10–11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

 

Join the women this month as we learn how God can “Make Me a Blessing”! We have a couple surprises in store for you – so you don’t want to miss out! Pastor Ellen will kick us off with a devotion on God’s promise to Abraham about blessings and an extra special musical guest, Angie Rose, will bless us with special music! For the mission this month, we will be highlighting the blessing of several local and international missions in our community and world! As always, Chef John is preparing something extra wonderful for us as we share blessings with our friends for lunch!

 

Registration is required ($10). If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill.

Register Now
Contact Pat Hill

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 Stephanie Aashkenaz at (352) 330-3333, or send her an email.

Contact Stephanie Aashkenaz

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. Wearing these shirts is a great way to show your love for your church!


This weekend is the last Sunday to purchase! If you have ordered a shirt, it will be here the first week of April.

New Covenant Name Badges and ID Cards


Everywhere you go, you have an ID card — whether it is the gym, the grocery store, or a rec center. An important part of being hospitable is scanning your New Covenant ID card when you come in. This helps us know you are present at worship or at events. It is great when we get to learn names this way or know you have been here. In a large church, it can be easy to feel lost but this helps the pastors and staff know you. You can get an ID card on the weekends at the Computer Center or during the week at the Administration office.


One of the ways it is helpful to get to know people’s names is by wearing a name badge! Our pastors love to call people by their name during greeting and in communion time, so please make a point of wearing your name badge. If you don’t have one, you can purchase one online or visit the Computer Center after worship services. To order a name badge online, please click the button below.

Order a Name Badge
Weekly Prayer Concerns

Jeff Bain Family and Sonya

Bob Alspach

Brenda Campbell

Jeff Coffman

Peg Lepore

Anne Lynch

Scott McCann

Conne Miller

Nancy Miller

Lucille Ouellette

Rogene Payne

Jake Rausch

Harry Rodkey Family

Jenna Smith

Diane Thrush

Ricky Wilkes

Prayer Request Form

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Anna, who is recovering from critical injuries suffered in a fall.

Peg, who is recovering from two strokes and blood clots.

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.

Quilt Request Form

Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...


Herb Van Benthuysen, daughters Betsy and Judy, family and friends on the passing of his wife and their mother, Cathy Van Benthuysen.


Bob Rahall, family and friends the passing of his wife Sondra “Sandy” Anne Rahall.

Celebrations of Life

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.

Order Altar Flowers
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