|
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 worst isn't the last thing about the world. It's the next to the last thing. The last thing is the best. It's the power from on high that comes down into the world, that wells up from the rock-bottom worst of the world like a hidden spring.”
Frederick Buechner
| | |
Wildwood Food Pantry Celebrating 20 Years
Saturday, March 29 & Sunday, March 30
If you brought you food donations this weekend, please place your food bag next to your car or golf cart. Volunteers will pick up your filled bags of food this weekend. Throughout the week, we also have bins that are conveniently located in both the East and West Narthexes for food donations.
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.
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 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) and are also available at the door.
| |
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.”
Tickets are required ($20) and are also available at the door.
| | |
New Covenant App Experience
We invite you to check out the New Covenant App Experience on your smartphone.
In the church smartphone app, you can find links to the WeeklyWord and online giving, ways to connect through social media, a sermon library, the Bible, and more!
To download the New Covenant App, simply type “New Covenant UMC” into the Search Bar of the App Store on your iPhone or the Google Play Store on your Android device, and then tap the button to download.
When downloading, please be sure to choose the app that matches the New Covenant logo and branding.
| | |
It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive
Acts 20:35 says, “I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Each church member serves an important role in the family of God and we are counted on to support one another in a variety of ways: time, prayer, encouragement, and monetarily.
| | |
Legacy Giving
When planning for your estate, you feel good knowing that you are providing for the people and causes you care about.
| | |
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.
| |
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.
| | |
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!
| | |
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.
- 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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Solo Sisters in Spirit (April 2025)
Thursday, April 10 from 4 – 6 PM
Our guest speaker will be Charlie Kanton from Seniors vs Crime, Project from Florida Attorney’s Office to share current fraudulent crimes, special mention of financial scams and an overview on how to protect ourselves.
Registration is required, so we have enough chairs for everyone. There is no charge for this event.
For more information or help with registration, please contact Sharon Weimert, Ministry Coordinator.
| | |
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! Let’s worship together and share the story of Jesus with our community!
No ticket required — a love offering will be accepted.
| | |
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 100th 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.
| | |
Final Call: Update Your Information Before the Deadline!
Our information roundup ends this weekend, and time is running out! If you haven’t updated your emergency contact information, please do so now by clicking the button below. Having accurate emergency contacts ensures we can reach the right person in case of an unexpected situation.
Additionally, if you don’t have a photo in our church database-or aren’t sure if you do-please stop by the computer center before service on Saturday night or between 8 and 11 AM on Sunday morning. A photo on file helps our pastors connect with you personally and put a name to a face.
Please keep an eye on your inbox, if you receive an email, please be sure to come and visit the computer center the next weekend you’re in worship.
Don’t wait – take a moment this weekend to update your information so we can stay connected as a church family!
| | |
Linda Arnold
Joanna Cavanaugh
Tracy Cornell
Susan Edwards
Dave & Sylvia Gardner
Rosemary Herbert
Linda Jordan
Melda McDowell
| | |
Robert Milligan
Michael Murphy
Donna Phaneuf
Wanda Richards
Jerrie Rudd
Bill S.
Zoe Spitz
| | The Prayer Quilt on the Altar is for: | | |
Richard: prayers for a speedy recovery after open heart surgery.
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...
Gordon Lawrence, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Linda Lawrence.
Dave & Sylvia Gardner, family and friends on the passing of their son, Michael Gardner.
The family and friends of Patricia “Pat” Telfer on her passing.
For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.
| | |
The Altar Flowers have been provided by:
Elaine Farquhar in memory of my loving husband, Edward (Buzzy) Farquhar.
Nancy Stafford in loving memory of my husband, Michael Stafford.
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.
| | | | |
