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

“We had hoped are three of the saddest words in the English language…when hope runs out, life becomes more an event to be endured than an expectation to hold.”

Tom Berlin

Confirmation

This Saturday, New Covenant United Methodist Church is celebrating as six young individuals confirm their faith. After months of preparation, these students are ready to affirm their commitment to the church's teachings. With their families and mentors by their side, they show their dedication to living out their beliefs. This special moment highlights the church's support for its members' spiritual growth and the importance of community in their journey of faith.

Confirmands

Ethan Casper is in fourth grade, Ava Casper is in sixth grade, and Adele Casper is in seventh grade. Their parents, David and Laura Casper, have been members of New Covenant since 2016.

Eden Wilkins is in fifth grade. Her mom, Kristyn Casey, and grandmother, Deborah Marsich, have been members of New Covenant since 2015.

Max Wiswesser is in fifth grade. His mom Angie Rose has been attending New Covenant since 2015.

Reese Wotring is in seventh grade. Her parents, Bob and Colleen Wotring, have been members of New Covenant since 2016.

Fresh Expressions

We are pleased to offer a new opportunity of outreach as New Covenant serves and provides worship experiences to many living facilities in The Villages and the surrounding areas. We hope that you will be excited about this opportunity to join in serving the residents who live in these communities.  We strive to provide a meaningful mini worship service to the residents. If you have the gift of music, prayer, or sharing a devotion, this may be the perfect fit for you. All volunteers for this ministry undergo training in protecting vulnerable adults as well as a background check. Our hope is to build meaningful relationships with the residents as we offer the love of Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions, please contact Donna Hendren, Visitation Pastor, using the button below.

Cornocopia Concert

Sunday, March 17 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Center

Get ready for Cornocopia - a unique concert experience that showcases the rich and versatile sounds of the French horn ensemble. This captivating performance will feature a dynamic array of musical styles, from the lively rhythms of a polka and the structured beats of a march to the soulful depths of a blues number. Immerse yourself in the soothing serenades of our Lake Music, perfect for unwinding and relaxing. And in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we're thrilled to present a special arrangement of the beloved "Danny Boy." Prepare to be astonished by the French horn's adaptability, an instrument traditionally associated with classical music, as we explore its full range through pieces that are old, new, borrowed, and blue. This concert promises an unforgettable journey through the sounds and emotions that the French horn can evoke, truly a cornucopia of musical treasures.

“For His Glory” – A Study of Ephesians

Tuesdays, March 19 – May 7 from 10 AM – 12 PM

Have you ever been captivated by a beautiful masterpiece, something that fills you with wonder and leaves you in awe of it's creator? We've all likely had that experience at one time or another. But have you ever considered that you are a masterpiece? It's true!

The Book of Ephesians unashamedly declares that the church is God's masterpiece - and because we are the church, that includes you and me. Please join us as we journey with the first followers of Jesus through the Book of Ephesians as we are transformed into the masterpiece God intends us to be!

Registration is required. If you have any questions, please contact Shelia Clinton or Pam Little.

Giving

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Giving is set apart and is so much fun. Thanks to passages like this one God has released us from hoarding and now we can’t wait to give to our church and other ministries.

Legacy Giving 

Remember New Covenant in your planned giving.

Daylight Saving Time Begins this Weekend!

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead this Saturday, March 9. Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 10 at 2 AM.

Spring Food Drive 

Please return your filled bags with needed food items and leave the bags beside your car/golf cart this weekend, Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10. 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.

Current needs include canned fruit, canned soups, canned tuna and chicken, canned vegetables, cereal, flavored pastas (Hamburger Helper, Rice-A-Rona, Pasta Sides), macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly, spaghetti sauce, and SpagettiOs / RavioliOs, etc.

Welcome New Members

We are excited to welcome our New Members this weekend at the 9 AM and 11 AM worship services. Please join us in welcoming them to our church home!

Celebration Brass Band Spring Concert

Sunday, March 10 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Center

Prepare for an unforgettable evening as Celebration Brass takes you on a thrilling journey through the heart of classic brass band music. From the rousing excitement of Sousa marches to the enchanting melodies of classic folk, this concert is designed to captivate and entertain. Showcasing the remarkable technical prowess of the ensemble, the program will feature an array of pieces that promise to leave you in awe.

The night will kick off with a spectacular opener: a beloved concert band masterpiece, Joseph Wilcox Jenkins' famous American Overture, brilliantly rescored for brass band. But that's just the beginning. Prepare to be spellbound as the timeless magic of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody fills the air, guaranteed to delight every member of the audience.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Terrific Tuesday Dinner Event March 2024

Tuesday, March 12 from 4:45 PM – 7 PM

Pastor Harold will lead a new 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. 

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: Tossed Garden Greens with Honey Vinaigrette, Dijon Tarragon Cream Chicken, Almond Rice Pilaf, Roasted Broccoli, Dinner Roll & Butter, Carrot Layer Cake

Registration is required for dinner ($12). To register, please use the button below.

Women's Ministry Retreat (March 2024)

Friday, March 15 from 9 AM – 3 PM in the Fellowship Center

Peg Arnold — Speaker, Author, and Drama Queen for Jesus — brings a fresh approach to ministry. She has shared her witness through unique dramas and engaging messages at women's events and churches for nearly 25 years. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing large groups, her passion for encouraging women to find their true value and purpose in Christ and to use their God-given gifts is contagious. We will explore God's faithfulness in life’s challenges while being refreshed by the Living Water of Christ. To hear a short message from Peg Arnold, please click the button below.

Menu: Chicken Cesar Wrap (Chicken, Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, and Caesar Dressing in a Tortilla Wrap), Italian Potato Salad, Tiramisu 

Registration is required ($20). If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hill, Small Groups Coordinator, using the button below.

Deadline for registration is Monday, March 11 at noon.

Planning For the “Autumn of your Life”

Wednesday, March 20 from 1-2 PM in the Chapel

For our next Health Speaker Series, please join John Ferguson, Funeral Director with Baldwin Brothers and Cindy LaDow, RN, MSM — an expert on aftercare — as they lead us in end of life planning. These are topics we don’t like to discuss but so necessary. Their topics will include:

• Where are you in planning and knowing what may be needed
• Discussion on a family checklist
• What is needed before a loved on passes
• What to do after the death of a loved one
• Living life to its fullest

For more information, please contact Jackie Kuhn-Damron.  

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. Each plant can be ordered online for just $10. 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. Join us in making this Easter celebration truly unforgettable.

“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” tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time: the story of a true God who loves His children, who established for them a way of salvation, and provided a route to eternity; and this same God is alive and active today – still listening, still acting, still pouring out His grace on us. Listen for God’s call on your life, as He helps you write your own story!

No ticket or registration required. Doors open at 4:15 PM.

Holy Week Worship Services

Saturday, March 23 at 5 PM

The Story - The Musical (see details above)

Palm Sunday, March 24 at 9 AM & 11 AM 

with the Chancel Choir

Palm Sunday, March 24 at 5 PM

The Story - The Musical (see details above)

Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM

Chancel Choir (Holy Communion)

Good Friday, March 28 at 12 PM

Haydn's "The Seven Last Words of Christ"

with Ryan Loeckel, violin, and Sean Pollock, piano 

and meditations by pastors

Contemporary Easter, March 30 at 5 PM

Praise Band (Holy Communion)

Easter Sunrise, March 31 at 6:30 AM

Outside in our East Parking Area

Easter Sunday, March 31 at 9 AM & 11 AM

Chancel Choir, Brass, and Praise Ringers

Women’s Ministry’s “Fill the Bus with Love”

Many thanks for your generous contributions toward our "Fill the Bus with Love." Unimagined blessings blossomed out of this campaign. At the stores where items were purchased, staff learned of our mission and applied their employee discount. Christian fellowship made the sorting and packing of boxes a joyful afternoon. And when our truck arrived at the Children’s Home, we were greeted by grateful staff, eager to share their amazing campus with a tour.

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. Plus, wearing these shirts is a great way to show your love for your church! Grab a t-shirt and join us in making a difference this summer!

Volunteers Needed in the Nursery

Looking for Nursery workers for Sunday Services. Your role is to provide safe, secure, nurturing, clean and efficient care to our children. Your ministry responsibilities include playing with the child or directing their play, reading to them, praying for each child, exhibiting Christ-like patience and love, and relating the events of the day to the lesson and theme in words the child can understand. Background check required. Please contact Amie Haffner for more information.

New Covenant Columbarium

We are very fortunate at New Covenant to have our own Columbarium in the East Parking Lot. We were very blessed to have a group of forebears who felt this was an important offering to New Covenant members.

The Columbarium has expanded over the years and added lovely features such as benches and a fountain. The Columbarium Committee is always welcoming new members that are passionate about keeping our property well cared for and in good repair.



If you are interested in knowing more about our Columbarium please click the button for our brochure, or contact Sharon Weimert, Ministry Specialist, and she will be happy to help!

Jeff Bain Family and Sonya

Brian Barton

Shelia Bolek

Elaine Buckey 

Rose Marie Costanza

Anna de Silva

Sandelle Finnegan

Thom Hays

Ken Heiniken

Larry Hilley

Tammi Hynes

Jerry, Bill & Dale Morgan

Bev Petrina

Vincent Sacco

Vencenzina Sacco & family

The prayer quilts on the altar are for...

Brian, who pancreatic cancer.

Carol, who has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Cindy, who suffers with myeloid sarcoma cancer.

Jann, who needs strength for her faith.

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.

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

Janice & Robert (Bubba) Swartz, family and friends on the passing of her mother, Helen Adele Smith.

Ann VanDeVeer, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Kenneth “Ken” VanDeVeer, Jr.

Jan Force, family and friends on the passing of her son, Richard Force.

The family and friends of Ann Marie Voigt on her passing.

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.