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Message in a Minute
Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!
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Spiritual Reflection
“I believe there is no one lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic and more perfect than Jesus Christ – not only is there no one else like him, but there could never be anyone like him.”
Fyodor Dostoevsky
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“Voyages of Paul Cruise” Informational Meeting
Wednesday, March 26, at 9 AM in the Chapel
Pastor Harold will host an informational meeting regarding the upcoming “Voyages of Paul Cruise” Tour that is scheduled for October 24 – November 4, 2025. If you are interested in this opportunity and have not participated in one of these informational meetings before, we hope that you will consider attending. A live stream of the meeting will be available as well.
To learn more about the trip, please use the button below.
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Easter Flowers
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.
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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.
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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!
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Joyful Giving
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
2 Corinthians 9:7 says that God loves a cheerful giver. It is the cheerful giver who pleases God. We should strive to see giving as an opportunity, not an obligation.
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Legacy Giving
The purpose of the legacy fund is to endow and support the lasting impact of New Covenant's ministry and mission.
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Scam Emails
If you receive an email from our pastors or staff asking for money, please do not open it or click on any links. Please be sure any emails from the church are from the numcfl.com address and include our signature and title in the message.
If you have any questions, please call the church office at (352) 750-4529.
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Seeds of Hope Concert
An Evening of Music and Mission
Featuring Alex-Zsolt and The New Covenant Chancel Choir
Sunday, March 16 at 6 PM in Christian Life Center
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Music has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. This powerful evening of worship and inspiration promises to be an unforgettable experience of faith, music, and community.
For over 27 years, Alex-Zsolt has used his extraordinary talent to share the gospel through music, traveling to over 2,500 churches worldwide. With a unique ability to bring hymns, praise songs, and original compositions to life, his music reaches deep into the hearts of audiences. Whether through his dynamic piano playing or heartfelt testimony, Alex’s ministry serves as a conduit for encouragement, renewal, and a closer relationship with Christ.
The New Covenant Chancel Choir will join Alex for this special event, lending their voices in beautiful harmony to create a worship experience that will fill the room with joy and inspiration. Together, they will share a message of hope, faith, and love—one that aligns perfectly with the mission of the “Seeds of Hope” Concert Series.
The “Seeds of Hope” concert is more than an evening of uplifting music—it is an opportunity to support a vital ministry in our community. Proceeds and donations from this event will go toward the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and the Wildwood Food Pantry, organizations dedicated to providing healthy and appetizing food to those in need, including the poor, the hungry, and the lonely.
This concert is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10.
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Lenton 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.
- March 19 – Joel Alexander, violin and Gary Powell, organ
- March 26 – Sean Pollock, piano and Gary Powell, organ
- 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.
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Active Shooter Presentation
Wednesday, March 19 from 11 AM – 12 PM in the Christian Life Center
We invite you to join us for an an Active Shooter Presentation with a representative from the Sumter County Sheriff's Department (SCSD). The SCSD is presenting at various churches throughout the county. All are welcome to attend.
No registration is required.
If you have any questions, please contact Larry Frum, Disaster Response Coordinator.
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March Information Roundup:
Update Your Portal Photo!
This month, we’re focusing on keeping our records up to date. Having a current photo in your profile helps our pastors and staff match names with faces, making it easier to connect with you personally. Let’s be honest – we all need a little help with remembering sometimes!
These photos are used strictly for internal purposes and are never shared outside of church staff. If your profile is missing a photo, you should have received an email last week. If you’re unsure whether you have a photo but didn’t receive an email, we encourage you to stop by the computer center before Saturday night service or between 8 AM and 11 AM on Sunday morning. You can stop by the church office during business hours, or you’re also welcome to send a selfie — with your full name — to the church (ncumc@ncumcfl.com).
Thank you for helping us stay connected. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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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.
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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). Tickets are also available at the door.
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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.” Don’t miss The Villages Flute Choir Spring concert! It is truly a breath of fresh air, and sure to please every music lover!
Tickets are required ($20). Tickets are also available at the door.
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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.
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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!
Admission is free, and all are welcome. Let’s worship together and share the story of Jesus with our community!
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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.
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Are You Interested in Going to Africa
Witness first hand the ZOE Empowers group sponsored by New Covenant in Zimbabwe, Africa. Trips are scheduled for this year (July 9-18) and next year (September 9-18, 2026).
For more information, please contact Betty Callahan or Audrey Schien.
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Pickleball Players Welcome
Sundays at 4 PM at Pimlico Rec Center
Everyone is welcome to join us for Recreational Pickleball at Pimlico Rec Center. 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.
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Congregational Care Ministry — “CCM”
We are so excited to celebrate our brand new Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs). We commissioned this group at our 9 AM worship service this past Sunday. We are blessed by this group of people who have committed to this important ministry!
You might ask what are CCMs and what is their purpose? CCMs are extensions of the pastors to make hospital/rehab visits, respond to prayer concerns, send notes of encouragement, minister to those in grief, deliver home communion, and so much more. With this group in mind, we are able to extend our reach to more of our congregants in their time of need.
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Sandra Armacost
Sonya Bain
Doug & Carol Bonebrake
Rozanne Grady
Carolyn Lee
Megan Millsaps
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Cindy O'Lear
Judy Roberts
Laverne Roidt
Louis Romano
Betty & William Salter
Janet Eavers White & Family
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LaVerne, who has bladder cancer. | |
Sandra, who is recovering from a broken hip. | |
Walt, who has stage-4 lung cancer that has spread. | |
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. | |
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Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...
Patty Marshall, family and friends on the passing of her husband TN (Tivis Newsome) Marshall.
Carol Exum, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Edward “Eddie” Exum.
For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.
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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.
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