PLAY READING — Last Word Theatre will present a dramatic reading of the one-act play We Say Gay by Ronni Sanlo at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, June 30, at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand. The reading is in celebration of Gay Pride Month. The reading features local talent, including, from left, Nancy Jacobsen, Jim Dries, Jade Hoke-Smith, Carol Dries, Mara Whitridge, George Stevenson and Lester Figueroa. The director is Deborah McShane. The public is invited and welcome; there will be adult language. Admittance is free, although donations are greatly appreciated and will go toward the UU’s support of social justice issues.
Activities at Faith Lutheran Church
Faith Lutheran Church in DeLand is having an Adult Bible Study at the same time as Vacation Bible School for the kids. The study will be “The Trial of Jesus,” led by Scott Bouchard. The adults meet 5:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 24-28. Dinner’s on us. Call to register.
Also, last call to register for the children’s “Just Like Me” Vacation Bible School, which meets at the same time as the adults. Dinner is also included.
With gardening as a theme, kids will learn what makes each person special and how inclusion can be used to promote a
healthy community.
Emmanuel! God is with us!
The word Emmanuel has come down through Greek and Roman languages from the original Hebrew. The frequently used saying reflects a cry from the heart and a statement of faith. The word is found in Christmas hymns, acknowledging that God stands omnipresent.
At First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, at all three services on Sunday, June 23, Senior Pastor Michael Bodger will address this declaration found throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Mark 4:35-41 relates the story of the doubting apostles who, when fishing with Jesus, experience a serious squall and panic. After rebuking them and calming the wind, Jesus queries, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Pastor Bodger will challenge those whose doubting worldview spills over into their relationship with God.
When life’s journey does not go our way, do we still question God’s steadfastness?
On Saturday, June 22, God’s Bathhouse is open 9-11 a.m. for private showers, clean towels and clothing, manna bags and hygiene kits for anyone needing help or living unhoused.
Remember that Vacation Bible School, for entering kindergarten and rising fifth-grade children, stands only a month away. There is no charge to attend. This year’s theme, “SCUBA, Diving Into a Friendship With God,” will engage youngsters with exciting and interesting learning and fun from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, July 22-26. Register soon, either online or through the church office. There is required paperwork.
The summer workshop, “A Focus on Spiritual Practices,” continues its Wednesday sessions 5:30-6:30 a.m. through July 17. Extending the PAUSE Lenten study, the remaining self-contained topics include The Word, Creativity, Movement and Prayer. Call the church to register.
Soundscape Trance Journey
On Sunday, June 23, at 10:30 a.m., all are welcome to the service at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand, when the musical duo Wandering Spiral will present a program and performance, which will explore how and why sound and music can induce altered states of consciousness that lead to encounters with the sacred.
Michelle Davidson and Rick de Yampert are Wandering Spiral. Their instrument palette includes sitar, flutes, tongue drums, bass, singing bowls and percussion. They perform at cafes, art festivals, meditations and sacred gatherings throughout Central Florida.
Also, save the date for a concert by The Ashley Gang, an award-winning Florida folk, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28. Tickets cost $20 in cash only at the door.
‘Keep Your Eyes on the Prize’
“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” is Pastor Mark Bitner’s sermon title this Sunday, June 23, in the current series, “Rowing the Boat” at First Church DeLand.
With the Olympics only weeks away, we recognize that there are many people who have trained for years to compete against athletes from all over the world. It is an honor to be accepted into this exclusive team that will represent the United States. Not one of them wants to just compete; they want to win. Each one has their eyes on the prize.
In Christianity, the prize we are supposed to focus on is Jesus, “the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
The Small Group Wednesday Bible Study will continue to meet through the summer, studying the Book of Daniel.
1st Christian Church activities
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand welcomes the Rev. Thomas Messick to the pulpit Sunday, June 23, at 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Messick is married to the Rev. Sandy Messick, a Florida Disciples regional minister. He comes to ministry from a career in health insurance. In 2019, Messick retired from Premier Blue Cross in Spokane, Washington.
During the service, Gabriella Pedonti will be blessed in preparation for Chi-Rho Camp.
Other ministries for the week are Disciple Women, meeting at 1 p.m. Monday, June 24, followed by Intercessory Prayer at 3 p.m.; Narcotics Anonymous meets at noon and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26; and there is worship at Villa Health and Rehab Center 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27.
Temple Learning Center Summer Camp meets 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday by registration with Voloria Manning.
The BreakSpot Summer Food Program serves breakfast at 8:15 a.m. and lunch at noon Monday-Friday, in the church fellowship hall.
What we cherish in life
The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist, this Sunday, June 23, will continue the Summer Sharing Series of roundtable-style services online at 11 a.m. This week, the congregation is exploring the subject of what we cherish in life.
The following are some questions to ponder before gathering: What everyday activities do you cherish? What are the riches in your life that cannot be lost?
Facilitator Judy Raymond will guide everyone through the discussion.
These services are designed to allow participants to share their thoughts if they choose to do so. Sharing is always voluntary; active listening is welcome, too. Check the Religion Directory to learn how to take part. All are welcome.
