Liberty Baptist Church in DeLand is hosting a Yard Sale and Silent Auction Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20 and 21. Doors open at 8 a.m. The church is at 1365 W. Plymouth Ave.

The event will take place in the air-conditioned gym behind the church.

A bake sale and the auction will be on Aug. 21 only, while the yard sale will be both days. Refreshments will be available for purchase both days.

‘God Covers Our Inadequacy’

Facing challenges is almost as much a part of life as breathing. We all have challenges and, while some are bigger than others, there are days when even the smallest of challenges can seem overwhelming.

Many times in dealing with these obstacles in our lives it can be difficult to make good choices and sound decisions because of social pressures from those around us. Occasionally it is hard to follow our convictions or beliefs because it makes us stand out or appear as different from the majority. This is especially true when it comes to living by faith.

First United Methodist Church of DeLand is beginning a new series on the Prophet Jeremiah and how he followed his faith in the face of opposition. Church members, visitors and friends will be looking at his example to help us find ways to follow our faith and remain faithful to God, even when many of the people around us are not.

This Sunday, Aug. 22, First United Methodist will be examining how “God Covers Our Inadequacy.” You’re encouraged to attend and see how Pastor Owen Stricklin explores this exciting topic.

In-person traditional worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, and a contemporary service is at 9:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. All three services are streamed live on Facebook on the First Church DeLand page, or they can be accessed through the website at Firstchurchdeland.org.

First Church offices are open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call the office at 386-734-5113.

Mosaic UU to present ‘Pathway’ class

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation, while not meeting face-to-face, is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. In the last two services of the summer season, the congregation will offer the “Pathway” class as a two-part series of Sunday services.

Part I, on Aug. 22, will feature a brief history of Unitarianism and Universalism and how they merged to become a single denomination, how Mosaic UUC came to be, and an overview of how the UUA and Mosaic are led and governed.

Anyone interested in what Unitarian Universalism is all about or in Mosaic in particular is welcome. Tracy Lunquist will lead everyone through this service.

For instructions on how to join the virtual service, email to mosaicuuc@gmail.com.

A message about stewardship

The Rev. Elizabeth Carrasquillo of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand brings a message about stewardship to the congregation and visitors at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22.

The service will include prayers from the congregation; a Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; open Communion provided by elders Dr. Janet Raney and Olga Palmer; a presentation of offerings as a visible praise to God; and music from a guest musician.

Olga Palmer and Lee Gartside are the greeters of the day.

A prayer group continues at 3:30 p.m. Mondays and is open to all. For prayer requests, leave a message at 386-734-6078 the Sunday before.

If attending in person, come through the office entrance on the east side of the church. Because of the increased number of COVID cases in Florida, the church is following safety measures of masks in the building and social distancing.

‘A Pagan Finds His Path’

First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand continues to host virtual services at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to join over Zoom from 10:15 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins.

On Sunday, Aug. 22, Rick de Yampert will present “A Pagan Finds His Path.” Listen to the journey of a spiritual seeker from the roots of his childhood religion, through the exploration of the world’s religions, and finally to his current spiritual home, paganism.

De Yampert, former entertainment writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal, musician and now author, will illuminate his own journey to what is true and right for him.

In-person services may begin Sunday Sept. 5, with precautions observed for health concerns.

Regular group meetings continue on Zoom and in person: The Book and Poetry clubs each meet monthly; the Covenant Group and a discussion group meet every two weeks; and the Men’s Group meets weekly.

The church can be contacted through www.uudeland.org to learn more.

‘What It Takes’

At First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, this Sunday, Aug. 22, Pastor Michael Bodger will explore the gracious gift that Paul shares with the Ephesians in 6:10-20. To wrestle with and navigate the brokenness of the world in which we live, God calls us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground … against the devil’s schemes.”

At both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, Pastor Bodger will teach the congregation that reality.

Paul celebrates that truth, righteousness and the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God must become a part of our lives. “What It Takes” to stand firm for God requires our personal prayers for the needs of ourselves and others.

First Pres invites you to join the church at services, on recording or livestreaming to further your understanding of “what it takes” to live in the Word of God. Also, the church celebrates weekly the Lord’s Supper to further strengthen our vision to reach up, reach in, and reach out into this world.

On Facebook, the First Pres website, and the Religion Directory in this issue of The Beacon, you will find First Pres and further details of its ministry.

God’s Bathhouse, which convenes on the second and fourth Saturday each month, welcomes anyone in need of a shower, hygiene kit, fresh clothing and fellowship 9-11 a.m. on the basketball court at First Pres. The next opportunity comes on Aug. 28.

First Pres women’s groups will begin their regular meetings and Bible study in September. Consider joining one of the seven circles, which meet at various times and places.

Continuing their activities, there are groups who make sleeping mats for the homeless, help with meals for the homeless at The Bridge, and work in the community garden.

First Pres also offers several Bible study groups throughout the week and month.

Please look on the website and Facebook for details of the many ways First Pres fulfills its ministry in these unprecedented times.

Note that, to keep people safe, First Pres follows the masking guidelines of the CDC.

The church says, “We hope to see you at First Pres!”

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Margie Dykes
Raised in Miami Beach, Margie moved to DeLand after graduating from Florida State University. She has a master's degree in community mental-health counseling, and retired after 12 years in substance-abuse treatment. Having worked at the DeLand Sun News during the 1980s, Margie came to The Beacon in 2002 in search of a second career. She helps the reporters; compiles obituaries, the calendar of events and religion news; and deals with a mountain of emails each day. Margie is the proud Nana to two grandchildren, Sophia and Alex.

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