PHOTO COURTESY FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF ORANGE CITY CREATING SCHOLARSHIP — The members of First Congregational Church of Orange City presented a $50,000 check to initiate the David J. Putnam Memorial Endowed Piano Scholarship, in honor of Mr. Putnam, the church’s music director and a vital member of the congregation for many years. The scholarship recipient shall be a second- or third-year keyboard student with proven financial need and at least a 3.0 GPA. In the back, from left, are Director of Development Mike Vermillion, church trustee Donald Kline, church moderator Sam Bass, church administrator Sharon Brown, and church trust administrator David Brown. In the front, from left, are Dean of Music Dr. Washington Garcia, Vice President for Alumni Engagement Krista Bofill, Terry Rabun and the Rev. David Westcott.

Community United Methodist Church in DeBary will have a Chili Supper and Auction Friday, Nov. 5. Proceeds will support community hunger and youth programs.

Several businesses and local residents have donated items for the auction, including NFL game tickets, original artwork, restaurant gift certificates, golf lessons, concert and theater tickets, handmade quilts and unique experiences like a home visit from Santa Claus during the Christmas season.

The chili supper will cost $5. Children age 6 and younger eat for free. Food will be served 5-8 p.m., and the auction will start at 6 p.m.

Outdoor Craft Fair

Lake Helen First Congregational United Church of Christ will have an Outdoor Craft Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Parish House, 107 N. Euclid Ave.

Church crafters and community vendors will have a variety of items available for purchase. What a great time to start or finish your holiday shopping.

All Saints Day at 1st Christian Church

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand is observing All Saints Day on Sunday, Oct. 31. Normally it would be on Nov. 1. This is a day to commemorate the lives of those who have gone on to eternity before us. Thanksgiving is expressed for the love our predecessors gave us during their lifetime.

The 10:45 a.m. service this Sunday, Oct. 31, will give thanks to God for the precious gift of Scriptures as a part of Bible Sunday observance. The Scriptures being read during the service will be 2 Kings 22:1-20 and 2 Kings 23:1-3.

From 5 to 7 p.m., Trunk or Treat will take place. Cars on the grounds will be decorated, and drivers will distribute treats to those coming in costume as part of the Halloween celebration.

Pastor Elizabeth Carrasquillo asks church members to contact her through the church office if there is interest in beginning a grief support group.

‘Content in Christ’

Thanksgiving is important to the members of First United Methodist Church of DeLand, as it reminds us to count our blessings and to remember to be thankful for all the blessings we have received.

In keeping with this season, a new sermon series titled “Thank Full” will begin. This Sunday, Oct. 31, the church will be exploring the concept of contentment. How often do we find ourselves wanting more and more, never satisfied with what we already have? This is true not only in our daily living but in our spiritual living as well. The topic “Content in Christ” will be the focus this week.

Sunday, Oct. 31, will be the last chance to visit the Pumpkin Patch to get your pictures, play the games and purchase your pumpkins. The hours of operation are 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and noon-7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Call the church office for more information about church activities at 386-734-5113.

1st Unitarian Universalist to explore themes of autumn festivals

Relight your hearth fire for remembrance, harvest and a new year with First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand. All Souls or Halloween, Samhain or Day of the Dead, no matter the name, autumn festivals steer us into winter.

During the Sunday, Oct. 31, service, First UU will explore the common themes of this season’s celebrations. The program will be presented by Cheryl Orr, church music director.

Zoom services continue until further notice. Virtual services begin at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. The Zoom ID for Sunday services is the same every week: Zoom ID: 927 1881 9188.

The church may be contacted through its website at www.uudeland.org to learn more.

‘Day of the Dead’ service at Mosaic UU

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation, while not meeting face-to-face, is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The title of the Oct. 31 service is “Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead.”

During this thoughtful and hopeful service, the congregation will celebrate ancestors and loved ones who have died. You’re encouraged to have a photograph of a loved one no longer with us to share if you wish.

Worship leader Kay Gonzales will lead everyone through the service. All are welcome.

For more information on Mosaic, visit the website at www.mosaicuuc.org. For instructions on how to join the virtual service, email to mosaicuuc@gmail.com.

First Presbyterian Church activities

This Sunday, Oct. 31, First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will continue to explore the book of Nehemiah, focusing on Chapters 8 and 9. In the sermon titled “Re-Forming the People,” Pastor Michael Bodger will speak about Nehemiah’s successful mobilization of the people of Jerusalem.

Children’s Church will be available for children ages 4-11 during both services. This Sunday, Oct. 31, they will be studying Daniel 3:8-30 “The Fiery Furnace,” using the Growing in God’s Love story Bible.

Also this Sunday, First Pres will celebrate Reformation Sunday and the Presbyterian Church’s Scottish heritage with a Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service at 11 a.m. The traditional Scottish instrument bagpipes will be played, and attendees are encouraged to wear tartan clothes, ties or even kilts in the plaid pattern associated with a particular clan if they wish.

The “40 Days of Kindness 4ever” campaign enters into its third week this Sunday. First Pres invites the community of DeLand to join them in spreading acts of kindness in their own ways in hopes of fostering a newfound fellowship and sense of belonging to one another in the community. More information can be found about the Kindness Campaign by visiting the church website at www.fpcdeland.org.

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