BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN VOCATIONAL OPTIONS — Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona celebrates its 35th anniversary of serving the community through the venue of education. Recognizing the need for students who want to enter the workforce after high school versus a traditional four-year degree, a vocational program in automotive repair was implemented last year. This year, an electrical program was added, and a building was remodeled to house the endeavors. Cutting the ribbon in front of the remodeled building are headmaster Karen Neher, holding the scissors in the center, and in no particular order, directors Sherri Shasteen, Jannette Hevia, Darleen Mayhugh, Russell Jackson, Bill Cosens, Kathy Ortiz, Alicia Wellington, Shi MacDonald and Marci Meyer.

Cara and Bill Elder to present life of Martha and George Washington

Monday Munchers Potluck Lunch and Program will begin at noon Monday, Jan. 10, at Community United Methodist Church, 41 W. Highbanks Road in DeBary. The program will be a historical characterization of the life of Martha and George Washington, presented by Cara and Bill Elder.

The event is open to all seniors.

Bring a dish to share, and, if you wish, a friend, to enjoy Christian fellowship.

Call 386-218-4047.

Free cookout at DeLand Open Bible Church

DeLand Open Bible Church is hosting a free cookout 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 8.

There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks, a bounce house for kids, and more.

You’re encouraged to come back at 6 p.m. that same day for a special anointed time of worship, with a Gospel message by Ken Garcia.

The church is at 1271 N. Spring Garden Ave. in DeLand.

‘Jesus: The Man’

On Sunday, Jan. 9, First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand will host a talk by Bruce and Carol McDermott, longtime members, who will present “Jesus: The Man – Why Jesus’ Ministry Was and Is So Attractive Even Today.” The McDermotts ponder “What would you ask Jesus if you could have a conversation with him today?,” and they will explore their thoughts on the subject.

The congregation has resumed in-person presentations, and requires masks at this time. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to take part 10:15-10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins.

Unitarian Universalists are an open-minded, openhearted spiritual community where all are welcomed to learn together. The church may be contacted through www.uudeland.org to learn more.

‘What’s Your Plan?’

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation, while not meeting face-to-face, is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The title of the Jan. 9 service is “What’s Your Plan?”

As we start a new year, it’s important to know what will guide you, both individually and collectively as a congregation. The Rev. Tracie Barrett invites us to explore our own plan during this service. All are welcome.

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

Fellowship and a potluck lunch to follow Chrysalis Church’s Jan. 9 service

On Sunday, Jan. 9, Chrysalis Church invites all to hear a guest minister from the General Church of the New Jerusalem at 10 a.m. This will be followed by fellowship and a potluck lunch.

The church meets at The New Church, at 145 N. Euclid Ave. in Lake Helen. All are welcome.

‘Grounded in God’s Word’

Time doesn’t stand still, and already we are moving forward, full steam ahead, into the year 2022. In the blink of an eye, figuratively speaking, we will be looking back wondering where the year has gone.

Members and friends of First United Methodist Church of DeLand want to make the most of the time that God is giving them, so the church will be exploring the idea of how to have more wisdom in the year that is before us.

The new sermon series for January and February will be “The Wisdom Pyramid.”

In an age when Google enables us to access information almost instantaneously, it is baffling that wisdom is such a hard commodity to attain. Wisdom should not be confused with knowledge, for they are truly two completely different things.

We are encouraged by God to seek wisdom and to find her out. Information is everywhere, and knowing stuff is easy, but being able to apply what we know in ways that are beneficial can be a far more taxing endeavor.

This week’s sermon will address the topic of being “Grounded in God’s Word.” This is definitely a foundational necessity if we truly want to find Godly wisdom.

All 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 for additional information, at 386-734-5113.

Rev. Michael Sinclair guest minister Jan. 9 at 1st Christian Church

The Rev. Michael Sinclair is the guest minister at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand for Sunday, Jan. 9. Due to the sad passing of the Rev. Elizabeth Carrasquillo, First Christian will have guest ministers for several months.

The 10:45 a.m. service welcomes all for spiritual renewal, prayers, Scripture and Communion at the Table of the Lord. In addition, music is provided by Alex Velez, a Stetson University music student.

At 9:30 a.m. in the church library, an adult Sunday-school class is available. The topic for the study on Jan. 9 is “Injustice and Hope,” based on Genesis 21:8-20.

Sue Brague, president of the Disciple Women, guides women (men are welcomed) 1-3 p.m. on Mondays to prepare for the church’s Feb. 5 Trash and Treasures Sale. Donations are welcomed. The sale’s proceeds will benefit community outreach and children/youth camp scholarships.

BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
VISITING SANTA — Lake Helen residents Samir Parker, Sam Parker, Samira Parker and May Williams have a visit with Santa (really Angelo Rotondo) during a Christmas festival at Lake Helen United Methodist Church. The children were also able to enjoy a live Nativity and a ride on the Butler Express to look at holiday lights in the area.

Epiphany

At services Sunday, Jan. 9, First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will turn back the calendar to Jan. 6 to celebrate a composite day — the Christian Epiphany. Pastor Michael Bodger will teach through a sermon titled, “Epiphany.” The Bible selection comes from Matthew 2:1-12.

Epiphany gives recognition to events in the life of Jesus Christ: First, the early visit of the wise men to infant Jesus; next, the Lord’s baptism; and then Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at his mother’s request.

Pastor Bodger will elaborate on Epiphany, which ends the church calendar’s season of Christmas. This occurs on the 12th day following Christmas.

Epiphany means a striking revelation; this one marks the manifestation of Christ to the whole world. Emphatically, these events disclose God to the world and call forth the world to become witnesses to God’s true Light … Jesus Christ.

First Pres reaches out into the community Saturday, Jan. 8, with a Farm Share Drive-Thru Food Distribution at 10 a.m. on the church parking lot. Church volunteers will provide boxes of food sufficient for a week, through The Society of St. Andrew. Please approach from West Pennsylvania Avenue, where members will guide cars to the distribution point. All comers are welcome!

First Connections Count, an instructive four-week class, will begin meeting 10-10:50 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, in the large conference room of the church office. The series continues each Sunday in January.

First Connections Count will welcome and inform anyone new to First Pres or already attending. Attendees will explore the meaning of becoming a Christ-follower, the definition of a Presbyterian, the core values of First Pres DeLand, and opportunities and ministries for worship, spiritual growth, service and renewal. Call 386-734-6212 to register for the series.

On Saturday, Jan. 15, First Pres will offer God’s Bathhouse, an outreach to community members for hygiene support of a shower, personal-care kits and clothing. Meet at the church parking lot 9-11 a.m. to receive this support.

First Pres welcomes members and visitors to outdoor church services held on the third Saturday monthly, the next at 4 p.m. Jan. 15. The following morning, on the 16th, First Pres invites people outdoors at 9 a.m. instead of in the fellowship hall. Bring chairs, and enjoy contemporary worship. The 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services remain unchanged.

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