hyssongs deleon springs
IN CONCERT — DeLeon Springs United Methodist Church invites all to a concert by the popular gospel group The Hyssongs at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. The family group has been singing Southern gospel music together for more than 25 years. Their music is played regularly on Southern gospel radio stations and SiriusXM EnLighten. There is no charge to attend the Feb. 25 concert. The church is at 265 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. PHOTO COURTESY ARTHUR FISHER

On Sunday, Feb. 20, First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand will host Dr. Felicia Benzo and Jody Williams, who will describe what the Volusia Remembers Coalition has learned about the five Black men who were lynched in Volusia County during the Jim Crow era, most within walking distance of the church.

They will explain the “what,” “why” and “how” of the local Equal Justice Initiative-inspired “community remembrance project.” Founded by attorney and author of Just Mercy Bryan Stevenson, the Equal Justice Initiative sponsors community projects around the country to promote unity, equity and justice today.

Those wishing to attend in person are encouraged to join at 10:15-10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins.

Last week’s presentation, which was recorded, will be presented on Zoom for those unable to attend.

Unitarian Universalists are an open-minded, openhearted spiritual community where all are welcomed as they learn together. The congregation participates in helping the Interfaith Kitchen and other community projects.

The Zoom meeting address is https://zoom.us/j/92718819188. The church may be contacted through www.uudeland.org to learn more.

Intercessory Prayer Gathering at Grace House Pregnancy Center

Grace House Pregnancy Center has started an Intercessory Prayer Gathering 7-8 a.m. every Tuesday at 336 N. Woodland Blvd. in Downtown DeLand.

Led by Executive Director Jessica Deese, this opportunity is open to the community. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. No RSVP is necessary.

‘Seven Deadly Sins’

Some say pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. There are countless examples throughout history where pride has led to the destruction of many mighty men and women.

First United Methodist Church of DeLand will begin a new sermon series at the onset of the Lenten season. This new series will focus on the “Seven Deadly Sins.”

This week, Sunday, Feb. 20, the church will look at “Pride.”

Throughout the stories in the Bible, there are countless examples of how pride has led to downfall. One of the most significant and the first example happened way back in the Garden of Eden.

You’re encouraged to attend First United Methodist this Sunday as the church explores the idea that God’s mercy redeems us from the power of sin and offers us the opportunity to walk in freedom. Plan to be there as we find out how to overcome the pitfalls of pride.

The men in the congregation will host a special day Saturday, March 5, to express appreciation for our first responders. The men and women in our community who give so much to keep us safe and healthy deserve to know that they are both valued and appreciated. We hope you’ll take part and find a special way to let some first responders know how much you appreciate their service.

The church office is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 386-734-5113 for more information on church activities.

Celebrating Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation, while not meeting face-to-face, is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The title of the Feb. 20 service is “Call Upon Me!: A Service in Celebration of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.”

Born in 1825, Unitarian (and AME) Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fought for Black liberation and women’s liberation. About these struggles, she said, “Call upon me. This is a common cause … anything to be done to weaken our hateful chains … I have a right to do my share of the work.”

You can explore with the Rev. Megan Visser in words and music the inspiration from Frances E.W. Harper’s life and writing for the contemporary heart of Unitarian Universalism: bringing about collective liberation and widening our circle of love.

Worship leader Kim Eddins will lead everyone through the 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.

Do unto others

This exceptionally familiar phrase in our 21st-century vernacular derives from Luke 6:27-28, and presents an amazingly challenging text in terms of our living into it. Just how do we “Do to others as you would have them do to you”?

On Sunday, Feb. 20, Pastor Michael Bodger of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will address the challenge. This throwaway line has us nodding in agreement. On the face of it, the adage sounds easy and good; however, what does it actually look like when we try to put the words into practice?

Word by word and line by line, the instructions from Jesus become onerous but exist nonetheless. A maxim directing us to live in love — merciful, giving, nonjudgmental, non-condemning, universal — even to those who hate us. What a long list of loving! Doing to others what God has done for us — loving purely — presents a seemingly impossible goal. We are not God, so what does it mean to “do to others …”?

In the pavilion Saturday, Feb. 19, First Pres will worship at 4 p.m. for the monthly Saturday contemporary service. Please bring your own chair to enjoy praise music led by the 9 a.m. Daybreak musicians. The next morning’s 9 a.m. Daybreak will happen outdoors, also.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the First Pres congregation will host its first “Cookout Conversation” in the pavilion at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a chair for fellowship and a simple meal of hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks.

God’s Bathhouse, near the church parking lot, again will offer a hot shower, clean towel, some basic clothing, hygiene kits and fellowship 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26.

The church announces that its drive-thru food distribution resumes 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, in the parking lot.

Letting God into our lives

Can we have a rational adult marriage relationship with the Lord? This will be the topic of the discussion at the 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, service at Chrysalis Church, meeting at 145 N. Euclid Ave. in Lake Helen, and led by Pastor Terry Schnarr.

The Lord is constantly and persistently pressing us to receive His limitless love and blessings. As he says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20).

We will explore what we can do to open the door to let God into ourselves and the happiness we can experience from being the wife of the Lamb.

The service will be followed by fellowship and light refreshments. All are welcome.

Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales to present sermon at 1st Christian Church

The Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales will present the message at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. Open Communion is provided for all worshippers by Elders Nancy Jones and Dr. Janet Raney.

Christina Coulter enhances the worship service with all of her special music and her lovely voice. The Week of Compassion offering will be accepted for all emergency relief services provided by the Disciples of Christ throughout the United States and the world.

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