The City of Deltona will host an interfaith prayer vigil for the Nation of Ukraine on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 7 p.m. Vice Mayor Maritza Avila-Vazquez is organizing this event that will take place in the courtyard of Deltona City Hall located at 2345 Providence Boulevard.
The military invasion of the Nation of Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis resulting in the greatest number of refugees fleeing a European country since World War II. All residents and visitors, of all faiths, are welcome to participate in this solemn occasion. Parking is free and plentiful at Deltona City Hall. Follow the City on our social media channels to be informed of any updates.
For any additional media related questions, contact City of Deltona Public Information Officer Lee Lopez at llopez@deltonafl.gov.
Open Bible Baptist to celebrate 50 years
On Sunday, March 27, Open Bible Baptist Church in Orange City will be celebrating “50 years of God’s Faithfulness.”
The church started as a small Bible-study group meeting at the Woman’s Club of DeLand in the fall of 1970. The small group grew and was organized as a church in April 1972.
Over the past 50 years, the faces in the pews and the voices in the pulpit have changed, but God has not changed, and neither has the church’s mission. This special day will be a celebration of what God has done, as well as a statement of the congregation’s resolve to continue their mission for His glory.
The special guests for the day will be Matt and Christy Taylor, talented musicians who, after traveling for three years with the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team, now serve on staff at The Wilds Christian Camp in Rosman, North Carolina. Their love for God and His grace is evident in their ministry of Christ-honoring music.
The March 27 service will begin at 11 a.m. There will be a meal following the service, and all in attendance are invited to stay as the church’s guests. At 1:30 p.m., the Taylors will share a concert of Christ-honoring music. A nursery is provided for the morning service.
Feel free to call the church office at 386-775-4320, or visit the website at www.openbiblebaptist.com for more information.
Honoring veterans of the Vietnam War
Vietnam War veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice will be honored at the Welcome Home Ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Colby Memorial Temple, 1112 Stevens St. in Cassadaga.
A bugler from Bugles Across America will sound taps. There will be lapel pins for Vietnam veterans and surviving spouses.
Call Cmdr. Diane Schmidt at 321-217-6699 or email to amagiangel@yahoo.com for more information.
Glenwood Presbyterian to display Christian artwork by Maritza Longtin
The artwork of Christian artist Maritza Longtin will be on display and available for sale at Glenwood Presbyterian Church, 3190 Grand Ave. in DeLand. The hours are noon-5 p.m. Friday, March 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 26, and 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 27.
The name of the exhibit is “Sus Promesas – His Promises.” You can view the art at Suspromesas.net.
‘Coins – They Paint a Picture!’
On Sunday, March 20, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, Pastor Michael Bodger will continue the churchwide exploration of Jill J. Duffield’s book Lent in Plain Sight with a sermon titled “Coins – They Paint a Picture!” Services are at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
“Give to the emperor what is the emperor’s and to God what is God’s,” found in Mark 12:13-17, astounds listeners to this seemingly paradoxical teaching by Jesus. During the tumultuous walk to Jerusalem prior to his trial, Herodians and Pharisees again seek to catch Jesus in hypocrisy by asking about priorities in life, as in the coinage of Caesar’s government.
Coins! Today we handle them a great deal; sometimes they pass through our hands on a daily basis, sometimes more often. How do these governmentally issued items speak to us when it comes to priorities in our lives?
The focus of Christ-followers too often leans on the first part, often not even considering the impactful question, What is God’s? So many “things” of life, including coins, intrude between us and God! Where do we place our ultimate loyalty?
Drive-Thru Food Distribution will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 19, with volunteers’ call at 8 a.m. First Pres will offer free boxes of food, each box holding a week’s supply, distributed by St. Andrew’s Society and Farm Share. Guided car lineup begins on West Pennsylvania Avenue and goes through the church’s parking lot.
First Pres has suspended the Saturday-evening outdoor contemporary worship for March and April, but hopes to resume this opportunity soon.
Finding God’s guidance in overcoming greed
First United Methodist Church of DeLand will be looking at “Greed” on Sunday, March 20, in the ongoing sermon series “The Seven Deadly Sins.”
“Greed is a fat demon with a small mouth and whatever you feed it is never enough.” – Janwillem van de Wetering
What good can be said of greed? It has left many men and women lonely, miserable and empty. It is a thing that never seems to be satisfied and, regardless of the quantity or quality gained, it leaves a prevailing sense of insufficiency.
Andy Stanley says of greed: “Greed is not a financial issue. It’s a heart issue.” That is why First United Methodist is examining this deadly sin this week. Members and guests will be looking for ways to find God’s guidance to help overcome greed.
Looking ahead to Easter, First Church will be hosting a special musical presentation at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3, in the Family Life Center. This will be a choral event composed of singers from various choirs in the area. It’s a free concert, but a love offering will be taken to benefit the work at The Bridge in DeLand.
First Church offices are open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call for more information at 386-734-5113.
The future of Unitarian Universalism and liberal religion
At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 20, a guest Unitarian Universalist minister will speak at First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand about the liberal religion and its future.
Those attending in person are encouraged to join 10:15-10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins. Masks are required at this time.
Zoom meetings for a repeat of last week’s program will also be at 10:30 a.m. This second chance meeting address for Sunday service is the same every week: 927 1881 9188 ID: https://zoom.us/i/92718819188
Unitarian Universalists are an open-minded, openhearted spiritual community where all are welcomed as everyone learns together.
The church may be contacted through www.uudeland.org to learn more.
1st Christian Church activities
The Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales brings the message to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, March 20. Special prayers are offered up during the service from the congregation and the Rev. Morales.
Charlaine Free is welcomed as the guest musician for March, April and May, with Donna Mozley as the song leader.
The Rev. Morales and elder Olga Palmer will offer Communion to all worshippers after the worship message.
The Disciple Women, under the leadership of President Sue Brague, will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, March 21, in the fellowship hall for some recreational activities. They have been serving each Monday to clean out closets and classrooms.
At 3:30 p.m. Mondays, the prayer group meets in the church library and welcomes those who have prayer requests. Other requests come from the church service or may be emailed to tgartside@cfl.rr.com.
Sue Brague and Dr. Janet Raney represented the church at the Senior Retreat in Silver Springs.
Dr. Raney, chairwoman of the church board, is available 10 a.m.-noon each Wednesday in the church office to meet with members and nonmembers about any personal or church concerns.
Marge Jones continues the Watercolor Painting Class 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays through April. To register, call the church office at 386-734-0677.
Life Line Screening will be at First Christian 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, March 24. Appointments can be scheduled online.
Bingo will be played at 7 p.m. Friday, March 25, in the fellowship hall.
‘Ostara’
Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The title of the March 20 service is “Ostara.”
The embers from Brigid’s Imbolc fires have cooled, and Ostara is upon us. This Sunday, Minister Teresa Leary will explore the mythological, historical and spiritual meaning of the Spring Equinox.
Worship leader Judy Raymond will guide 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.
Mariachi Cobre in Concert
Emmaus Lutheran Church, at 2500 S. Volusia Ave. in Orange City, is hosting a special concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20. Mariachi Cobre, an 11-piece ensemble of violins, trumpets and guitars, will take the stage. The band performs regularly at EPCOT in Orlando. Masks will be required. Admission is by donation. Call 386-775-9676.
