The Rev. Sammy Robles Jr. returns to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand as guest minister for the 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, service.
First Christian welcomes the talented musician Barbara Polomsky as the new permanent pianist and organist. Donna Mozley leads the congregation in praise and traditional hymns.
Open Communion is offered by the elders at all worship services.
With the start of school, Dr. Janet Raney will direct the youth at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays whenever school is in session. Sue Brague will have dinner for them at 5:30 p.m.
The Disciple Men will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Daisy’s Diner in DeLand. Call Lee Gartside at 386-734-6078 to make a reservation.
The Disciple Women will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, in the fellowship hall, under the leadership of President Sue Brague.
The designated charity for August is HOPE (Helpers of People Enslaved). All golfers are encouraged to go on the HOPE website to register for the Saturday, Sept. 24, golf tournament at DeBary Country Club.
Essie Miller is the caller for August Bingo, at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 11 and 25, in the fellowship hall. Proceeds after expenses are designated for HOPE.
Prayer Partners meet at 3:30 p.m. every Monday, and welcome prayer requests at 386-734-6078, by the Sunday before.
Trinity United Methodist now worshipping in a new location
Trinity United Methodist Church of DeLand is on the move! The church has moved out of the Wisconsin Avenue location, and members and friends are now worshipping in a new place. Trinity United Methodist’s temporary home is at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, at 1401 W. New York Ave. The church office is also at this new location, and is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The First Christian Church community has been very welcoming, and members and friends appreciate all they have done for Trinity.
Trinity’s Journey Groups, choir, praise team, Family Ministries and more are still meeting.
You are welcomed to worship with Trinity’s members and friends at 9 a.m. Sundays, and to stay for Fellowship Hour after the service. Look for the Trinity United Methodist sign!
Exploring and celebrating the hallmarks of Unitarian Universalist theology
Coleen Summey, the president of First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand, will lead the worship service Sunday, Aug. 14. The subject is “Woven in a Single Garment of Destiny.” This worship service will explore and celebrate the hallmarks of Unitarian Universalist theology.
We’re all connected in an interdependent whole. Therefore, says UUA President the Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, “Covenant is our religious response to our fundamental interdependence.”
We make promises about how to “be” together, and how to “be” in the world. At times, we fall short of honoring those promises.
Now, Unitarian Universalists are inviting everyone to repair and strengthen the strands of community. The choice to mend broken strands of the web becomes an act of faithfulness.
Those attending in person are encouraged to join 10:15- 10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins at 10:30 a.m. Masks are discretionary, at this time.
The church’s services are live Zoomed, and all are invited to join the service, either in person or via the Zoom access at the same time as the in-person service. This is a work in progress to include anyone at home not ready to attend or unable to attend for any reason.
This Zoom Sunday service ID is the same every week: ID: https://zoom.us/i/92718819188. Feel free to contact the church for help in getting connected at www.uudeland.org.
Unitarian Universalists are an open-minded, freethinking, openhearted spiritual community where all are welcomed as all learn together. If time allows, discussion may be included after every presentation.
First Unitarian Universalist Church is committed to being a part of the community, and the congregation participates in helping Interfaith Kitchen, as well as other community projects.
Lay it all aside!
A reading of Hebrews 11:29-12:2, the focus of Pastor Michael Bodger’s sermon Sunday, Aug. 14, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, reveals an amazing explanation of the meaning and significance of faith.
At the 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, Pastor Bodger will review a “Faith Hall of Fame.” In Hebrews, the unknown writer brings forth “a great cloud of witnesses” to encourage believers to remain steadfast despite personal challenges encountered for the faith.
The list offers great encouragement but also cites situations we would want to steer well clear of. The historical witnesses brace us to “run with perseverance the race set before us.” The only way, however, we can do that involves laying “aside every weight and sin that clings so closely.”
What heaviness and sin weigh down our lives and those of others? Pastor Bodger will declare that, without faith, these hindrances result in fewer and fewer runners racing toward God’s promised salvation. What keeps us from worshipping the one true God? Lay it all aside, and focus instead on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith!”
To support students and teachers, First Pres services this Sunday will include the annual Back-to-School Blessings. Bring your backpacks, books or just yourselves to engage in this prayerful hope for a new school year.
The deadline for registering for the life-altering and rewarding Bethel Bible Study is nearing. In order to arrange for textbooks and to get preliminary details for the weekly class starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, contact Cathy Campbell at ccampbell@fpcstaff.org or call the church office if you wish to immerse yourself in understanding the Bible through this two-year study.
A Grief Support Group to help those who have suffered a loss and want to engage in a healing experience will begin 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24. If interested, call Alice Foerster in the church office, at 386-734- 6212, ext. 105.
‘The Word of God’
Words are a vital part of our daily lives, as we use them to communicate and interact with those around us. We use words to express our thoughts and our feelings, as well as our hopes and dreams for the future.
At First United Methodist Church of DeLand, the sermon series “Foundations” continues Sunday, Aug. 14, with a look at the power of the Word. This week’s sermon is “The Word of God.” Naturally, church members and friends believe the Bible is the written word of God, but also believe that God is the living Word. If you would like to learn more about the power of the Word, both written and living, plan to attend First United Methodist this Sunday.
In-person traditional worship services are at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, and there is an in-person contemporary worship service 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.
‘Awe’
You can journey into the wilderness online with Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation this summer in the 2022 Summer Sharing Series based upon exploring the “Inward Journey” (from Jan Phillips’ Visionary Thought Series).
This summer, the congregation is exploring the integration of mind, body and spirit.
This Sunday, Aug. 14, Mosaic’s roundtable-style services continue, with facilitator Sarah Mahler guiding everyone through a discussion about “Awe.” Behind everything is an unseen force that is deeply mysterious.
Reflection question for this Sunday: What kinds of experiences awaken awe in your life?
These services are designed to allow participants to share their thoughts if they choose to do so. Sharing is always voluntary; active listening is welcome too.
All are welcome. For more information on Mosaic, see the website at mosaicuuc.org. For instructions on how to join the virtual service, email mosaicuuc@gmail.com.
