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The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is excited to announce the return of the extremely popular and long-anticipated Mediums’ Night! Fifteen-minute mini-readings by certified camp mediums will cost $25, and mini-readings by advanced student mediums will cost $15. Tickets are not sold online; they are only sold in person at the bookstore.

These Mediums’ Nights will once again take place 7-9 p.m. every first Monday of the month at the Andrew Jackson Davis Educational Building/ Bookstore, 1112 Stevens St.

This is a very popular event, so priority numbers are given out at the bookstore on a first-come, first-served basis, and tickets are sold starting at 5:30 p.m. There is limited availability. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to choose your medium and time. The mini-readings start at 7 p.m.

You can check out many other events online at www.Cassadaga.org, where you can preregister for tours, workshops and other events.

Handling the word of truth

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and one who handles the word of truth” Paul instructs Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:8- 12, in a letter written to offset false teachings prevalent in the church at Ephesus.

At the three services at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, on Sunday, Oct. 9, Pastor Michael Bodger will continue his sermon series based on the significant tutorial Paul shares with Timothy. Check out times and other details in The Beacon’s Religion Directory.

The topic of truth, central to this reading, concerns Paul, as he advises Timothy to guide the followers in Ephesus toward “The Word of Truth.” False teachers are portraying an erroneous view of Christ. In that day, some proposed that Christ be considered divine but not human. More likely, today’s prevaricators declare Christ human but not divine. Regardless, either view stands flawed!

The modern church, finding itself entwined in various deceptions, can learn from this Scripture. Paul reminds Timothy that Christ was “raised from the dead [fully God], descended from David [fully human].” Paul acknowledges that he suffers in chains like a criminal, “But God’s word is not chained.”

Simply put, Paul warns Timothy to avoid quarreling about words, which can ruinously distract from the value of Christ’s Truth. Instead, Paul charges him to keep reminding the people of the Word of Truth: Christ exists fully human and fully divine!

First Pres has a variety of classes and studies for members and visitors on Sundays and throughout the week. Inquirers are encouraged to learn about the church’s volunteer musicians, Sleeping and Manna Bag Workshops, the Community Garden, and Presbyterian Women’s Circles.

At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, the Presbyterian Women’s Circles will have their annual Dedication of Thanks Offering Brunch and Meeting and Dedication Service. Alice Foerster will speak about the church’s care ministries. Admission costs $5, and reservations can be made through the church office.

Free Bingo Night for children and adults is 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the fellowship hall.

God’s Bathhouse is 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the First Pres pavilion, with fellowship, showers, fresh clothing, and hygiene kits for needy folks.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, the newly named “Joy Group,” an active single-women’s group, has its October gathering at Sparrow’s Grille in Victoria Park. A car pool that will head over there will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. Reserve a spot with Alice at 386-734-6212.

Save the date! On Saturday, Oct. 15, there will be a Drive-Thru Food Distribution beginning at 8:30 a.m.! By about 10:30 a.m., volunteers will complete giving away food to more than 300 hungry families in West Volusia. First Pres needs volunteers!

The community is invited to join First Pres’s journey to remain Christ’s hands, feet and eyes in this world!

Monday Munchers

At noon Monday, Oct. 10, the Monday Munchers meet at Community United Methodist Church, 41 W. Highbanks Road in DeBary. This is a seniors’ potluck lunch, with entertainment by Shirley Biadner, who will entertain with Christian music.

Bring a dish to share and your own eating utensils. Also, feel free to bring a friend to enjoy the event. Admission is free. Call 386-218-4047.

‘A Cornerstone of Brick’

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation, while not meeting face to face, is meeting online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Oct. 9 service is titled “A Cornerstone of Brick.”

Fifty-three years after the riot at Stonewall Inn that catapulted LGBTQIA+ rights into social consciousness, the conversations around queer identity are alive and well. What does it mean to be a part of the community today? When should we fight fitting in?

You’re encouraged to join Deanna Leary Oct. 9, as she sheds new light onto a flame that’s burned for more than half a century.

Worship leader Teresa Leary will guide everyone through the service.

Everyone is welcome!

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

Mary Allen to speak at 1st Unitarian Universalist Church

On Sunday, Oct. 9, First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand will host Mary Allen, executive director of the African American Museum of the Arts. She will present a program about some of the history and work of African American artists, highlighting some of the challenges and joy in the artists’ experience, as well as what is happening currently at the museum. The AAMA is a not-for-profit arts facility dedicated to promoting multicultural artistic excellence and educational, historical and cultural opportunities to all ages.

Those attending in person are encouraged to arrive by 10:15 a.m. for greetings before the 10:30 a.m. service begins. Masks are discretionary but encouraged at this time.

Congregants will gather after the service for a social hour to share coffee, tea and conversation.

Services are also live-Zoomed, and all are invited. The Zoom Sunday-service ID is the same every week: https://zoom.us/i/92718819188. Feel free to contact the church for help in getting connected at www.uudeland.org.

For information about groups, attendance and church activities, visit the website at www.uudeland.org.

‘The Table Before Us’

Fall is here, even if on some days the temperature still feels like summer. The pumpkins have arrived at First United Methodist Church of DeLand, and the Pumpkin Patch is open. The Fall Festival is just around the corner, and church members are busy planning for an exciting day of family fun. And each week, families meet for fellowship and to worship together at First United Methodist.

This week, Sunday, Oct. 9, in the sermon series “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table,” the topic will be “The Table Before Us.”

God has promised to prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Have you ever wondered what your table might look like?

In-person traditional worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. A contemporary worship service is 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.

Don’t forget that the Pumpkin Patch is open now through Oct. 31. The hours of operation are noon-7 p.m. Sundays, and 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. There are pumpkins of all sizes.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the church will host its Fall Festival from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. This will be a great day for family fun. There will be games, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, a train, food and more. Admission is free, with activity tickets on sale in advance through the church office at four for $1, with the fifth one free. On the day of the event, they will be four for $1. There will be a redemption center with prizes for the tokens won playing the various games. You’re encouraged to mark your calendars and make plans to be a part of this fun fall event. There will also be photo ops in the Pumpkin Patch.

Call the office at 386-734-5113 for additional information.

1st Christian Church activities

The Rev. Patreza Newton returns to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand as the guest minister for the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 9. Sue Brague is the greeter of the day, in addition to serving coffee and pastries for a fellowship time before the service begins.

Kathy Porr welcomes all to the worship service. Barbara Polomsky, church musician, provides special music during the service and is frequently accompanied by John Parrish on the violin. Donna Mozley is the song leader throughout the service.

First Christian offers open Communion and celebration of the Lord’s Supper to all believers at each service.

On Sunday, Nov. 6, the Rev. Carlos Perez will be welcomed as the new senior minister, with a special dinner following that service.

The “Song of Moses” from Deuteronomy 32 is the study for the 9:30 a.m. adult Sunday-school class in the church library on Oct. 9. The class is open to all adults.

The Disciple Men will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Daisy’s Diner, 915 N. Spring Garden Ave. in DeLand. Call Lee Gartside at 386-734-6078 for reservations.

Essie Miller is the caller for Disciple Bingo beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, in the church fellowship hall. In October, proceeds after expenses go to Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary in DeLand.

When school is in session, the Disciple Youth meet with Dr. Janet Raney and Sue Brague at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays for dinner and a program.

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Margie Dykes
Raised in Miami Beach, Margie moved to DeLand after graduating from Florida State University. She has a master's degree in community mental-health counseling, and retired after 12 years in substance-abuse treatment. Having worked at the DeLand Sun News during the 1980s, Margie came to The Beacon in 2002 in search of a second career. She helps the reporters; compiles obituaries, the calendar of events and religion news; and deals with a mountain of emails each day. Margie is the proud Nana to two grandchildren, Sophia and Alex.

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