The DeLand Quakers are collecting Black history books to give away to children at the Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 17, at Earl Brown Park. The group will also be selling copies of Dr. Marvin Dunn’s Florida History Through Black Eyes.
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, commemorates the day (June 19) when word reached Texas of the Emancipation Proclamation and the last slaves in the U.S. were finally freed.
Call 386-337-5204 for instructions on where to drop off the books.
DeLand Quakers meet at 10 a.m. Sundays at the DeLand Garden Club in Earl Brown Park. Everyone — regardless of age, gender, skin color and ethnicity — is welcome to join them. Visit the website at www.delandquakers.org for information on Quaker history and beliefs.
Bahá’ís to host picnic in the park
On Saturday, May 20, at noon, area Bahá’ís will host “Food for Body and Soul,” a community potluck “Picnic in the Park.” Interfaith inspirational readings, prayers and an activity around the theme of “Humanity — Flowers of One Garden” will follow lunch.
Among the teachings on the oneness of humanity in the Bahá’í writings is, “In the realm of existence, colors are of no importance. In the vegetable kingdom, the colors of multicolored flowers are not the cause of discord. Rather,
colors are the cause of the adornment of the garden, because a single color has no appeal. But when you observe many-colored flowers, there is charm and display.
“The world of humanity, too, is like a garden, and humankind is like the many colored flowers. Therefore, different colors constitute an adornment.”
Participants in the May 20 picnic are invited to bring their favorite scriptures, treasured verses and poetry about human unity to share as everyone explores the ideal together.
Participants will gather in the west pavilion in Freedom Playground in Bill Dreggors Park, 230 N. Stone St. in DeLand. The Food for Body and Soul picnic takes place in this location on third Saturdays throughout the year. All are welcome.
Men’s Group Cookout
Lake Helen Methodist Church welcomes all men age 18 and older to its Men’s Group Cookout at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20. A steak dinner and fellowship are offered.
Tickets are now available at $15 per person. Call Angelo Rotondo at 386-473-9166 to purchase tickets.
1st Christian Church activities
On Sunday, May 21, at 10:45 a.m., the Rev. Carlos Perez of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand will continue his series on “Witnesses.” This Sunday, the sermon is based on Acts 1:1-11.
In that Scripture, the Disciples are still hopeful that Jesus will overthrow the Romans. They are witnesses to the ascension and now must get to work building the new church. The Spirit will assist them. Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem not dwelling on an overthrow of the Romans.
As part of the worship service, a Pentecost offering is taken up for the Disciple New Church Ministry. This offering is for development in the local region as well as other parts of the country.
Brenda Velazquez-Morales and Dr. Fernando Morales offer the prayers for all to participate in the weekly Communion, open to all believing in Jesus Christ. Kathy Porr does the congregational welcome, Olga Palmer greets at the front door, and Sue Brague provides the welcome fellowship time at 10:20 a.m.
Dr. Janet Raney conducts an abbreviated service at 8:15 a.m. each Sunday in the kitchen foyer.
Prayer is available at 3:30 p.m. each Monday in the church library. Bingo will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, in the church fellowship hall; proceeds after expenses benefit Temple Learning Center Summer Camp.
‘The Power From Within’
Life brings with it ups and downs, and we all know that the struggles are real. No one is immune, and the longer we live, the more struggles we face.
Oprah Winfrey put it this way: “Where there is no struggle there is no strength.”
As we approach Pastor Owen Stricklin’s retirement at the end of this month, First Church DeLand is in a sermon series titled “Famous Last Words.” This week’s focus will be on the topic “The Power From Within.”
Bob Marley said, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”
Members and friends of First Church DeLand believe that we must rely on God’s presence within us to help us face and overcome the challenges of our lives. This Sunday, everyone will explore how to be more effective in this endeavor.
As Bruce Lee said, “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”
Summer is approaching quickly, and soon school will be out. First Church DeLand is already accepting registrations for this year’s Vacation Bible School. This year’s theme will be “Stellar ‘Shine Jesus Shine.’” Pick up a registration form at the church office, or register your child, who must be age 4 by June 26, through fifth grade online on the church’s website. Vacation Bible School will be 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday, June 26-29.
Call the church office with questions at 386-734-5113.
Flower Communion
The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The May 21 service is titled “Always Flowers: A Century of the Flower Communion.”
You’re encouraged to join in for the history of and celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Flower Communion ritual, which is being celebrated this year in UU congregations around the world. Please bring flowers with you to this virtual service — either purchased or from your own garden — to contribute to the ritual. Everyone is welcome!
For information on Mosaic, see the website at https://mosaicuuc.org. For instructions on how to join the virtual service, email to mosaicuuc@gmail.com.
‘What is Stoicism?’ A First Lesson
First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand welcomes Nancy Jacobsen, a DeLand marriage and family therapist, to introduce her exploration of “What is Stoicism?”
Jacobsen will explore stoicism as a tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, perseverance and wisdom. This would be something someone might use to live a great life.
All are welcome to join in an interactive introduction (or simple reminder) of the four virtues of stoicism and this ancient, yet relevant, belief system.
Don’t be surprised!
This Sunday, May 21, Pastor Michael Bodger of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will be talking about the fact that things come against us in life.
Peter says it this way: “Don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place amongst you.” Peter is specific though: It’s when we are doing work for the Lord!
The enemy prowls around, and if the enemy finds nothing threatening, then you can expect things to go well. On the other hand, because we are engaging in Kingdom work, then we become a threat!
“Don’t be surprised.” The attacks can come in all sorts of ways, big and small. They’ll break into relationships; they’ll steal the joy in moments of celebration; small decisions and actions will go against us. When these things happen, “be glad and shout for joy … cast all your anxiety upon the Lord.”
As Paul tells the Ephesians, “Do not let the enemy get a foothold.”
At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, the Fourth Wednesday Cookout will take place. Come to the pavilion behind the church for hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and water (provided). Bring a side dish or dessert to share if you like.
The next two dates for God’s Bathhouse serving the public on First Presbyterian Church property are Saturdays, May 27 and June 10. Look for the bathhouse in the courtyard area at 9 a.m. For more information about the mission of God’s Bathhouse, visit godsbathhouse.org.
All of First Pres’s worship service times and church office information are listed on The Beacon’s Religion Directory page. Other information about activities and events at First Pres may be found on the website at fpcdeland.org.
Reach out and invite a friend to church this Sunday!
