Spiritual Side: Celebrate Pentecost Sunday, May 28, at First Christian Church

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Spiritual Side: Celebrate Pentecost Sunday, May 28, at First Christian Church

Pentecost Sunday will be celebrated at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand at the 10:45 a.m. service, Sunday, May 28. Pentecost is 50 days after Easter, and is considered the birthday of the church.

Jesus had instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem. They and other followers were gathered in one place when wind and fire descended upon them and they were able to speak in other languages, giving them confidence to spread the Gospel around the world.

On that day, 3,000 people were baptized, which began the church. Those attending First Christian May 28 are invited to wear red commemorating Pentecost and the birthday of the church.

The service will be led by the Rev. Carlos Perez, with the sermon “Filled,” based on Acts 2:1-13.

Eddie Wachter and Dorothy Ashton will lead the prayers for Communion, with all invited to receive the elements.

Baptisms may be included as part of the service. Some of the offering is dedicated to Pentecost and the building of new churches.

The 8:15 a.m. informal service meets as always in the kitchen foyer led by Dr. Janet Raney. After the 10:45 a.m. service, Bill McIntyre has invited friends and members to a luncheon in the fellowship hall that will include a birthday cake for the church. On Monday, May 29, the church office is closed for Memorial Day, but the prayer group will gather as usual at 3:30 p.m.

Family game night

Trinity United Methodist Church will host a Family Game Night 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 2. It will be for those age 5 and older. There is no need to bring anything – just be ready for fun!

Can’t make it? It will take place again June 16, June 30, July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4.

Trinity is now housed at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, at 1401 W. New York Ave.

Have questions or need more information? Call 386-734-4425. Hope to see you there!

Was Jesus the first Universalist?

First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand welcomes Pastor Ben Collins to present his talk on “Jesus and Universalism” at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 28, service.

Collins is a spiritual entrepreneur, who has done innovative work in the United Methodist Church, as well as consulting beyond denominational frameworks. He has founded multiple congregations, most recently Collective Church, and continues reimagining the future of a holistic, spiritual community.

He is passionate about religious pluralism, diversity, inclusion, and issues of social justice.

Collins states that in the book Jesus Before Christianity, Albert Nolan explores Jesus as a person before all the loaded religious hype, assumptions, power and money. Who was this man, prophet, healer, teacher, revolutionary? Gandhi knew Jesus wasn’t to blame for what Christians did in his name. But after all the harm done, theology sold out to power and greed, the dismal credibility of the evangelical church, and rapidly deteriorating trust, attendance and financial support for “church” (Modern Christianity) in the West.

Collins asks, Who is Jesus to those of us who still seek? Jesus for the nonreligious? Jesus for the religiously unaffiliated? Jesus for the “nones and dones”? Maybe Jesus was never meant to be the hero of another brand campaign, but a humble guide into the questions worth asking, the life worth living, and the beloved community with whom to share it all.

Services are Zoomed as well. The service ID is the same every week: https://zoom.us/i/92718819188. For help getting connected, go to www.uudeland.org before Sunday’s worship time.

First Church DeLand saying farewell to longtime pastor

It is with prayers for blessings and hearts of gratitude that the congregation of First Church DeLand will be saying farewell to Pastor Owen Stricklin at his final service Sunday, May 28. Pastor Stricklin has been with the church for more than 24 years, and in that time, he has touched so many lives and encouraged so many hearts.

As the sermon series “Famous Last Words” concludes, the subject “The Breath of God” will be examined. We all need to know, feel and experience God’s presence, His touch and His breath in our lives each day.

Come and celebrate as we say thank you and goodbye and offer well wishes to the Stricklins as they begin their new journey into retirement, and as we all experience God’s breath and presence together.

Summer is approaching quickly, and soon school will be out. Registrations are being accepted for this year’s Vacation Bible School. The theme is “Stellar ‘Shine Jesus Shine.’” Pick up a registration form at the church office, or register a child, age 4 (by June 26) through fifth grade, online on the website at http://firstchurchdeland.org. VBS will be 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, June 26-30.

Call the church office at 386-734-5113 for more information.

New associate pastor to speak

On Sunday, May 28, First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will hear the first sermon from newly called Associate Pastor the Rev. Casey Riker. She will speak about the biblical words of Jesus in Matthew, Chapter 19, which state that the things that are impossible are possible through Christ. This is something Christians find comfort in. When faced with something big or scary, we can rest in knowing that if what we are doing is God’s will, we will be protected.

This is an idea that is easier said than done. It is easy to know and say that God is on our side, but when faced with the impossible our confidence may dwindle.

In Acts, Chapter 2, we read about those who witnessed the impossible: the moment the Holy Spirit ascended on God’s people. This was an incredible scene; so much was going on that it seemed a bit scary. But that is God for you. God’s power can be so intense that it is frightening to witness.

This Sunday, the Rev. Casey will go into more detail of this intense scene, but the message is clear. We do not need to fear, we must embrace the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us to do the work of God!

Please note that on May 28, First Pres continues the tradition of one worship service at 10:30 a.m. Everyone worships together on the last Sunday of each month and then gathers in fellowship following worship for a potluck luncheon. Bring a side dish or dessert to share, or just come and enjoy worship and fellowship! Reach out and invite a friend!

Upcoming June events at First Pres include free bingo for all ages 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, June 2. Snacks will be served ,and the prizes will be fun! Community-friendly, bring a friend!

Also on Friday, June 2, the church will celebrate its 141st year in the DeLand community.

‘Burnout and Social Justice’

The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist continues to meet online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The May 28 service is titled “Burnout and Social Justice.”

Burnout, defined as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation (usually because of prolonged stress or frustration), is a common buzzword tossed around by armchair psychologists. But what does it really mean for people, and how can we work through it to be more active in our social-justice work and other aspects of our lives?

Join Deanna Leary as she explores common misconceptions, common culprits, and practical solutions. Together, everyone can recover and work together to do the work that will facilitate service. Everyone is welcome!

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

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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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