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Check out My Bible First and Starting With Jesus, two child-focused ministries by which families and churches around the world are being positively impacted.
A workshop will be at 11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at DeBary-Orange City Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2535 S. Volusia Ave. in Orange City.
Topics will include “Raising Children in Today’s Culture,” “Mentoring Disciples: The Church’s Role” and “Parenting Tips From Amy and Michael.”
The workshop is free, and there is no need to RSVP. Free child care is available for infants up to age 8.
Questions? Call 580-618- 2894.
God is in control!
The sermon series “Broken? There’s Good News!” will culminate Sunday, Aug. 20, with a final and resounding message, that “God is in control!”
As carefully crafted by Associate Pastor Cassandra Riker and Senior Pastor Michael Bodger, the series has illuminated our brokenness and revealed the radiant joy of God’s grace by exploring the Book of Romans, Chapters 8-11.
Derived from Jessica Miller Kelley’s A Preacher’s Guide to Lectionary Sermon Series, the series will end on this lesson exploring Romans 11. Pastor Riker will reflect on the lessons and their meaning for us, and she said, “We have identified our brokenness, and although we have pain in healing, no amount of fracture can take us away from God. He loves us anyway and will restore us through His grace.”
The famous Japanese art form Kintsugi involves fixing broken pottery by fusing fragments together with gold. What a beautiful way to celebrate those imperfections to make something more beautiful through its restoration!
Similarly, God, who remains in control, lovingly restores us through our brokenness. We, however, become new, made into a believer a little different and more precious to God!
The Presbyterian Women will resume their meetings in September through a cluster of circles. This new season of fellowship, Bible study and mission will explore living lives in Christ through The Horizon’s Study, Sacred Encounters: The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ in Luke – Acts. Contact the church office to inquire about joining one of the six circles with varied meeting times and places.
The full music program of First Pres resumes with rehearsals for the Handbell Choir 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the sanctuary. The Praise Band meets 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, and the Chancel Choir meets 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. These groups are welcoming new musicians!
Summer Vacation Bunco Party
Just a reminder that the St. Ann’s Council of Catholic Women is hosting a Summer Vacation Bunco Party beginning at noon Wednesday, Aug. 23, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 26 Dogwood Trail in DeBary. There will also be baskets to raffle and a 50/50 drawing.
Tickets cost $15 and include hot dogs, beverages and desserts. Tickets will be sold after Masses and at the parish office. All proceeds will benefit the charities supported by the Council of Catholic Women.
Don’t forget to wear your favorite vacation shirt!
Call 386-668-1417 or 386-668-8270 for more information.
‘Imagine More Hope’
The Rev. Carlos Perez, of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, has started a series “Imagine More” for the Sunday 10:45 a.m. worship service. The sermon for Sunday, Aug. 20, is “Imagine More Hope,” based on Hebrews 10:23-25.
The Rev. Perez said, “We must embrace our hope in Jesus Christ while considering one another in order to stir up love and good works. Our hope in Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, High Priest, Salvation and Mediator, gives us strength to endure, to love, to step out in faith.”
Nancy Jones and Dorothy Ashton administer the prayers for the Communion offered to all in attendance. Barbara Polomsky and Donna Mozley provide inspirational music for the service.
Prior to the service, beverages and pastries are offered to all from 10:20 a.m. till service time.
A modified worship service takes place at 8:15 a.m. Sundays in the foyer by the kitchen with Janet Raney.
Prayers are offered up every Monday at 3:30 p.m. in the church library. Some prayers come from the worship services; others are requested by friends of the congregants.
Bingo is at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, in the church fellowship hall, with Essie Miller as the caller. Proceeds after expenses in July and August are given to a local veterans organization.
‘Comfort for the Soul: Fulfillment Through Adventure’
At 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, Caitlin White will provide the presentation “Comfort for the Soul: Fulfillment Through Adventure” at Collective Church in the social hall of First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia, at 116 S. Clara Ave. in DeLand.
White will talk about her adventures, the benefits of adventure and travel, and suggestions of adventures for others.
A discussion of the subject will follow the presentation.
Pathway class at Mosaic Unitarian Universalist
The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Aug. 20 service is titled “Pathway: Part I.”
In the last two services of the summer season, the congregation will offer its “Pathway” class as a two-part series of Sunday services. Part I will include a brief history of Unitarianism and Universalism and how they merged to become a single denomination, how Mosaic UUC came to be, and an overview of how the UUA and Mosaic are led and governed.
Additionally, some time is taken in this class to learn about each participant’s spiritual background. 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.
Tracy Lunquist will facilitate the service. Everyone is welcome!
For information on Mosaic, see the website at https://mosaicuuc.org. For instructions on how to join the virtual service, email mosaicuuc@gmail.com.
‘On a John Deere With Steve Martin and Other Radio Stories’
Mel Browning, a member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand, will present “On a John Deere With Steve Martin and Other Radio Stories” at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Aug. 20.Never one to let the truth get in the way of a good story, there are a couple of true stories about life inside a rock radio station, impersonating a doctor, and defending the most nowhere place in America.
There will be a Zoom meeting for the service part of the program. The ID is https://zoom.us/i/92718819188. Contact the church for help in getting connected at www.uudeland.org before Sunday’s worship time.
Individuals are encouraged to sign on by 10:20 a.m. or 10:25 a.m. to make sure they are on board. Those attending in person are encouraged to arrive between 10:15 a.m. and 10:25 a.m. for greetings before the service begins.
‘Why Didn’t God Answer My Prayer?’
At the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. traditional worship services and the 9:30 a.m. contemporary service Sunday, Aug. 20, at First Church DeLand, a Global Methodist Church, a new series “Ever Wonder Why?” will begin. Pastor Mark Bitner will address a common question: “Why Didn’t God Answer My Prayer?”
Oftentimes, we pray with a singular focus. But God always knows more than us. He sees beyond our limited vision and has an even better plan for our life or for the one we are praying for. We are asked to have faith that all is in the right order, that God has a plan. He will provide at the perfect time, in the perfect way. God just asks that we have faith.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Contemporary Worship Band will lead everyone in a night of continuous worship from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. From singing to “spoken word” moments to prayer stations around the room, this evening is designed for people to come and go as they please. This is a chance for refueling the soul and an encounter with God. Come as you are, and leave renewed.
For more information, call 386-734-5113.
