The congregation of Linaje Escogido Church in DeLeon Springs celebrated the completion of their new building Oct. 22 with a celebratory worship service, which was followed by an “Installation of the Cross Ceremony.” A new wooden cross was mounted high atop the church entrance, in an area the builder had specifically designed for it. Members and visitors then enjoyed an outdoor barbecue dinner with a special cake and dessert to commemorate this moment in history.

“This has been a long time coming, but God’s timing is always just right,” said Pastor Juan Mancilla. Pastor Juan’s wife, Lucy, agreed.

“Linaje Escogido started in 2000 when Orlando Cartagena began sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in our home, through Thursday Bible studies. This led to Sunday services, where people continued to come listen to the Word of God. As we grew in members our church moved to a rented location. Then, we began meeting outdoors on the property at 495 Ponce DeLeon Blvd. God put it in our hearts to build this church in 2009, and here we are, all these years later, with his vision to us fulfilled, to his glory,” said Lucy Mancilla.

Linaje Escogido’s services are in English and Spanish, and everyone is welcome to attend. Sunday worship services begin at 11:15 a.m. Midweek services are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

The church continues to host AA meetings every week at 8 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit the church’s Facebook page or contact Pastor Juan at cuttingteam@yahoo.com or Lucy at 386-748-4295.

1st Christian Church activities

The Rev. Carlos Perez brings the message to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, with assistance from musician Barbara Polomsky and song leader Donna Mozley. John Parrish frequently assists them on his violin.

Brenda Morales directs the elders each Sunday to provide open Communion to all present.

During the week, the congregation is involved in various activities. On Monday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m., the Disciple Women are presenting yoga chair exercises to all who are interested. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a team is hosting the evening meal at The Bridge at 5 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 10, the Disciple Women invite everyone to bingo at 7 p.m., with proceeds after expenses going to the Kairos prison ministry for women.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, representatives of the Disciple Women will be attending the Florida Disciple Women’s Fall Retreat at The Retreat at Silver Springs.

Also on Nov. 10, at 8 a.m., the Disciple Men will have breakfast at Big Rig II. Those wanting a reservation should call 386-734-6078.

Patriotic Rosary

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona will have a Patriotic Rosary recited at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. This tribute celebrates the United States of America.

Each state will be presented by a member in the various ministries at the church. All are welcome!

‘Let’s Say Gay!’

The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Nov. 5 service is titled “Let’s Say Gay!”

With continuing attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in Florida, the church believes that “we, as people of a progressive faith, need to be bold and state clearly that we say gay!”

The Rev. Tracie Barrett will lead everyone in an exploration of this topic, and Jane Bradford will facilitate the service. Everyone is welcome!

Church participation explained

First Church DeLand’s new sermon series is titled “Grab an Oar.” Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, you probably didn’t contribute anything during your time onboard. What you did was relax, eat, play games, eat and eat some more.

But if you were on a rowboat, you would have grabbed an oar. You would have participated in steering that boat from one place to the next. If it rained, you were there. If the sun was out, you tanned.

Pastor Mark Bitner will explain on Sunday, Nov. 5, how important participation is in our church community.

Bible study resumed at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1. Pastor Mark is leading a study on Thessalonians, and a small group is continuing the Acts Bible study.

New Light Church is on the move!

New Light Church announces its upcoming arrival to the campus of Discovery Academy, a faith-based elementary school that is on the former site of the Duvall Home, which has taken in and cared for disabled children and adults for many years.

The first Sunday will be announced on the church website in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Worship services will be at 10 a.m. Sundays in the St. Francis Chapel.

New Light is a multi-denominational fellowship that is conservative in its theology. Service music is a mix of contemporary and traditional music.

Pastor Dr. Richard (Rick) Chandler is a retired minister from a major denomination, but God was not finished with him yet. He preaches from the Bible and relates the Scriptures with current events in the world and in our individual lives.

The St. Francis Chapel is a beautiful facility in which to worship and learn more about the Christian faith.

The new address is 3395 Grand Ave. in DeLand. Call 386-801-7979 with questions.