Winter Wonderland

Join Volusia Community Arts Symphony for a delightful concert with festive joy and enchantment! Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the holiday season at Winter Wonderland at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Stetson Baptist Church, 1025 W. Minnesota Ave. in DeLand. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Experience the joy of the holiday season with a live performance by talented local musicians spreading cheer through music.

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

This is a ticketed event and costs $20! Tickets must be purchased to enter. Reserved seats may be purchased at the door or through Eventbrite. Go to the www.volusiaarts.org events page for your online purchase.

Who is responsible for My Oil?

On Sunday, Nov. 12, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, the Rev. Casey Riker will guide everyone through the parable in Matthew 25 about the 10 bridesmaids, and we read, “When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” The focus here is not on what subsequently happened, but the initial decision to take the extra oil.

How often do we look to others to help us get through a situation or circumstance: How often do we step into other people’s situations and make decisions or help out, when the other person needed to make that decision themselves?

It’s a constant dilemma, but do we take responsibility ourselves when we need to or take responsibility away from others unnecessarily. Who is responsible for My Oil?

Please refer to the First Pres website (fpcdeland.org) and The Beacon’s Religion Directory for upcoming events, keeping in mind that the church office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, and on Friday, Nov. 24.

The entire church will come together to worship in one service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, followed by a potluck luncheon, and, to kick off the Advent Season, the Advent Celebration for all ages.

Please join the festivities. All are welcome!

‘Teach Us to Pray’

The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Nov. 12 service is titled “Teach Us to Pray.”

What if the posture with which we pray is as important as the words or tradition in which we pray? At the intersection of Judaism, Mysticism, and an emerging Christian practice, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. The Rev. Ben Collins explores what we might learn from the request, and the response.

Judy Raymond will facilitate the service. Everyone is welcome!

Upcoming events at Church of the Holy Presence

The following events are coming up at Church of the Holy Presence in DeLand: Taize Night (evening of contemplative singing and prayer) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; Movie Matinee: His Only Son, the story of Abraham and Isaac, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24; Because You Were Here (Grief Workshop) starting at 10 a.m. beginning Saturday, Jan. 6.

All events will be held at the church, 355 N. Kepler Road in DeLand.

‘Living Generously’

The Rev. Carlos Perez of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand is beginning a new sermon series, “Living Generously.” The Sunday, Nov. 12, offering is “Alive,” based on Acts 9:36-43. This is the Scripture of Dorcas, who had lived a very generous life. Blessed by Peter, she was restored to life after death.

The Proclamation Project of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), through a Lilly Endowment grant, is assisting bio-vocational pastors with research for sermon series relevant to the present times.

The Disciple Women will be setting up their Christmas Hall Market on Monday, Nov. 13. Shopping can be done before and after the worship service or 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 20-Dec. 18. Bill McIntyre will be taking orders at these same times for his famous “Kentucky” pumpkin pies. All proceeds benefit the church’s outreach programs.

Bingo in November will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 and 17, because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Kairos, a prison ministry, is the beneficiary for November.

The Disciple Men’s breakfast is at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Big Rig 2 restaurant. The breakfast will be over in enough time for those wanting to participate in or watch the Volusia County Veterans Day Parade in DeLand. Reservations for the breakfast are made by calling 386-734-6078.

Food and Donation Drive

People Loving People is hosting a Food and Donation Drive noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Cafe Da Vinci in Downtown DeLand. The family-friendly event will have music by deejay Pete Goldilla and singer Jessica Pope.

There will also be 50/50 drawings, yard games, balloons by Hannah the Clown, face painting, and hair tinsel by Brandi from Glow and Co.

Food from local restaurants will be served at 1 p.m. Attendees can either bring a box or bag with nonperishable food, infant supplies or individual care packages of hygiene items for men, women and children, and cold-weather items, or pay $15 at the door.

Proceeds will go to Visitation House, Family Renewal and Hope in a Box.

Beyond the sanctuary

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the building, the grounds, the budget, and the all-volunteer staff of First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand. Church members say, “Join us Nov. 12 as member Dave Gluch hosts ‘The Price Is Right’ game show highlighting costs and expenses that our whole community of members, and friends, funds with our annual pledge donations.”

There will be a Zoom meeting for the service part of the program. The ID — https://zoom.us/i/92718819188 — remains the same. 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.

Unitarian Universalists are an open-minded, freethinking, openhearted, spiritual community where all are welcomed, as everyone learns and explores together in a search for truth. If time allows, discussion may be included after every program.

Also on Nov. 12, the annual membership meeting will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall, followed by the meeting in the sanctuary. It is important to attend, because the church officers for 2024 will be elected at the meeting.

Members will be able to vote via Zoom.

Take a seat at the table

First Church DeLand has a new sermon series titled “Grab An Oar.” This Sunday, Nov. 12, Pastor Mark Bitner will deliver the sermon titled “Take a Seat.”

When we are asked to take a seat at a table, we anticipate something happening. We know we are about to learn something of value, or at least receive nourishment. But nourishment can come in a form besides food. We are called to pay attention to what is being said, to grow from the experience of listening, much like the disciples did. It can be surprising what we can learn if we are open to receive. So, listen carefully.

Bible Study is Wednesday, Nov. 15. Beginning at 6:15 p.m., Pastor Mark will lead the study on Thessalonians and a Small Group will continue the Acts Bible Study.

The Christmas Choir will perform at all three services on Sunday, Dec. 3. Please mark your calendars!

First Church DeLand’s traditional worship services are at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. The contemporary service is at 9:30 a.m. in the Life Enrichment Center. For those unable to attend in person, the services are streamed live at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Facebook at the First Church DeLand page or accessed through the website at Firstchurchdeland.org.

First Church DeLand offices are open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional information, contact the office at 386-734-5113.