For those who have lost a loved one and want/need guidance navigating through the various stages of grief, the DeBary-Orange City Seventh-day Adventist Church is offering a Grief Recovery Program 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Chaplain Manager Mack Vendome of AdventHealth Fish Memorial is the coordinator/speaker. The group is free and open to the public, with no RSVP necessary.
Multiplication
“… Everyone who has [talents — dollars] will be given more, and he will have an abundance.” (Matthew 25:29)
Gathered on the Mount of Olives, Jesus teaches his disciples this “Parable of the Talents.”
On Sunday, Nov. 19, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, Pastor Michael Bodger will teach listeners this lesson about God’s entrusting us with gifts.
It stands as a “given” that people have the faithful obligation to use the huge variety of gifts the Holy Spirit provides. Jesus is calling us to practice “multiplication” for the kingdom of God.
“There is action on our behalf and action on God’s behalf,” declares Pastor Bodger, as he asks if we remain actively faithful in using the entrusted gifts in our lives.
The congregation will meet for its One Service Sunday on Nov. 26, to recognize the liturgical Christ the King, Sunday. Also on that day, First Pres will enjoy the Advent Celebration for all ages. The monthly potluck lunch after the 10:30 a.m. service will offer a main course from the church kitchen and shared sides (potluck) from any voluntary members and visitors. (You can enjoy lunch whether or not you contribute!)
After lunch, join in the fun of Christmas crafting led by idea-filled members!
God’s Bathhouse will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, in the Mission Room courtyard.
Contact Mary Hoffmann or visit godsbathhouse.org for information on the God’s Bathhouse annual Dinner and Fundraiser 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Wayne G. Sanborn Activity Center in DeLand.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, the yearly “Hanging of the Greens” begins at 2 p.m. and concludes at 6 p.m. Volunteers use carefully planned directions to beautify the First Pres campus. Volunteers will have a pizza and salad party at the end of the hanging. Look for sign-up sheets or call/email/text Jean Burns, worship moderator and organizer extraordinaire.
At first Friday’s free Bingo Night on Dec. 1, folks of all ages will share a Christmas bingo holiday evening with spirited prizes and fellowship and snacks 7-8:30 p.m.
Also, the church offers Blue Christmas, a unique holiday service of love and remembrance, to commemorate a poignant aspect of the season. In the sanctuary at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, the service will offer warmth and loving devotion to remember lost loved ones.
‘Row Together’
“Grab An Oar” is the current sermon series at First Church DeLand. On Sunday, Nov. 19, Pastor Mark Bitner will deliver the sermon titled “Row Together.”
We are called to bring that boat to shore by working together. It takes a coordinated effort on all our parts to get the job done. What could be more fulfilling than to successfully accomplish a task by joining together, rowing in sync with the others, until we reach the shore? Look for ways to achieve this task. You’ll be glad you did.
Bible Study is at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. Pastor Mark is leading the study on Thessalonians, and a small group is continuing the Acts Bible study.
The Christmas Choir will perform at all three services Sunday, Dec. 3. Mark your calendars!
Bahá’ís to host exploration of spiritual tool of consultation
At noon Saturday, Nov. 18, area Bahá’ís will host Food for Body and Soul, a community potluck picnic, in the west pavilion of Freedom Playground in Bill Dreggors Park, 230 N. Stone St. in DeLand. The theme of the day will be the “spiritual tool of consultation.”
Consultation is a distinctive and unifying method of decision-making that is used by Bahá’ís to find agreement and unity in discussions of both ordinary and complex issues.
The Bahá’í writings say, “The heaven of divine wisdom is illumined with the two luminaries of consultation and compassion. Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.” Participants will share ideas on strengthening a conscious connection to God.
The public is invited to explore how the spiritual principles of consultation can light a peaceful path to agreement without conflict or stress.
1st Christian Church activities
The Rev. Carlos Perez of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, delivers his third message in the “Living Generosity” series Sunday, Nov. 19. “More Than the Gift” is the topic, based on Luke 18:9-14, with the contrast between the Pharisee and the tax collector. One exalts himself, while the other humbles himself and receives the gift of God’s mercy and grace.
Those who want to keep up with the service and may be away during the Thanksgiving holiday week are encouraged to follow the church on Facebook, First Christian Church – DeLand Disciples. The worship service can be watched live or later by clicking on the “video” tab or looking on the news feed.
Following the worship service is the annual Congregation Meeting led by David Cortes, Bill McIntyre, Kathy Porr and Sue Brague, with board Chair Paul Ashton presenting the 2024 budget.
Where have we come from; where are we now?
Dur ing the Sunday, Nov. 19, service at First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand, church member Stacy Eckert will go back more than 50 years to the origins of this church. Many of the elders, those who have gone before, will be honored as the congregation remembers the church’s history, and as everyone celebrates where that history has brought First UU today.
Eckert began attending UU churches when he was in college in Miami. He has been a member of this church for more than 30 years, having served on the board of directors in positions including president, vice president and secretary. For more than 30 years, he has practiced as an attorney here in DeLand. He lives in Lake Helen with his wife, Hedy.
— For church locations, worship times, group meetings and contact information, check out the Religion Directory on Page 2B. Send church news to margie@beacononlinenews.com.
