Christmas Cookie Walk and Holiday Craft Fair
The annual Cookie Walk at First Congregational United Church of Christ Parish House, 107 N. Euclid Ave. in Lake Helen, will be Saturday, Dec. 2. The event starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until all the cookies are gone. A variety of sizes and shapes of containers will be available; each participant will receive a glove so they are able to fill the container with cookies of their choice. Containers are priced individually according to the volume they hold.
The annual Craft Fair will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. that same day, and will feature a wide variety of handcrafted items available for purchase in the Parish House and on the front porch. In addition to the tables with items by the church crafters, there will be three outside vendors this year. This is a great time to do some Christmas shopping or pick up a new item for your decorating.
Asian Thanksgiving celebrations and traditions
First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand welcomes Christopher Bell, Ph.D., an associate professor of religious studies at Stetson University specializing in Asian religions, as he speaks to the congregation on Sunday, Nov. 26, about Asian thanksgiving celebrations and traditions.
Bell received his Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and religions and his Master of Arts in religious studies from Florida State University, and his doctoral degree from the University of Virginia. His area of concentration has been in Tibetan and Buddhist studies.
‘Finish Strong’
The last sermon in the “Grab an Oar” series at First Church DeLand is “Finish Strong,” which Pastor Mark Bitner will deliver Sunday, Nov. 26.
We may not feel worthy, we may not feel strong, but we must remember that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
There are so many opportunities to get involved in First Church DeLand, including a Parish Nurse Ministry, Parents Night Out, a weekly grief group, the Christmas Choir, decorating for Christmas, and much more!
Bible Study is Wednesday, Nov. 29, 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 Sunday, Dec. 3. Mark your calendars!
BEACON PHOTO/MARSHA MCLAUGHLIN
1st Christian Church activities
The Rev. Carlos Perez of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand concludes his sermon series “Living Generously” on Sunday, Nov. 26, by referring to Isaiah 58:1-10.
Isaiah calls his people to oppose injustice and work to free people from oppression. The message is to us when we are called to not turn our backs on the vulnerable and be willing to fast, pray and tithe.
The Thanksgiving Offering will support HELM (Higher Education & Leadership Ministries). Because of this offering, 15 colleges and universities and seven seminaries and divinity houses are able to continue the mission of developing and nurturing Christian leaders who are transforming church, society and world.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m., Pastor Carlos invites all to discuss the “Living Generously” series in the church library.
The Disciple Women meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, to watch another part of The Chosen. After the film and discussion, there will be an opportunity to participate in the weekly prayer group.
The Christmas Market has been set up by the Disciple Women and is open to the public 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays or after worship until 1:30 p.m. Sundays, ending Dec. 31. Proceeds go to local charities.
Entrusted
First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, on Christ, the King, Sunday, Nov. 26, invites the community to its monthly Combined Service at 10:30 a.m. in the main sanctuary. This single service includes both praise and traditional music, with Holy Communion for all members and visitors.
Immediately following worship will be the monthly Potluck Lunch in the fellowship hall. The menu will include ham and sweet potatoes from the church kitchen, along with side dishes and desserts from volunteers. Whether or not you bring a dish to share, all are invited to share this meal.
Following the luncheon, First Pres will begin preparing for Jesus’ birth with the annual Advent Celebration. This event will spark a holiday spirit for you and family members.
With imaginative crafting organized for all ages, plan to stay and participate in this creative and informal time. First Pres will provide clear plans for fun crafts of various levels.
To conclude the series from the Book of Matthew, Pastor Michael Bodger will draw Sunday’s sermon from Matthew 25:31-46, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these … you did it to me.” (v 40)
We all want to know someone is looking out for us, caring for us; however, all people do not find such comfort. In the lesson, Jesus becomes quite personal. Pastor Bodger will note that Jesus exemplifies provisions that match needs: food for hunger, drink for thirst, invitation for a stranger, clothes for the clothes-less. Paramount to matching needs stands a willingness to involve in relationships — not merely having good intentions. God has entrusted us with caring for each other — spending time, “just as you did to the least of these.”
In the coming weeks, First Pres offers abundant opportunities for fellowship and mission and personal enrichment to prepare spiritually in Advent. Look for the distribution of the 2023 Advent Devotional soon!
This Saturday, Nov. 25, God’s Bathhouse, for the needy and homeless, will open at 9 a.m. in the courtyard, to provide showers, clean clothing and towels, manna bags and fellowship till 11 a.m.
Next Thursday, Nov. 30, will see volunteers busy from 2 to 6 p.m. with the “Hanging of the Greens.” The Worship Committee is hoping many people will help beautify the campus for Advent’s start Sunday, Dec. 3. Volunteers will be rewarded with a pizza dinner!
Looking ahead to Friday, Dec. 1, there will be free Friday Bingo with a Christmas theme and spirit.
From 6to7p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, the meaningful Blue Christmas Service will offer support to people for whom Christmas proves a poignant and difficult remembrance.
You’re asked to mark your calendars for the Chancel Choi r ’s Chr i s tmas Candlelight Evensong Sunday, Dec. 10. Come and listen to inspirational music to deepen and enrich this season.
‘Finding Thankfulness’
The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Nov. 26 service is titled “Finding Thankfulness.”
We all have times in our lives when it seems like there is nothing but evil in this world. We’ve all been there. Join Jess Delrie as she shares the ways she has found thankfulness, even among the darkness.
Teresa Leary will facilitate the service. Everyone is welcome!
Activities at Church of the Holy Presence
Church of the Holy Presence in DeLand is hosting several upcoming events:
A Taize Night will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. This is an evening of contemplative singing and prayer.
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) at 10 a.m. starting Saturday, Jan. 6.
The church is at 355 N. Kepler Road in DeLand.
— Send church news to margie@beacononlinenews.com.
