The Gift of Christmas, a contemporary Christian cantata, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Athens Theatre in DeLand as a fundraiser for the Flagler Playhouse.

The Flagler Playhouse in Bunnell has been a staple for the performing arts in Flagler County since 1978. The main building of the playhouse suffered a catastrophic fire Oct. 29, where much of the property and contents were irreparably damaged.

A fundraising campaign has kicked off to rebuild the destroyed property. Find more information on how you can help at www.FlaglerPlayhouse.org.

The Gift of Christmas tells the story of the birth of Christ through song and narration. A collection of beautifully arranged music by choral composer Phil Barfoot will feature performers, friends and family of the Flagler Playhouse, under the direction of Terri Williams.

Tickets to the performance cost $45 for preferred reserved seating (first six rows orchestra, and two rows center balcony); $40 for general reserved seating; and $10 for students. A $4-per-ticket processing charge and 6.5-percent sales tax will be added to each purchase.

Beginning the Advent season

The Rev. Carlos Perez welcomes all to start the Advent season at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand Sunday, Dec. 3. The first candle of Advent will be lit, and Advent music will be played by musician Barbara Polomsky and Donna Mozley as the song leader.

A very special part of the service is the Music Makers Advent season presentation directed by Conya Hartman.

Every worship service includes the Lord’s Supper with Brenda Morales directing the various elders to pray over the elements. Disciples cherish this devoted part of worship.

The Disciple Women have a Christmas Market with items available for a donation fee. Karen Robbins has gifted Disciple Women with five baskets as a silent auction in the Christmas Market. All the proceeds are given to community charities and children’s camp scholarships. The market is open before and after the 10:45 a.m. worship service; from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, and 6:30 p.m. on bingo nights Fridays, Dec. 8 and 22. The market closes Sunday, Dec. 31.

‘Signs of Christmas’ at First Church DeLand

“Signs of Christmas” is the new sermon series for the holidays at First Church DeLand. On Sunday, Dec. 3, there will be a Christmas program in which the Christmas Choir will delight the audience with beautiful vocals at all three services. This is the perfect way to begin the holiday season.

Also on Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m., the church will host a Family Movie Night in the Life Enrichment Center.

There are so many opportunities to get involved at First Church DeLand. There are a Parish Nurse Ministry, Parents Night Out, a weekly grief group, the Christmas Choir, decorating for Christmas, and much more!

Bible Study continues Wednesday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6:15 p.m. Pastor Mark Bitner will lead the study on Thessalonians, and a small group will continue the Acts Bible study.

The end of the world as we know it!

On Sunday, Dec. 3, First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent, meaning the coming of Christ — his birth in Bethlehem. Liturgical churches traditionally observe Advent by devoting the weeks prior to Christmas Eve preparing spiritually for that event.

Experience Advent with First Pres as Pastor Michael Bodger embarks on a six-week sermon journey exploring “Where We Belong.” The series will present the “obvious and surprising with some places in between,” hints Pastor Bodger.

Taking the tactic of reading the end of a book first (yes, those folks exist!), the first week will ironically take us literally to the end of the story. We explore Mark 13:24-37, often subtitled “Signs of the End of the Age.”

Even as our gaze yearns for the infant in the manger, this sermon will explore the end of the story and Christ’s Second Coming.

Pastor Bodger will cause us to ask questions: What does that mean? How does that impact our lives today? Do we even contemplate that?

Throughout Scripture, God turns up unexpectedly! In a lowly manger, unexpectedly! Why do we suppose Christ’s return will prove any different? And, will we stand ready for that hour?

First Pres DeLand aims to engage all congregants, especially visitors and inquirers, to share Advent. Invite a friend, as each event will enhance the Advent and Christmas season.

First, you are invited to the annual Blue Christmas Service 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. The contemplative music and worship will provide a time of love and remembrance.

On the first Thursday each month, First Presbyterian volunteers and friends prepare and serve meals at The Bridge at The Neighborhood Center on South Woodland Boulevard in DeLand from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu will feature a seasonal theme this month.

You’re also invited to the monthly Second Wednesday Cookout at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13. For good food, fellowship, laughter and friendship, bring a side dish or dessert to share (or don’t!!).

There will be a Pajama Storytime at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, with Christmas stories, cookies, decorations and hot cocoa.

The always spiritual and uplifting Chancel Choir Candlelight Evensong will welcome you at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, for music by organ, piano, bell choir and vocal ensemble to lift your Christmas spirits. Led by Jane Christeson, First Presbyterian’s director of music ministry, and accompanied by Dr. Boyd Jones, church organist, the Evensong will offer diverse music, singers, instruments, and featured Stetson Choir Scholars.

The anticipated 2023 Advent Devotional is now available. A copy for you waits at services and in the church office. Annually, the church creates a new version to provide a fresh collection of spiritual messages by members ages 7-100 to enrich the hope, peace, joy and love of readers’ personal journey to Christmas Eve.

— 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.