Save the date

St. Ann’s Catholic Church’s Council of Catholic Women will host a summertime bunco party beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug 17, in the parish hall.

The admission cost of $15 includes sandwiches, chips, drink and dessert. Proceeds will benefit the group’s charities.

The Bread of Life

On Sunday, Aug. 4, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, the Rev. Casey Riker, using John 6:24-35, will lead worship both in person and by livestream at three worship services through her sermon “The Bread of Life.”

Her sermon centers around the message “I’m hungry!” When we are hungry, we change. Our minds focus on fulfilling a need, and it is hard to focus on anything else. This week, we’ll look at what it means to hunger for God, and how we can fulfill that need and feed our spirit.

Taizé Night

Church of the Holy Presence in DeLand is hosting a Taizé Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. This will be an evening of contemplative songs and prayer in candlelight.

St. Jude’s Episcopal gathering school supplies

St Jude’s Episcopal Church in Orange City is collecting school supplies for Orange City Elementary School students through Monday, Aug. 5.

The church office is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday to drop supplies off.

‘Living as God’s Community’

“Living as God’s Community” is Pastor Kathleen Rinear’s theme for August at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Lake Helen. The Book of Ephesians is the text for the month.

The Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, in the church’s Parish House. The book for August is The Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick Dalton. Start reading!

Consultation: ‘A Shining Light … in a Dark World’

Diverse opinions are healthy and useful, but too often, disagreement leads to flaming tempers and retreat to distant camps, crippling our ability to interact. Is it possible to marry diverse opinions and unify action? With character growth and some simple principles, Baha’u’llah, prophet and founder of the Bahá’í faith, says it is.

At the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Aug. 4, at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand, speaker Gail Radley will discuss the possibilities.

Also, on Aug. 4, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., the UU Saving Democracy Team is sponsoring a workshop on how to write letters to the editor. Rowena Waters, certified writing teacher, will lead. Guidance for how and where to send the letters will be covered. Bring your laptop or smartphone. Paper and pens will be provided.

First Congregational of Orange City seeking a pianist

First Congregational Church of Orange City is looking for a pianist for its 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. He or she would need to be available beginning in mid-September.

For more information, email firstucc_ocy@yahoo.com.

1st Christian Church activities

The adult Sunday-school class at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand meets at 9:30 a.m. in the church library. On Sunday, Aug. 4, attendees will be studying 1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5, “The Word of God,”: When suffering, we are encouraged to not suffer alone. On Sunday, Aug. 11, they will study 1 John 3:1-10, “The Love of God”: God’s love has transformed us, but we are still affected by the presence of sin. The Rev. David Cortes will lead each class.

‘From Tears to Joy’

First Church DeLand concludes the series “The Psalms of Summer” Sunday, Aug. 4, with Pastor Mark Bitner’s sermon titled “From Tears to Joy.” When, at first, we enter a task, we may be sad or indifferent. But when that task has concluded and we walk away, our heart is filled with joy and accomplishment.

Perhaps, if we were to begin the task with joy in our heart, the creation would be more pleasant. Turn everything that is uncomfortable around to the positive, and see how the Lord makes you smile.

The Small Group Wednesday Bible Study will continue to meet through the summer, studying the Book of Daniel, from 6 to 7 p.m. All are welcome!

Exploring meaningful books and songs

On Sunday, Aug. 4, the congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist will continue the Summer Sharing Series of roundtable-style services online at 11 a.m. This Sunday, the group will explore a book or song that has been particularly memorable or important.

Jane Bradford will guide everyone through the discussion.