Two-part Pathway class at Mosaic UU

In the last two services of the summer season at Mosaic Unitarian Universalist, the “Pathway” class will be offered as a two-part series.

In Part I, Sunday, Aug. 18, a brief history of Unitarianism and Universalism will be presented, explaining how they merged to become a single denomination, how Mosaic UU came to be, and an overview of how the Unitarian Universalist Association and Mosaic are led and governed. Additionally, we take some time in this class to learn about each participant’s spiritual background.

Did you grow up in a church? What were your early thoughts and feelings about religion or spirituality? What impact has your spiritual history had on you?

The purpose of sharing this information is to help prospective Mosaic members understand what they’re getting themselves into, and to provide a review and a fellowship opportunity for current members, as well as those who are just curious about UU.

Organizers hope everyone will join and participate in the two Pathway Sundays. As always, everyone is welcome, and there is never any pressure on anyone to become a member!

The Rev. Tracy Lunquist will be the facilitator.

Half over 

In Ephesians 5:15, the Apostle Paul cautions listeners to “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

On Sunday, Aug. 18, with Pastor Michael Bodger and his family on sabbatical for six more weeks, the Rev. Harland Merriam will remind listeners at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand that this sabbatical provides the congregation the opportunity to reflect on their personal ministry, and to seek a clearer understanding of what the Lord wills for us, individually and congregationally. First Presbyterians and friends have time to “make the most of every opportunity” — not passively, but quite actively!

With the seasonal change to fall, the First Pres community will return to some summer-suspended activities, as well as its ongoing meetings and studies.

There will be several new and resuming Bible studies for exploration, such as “Making Sense of the Bible”; “Study of Ephesians”; “Learning to Do Justice”; “Presbyterian Connection”; “Circles of Presbyterian Women” and “Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?” A variety of times and places will become available for all ages.

The final Pop-ups planned for August include City Wine and Bar on Victoria Commons Boulevard at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and at Mr. Bill’s Donuts in Downtown DeLand at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.

The Chancel Choir has resumed weekly rehearsals 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Aug. 15. Basses, tenors, altos and sopranos who are lovers of music and somewhat experienced are welcome. Music Director Jane Christeson promises an exciting and worshipful year of diverse music.

‘Meals as Grace’

Pastor Mark Bitner of First Church DeLand will begin a new sermon series “Meals With Jesus” Sunday, Aug. 18. His sermon title will be “Meals as Grace.”

Jesus sat down to eat with tax collectors and was soundly criticized by the Pharisees for doing so. But Jesus replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do.” Luke 5:31

Sometimes we are wise to choose the company of transgressors rather than saints. This gives us an opportunity to witness for the glory of God.

First Church DeLand is exploring the need for a new cancer support group to start this fall. This would be for anyone having cancer or someone who has a family member(s) and/or friends fighting cancer. Call the church office for more information or questions. All are welcome.

Spiritual vision as political leaven

At the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Aug. 18, at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand, Dr. Paul Croce will speak about how different political views look wrong to others and lead to violence.

Just as yeast leavens (rises) bread, some religious or spiritual outlooks can leaven our politics — not solve the problems, but as with bread rising, add some broader perspectives to help raise political thinking in some healthier direction.

To move beyond hostilities, we can see that those differences are a result of different selections from the vast sweep of experience that can start us on paths to seeing each other as resources — not just as annoying aliens.

With the November elections around the corner, it seems to be harder to have civil discussions about important issues with people from different political parties. A major reason is that much of the hateful divisiveness is fueled by certain media outlets.

Join your community neighbors for a viewing of Braver Angels: Reuniting America, a 50-minute documentary about how people from opposing parties are coming together to talk, realizing they have much more in common than they thought. The viewing and discussion will take place noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. Dr. Croce will lead the discussion.

This event is open to the public — bring family and friends!