Bible study with Pastor Rick

New Light at St. Francis Chapel in Glenwood is hosting a Bible study with the Rev. Dr. Rick Chandler at 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays.

The subject will be 1st Corinthians, where Pastor Rick will talk about the letter from Paul to the Corinthian church.

Paul offers guidance and input on the following topics: how Christians should live in a culture that is at odds with their faith; what model the church should use to address sin, rather than turning a blind eye to it; the importance of unity among Christians and how to honor one another despite differences of opinion; what role the Gospel plays in unifying believers; instructions for real-life concerns; and how resurrection is central to Christian faith and living and how it relates to us today.

Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Santa

St. Ann’s Catholic Church’s Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus are hosting a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. A pancake breakfast and all the trimmings will be served until 10 a.m. Santa arrives at that time for photos. Bring a camera! A storytime, gift bags and craft activities are included.

Tickets will be on sale Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec.1, after Masses at the parish office; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon Fridays; and at the door.

Tickets cost $6 for adults and children age 11 and older; $2 for children ages 2-10; and are free for children under age 2. Children must be accompanied by an adult!

Trinity UMC activities

There are a lot of fun activities happening at Trinity United Methodist Church in DeLand in December! There will be a Christmas-themed Kids Night Out 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. This is a free event, but space is limited, and registration is required.

Be sure to look for the church’s float in the DeLand Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Music Makers of Trinity United Methodist will be performing during the 9 a.m. worship service and at the 10:45 a.m. worship service of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, with whom they share a campus. The performers are in grades two-five. Expect a lot of singing, acting, dancing and more, as they tell the Christmas story of the “Uncertain Poor Shepherds.”

Truth Seekers Black History Class

Truth Seekers Black History Class is again meeting 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand.

Middle-school through college students are invited to join this free class. Learn about the historic contributions of our beloved Black leaders, inventors, artists and more. Also, enjoy creative arts and crafts projects.

The class leaders are Rowena Waters and Yale Devereau.

‘To Bless the World’

First Church DeLand will begin a new series Sunday, Dec. 1, in recognition of Advent. It is titled “Reasons for the Season.” Pastor Mark Bitner’s sermon title is “To Bless the World.”

Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. The Lord promised the birth of the Messiah in the Old Testament. With heartfelt devotion and love, they worshipped the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of incense, frankincense and gold.

Sunday, Dec. 8, the Traditional Chancel Choir Christmas program will be presented at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Also on that date, there will be a Family Gingerbread Decorating Contest 4-6 p.m. and Movie Night outside 6-8 p.m.

Observing Advent at 1st Christian Church

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand begins the observance of Advent Sundays, Dec. 1-22. It is believed that the first Advent season was observed in the fifth century.

On Sunday, Dec. 1, the theme is “Hope.” Without food, there is little hope. To observe this, First Christian is feeding the hungry at The Bridge at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Each week will have the lighting of a theme candle in the Advent Wreath. Dec. 1 is the “Prophecy” candle, which remembers Isaiah, who was the first to foretell the birth of Jesus.

The Disciple Women will have a Christmas Market open before and after the 10:45 a.m. worship service and 1-4 p.m. Mondays. The women will send Christmas cards to military servicemen and servicewomen, and will make a donation to the Salvation Army.

‘What Bonhoeffer Can Teach Us Today’

The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Dec. 1 service is titled “What Bonhoeffer Can Teach Us Today.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a theologian during the rise of fascism in Germany. How do his teachings inform our time and help us today? Jane Bradford will be the service leader.  Everyone is welcome!

Midweek soup dinner and Advent service

On three Wednesdays in December, Faith Lutheran Church in DeLand will have intimate gatherings around the altar for the Advent season. The focus will be on “Restoring Our Hope,” as we ponder and compile the flowers and jewels of the readings and discussion. A Florilegia if you will. Communion will be served.

The services will be led by Father Theodore Koelln, with soup at 5:30 p.m. and a service at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18.

Looking for the fig tree

On Sunday, Dec. 1, at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, Pastor Casey Riker will introduce “Living ‘In Between,’” a six-week Advent sermon series. The title of the first sermon is “Looking for the Fig Tree,” which asks when will God come to fix our broken world?

Blue Christmas, a service of love and remembrance, begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, for those who are feeling blue during the holidays.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the First Presbyterian Chancel Choir presents “Christmas Candlelight Evensong” at 5 p.m. to celebrate the Christmas season.

First Pres DeLand will host a free Drive-thru Food Distribution at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the church parking lot, on a first-come-first-served basis until all food has been distributed.