The Christmas Journey – A Christmas Play at New Hope Church

New Hope Church in Deltona invites all to a performance of The Christmas Journey – A Christmas Play at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-christmas-journey-christmas-play-tickets-1075994972929?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

The Christmas Journey is a heartwarming play that captures

the true spirit of Christmas! This family-friendly event follows a

magical journey to discover peace, joy and healing under the North Star. It is perfect for all ages, with scenes that showcase the love, laughter and light of the holiday season.

Complimentary hot chocolate and holiday treats will be served!

Christmas Candlelight Concert at Trinity UMC

There will be a Christmas Candlelight Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Trinity United Methodist Church in DeLand. Soloists, a choir, ensembles, instrumentalists and more will bring the Christmas story in song for this special concert. The evening will end in candlelight, and there will be a reception following the concert.

Trinity United Methodist Church currently shares the campus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, 1401 W. New York Ave. Admission is free.

Blue Christmas Service at Lake Helen Methodist

Lake Helen Methodist Church is hosting a Blue Christmas Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. For some, the holiday season is not a time of joy and celebration, but a time of distress, anxiety, loneliness and desperation. This service will offer solace and support for these people, as they struggle to find peace while in a dark moment of their life.

There will be a special performance of “Silent Night” and the lighting of remembrance candles.

St. Peter Choir Christmas Concert

Celebrate the joy of the season at St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand with the St. Peter Choir Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20.

This will be an enchanting evening of Christmas music performed by a talented choir, as they share the spirit of hope, peace and joy through beloved carols and festive melodies. All are welcome!

‘Experience the Gift of Joy’

First Church DeLand continues the recognition of Advent with the sermon series “Experience the Gifts of Christmas.” This Sunday, Dec. 15, Pastor Mark Bitner’s sermon title is “Experience the Gift of Joy.”

Try to imagine the joy Mary felt when looking at the baby in her arms. This had to be the happiest moment in her life, not just because Jesus was her first child, but because He was also the savior of the world. Imagine the euphoric joy the shepherds must have felt when seeing the child in a manager.

From 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, First Church DeLand will have a Blue Christmas service. Come for a reflective worship service to acknowledge the challenges of the holiday season and to offer support to those who are grieving.

‘Doing Justice’

The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Dec. 15 service is titled “Doing Justice.”

The terms “equity” and “equality” are words that often get confused. While they both come from the same root word, “equity” is an action verb — it requires not just recognizing fairness, but actively doing the work to bring it about.

Join the Rev. Matthew Pargeter-Villarreal for a discussion of the true meaning of equity and what it can look like when we put it into practice. Jan Holloway will be the service leader. Everyone is welcome!

‘Joy’

The Rev. Carlos Perez of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand invites everyone to the third Sunday in Advent, with a theme of “Joy” at the 10:45 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 15. Those attending will read, pray and reflect on the joy that God’s plan gives us in the promise of Christ’s coming glory.

At 3 p.m. Dec. 15, the Disciple Women, under the leadership of Sue Brague, Kathy Porr and Edna Cortes, meet with the women of the church to exchange cookies and pack gift tins of cookies for church members and friends. This has been an annual tradition of the Disciple Women for 20 years.

Other activities during Advent include the Disciple Men’s breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the church; the Disciple Women’s meetings at 1 p.m. Mondays to prepare for the February Trash and Treasures sale; and the Christmas Market, which is open before and after worship plus 1-4 p.m. Mondays, with everything purchased by donation to be given to local charities.

Dan Gribbin to speak about William Ellery Channing

Retired professor Dan Gribbin will give a brief history of William Ellery Channing at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, service at Unitarian Universalists of DeLand. Channing went a long way toward establishing Unitarian principles that UUs today would recognize as kindred to their own. Channing inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson’s thinking about how we perceive the truth, and how we refine our spiritual vision, with an emphasis on the worthiness of all people, regardless of their skin color or gender.

Gribbin and his wife, Martha, will provide music for the service.

What then should we do?

First Presbyterian Church of DeLand welcomes all to share our Advent’s preparation to celebrate the historical coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas. On Dec. 15, the third Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Michael Bodger will return to Luke’s writing about John the Baptist in Luke 3:7-13.

After baptism by John, many inquired, “What then should we do?”  because John also warned them of God’s wrath toward the unrepentant ones among them. The Prophet John provides a lesson for those who recognize our need to “turn around” and re-orient ourselves.

Associate Pastor Cassandra Riker invites elementary-age children to the Art Room for Kids Club, a time for talk, crafts and fun 3:30-4:30 p.m. each Sunday.

From 6:15 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in fellowship hall, Advent Pajama Storytime for youngsters will have them sharing Christmas stories, cookie decorating and hot cocoa. Wear “jammies,” and gather blankets and teddy bears for happy times.

From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, First Pres volunteers will host a Free Food Distribution by putting boxes with food to feed a family for a week into participants’ cars. Follow the route from West Pennsylvania Avenue.