Vigil Mass at St. Peter on Dec. 31
Celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, at a Vigil Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. There will be no morning Mass that day.
The Vigil Mass honors Mary’s role in the mystery of salvation and begins the New Year with gratitude and hope. Come together in faith to seek her intercession and reflect on her example of trust and devotion to God.
The service is repeated at 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
‘Paper Tigers on Solid Ground’
The congregation of Mosaic Unitarian Universalist meets online at 11 a.m. every Sunday. The Dec. 29 service is titled “Paper Tigers on Solid Ground.”
As the new year approaches, it’s once again the time of year when people begin to think about their goals and what they’ve accomplished over the past year. This Sunday, Deanna Leary talks about her experience with anxiety and the pressure to meet expectations. She relates her personal method of getting through times like these: compassion and self-care. Everyone is welcome!
OPENING CEREMONY — From left, West Volusia Knights of Columbus Council 6274 Honor Guard members Patrick O’Grady, Dr. Patrick Coggins, James Flasch, Cmdr. William Lowry Jr., Al Duchane, Tim Augustine, Ron Riordan and Rand Coburn take part in the opening ceremony for the Wreaths Across America presentation of the laying of the wreaths on veterans’ graves at DeLand Memorial Gardens Dec. 14.
DAY FOR HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED — Members of the Combat Veterans Association of Volusia County gather after presenting wreaths to representatives of each of the military branches. Special thanks go out to Paula Heinrich, Wreaths Across America location coordinator, all of the individual sponsors for their financial contributions, the West Volusia Knights of Columbus Council 6274 and Bob Watson, who was instrumental with fundraising for this local event in the amount of $6,758, VFW Post 2380, AMVETS Post 13, American Legion Post 6 Auxiliary, Boy Scout Troop 306, Col. Arthur Erwin Chapter NSDAR, the Volusia County Corvette Association, the Combat Veterans Association, AdventHealth, and the numerous volunteers without whose help the event would not happen.
‘Chats With the Heavenly Father’
First Church DeLand wishes Beacon readers a very happy new year! On Sunday, Dec. 29, a guest speaker will be Jessica Smotherman, the Christian education director for the church. Her sermon title is “Chats With the Heavenly Father.”
This is the time of year when we either greet the New Year with enthusiasm and joy, or have a desire to stay in bed with our head under the covers. The new year represents new beginnings for most people, which is a positive response.
Hiding under the covers is not trusting God’s purpose for us. He has plans for our future, even if those plans involve change, which can be a beautiful experience if we open ourselves to what God has planned for us. Have a conversation with the Lord. He is listening!
Let us begin this new year by joyfully embracing the unexpected, smiling instead of frowning over little annoyances and, most importantly, being kind to everyone!
1st Christian Church activities
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand is observing Youth Sunday, Dec. 29, at the 10:45 a.m. service, with the Rev. Samuel “Sammy” Robles as the guest minister. The Rev. Robles is guiding the youth of the church to lead worship and fellowship time in a meaningful way with interaction between the generations. He is a drummer, a church planner, an engaging speaker and the author of I am Onesimus: A Trek Toward Self-Affirmation.
Bingo Night will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, benefiting “Bibles for Servicemen in Action.” The Charlie Baker Bridge Group meets at noon Wednesday, Jan. 1, in the church narthex.
The Disciple Women are preparing, throughout the month of January, for the annual Trash and Treasures sale to benefit local charities. The times and dates are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 and 8. Donations can be dropped off 1-3 p.m. every Monday on the north side of the church. Call 386-734-6078.
The solitude of self
At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Unitarian Universalists of DeLand, Deborah McShane will share Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s thesis “The Solitude of Self.” All are welcome.
“The Solitude of Self,” a reflective insight advocating universal and moral principles, is based on the sacrosanctity of the individual, but the title helpfully grounds the presentation to the philosophical and psychological reality of solitude.
McShane is a retired English and theater teacher, who taught in the panhandle of Idaho, Guatemala, Turkey and Syria. Recently, she directed the play Keepers of the Dream, and is coordinating the DeLand House Players, the re-enactor troupe from the West Volusia Historical Society.
The sounds of silence
On Sunday, Dec. 29, First Presbyterian Church of DeLand will host its monthly Combined Service and Potluck Luncheon, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. The service will offer Holy Communion and traditional and contemporary music, with hymns and praise songs.
Bring a side or dessert dish to share (not required!); deliver it to the kitchen before worship begins. The church kitchen will provide the main course and beverages.
The Rev. Michael Bodger will draw his sermon from Luke 2:39-42 for this service. The Scripture relates events after Jesus’ consecration in the Jerusalem temple at only 8 days old, a frantic sojourn of escape to Egypt, and a trip to the Feast of the Passover at 12 years old. Luke provides no events between age 12 and the time of Jesus’ active ministry, 30 years into his life. Just what about his life with Mary and the carpenter Joseph engendered His strength, wisdom and grace?
The church’s thriving missions of The Bridge and free Family Bingo continue during New Year’s week. On Thursday, Jan. 2, volunteers welcome hungry people to The Neighborhood Center, where volunteers will serve free hearty meals 5-7 p.m.
Bingo, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, brings companionship, funny and foolish prizes, and snacks to entertain all who join the fun!
