Spiritual Side: Churches plan Thanksgiving celebrations

PHOTO COURTESY NEW HOPE UCC
What fun — Members of New Hope United Church of Christ in DeLand have some fun dressing up for Halloween Sunday. There was a headless horseman, two ghosts, Batman and Batgirl, Minnie Mouse, a brown crayon, a Hawaiian woman, an angel and a devil.

PHOTO COURTESY DELAND II WARD CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Face-lift — Lake Helen resident Karen Hotchkiss has fun using a leaf blower at the Lake Helen Equestrian and Environmental Park recently. A group of more than 30 members of the DeLand II Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and area residents gave the park a face-lift as part of the church’s annual Day of Service. Hotchkiss, who is not a member of the church, participated for the first time, and declared it won’t be her last!

By Margie Dykes
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Nov 3, 2012 - 2:32:26pm

Thanksgiving music

G. Richard Deal will perform a sacred-music piano concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at Christ Community Church in DeLand.

He will be entertaining at the church’s free Community and Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner. The meal will be provided by the church.

Deal is a concert pianist and recording artist, who arranges his own sacred piano arrangements and has released six professional recordings.

Those attending the concert and meal are asked to make reservations by calling the church at 386-734-4646 or by emailing the church at churchoffice@cccdeland.org by Nov. 16.

Thanksgiving lunch

The Monday Munchers will meet at noon Monday, Nov. 12, to enjoy a Thanksgiving potluck luncheon. Turkey will be provided by the club, and attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to pass around. The group, age 50 and older, meets at Community United Methodist Church, 41 W. Highbanks Road in DeBary.

Dennis Adamson will speak about his mission, the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, which he offers at the Brevard County Detention Center.

Call 386-775-2766 for more information.

Musical to be performed

Andre Darby’s A Journey to Redemption, a Christian musical stage-play, will be performed at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave. in DeLand.

The story is about a backsliding preacher who walks away from ministry after losing his son to sickle cell anemia. His praying wife and a hell-raising experience change his life and those around him.

Headliners include Samuel Adams, Tangela Lewis, Trish Pierson, recording artist Zion, and comedian Will Speed.

Attendees will find tear-dropping moments, with a mixture of comedy and powerful singing.

Tickets cost $25 for preferred seating, $20 for general admission, and $15 for students. Call the Athens Theatre box office at 386-736-1500 to reserve seats.

Pet blessing

Pastor Art Wuertz of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in DeLand will perform a “Blessing of the Animals” service at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the church.

The blessing is extended to pet owners and their pets of all sizes.

For more information, call the church office at 386-734-2791.

Women meet

The DeBary Women’s Connection monthly luncheon will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at DeBary Golf and Country Club, 300 Plantation Club Drive. A vendor faire will be set up at 9 a.m.; come early to shop.

Each luncheon offers great food, networking, and a fun and inspirational program.

The group’s motto is “Connecting women with God, each other, and their community.”

Admission costs $15 cash or check at the door.

For information and to register, call Katherine at 386-228-0030 or email debarywc@gmail.com.

Langston’s works

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in DeLand invites the community to All Saints Sunday Evensong at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4.

The music featured will be compositions by Dr. Paul Langston, a St. Barnabas member and former dean of the Stetson University School of Music.

New music minister

Glenwood Presbyterian Church welcomes Barbara McInnis Vu as the church’s new music director.

Vu is an accomplished musician, who recently wrote and released a CD of healing music. Learn about Barbara on her website at www.inheritingTheKingdomMinistries.com.

Old-fashioned revival

First Baptist Church of Barberville will be the place for an Old-fashioned Revival and Gospel Concert Sunday, Nov. 11-Wednesday, Nov. 14.

The event will feature Dr. Allen Hatch, who will speak at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11; and at 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 12-14.

A love offering will be taken after each session.

For more information, call 386-749-3928.

Super Sermon Sunday

Sunday, Nov. 4, is Super Sermon Sunday at First Unitarian Universalist Church of West Volusia in DeLand.

Eric Orr will present the sermon “The Right of Conscience and Use of the Democratic Process: 5th Principle” by the Rev. Mark Ward.

This special service taken from the Unitarian Universalist archives provides perspective and insight into Unitarian Universalist faith, traditions and values.

Religious education for children of all ages is provided during the service.

For more information, visit www.uudeland.org or call 386-734-6499. To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, visit www.uua.org.

A frightening story

Dr. David Felty, pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of DeLand, will have as his sermon topic “The Most Frightening Story Ever Told,” based on John 11:1-54, on Sunday, Nov. 4.

At the 10:45 a.m. service, Outreach Chairwoman Kathy Porr will give a brief demonstration on how to pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Churchwide box-packing will be done Wednesday, Nov. 14, and the boxes will be dedicated Sunday, Nov. 18.

Reservations are being taken for the church’s Thanksgiving Dinner at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17.

First Christian will host Interfaith Kitchen at First United Methodist Church of DeLand on Monday, Nov. 5.

Rainbow Child Care Center, a ministry of the church, is accepting applications. Call 386-736-3768.

Thrift shop

First Congregational Church of Orange City’s Thrift Shop is open 9-11 a.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, with clothing for the entire family and many household items for sale. Visit the garage for small appliances, books, baskets and frames.

— We value your religious group’s news items. Please submit information one week before the publication date by fax at 386-734-4641 or by email at margie@beacononlinenews.com.

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