Digital Bulletin
December 14th, 2025
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
“Joy for the Joyless”
Luke 2:8-20
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
We are glad you are here! Please fill out a connect card:
Welcome Guests
New to First Church?
Pick up a Welcome Folder from an Usher. We're glad you're here!
Children's Ministry Overflow Youth (Grades 6-12)
9:30 am/K-5th grade/Bldg 6 Sun Bible Study: 11 am - 12:30 pm
3-4 yr old/Rm 124/Bldg 4 Wed Youth Group: 2:45-7:15 pm in Bldg 6
Birth - 3 yrs/Rm 130/Bldg 4 - all services
Guest WiFi
Network: Friend Password: allthetime
Service Order
Contemporary Worship - 9:30 am
"Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)”
“What a Glorious Night”
“O Come All Ye Faithful - We Adore You”
“He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)”
“What a Glorious Night”
“O Come All Ye Faithful - We Adore You”
“He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)”
Traditional Worship - 8 am & 11 am
Traditional Worship - 8 am & 11 am
As the Prelude begins, we gather in silence so that we can hear the voice of God.
PRELUDE “What Child Is This? ” Mansfield
Joe Corporon, Piano Sharon Bissinger, Organ
CALL TO WORSHIP
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY “Joy to the World” v.1 No. 246
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Angels We Have Heard on High" No. 238
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Away in a Manger”, v.1 No. 217
ANTHEM “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Robertson
OFFERTORY “Joyful Yuletide Carillons” Koury
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8-20 MESSAGE “Joy for the Joyless” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Go, Tell It on the Mountain” No. 251
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Angels We Have Heard on High” Whitworth
*If you are able, please stand with us.
All songs used by permission
ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
As the Prelude begins, we gather in silence so that we can hear the voice of God.
PRELUDE “What Child Is This? ” Mansfield
Joe Corporon, Piano Sharon Bissinger, Organ
CALL TO WORSHIP
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY “Joy to the World” v.1 No. 246
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Angels We Have Heard on High" No. 238
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Away in a Manger”, v.1 No. 217
ANTHEM “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Robertson
OFFERTORY “Joyful Yuletide Carillons” Koury
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Luke 2:8-20 MESSAGE “Joy for the Joyless” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Go, Tell It on the Mountain” No. 251
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Angels We Have Heard on High” Whitworth
*If you are able, please stand with us.
All songs used by permission
ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
Alter Flowers
ALTAR FLOWERS ARE GIVEN BY
LISA HIGHTOWER
IN MEMORY OF NATHAN WILCOX
LISA HIGHTOWER
IN MEMORY OF NATHAN WILCOX
Servants in Worship
8:00 - Dennis Stark, Jack & Shirley Burtnett, Dail Helms; Liturgist- Steve Mauldin
9:30 - Ushers: Candy Soucek, Liz Sturgeon, Phil Goldthwait, Tricia Shortlidge
Greeters: Bobbi Whitacre, Janie Owens, Dale Potter, Mark Soucek
11:00 - Sandy Bertram, Sharon Causey, Everett & Kay Caldwell; Liturgist- Bill Bertram
Bread Delivery - Beverly Drazul
9:30 - Ushers: Candy Soucek, Liz Sturgeon, Phil Goldthwait, Tricia Shortlidge
Greeters: Bobbi Whitacre, Janie Owens, Dale Potter, Mark Soucek
11:00 - Sandy Bertram, Sharon Causey, Everett & Kay Caldwell; Liturgist- Bill Bertram
Bread Delivery - Beverly Drazul
Upcoming Events
Please be sure to check out all the upcoming events on the calendar below.
Calendars
Community Events Calendar
Overflow Youth
Life on Purpose - Young Adults
Kid's Ministry
First Church Women
Men of Faith
BAPTISMS
Today we celebrate the baptisms of Noah and Caleb Simpson. They are the sons of George & Kathleen Simpson.
Today we celebrate the baptisms of Noah and Caleb Simpson. They are the sons of George & Kathleen Simpson.
CROSS DEDICATION FOR LEC/BLDG 4
Today after the 9:30 service, we will have a special dedication for the cross on the outside of the LEC/Bldg 4 in honor of Nathan Wilcox. Nathan was a long time member who contributed greatly in many areas and we are happy to dedicate this cross in his honor.
Today after the 9:30 service, we will have a special dedication for the cross on the outside of the LEC/Bldg 4 in honor of Nathan Wilcox. Nathan was a long time member who contributed greatly in many areas and we are happy to dedicate this cross in his honor.
SENIOR IN NEED
There is a senior in need of a recliner, small table and chairs and a microwave. Please contact the church office if you are able to help in any way.
There is a senior in need of a recliner, small table and chairs and a microwave. Please contact the church office if you are able to help in any way.
MERCY HOUR ANGEL TREE
Please support Mercy Hour & the Methodist Men by buying gift cards for the Mercy Hour Angel Tree.
Please support Mercy Hour & the Methodist Men by buying gift cards for the Mercy Hour Angel Tree.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE - SUN DEC 21
A Blue Christmas service will be held in the Sanctuary Sun, Dec 21 at 6:30 pm for all those who have lost loved ones or are having a difficult time during the holidays.
A Blue Christmas service will be held in the Sanctuary Sun, Dec 21 at 6:30 pm for all those who have lost loved ones or are having a difficult time during the holidays.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - SUN DEC 14
An Outdoor Christmas Movie will be shown
6-8pm on the lawn after the Family Gingerbread Decorating Contest which is at 4pm. Free snacks provided. Bring your own chair.
An Outdoor Christmas Movie will be shown
6-8pm on the lawn after the Family Gingerbread Decorating Contest which is at 4pm. Free snacks provided. Bring your own chair.
GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2026
If you need giving envelopes for 2026 please note on your Connect card or notify the church office and whether you need weekly, monthly or bimonthly.
If you need giving envelopes for 2026 please note on your Connect card or notify the church office and whether you need weekly, monthly or bimonthly.
MERCY HOUR AND MOBILE MEALS - Dec 20th
1st & 3rd Saturdays 1:30-4pm free showers, haircuts and more in the LEC gym. Then at 4pm free meals for anyone behind the LEC on Georgia Ave.
1st & 3rd Saturdays 1:30-4pm free showers, haircuts and more in the LEC gym. Then at 4pm free meals for anyone behind the LEC on Georgia Ave.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT- Dec 19th - 5-8 pm
This event is for parents during the busy Christmas Season. Drop off your kids for some fun winter themed games and events while you take care of your to do list. Register by Dec 12.
This event is for parents during the busy Christmas Season. Drop off your kids for some fun winter themed games and events while you take care of your to do list. Register by Dec 12.
RECOVERY CHURCH
Join us each Thursday at 7 pm in Bldg 6: 111 S. Alabama Ave, DeLand, as we worship, share testimonies, and walk together toward healing, freedom, and purpose - one day at a time.
www.recovery.church/deland
Join us each Thursday at 7 pm in Bldg 6: 111 S. Alabama Ave, DeLand, as we worship, share testimonies, and walk together toward healing, freedom, and purpose - one day at a time.
www.recovery.church/deland
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES - DEC 24
Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
3:30 pm and 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Buddy the Elf’s Christmas
5:30 pm in the LEC/Bldg 4
Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
3:30 pm and 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Buddy the Elf’s Christmas
5:30 pm in the LEC/Bldg 4
OFFICE CLOSED
The church office will be closed Dec 25 - Jan 1
The church office will be closed Dec 25 - Jan 1
WALK TO EMMAUS
Being a Pilgrim on a Walk to Emmaus weekend is a spiritual renewal; it just might be what your Heart is yearning for. The upcoming Aldersgate Emmaus weekend dates are Men:February 12-15, 2026 & Women:February 19-22, 2026. Please contact Rob Miller 240-475-3489 or 240-475-3493 with any questions.
Being a Pilgrim on a Walk to Emmaus weekend is a spiritual renewal; it just might be what your Heart is yearning for. The upcoming Aldersgate Emmaus weekend dates are Men:February 12-15, 2026 & Women:February 19-22, 2026. Please contact Rob Miller 240-475-3489 or 240-475-3493 with any questions.
2026 ALTAR FLOWER CALENDAR
The 2026 Altar Flower Calendar is now available in the Sanctuary. Cost is $40.
The 2026 Altar Flower Calendar is now available in the Sanctuary. Cost is $40.
Donations Needed
MINISTRY FOCUS - DIAPER SUNDAY
Our ministry focus this week is for Residing Hope’s Foster Care Program. They help care for children who are in need and provide a safe place for them to grow. They need diapers of all sizes, especially size 3 and up.
Our ministry focus this week is for Residing Hope’s Foster Care Program. They help care for children who are in need and provide a safe place for them to grow. They need diapers of all sizes, especially size 3 and up.
NEXT WEEK - UNDIES SUNDAY
Last Week's Numbers
Attendance
In Person 427
Online 28
Online 28
Giving
December
Actual: 27,585
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date:
Actual: 926,550
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Actual: 27,585
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date:
Actual: 926,550
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Birthdays and Anniversaries
DEC 14 Bday - Rusty Keeling Jr
15 Bday - Tony Arico, Bill Bertram, Jereme Brown, MacKenzie Cunningham, Teeter Mauldin, Cheryl Olson
16 Bday - Sue Adams, Joe Corporon, Sherri Quinn, Ray Sylvia
17 Bday - Hollie Hastings, Esther Jividen, Richard Marshall, Bob Thompson
18 Bday - Niamh Amaya, Micah Dickerhoff, Brady French
Anniv - Matthew & Sarah Snowmann
19 Bday - Trish Riley, Jace Steen
20 Bday - Donna Braddock, Jim Carlson, Vicki Dolan, John Soliday, Nash Steen
Anniv - Bill & Leanne Adams
15 Bday - Tony Arico, Bill Bertram, Jereme Brown, MacKenzie Cunningham, Teeter Mauldin, Cheryl Olson
16 Bday - Sue Adams, Joe Corporon, Sherri Quinn, Ray Sylvia
17 Bday - Hollie Hastings, Esther Jividen, Richard Marshall, Bob Thompson
18 Bday - Niamh Amaya, Micah Dickerhoff, Brady French
Anniv - Matthew & Sarah Snowmann
19 Bday - Trish Riley, Jace Steen
20 Bday - Donna Braddock, Jim Carlson, Vicki Dolan, John Soliday, Nash Steen
Anniv - Bill & Leanne Adams
Prayer Requests
PRAISE: Baby Ellis Payne’s heart surgery went well; Alicia Bloemker’s cancer surgery went well
SYMPATHY: Family & friends for the loss of sister, Cindy Kerr; Wilma Richardson & family for the loss of her husband, Jack; Nancy Dillard & family for the loss of her husband, John
HOSPITAL: Eugenia Glass (Halifax Hospice), Gene Wathen, Izzy Thrift (GA)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Linda Coffin, Bud Stanford, Kenny Dayton, Kenny Hines, Brad Brubaker, Aiden Bower, Monty Jr’s cousin
CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, Tom Smith, Carol Soliday, Sammi Theessen, Lexi Frisbee, Jill Walker, Laura Cheng, Danny Hood, Cathy Baum, Beverly Meeks, Frank Wilson, Otis Davis, Barbie King, Ricky Kidd, Jason Bond, Linda Denby, Paige, Jennifer C, Johnie Wilson, Paul Proctor, Teresita Sabado, Jimmy Heintz, Ron Booth Sr., Valinda Brandow, Andrea Haas, Austin Clarke, Tanner Scofield, ONGOING CONCERNS: Elizabeth Valente, Bishop Tom Shelton, Chloe Potter, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Dave Dayton, Dean Metcalf, Ryan Nielsen, Keith Thrift, Izzy Thrift, Barb Watson, Joanna, John, Judy Dempton, Kristy Dolan, Patty Frazer, RECOVERY: Terry, Barbara Schneider, Hollie Hastings, Bill Bertram, Forrest Norton
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Tim McCravey, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms: Kitty Keily, Bettie LeVeille, Bob Wolfe / Brookdale: Ann Farabee, Ann Riley / Grand Villa: Katie Diehl, Joyce Hawks, Vern & Jackie Westlake / Majestic Oaks: Imogene Newsham, Dorothy Smith / Oak Villa: Frank Knight / Oak Manor: Ann Brandon / Parkside: Rocco Cerretani, Myra Stone / Villa: Betty Moffatt / Woodland Towers: Rich & Maryln Demers, Shirley McCravey / Keystone Villa PA: Fred Eshleman / La Crosse WI: Neal & Leatryce Deyo / Greensboro NC: Sharon Johnson / Family Care: Vi Fogarty, Patricia Kadel, Janet Splawn, Carolyn Hatfield, Hank & Janice Babin, Linda Chester
MILITARY: Greg Brooker, Slade Brown, John Clausen, Jake Clayton, Jason Davis, Soren Evans, Mark Fain, Charles Germany, Joseph Giusseppi, Mason Giusseppi, Robert Grimes, Wesley Hamm, Chance Hart, Summer Hart, James Jackson, Makayla Mercier, Matthew Miller, Adam Mosley, Katie Onyundo, Caleb Oyler, Brian Privette, Austin Ridenhour, Erica Rix, Shawn Schulz, Nicholas Smith, Gabriella St. Angelo, Jakob Turnage, Brian Welch, Ben Zona
SYMPATHY: Family & friends for the loss of sister, Cindy Kerr; Wilma Richardson & family for the loss of her husband, Jack; Nancy Dillard & family for the loss of her husband, John
HOSPITAL: Eugenia Glass (Halifax Hospice), Gene Wathen, Izzy Thrift (GA)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Linda Coffin, Bud Stanford, Kenny Dayton, Kenny Hines, Brad Brubaker, Aiden Bower, Monty Jr’s cousin
CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, Tom Smith, Carol Soliday, Sammi Theessen, Lexi Frisbee, Jill Walker, Laura Cheng, Danny Hood, Cathy Baum, Beverly Meeks, Frank Wilson, Otis Davis, Barbie King, Ricky Kidd, Jason Bond, Linda Denby, Paige, Jennifer C, Johnie Wilson, Paul Proctor, Teresita Sabado, Jimmy Heintz, Ron Booth Sr., Valinda Brandow, Andrea Haas, Austin Clarke, Tanner Scofield, ONGOING CONCERNS: Elizabeth Valente, Bishop Tom Shelton, Chloe Potter, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Dave Dayton, Dean Metcalf, Ryan Nielsen, Keith Thrift, Izzy Thrift, Barb Watson, Joanna, John, Judy Dempton, Kristy Dolan, Patty Frazer, RECOVERY: Terry, Barbara Schneider, Hollie Hastings, Bill Bertram, Forrest Norton
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Tim McCravey, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms: Kitty Keily, Bettie LeVeille, Bob Wolfe / Brookdale: Ann Farabee, Ann Riley / Grand Villa: Katie Diehl, Joyce Hawks, Vern & Jackie Westlake / Majestic Oaks: Imogene Newsham, Dorothy Smith / Oak Villa: Frank Knight / Oak Manor: Ann Brandon / Parkside: Rocco Cerretani, Myra Stone / Villa: Betty Moffatt / Woodland Towers: Rich & Maryln Demers, Shirley McCravey / Keystone Villa PA: Fred Eshleman / La Crosse WI: Neal & Leatryce Deyo / Greensboro NC: Sharon Johnson / Family Care: Vi Fogarty, Patricia Kadel, Janet Splawn, Carolyn Hatfield, Hank & Janice Babin, Linda Chester
MILITARY: Greg Brooker, Slade Brown, John Clausen, Jake Clayton, Jason Davis, Soren Evans, Mark Fain, Charles Germany, Joseph Giusseppi, Mason Giusseppi, Robert Grimes, Wesley Hamm, Chance Hart, Summer Hart, James Jackson, Makayla Mercier, Matthew Miller, Adam Mosley, Katie Onyundo, Caleb Oyler, Brian Privette, Austin Ridenhour, Erica Rix, Shawn Schulz, Nicholas Smith, Gabriella St. Angelo, Jakob Turnage, Brian Welch, Ben Zona
Bible Study Opportunities
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7pm/ LEC Gym
"Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist.” We will journey into the heart of discipleship as we deepen our understanding of our doctrinal and theological foundations.
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7 pm/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The small group meets on Wed at 6 pm, after impact dinner, to study the book of James. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am/Bldg 2
The Foundations of Faith is in a 12-week group study on "Discipleship". We're all called to be a disciple of Jesus, so come and join us at 9:15 AM in Bldg 2.
Deep Dives Bible Study - Sun 10:45 am/Bldg 4
Join us as we learn to develop a Christ-centered worldview one passage at a time.
Men’s Bible Study - Sat/7:30 am/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The focus will be on the book of Galatians.
Men of Faith Bible Study - Tues 10 am/Bldg 4
We will explore how to face death with the resources of Faith found in the Bible. Avoid despair and denial with grace, endurance, and peace. Please join us on Tuesdays at 10 AM. Contact Terry Medlin for questions.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am
"Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist.” We will journey into the heart of discipleship as we deepen our understanding of our doctrinal and theological foundations.
Wed Bible Study - Wed 6-7 pm/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The small group meets on Wed at 6 pm, after impact dinner, to study the book of James. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am/Bldg 2
The Foundations of Faith is in a 12-week group study on "Discipleship". We're all called to be a disciple of Jesus, so come and join us at 9:15 AM in Bldg 2.
Deep Dives Bible Study - Sun 10:45 am/Bldg 4
Join us as we learn to develop a Christ-centered worldview one passage at a time.
Men’s Bible Study - Sat/7:30 am/Rm 113/Bldg 4
The focus will be on the book of Galatians.
Men of Faith Bible Study - Tues 10 am/Bldg 4
We will explore how to face death with the resources of Faith found in the Bible. Avoid despair and denial with grace, endurance, and peace. Please join us on Tuesdays at 10 AM. Contact Terry Medlin for questions.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am