Digital Bulletin
January 25th, 2026
“Knowing When to Go”
Genesis 12:1-5
1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
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
"Great Things”
“Now Here”
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
“Made For More”
“Now Here”
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
“Made For More”
Traditional Worship - 8 am & 11 am
As the Prelude begins, we gather in silence so that we can hear the voice of God.
PRELUDE “Majesty” Koury
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" No. 127
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Thy Word Is a Lamp, v. 1” No. 601
ANTHEM “It Is Well with My Soul” Beck
OFFERTORY “Sarabande” Lau
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Genesis 12:1-5
MESSAGE “Knowing When to Go” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Here I Am, Lord” No. 593
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Fanfare and Recessional” Lau
*If you are able, please stand with us.
All songs used by permission
ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
PRELUDE “Majesty” Koury
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" No. 127
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "Thy Word Is a Lamp, v. 1” No. 601
ANTHEM “It Is Well with My Soul” Beck
OFFERTORY “Sarabande” Lau
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Genesis 12:1-5
MESSAGE “Knowing When to Go” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Here I Am, Lord” No. 593
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Fanfare and Recessional” Lau
*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
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
Servants in Worship
8:00 - Dennis Stark, Barb Moor, Herb & Jan Jennings, Patty Umberger; Liturgist- Bill Hampton
9:30 - Ushers: Tricia Shortlidge, Kathy Hunter, Candy & Mark Soucek
Greeters: Jeanne Fieser, Stephanie Weaver
11:00 - Don & Terri Beer, Dan & Peggy Mault Liturgist- Donna Braddock
Bread Delivery -Peggy & Dan Mault
9:30 - Ushers: Tricia Shortlidge, Kathy Hunter, Candy & Mark Soucek
Greeters: Jeanne Fieser, Stephanie Weaver
11:00 - Don & Terri Beer, Dan & Peggy Mault Liturgist- Donna Braddock
Bread Delivery -Peggy & Dan Mault
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
BIRTHDAY PARTY & SILENT AUCTION
Join us for a Birthday Party during Impact on Jan 28 at 5:30 pm. Reservations required. There will be a Silent Auction with proceeds going towards the Community Baby Shower on Apr 25. We will be looking for any baby items donations. Last year, we helped 50 expectant Mothers.
Join us for a Birthday Party during Impact on Jan 28 at 5:30 pm. Reservations required. There will be a Silent Auction with proceeds going towards the Community Baby Shower on Apr 25. We will be looking for any baby items donations. Last year, we helped 50 expectant Mothers.
BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN - COASTAL CHOICES
Grab a baby bottle and fill it with coins, dollars, or a check (made out to Coastal Choices). The proceeds go to support women and families with unplanned pregnancies and life-affirming resources. This ministry has blessed many young families with hope for the future and to see Christ in action.
Grab a baby bottle and fill it with coins, dollars, or a check (made out to Coastal Choices). The proceeds go to support women and families with unplanned pregnancies and life-affirming resources. This ministry has blessed many young families with hope for the future and to see Christ in action.
COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP
There will be an informational meeting Sun, Feb 1 after the 9:30 service in the LEC/Bldg 4. This is for anyone interested in participating in the Costa Rica Mission Trip this summer.
There will be an informational meeting Sun, Feb 1 after the 9:30 service in the LEC/Bldg 4. This is for anyone interested in participating in the Costa Rica Mission Trip this summer.
IMPACT DINNER WEDNESDAYS
Reservations are needed by Mon at noon if you plan on joining us for Impact dinner. Sign up on the Connect Card or the website & indicate if Gluten Free needed.
Reservations are needed by Mon at noon if you plan on joining us for Impact dinner. Sign up on the Connect Card or the website & indicate if Gluten Free needed.
MERCY HOUR AND MOBILE MEALS
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.
EASTER SUNRISE AT EARL BROWN PARK
Easter Sunrise service will be Apr. 5 at 6:30 am at the Amphitheater at Earl Brown Park. We will be looking for volunteers to help with the food, set up, and serving as ushers. Contact Jessica Smotherman to volunteer.
Easter Sunrise service will be Apr. 5 at 6:30 am at the Amphitheater at Earl Brown Park. We will be looking for volunteers to help with the food, set up, and serving as ushers. Contact Jessica Smotherman to volunteer.
DAY OF HOPE - Feb 21 OR March 19, 2026
Residing Hope is offering tours and a chance to visit their campus, have lunch & interact with their youth. A special program will be presented. RSVP on their website or to mark.cobia@residinghope.org.
Residing Hope is offering tours and a chance to visit their campus, have lunch & interact with their youth. A special program will be presented. RSVP on their website or to mark.cobia@residinghope.org.
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.
WALK TO EMMAUS
The upcoming Aldersgate Emmaus weekend dates are Men: Feb 12-15, 2026 & Women: Feb 19-22, 2026. Please contact Rob Miller 240-475-3489 or 240-475-3493 with any questions.
The upcoming Aldersgate Emmaus weekend dates are Men: Feb 12-15, 2026 & Women: Feb 19-22, 2026. Please contact Rob Miller 240-475-3489 or 240-475-3493 with any questions.
RECOVERY CHURCH
Join us as we worship, share testimonies, and walk together toward healing, freedom, and purpose - one day at a time. www.recovery.church/deland
Join us as we worship, share testimonies, and walk together toward healing, freedom, and purpose - one day at a time. www.recovery.church/deland
GIVING STATEMENTS FOR 2025
Statements for 2025 will be coming out later this month via email. Make sure the office has your current email. Printed statements available by request in the office.
Statements for 2025 will be coming out later this month via email. Make sure the office has your current email. Printed statements available by request in the office.
GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2026
Notify the church office if you need weekly, monthly or bimonthly offering envelopes. Requested envelopes are in the Sanctuary or LEC.
Notify the church office if you need weekly, monthly or bimonthly offering envelopes. Requested envelopes are in the Sanctuary or LEC.
Donations Needed
MINISTRY FOCUS - BROWN BAG SUNDAY
Our ministry focus this week is for Judy’s Pantry & Children’s Hunger. They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
Our ministry focus this week is for Judy’s Pantry & Children’s Hunger. They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
NEXT WEEK -COMMUNION SUNDAY
Last Week's Numbers
Attendance
In Person 379
Online 28
Online 28
Giving
January
Actual: 47,574
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date, 2025:
Actual: 47,574
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards 2025: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Actual: 47,574
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date, 2025:
Actual: 47,574
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards 2025: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Birthdays and Anniversaries
JAN 25 Bday- Landen Cahill, Trayvonn Harris, Elena Osborne, Emily Osborne
26 Bday -Leslie Dayton, Aimee Dickerhoff, Jessica Leonard, Carol Medlin, Thomas Moore
27 Bday - Jeanne Fieser
28 Bday - Kay Bland, William Summers
29 Bday -Joyce Hawks
30 Bday-Brandon Bryson
Anniv-Justin & Trisha Riley
31 Bday-Alivia Jones, Paul Martin
26 Bday -Leslie Dayton, Aimee Dickerhoff, Jessica Leonard, Carol Medlin, Thomas Moore
27 Bday - Jeanne Fieser
28 Bday - Kay Bland, William Summers
29 Bday -Joyce Hawks
30 Bday-Brandon Bryson
Anniv-Justin & Trisha Riley
31 Bday-Alivia Jones, Paul Martin
Prayer Requests
PRAISE: Valerie, Kandice & Tony out of ICU, Donna Caruso (successful recovery)
SYMPATHY: Sheryl Murchison & family for the loss of her husband, Clay; family of Amber (young mother, age 37)
HOSPITAL: Gene Wathen, Kandice Mills (John Hopkins)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Stacy Siewert, Jonas Abito, Tony, Valerie Braddock, Elaine Eckler, Betty Huber, Connie O’Mara, Janie Osborne, Evelyn Altmeyer, Melik McClendon, Claudette Charlebois-Marchese, Kandice Mills, Karen Salem, Anne Coyle
ONGOING CONCERNS: Kathy Hunter, Elizabeth Valente, Chloe Potter, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Dean Metcalf, Ryan Nielsen, Izzy Thrift, Joanna, John, Judy Dempton, Lisa Tauber, Kristy Dolan, Patty Frazer, RECOVERY: Hollie Hastings, Amanda Dougherty, Ken Dayton, Carol Parrish, Bud Stanford, Linda Coffin, Brian Lindenberger, Pink Hall, CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Frank Pocica, 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
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Tim McCravey, Forest Norton, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms: 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: Sheryl Murchison & family for the loss of her husband, Clay; family of Amber (young mother, age 37)
HOSPITAL: Gene Wathen, Kandice Mills (John Hopkins)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Stacy Siewert, Jonas Abito, Tony, Valerie Braddock, Elaine Eckler, Betty Huber, Connie O’Mara, Janie Osborne, Evelyn Altmeyer, Melik McClendon, Claudette Charlebois-Marchese, Kandice Mills, Karen Salem, Anne Coyle
ONGOING CONCERNS: Kathy Hunter, Elizabeth Valente, Chloe Potter, Amy & Kenny Glascock, Dean Metcalf, Ryan Nielsen, Izzy Thrift, Joanna, John, Judy Dempton, Lisa Tauber, Kristy Dolan, Patty Frazer, RECOVERY: Hollie Hastings, Amanda Dougherty, Ken Dayton, Carol Parrish, Bud Stanford, Linda Coffin, Brian Lindenberger, Pink Hall, CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Frank Pocica, 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
CARE CENTERS: Alanson Acres: Al Guenther / Alliance: Jackie Humston, Phyllis Keesler, Tim McCravey, Forest Norton, Ann Sears, Thelma Vickers / Blue Palms: 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
We are studying the Book of Acts. All are welcome.
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 Esther. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am
The Foundations of Faith will meet in the Sanctuary following the 8 am service.
Book Bible Study - Mon 7:00 pm/Bldg 6
Will be studying CS Lewis' “Mere Christianity”.
Open to anyone.
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 topics related to the founding of our country for the 250th anniversary, “what all Christians should know”, and the topic of finding God amidst pain and suffering.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am
We are studying the Book of Acts. All are welcome.
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 Esther. All are welcome.
Foundations of Faith SS Class- Sun 9:15 am
The Foundations of Faith will meet in the Sanctuary following the 8 am service.
Book Bible Study - Mon 7:00 pm/Bldg 6
Will be studying CS Lewis' “Mere Christianity”.
Open to anyone.
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 topics related to the founding of our country for the 250th anniversary, “what all Christians should know”, and the topic of finding God amidst pain and suffering.
SELAH Women’s Bible Study -Rm 113/Bldg 4
Tues - 6:30 pm OR Thurs - 9:30 am