Digital Bulletin
January 18th, 2026
“Knowing When to Stay”
Ruth 1:15-18
15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
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
"Glorious Day”
“We Praise You”
“My Jesus”
“Holy Forever”
“We Praise You”
“My Jesus”
“Holy Forever”
Traditional Worship - 8 am & 11 am
As the Prelude begins, we gather in silence so that we can hear the voice of God.
PRELUDE “Romance from The Gadfly” Shostakovich
John Wiese, Violin
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Great is Thy Faithfulness" No. 140
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "On Eagle’s Wings” No. 143
ANTHEM “Bow Down Low” Bridges
OFFERTORY “Cantilena” Simone
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Ruth 1:15-18
MESSAGE “Knowing When to Stay” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” No. 133
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Now Let Us All Praise the Lord” Pachelbel/Livingston
*If you are able, please stand with us.
All songs used by permission
ASCAP#19-147071237, WCA/BMI #1002133, CCLI #2270382
PRELUDE “Romance from The Gadfly” Shostakovich
John Wiese, Violin
CALL TO WORSHIP
*INVOCATION
*HYMN "Great is Thy Faithfulness" No. 140
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed” No. 881
*GLORIA PATRI No. 70
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
*HYMN "On Eagle’s Wings” No. 143
ANTHEM “Bow Down Low” Bridges
OFFERTORY “Cantilena” Simone
*DOXOLOGY No. 95
SCRIPTURE Ruth 1:15-18
MESSAGE “Knowing When to Stay” Pastor Mark Bitner
*HYMN "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” No. 133
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Now Let Us All Praise the Lord” Pachelbel/Livingston
*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
ANN & BILL FREELAND
IN MEMORY OF PETER BURBINE
ANN & BILL FREELAND
IN MEMORY OF PETER BURBINE
Servants in Worship
8:00 - Dennis Stark, Curt & Marcia Brandow, David Lapinski; Liturgist- Steve Mauldin
9:30 - Ushers: Joe & Sue Turnbull, Jereme & Melissa Brown
Greeters: Aiden Pierson, Bobbi Whitacre
11:00 - Mark Julich, Anna Young, Sharon Weaver, Marianne Spargur; Liturgist- Kay Caldwell
Bread Delivery -Cindy Davenport
9:30 - Ushers: Joe & Sue Turnbull, Jereme & Melissa Brown
Greeters: Aiden Pierson, Bobbi Whitacre
11:00 - Mark Julich, Anna Young, Sharon Weaver, Marianne Spargur; Liturgist- Kay Caldwell
Bread Delivery -Cindy Davenport
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 (Apr 25). Donations needed by Jan 18 for the 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 (Apr 25). Donations needed by Jan 18 for the Silent Auction.
GOSPEL CHOIR FROM BETHUNE COOKMAN
On Jan 24 at 4 pm, the Inspirational Gospel Choir from Bethune Cookman University will present a concert of rock and jazzy gospel, contemporary and blues gospel and other music in the Sanctuary. Some of the choir even write their own music. Join us for a delightful afternoon as they bless us with their music!
On Jan 24 at 4 pm, the Inspirational Gospel Choir from Bethune Cookman University will present a concert of rock and jazzy gospel, contemporary and blues gospel and other music in the Sanctuary. Some of the choir even write their own music. Join us for a delightful afternoon as they bless us with their music!
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.
BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN COMING JAN 25, 2026
Start saving your change as the baby bottles arrive Jan 25! The proceeds go towards Coastal Choices to support women and families with unplanned pregnancies and life-affirming resources.
Start saving your change as the baby bottles arrive Jan 25! The proceeds go towards Coastal Choices to support women and families with unplanned pregnancies and life-affirming resources.
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.
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.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
Donna Caruso - 11 am
Jim & Rachael Winter - 11 am
Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
Donna Caruso - 11 am
Jim & Rachael Winter - 11 am
BAPTISM
Today we welcome Aria Reid for baptism. Parents are Josh and Allissa Reid.
Today we welcome Aria Reid for baptism. Parents are Josh and Allissa Reid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RECOVERY CHURCH - Thurs at 7 pm in Bldg 6
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
Donations Needed
MINISTRY FOCUS - UNDIES SUNDAY
Our ministry focus this week is for Mercy Hour. They need tee shirts (L, 2XL, & 3XL), men’s socks and toothbrushes.
Our ministry focus this week is for Mercy Hour. They need tee shirts (L, 2XL, & 3XL), men’s socks and toothbrushes.
NEXT WEEK -BROWN BAG SUNDAY
They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
They need canned Hunt’s meat spaghetti sauce, individual cereals and Chef Boyardee.
Last Week's Numbers
Attendance
In Person 347
Online 38
Online 38
Giving
December
Actual: 97,844
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date, 2025:
Actual: 996,809
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards 2025: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Actual: 97,844
Budget: 84,437
Year to Date, 2025:
Actual: 996,809
Budget: 966,686
Giving Cards 2025: 114
Pledged Amount $531,263
Birthdays and Anniversaries
JAN 18 Anniv - Melik & Heather McClendon
20 Bday - Alex LaCombe, Ann Sears
21 Bday - Kathleen Hendrick
22 Bday - Julianne Purdy, Dylan Sutton
23 Bday -Rich Fisher, Tim McCravey, Eli Paterson, Tyrene Townsley
Anniv -Richard & Claudia Marshall
20 Bday - Alex LaCombe, Ann Sears
21 Bday - Kathleen Hendrick
22 Bday - Julianne Purdy, Dylan Sutton
23 Bday -Rich Fisher, Tim McCravey, Eli Paterson, Tyrene Townsley
Anniv -Richard & Claudia Marshall
Prayer Requests
PRAISE: Gary Barkley healed from fracture
SYMPATHY: Lisa Hightower & family for the loss of her brother, Gerry Hobbs
Jack Richardson’s Celebration of Life - Sat, Jan 24 at 11 am; Tom Smith’s Celebration of Life - Sun, Jan 25 at 2 pm
HOSPITAL: Gene Wathen, Kandice Mills, Janie Osbourne (NY), Tony (ICU), Betty Huber, Valerie Braddock (ICU)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Ginny Jones, Evelyn Altmeyer, Ruth Semmens, Victor Ayulo, Carlos Camacho, Anna Young, Melik McClendon, Claudette Charlebois-Marchese, Trish, Kandice Mills, Karen Salem, Pink Hall, Anne Coyle, Bernard Doucette, Karl, Clay Murchison, Connie O’Mara, Elaine Eckler
ONGOING CONCERNS: Elizabeth Valente, 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, Hollie Hastings, Amanda Dougherty, Ken Dayton, Donna Caruso, Carol Parrish, Bud Stanford, Linda Coffin, Brian Lindenberger, CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, 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: Lisa Hightower & family for the loss of her brother, Gerry Hobbs
Jack Richardson’s Celebration of Life - Sat, Jan 24 at 11 am; Tom Smith’s Celebration of Life - Sun, Jan 25 at 2 pm
HOSPITAL: Gene Wathen, Kandice Mills, Janie Osbourne (NY), Tony (ICU), Betty Huber, Valerie Braddock (ICU)
THIS WEEK’S CONCERNS: Ginny Jones, Evelyn Altmeyer, Ruth Semmens, Victor Ayulo, Carlos Camacho, Anna Young, Melik McClendon, Claudette Charlebois-Marchese, Trish, Kandice Mills, Karen Salem, Pink Hall, Anne Coyle, Bernard Doucette, Karl, Clay Murchison, Connie O’Mara, Elaine Eckler
ONGOING CONCERNS: Elizabeth Valente, 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, Hollie Hastings, Amanda Dougherty, Ken Dayton, Donna Caruso, Carol Parrish, Bud Stanford, Linda Coffin, Brian Lindenberger, CANCER: Dick Bailey, Barbara Brubaker, Danny Causey, Barb Garich, Bob Helms, 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
"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 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
"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 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