Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and 11:15 am
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This Week at Pender
March 24, 2022
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By following Jesus
and reaching out to others,
we seek God's transformation
of ourselves and our world.
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On Sunday, March 27, 2022 Rev. Will White will preach on “Lost & Found” from the series “Gathered up in Jesus” based on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.
March 27, 2022 is the Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 is a familiar story to many, yet it bears retelling. The message of grace and acceptance no matter how far one falls is one we need to hear again and again. But perhaps we might consider reflecting on the older brother as we worship this week.
His story might come closer to ours than that of the younger prodigal son – particularly if we are trying to emphasize radical hospitality.
Gathered Up in Jesus
The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. We hope you’ll join in with churches around the world as we seek to be gathered up in Jesus.
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Join us live at Pender UMC
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The Traditional Services are in person and live streamed at 9:00 am on Sunday. |
The Common Ground Contemporary Services are in person and live streamed at 11:15 am on Sunday. |
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On Sunday, March 20, 2022 Rev. Will White preached on “If It Bears Fruit” from the series “Gathered up in Jesus” based on Luke 13:1-9.
March 20, 2022 was the Third Sunday in Lent.
The Christ who gathers us up invites us to live a life of fruitfulness. That’s the call hidden in our text for this week. The text starts with questions about blame, about getting what is deserved. Jesus wants to change the conversation. Like a poem from Mary Oliver, he is asking us “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
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The Traditional Services are in person and live streamed at 9:00 am on Sunday. |
The Common Ground Contemporary Services are in person and live streamed at 11:15 am on Sunday. |
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DURING THE FORTY DAYS OF LENT Christians have a special opportunity to engage in “acts of piety” and “deeds of mercy”. These acts do not help us earn God’s favor, but do cause us to focus on our faith in Christ. Thereby, we grow spiritually. Consider making a gift to our Easter Offering this year which will support UMCOR Disaster Relief in Ukraine and for the FACETS thermal shelter held at Pender March 27-April 1.
Matthew 5:16-17 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
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Lent and Easter
at Pender United Methodist Church
9am and 11:15am Palm Sunday
Join us in our sanctuary for our 9am Traditional or 11:15am “Common Ground” worship services.
Palm Sunday, April 10, 10:30am, Processional
Meet us in the parking lot for a time of palm waving, hosanna shouting, singing, and walking together. Kids love a parade. Bring them! We will have a donkey. Kids and parents can join us for a photo opportunity at 10am. Our Traditional and Common Ground teams will provide music. Come on time because this will be a short event and we want to be able to enjoy a hot cross bun in The Gathering Place afterward. We have a rain plan too for a processional within the church building.
Holy Thursday, April 14, A Service of Shadows, 7:30pm
Jesus met with his disciples in the “Upper Room” to reveal the mysteries of the Lord’s Supper. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked for them to stay awake as he agonized over the direction to which he had been called. He spoke the truth before the religious elite and Roman rulers alike. Join us for Holy Communion, great music, and singing in a service that ends with a twist, and hope. This will be a joint service featuring our Common Ground and Traditional worship teams.
Good Friday, April 15, Meditating on the Cross, 6-10am, 5pm-8pm
A prayer walk is an opportunity to quiet our hearts and listen for God’s guidance. We’re providing a wonderful opportunity for this in our church’s sanctuary on Good Friday. In the stillness of either morning or evening, participate in a self-guided worship experience in which you’ll recall the passion of Jesus. Come anytime during the hours listed, participate at your own pace, and leave when you are ready. Good Friday is a somber time, but it is through the cross that we become one with God through the immeasurable grace of Jesus.
Holy Saturday, April 16, 3-5pm, Easter Experience
This is a family-friendly event with the little ones in mind. Adults and children are invited to walk to Jerusalem along with Jesus. There will be crafts and fun activities that will help the kids understand Easter. Join us in The Gathering Place rain or shine!
Easter Sunday, April 17
Sunrise, 6:45am, Youth Drama, “The Tomb Revisited”
Come as our youth lead a fun drama in which they share their belief in the resurrection amidst their doubts.
Sunrise Breakfast
Following Easter sunrise service there will be breakfast in The Gathering Place. All are invited to fellowship together as we experience the joy of the risen Christ.
9am and 11:15am “Resurrection Celebration”
Join us in our sanctuary for our 9am Traditional or 11:15am “Common Ground” worship services.
10am Easter Brunch
Come “between the services” for an Easter brunch. This will be provided by volunteers in The Gathering Place. We can’t wait to see you there!
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"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ. " 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pender is a church committed to the power of prayer. Our "prayer chain" is a group of church members constantly in prayer for the needs of our congregation. To make your prayer needs known, you may email the prayer chain by clicking here to send an email to our group of prayer warriors.
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UMCOR Advance #14053A
UMC Pastors Ukraine and Moldova
Our Easter Offering this year will support Ukrainian refugee relief and the Hypothermia Shelter at Pender.
We’re thankful for your gifts.
There is another immediate need if you feel the calling to make a donation. It will be impossible for some UMC pastors in Ukraine and Moldova to hold worship due to the invasion of Ukraine.
They will need financial assistance in order to remain in ministry. If you want to help, you can make a check out to Pender UMC and write Advance #14053A on the memo portion.
You can also visit our website and make an offering to UMCOR that way.
Thanks for your gifts!
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Help Wanted! Common Ground
Have you always wanted to play or sing in a worship band? Common Ground is looking for a few good men and women. Contact Uriah Moore @ 1-443-787-8989. Email Uriah at: uriahjmoore@hotmail.com He’ll talk with you about an audition.
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Help Wanted!
We’re also looking for some administrative leadership. Would you be willing to go to training to learn how to expand and promote Common Ground?
Are you someone who likes to greet people? Would you be willing to usher?
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Masks Optional
In that transmission rates of COVID-19 are currently at acceptable levels, as of Monday, March 7, mask wearing will be optional for all events held at Pender UMC, unless otherwise specified.
If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, then you can do so.
Please note that the preschool mask mandate is still in place at this time. Our policies are always subject to change. Exceptions may be required for specific events.
If, God forbid, transmission rates were to again rise, we will at that time, reinstitute mask wearing.
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Join us in worship with the young men and women at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center.
You may feel like your individual participation doesn’t matter, but it does! Over and over again, the staff tells us how we make a difference in the young men’s and women’s lives and the lives of the staff!
Currently, We can only bring three people, so it is by invitation only. It is for the church to keep JDC in prayer.
Pender ministers to the youth lodged in the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) through a program of Sunday afternoon worship. The JDC serves young men and women, ages 10 – 17. These young men and women are held before trial, and in some cases, after trial in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The JDC also holds juveniles while awaiting transportation to the State Department of Juvenile Justice or other Placements. Their offenses run the gambit from delinquent offenders with minor criminal records to youth charged with major crimes.
Pender members join with these youth in worship including contemporary Christian music, a message, and prayer. Every fourth Sunday, we meet at the Center at 1:15 PM and are finished by 2:30 PM.
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The Chris Atwood Foundation's annual “any movement” challenge – Hope in Motion – is back this year in an optional in-person or virtual format!
The CAF supports all paths to recovery from substance use disorder, and one of the foundational philosophies of harm reduction is to celebrate “any positive change" that improves health and wellbeing. In that spirit, we're inviting you to join us in supporting The CAF's mission through any movement you choose!
Please join us on Saturday, April 23rd for Hope in Motion virtually, or at our in-person celebration taking place at Pender United Methodist Church: 12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA.
Walk, run, hike, bike, swim, practice yoga, dance, jump rope – however you choose to move your body to support recovery and honor our loved ones we have lost to substance use disorder.
We encourage you to create fundraising teams, post pictures, and get the kids, your friends, and neighbors involved to help us raise much needed funds that will allow The CAF to continue its critical mission of saving lives and supporting recovery.
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Spring concert April 23 at 7:00 pm featuring Liz Sellers on piano, Brian Stevenson on harp, and local professional musicians. |
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The Pender Nursery is available on Sundays during services and Sunday School classes.
Please let us know the ages of your children so we can best prepare for them at pender.church/signup.
Note that all children must wear masks and have their temperature taken.
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GBE Outreach:
Thank you Pender for your generous support of the GBE Backpack Blessings meal program.
We are currently packing 75 meal bags per week for the school counselors to distribute to families in need of them.
Please look in the Narthex for the next round of donation bags. Bags and food items should be returned to the Narthex no later than Sunday.
Thank you for your continued support of this ministry in our community!
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GBE Outreach:
With warmer weather on the horizon, our partner school Greenbriar East Elementary has asked if Pender would once again donate reusable water bottles. The bottles will be given to students for use during the school day, since they are not allowed to use the communal water fountains at this time. All shapes and colors are appreciated, and the bottles should be a size able to fit in the outside pocket of a small backpack. Donations can be placed in the church lobby. Thank you for your support of our GBE families!
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The hypothermia program is administered in partnership between Fairfax County, FACETS and the Faith Communities of the area. Pender has participated in the program as a host church for many years.
We anticipate between 25 and 30 persons during our week which is March 27 through April 1st, and breakfast on the 2nd.
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Children's Sunday School resumed in person and on Zoom
Welcome to Sunday School!
The children's Sunday School is meeting face-to-face (at the church).
Please note, teachers and children need to wear a mask during class. All children will get their own bag of materials to avoid sharing.
We hope to see you soon!
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Pender Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long program where children explore, celebrate, and care for God's good creation!
Through worship and drama, Bible study, nature-themed art projects and snacks, active games, songs, arts and crafts, skits, puppet shows and science explorations, elementary school-aged children will discover God's love for all of creation.
They will be challenged to care for God's world in tangible ways - both during VBS and at home.
VBS will be from 9-12, June 20-24, 2022.
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Sunday School
Topic: Youth Sunday School
Time: Sundays @ 10:oo am-11am
At Pender
Sunday Night Youth from 7-8:30 pm. See you there!
Starting April 3 the new time will be 4:00-5:30 pm
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Confirmation Class for all 8th grade and older students who wish to be confirmed in the United Methodist Church. Students will study the beliefs of the UMC as well as what it means to be a Christian. Upon completion of the course and weekend students will stand before the congregation and proclaim their faith and commitment to Pender UMC. Class to be held in the youth group room. POC: Minister Howard Fickling-Finley. They begin March 27 at 12:30 pm. |
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PENDER SUPPORTED MISSIONARIES UPDATE - A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION
Charles Hanak, serves as a Regional Director for AFCI in a number of countries in North & South America, which includes mission work in Paraguay. AFCI-Paraguay is developing a model program called C-Deco (Center for Comprehensive Community Development). The vision of this program is persons transformed in all areas of their lives by their encounter with Jesus Christ. The present development outside of the capital city of Asuncion will serve as a model to be replicated in other communities of Paraguay. Jesus said that He came to seek and to save the Lost (Luke 19:10). We see all kinds of lost-ness in Paraguay. First, the overwhelming majority of Paraguayans are secular in their world-view, their greatest need is to hear the Gospel and experience the presence and love of God. In addition, they are socially lost. Children in many cases do not grow up in intact families or stable homes. Although they may be in school, many never learn to read or do basic math. This situation leaves them unprepared for a productive life. Many teenagers turn to substance abuse, prostitution, and crime, resulting in high rates of incarceration.
C-Deco seeks to meet the greatest need of every human being, which is to come to know the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and to learn to live life with Him. But in order to win a hearing for the Gospel, we need to also deal with the immediate felt needs of our neighbors.
The programs offered by C-Deco focus on the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
Over the last 3 years, they have established a congregation of new believers, there is now a church in the center of 5 communities with a church building that provides opportunities for worship, evangelism and discipleship, as well as programs for children, youth and adults.
Let's Learn Together, a program of after-school tutoring for children focuses on learning to read and do basic math. Dorcas Ministry teaches basic sewing skills. Devotional times at the beginning of each session offer opportunities to hear and respond to the Gospel. Access to sewing machines and to professional training allows participants to provide clothing and materials for their own families and to make goods to sell. Focus on the Heart is a ministry of practical discipleship and healing for women that transforms their lives. CREER, a comprehensive residential program providing structure and vocational training for those coming out of prison. The 3-year program reintegrates ex-offenders into society with the skills they need to go forward.
All of these programs draw in members of the community in ways that allow them to see the reality of Christian community and to hear about the Christian life.
Thank you for your prayers for former members of Pender, Charles and Christine Hanak. Christine is the author and teacher of Focus on the Heart ministry and it has been presented to women in many countries throughout the world.
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Missions Conference April 30-May 1
Come and attend the Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration on Sat. April 30 at 8:30AM-12:30PM and on Sun. May 1 at 9AM, Sunday School and 11:15AM Services.
Missionaries will share about their ministries in our Fairfax community, in the US, and internationally.
Our keynote speaker is Christine Hanak, an ordained UMC minister, and her husband, Charlie. They serve globally with Ambassadors for Christ International (AFCI). As you know, Chris is an ordained minister with the UMC, and we are thrilled to have her back at her home congregation where her missionary life began.
Austin and Sinte House will update us about their ministry in Thailand. Members from Campus Crusade (Cru) on the George Mason University campus will come share their testimonies.
More missionaries are still confirming their attendance -- stay tuned for updates! Enjoy inspirational music and songs!
Come and be refreshed in the Lord! Share some hospitality with our missionary visitors. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments with an international flair will be served in the Gathering Place.
We look forward to seeing you!
For more information, please contact Greg or Maya Berry, or the church office.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries |
The WFCM blue cart is outside the church.
All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed.
Item of the Week: Vegetable Oil
Please no:
* Expired food
* Glass jars
Thank you for your continuing generous support of WFCM.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries ("WFCM") Current Request for Donations
The WFCM Food Pantry is accepting outside donations at their address below. There is a greater need for food but fewer donations.
You can also help by ordering from Amazon for delivery to WFCM. Rice, beans, canned fruit, diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6), pasta, pasta sauce, etc.
WFCM
4511 Daly Drive, Suite J
Chantilly, VA 20151
Financial contributions are also accepted (cash, check or through our website). Please mark your tax deductible donation "WFCM Food Pantry." This will be recorded on your giving statement.
Thank you for your continuing support of WFCM. In 2021, Pender donated 6,128.74 pounds of food and personal care items to help the needy in the community. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support of WFCM.
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Registration is now open for the 4th Annual WFCM Spring into Action Golf Tournament – Join us on Monday, May 23, 2022 at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club
“Everyone can see that my swing is homegrown; that means everybody has a chance to do it.” Bubba Watson
Take your chance at WFCM’s Fourth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club. Registration is now open at wfcmva.org/golf. We tee off at 8:30 a.m. and the day includes continental breakfast, barbecue lunch to go or enjoy on the patio, contests, free beverages and snacks on the course, and 18 holes of fun with your team. As Bubba Watson suggests, let's all just get out on the course and enjoy the day!
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Pender is an open and welcoming church. We accept and embrace all persons, period. All people are blessed children of God. Pender is a caring and praying church community; we believe as Christians that we are called to follow and practice the ways of Jesus Christ, who is our ever present and living God.
Our mission is to practice and embrace, providing unconditional love and acceptance of all of God's children as He loves and accepts all of us.
We do not discriminate based on age, mental, physical, or intellectual ability, culture, gender, race, religious belief or unbelief, or sexual orientation.
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March 27, Return GBE Food Bags
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March 27, Confirmation Classes begin
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March 27, Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). Learn More
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March 27-April 3, 2022, Hypothermia Center Sign up to help at pender.church/signup
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April 3, Coffee with the Pastor
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April 10, Palm Sunday
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April 14, Holy Thursday
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April 15, Good Friday
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April 16, An Easter Experience
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April 17, Easter Sunday
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April 17, Easter Sunrise Drama
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April 17, Easter Breakfast after the Drama
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April 17, Easter Brunch at 10 am. Sign up to help
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April 22-23, Confirmation Class Retreat Weekend
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April 23, Hope in Motion (The Chris Atwood Foundation) Join the Pender Pavement Pounders.
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April 23, Pender Spring Concert
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April 30-May 1, Missions Conference
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May 1, PUMC Confirmation Class Ceremony
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June 20, VBS (Vacation Bible School). Register here.
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July 9, Summer Cycle Ministry
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July 22, Missions Trip to Philippi, WVa
Every Sunday - In Person and Streaming Services.
- Traditional at 9:00 am
- Common Ground Contemporary at 11:15 am
Weekly Events
- Sunday
- The Cornerstone Class meets at 10:00 am.
- Children's Sunday School Class meets at 10:00 am.
- Connections Video and Discussion meets at 10:00 am
- Middle School Class meets at 10:00 am
- Youth Sunday School Class meets at 10:00 am.
- The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
- The Turning Point Youth Group at 7:00 pm
- Youth Group
- Monday
- Mary Martha Circle, in person and online
- Boy Scout Troop 1530 meets in-person at 7:00 pm
- Tuesday
- Staff Meeting at 11:00 am.
- Carillon Ringers at 6:45 pm
- Joy Ringers at 7:30 pm
- Wednesday
- Ruth Circle meets on Zoom at 10 am
- Thursday
- AV and Worship Team Rehearsals in-person at 6:00 pm
- Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 pm
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