Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and
11:15 am
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This Week at Pender
June 1, 2023
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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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June 4, 2023 is Trinity Sunday. Trinity Sunday is about God and not about us. And yet, because we can know God only in relationship, it has to be about us too.
Since Pender Lead Pastor Will White is on renewal leave, Rev. Drew Ensz will be our Guest Preacher.
We look forward to seeing you!
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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Pender's Traditional Service will be in person and live-streamed at 9:00 am |
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Pender's Contemporary Worship is in person and live-streamed at 11:15 am |
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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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Pender has a powerful group of individuals who pray for the needs of the congregation. This group offers prayers of thanksgiving, for strength, for healing power for family and friends and for other issues in your life.
Please contact Iris Salcewicz with any prayer requests you have and if you would like to become a prayer warrior for Pender.
Your joys and concerns will be added to the prayer list.
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Access the Sunday Bulletin
through the QR code above
and on signs at Pender
After starting with QR code bulletins last Sunday, there were some questions.
Online bulletins save money for Pender in paper and ink costs (color ink is extremely expensive - just a small bit of color on a page is enough to ratchet up the costs). In addition to saving money, they allow our online worshipers to know what is going on during the service.
Paper bulletins, which were traditionally printed on Thursday, could not be edited but online bulletins can be updated whenever new information is provided.
In addition to the online bulletin, all the service information is available on the screens during worship.
Announcements are already in this newsletter, on the slides during the service and in the narthex.
QR code stands for "Quick Response" code. Pender's QR code is a 2D barcode that stores a link to our Sunday Bulletin.
The bulletin can be read using a QR code scanner or a QR code reader app on your smartphone. Many cellphone cameras read QR codes automatically but you may need to download a QR reader from your app store.
Point your camera or QR scanner at the image and click the yellow link that appears. This link will open in your browser. It can be saved from week to week - just refresh for the next week's bulletin.
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iPhone instructions above. |
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Android instructions above.
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Forgiveness matters. Here’s why…
One of the most profound Biblical examples of forgiveness is found in a story Jesus told about a king who wanted to settle his debts. One man owed the king a lot of money that he couldn’t repay, but the king had mercy on him and forgave the debt.
Afterward, the forgiven man encountered someone who owed him a small debt. But instead of showing mercy and forgiveness, he sends the man to prison until the debt is repaid. When the king hears about this, he is outraged at the hypocrisy, and has the forgiven man arrested.
If we’re being honest with ourselves, we probably fit into this story somewhere. How often have we chosen not to forgive someone while happily receiving the forgiveness that God offers us? We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all rebelled against God. And all wrongdoing is contrary to God’s ways. Some sins have bigger consequences—but every mistake causes us to fall short of God’s perfection.
Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily erase the hurt caused, but it does help us heal and move forward. We will never know someone else’s entire life story. We won’t always understand what experiences impact the decisions someone makes. That’s why empathy matters. Showing empathy requires placing ourselves in the position of the person who’s offended us, and choosing to understand their burdens.
This is what Jesus did when He came to earth, experienced what it was like to be human, and then took our sins on Himself when He died for us. Although we have all wronged Him, He gave up His life to forgive and rescue us.
Scripture isn’t asking us to do something that Jesus hasn’t already done for us. And, Scripture also says that to the extent we forgive, we will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). So if we truly want to experience God’s forgiveness, then we need to extend forgiveness to others—even when we can’t forget what they’ve done.
So is there someone you’re withholding forgiveness from? Ask God to show you who you need to forgive. Then, allow God to shift your perspective and soften your heart toward that person. Let Him give you the strength and empathy you need to forgive.
“Forgiveness Matters ... Here’s Why.” YouVersion, 10 May 2023.
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/.
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We are very proud of our 2023 graduates and plan to honor them during our Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, June 4 at 9am. A slideshow of our graduates will be shown at the beginning of our 9 and 11:15 am worship services.
A dinner reception for the graduates and their families will be provided at 4pm.
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Johanna Holmes Berry
Johanna is graduating with honors from Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia. She will attend William and Mary in the fall, pursuing a major in Chemistry.
Her parents are Greg and Maya Berry.
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Abby Rothschild
Abby has graduated from Old Dominion University where she majored in Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. She will be working as a Computer Engineer for DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center at Ft. Eustis in Newport News.
Her parents are Ted and Teresa Rothschild.
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Don Andrew Staggs
Don has graduated from Creighton University, School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska Don plans to sit for the bar exam toward the end of July. (Please pray that he passes the bar exam in July.) Initial job after sitting for the bar exam will be with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
His Proud Parents are Don and Karen Staggs.
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Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee hosts a retirement dinner party and ceremony for Rev. Will White, his spouse Donna and their two sons.
This event is open to the entire congregation, Pender community, and persons Pastor White shepherd in previous UMC congregations.
The dinner and ceremony will take place in the Gathering Place.
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Now, it is time for Pender and the Fairfax community to say thank you and extend Best Wishes to Pastor Will and Donna White as they enter retirement.
You have three opportunities in addition to any personal notes you may want to offer:
- You can make a love offering gift – indicate "Love Offering Gift" in the memo of your check or online giving. Please note that love offerings are not tax deductible.
- You can send him a card and place it in the collection plate.
- You can send any pictures of Pastor Will and/or Donna with our children, youth, and/or adults from the congregation or community. We will incorporate the pictures into a PowerPoint slideshow to be viewed at the Saturday, June 10th dinner celebration.
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A Note from Brian Stevenson, Director of Music:
Hello Choir! I’m thrilled to announce that we have an accompanist!
Let's rehearse at 8:15 to get ready for the first two Sundays in June.
As you might recall, June 11 is Music Appreciation Day, so we need to prepare for that! We will start rehearsing each Sunday at 8:15 until June 11, then you have the summer off (if we have time in rehearsal, we may sing in service prior to June, but we will at least lead worship music for now.)
I’ll have music to give you this Sunday and I will send a link to what we will be singing so you can listen to it!
Look forward to seeing you!
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As we prepare for the arrival of Pastor Bruce, we want to “pound” him with items to fill up his pantry.
Please bring items such as rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soup, canned fruit and any other non-perishable food items. Cleaning supplies can also be included. Gift cards to local grocery stores and local restaurants are also welcomed.
Pastor Bruce likes Thai food and does not like mayo.
Items can be left on the table outside the Gathering Space, near the stairs.
Please bring any items by Sunday, June 25.
Questions, please contact Iris Salcewicz.
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Sunday June 4 at 10 am
From 10 to 10:15 we'll have coffee and fellowship. At 10:15 there will be a short 10 minute video and then conversation.
Our music director, Brian Stevenson facilitated the “Nooma” series to start this group off, and then look to class members for areas of topic and/or service ideas (books, lunch meetings, mission work etc.)
All are welcome. The classes are not sequential so nothing is missed if a week is missed.
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Join the Pender Book Lovers Group as we read The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
We will be discussing the book on Sunday, June 11 at 4 PM.
We meet by Zoom and would enjoy to have your thoughts on the book.
Please contact Iris Salcewicz for Zoom details.
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Pender's Got Talent Show
Do You Sing, Dance, Play an Instrument,
Perform Magic, Mime, Spoken Word or Poetry?
Then we want YOU to perform!
Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023
Time: 12:30-2:30 PM
Place: Pender United Methodist Church, 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA.
Sign Up: Sign Up Genuis; All Acts Must Be Family Friendly & No Use of Profanity; Maximum of four (4) minutes/act
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Children's Sunday School meets Sunday in person from 10:15 - 11am.
Welcome to Sunday School!
Any questions? Please speak with Miss Jane or Miss Maya!
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Hi Sunday School Families & Friends,
There are some wonderful family/children's activities happening ithis year. Please come and enjoy! All are welcome -- and invite a friend!
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Pender Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a week-long program from June 26-30, 2023 from 9:00am-12:30pm, for children ages 4-12.
This week at VBS, we will be exploring the Rocky Railway! Your child will experience Bible stories about God’s amazing world and discover the ways God cares for every part of creation.
Your child will make new friends, sing fun songs, watch dramatic presentations of the Bible stories, play active games, go on a nature scavenger hunt, do art projects and science explorations, and dig into the Bible.
Be sure your child arrives by 9:00 am each day. Children will gather with a small group and leader in the same place each day.
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Sunday School
Topic: Youth Sunday School
Time: Sundays @ 10:oo am-11am
At Pender
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If anyone would like to contribute items for the Rest Stop, those items can be left in the blue bin or in the church office labeled "Rest Stop".
Items often needed are: full size water bottles (They do not use the 4oz ones), seltzers, energy drinks, Aspire, Gatorade and Propel.
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Western Fairfax Christian Ministries ("WFCM") Current Request for Donations
WFCM has been providing food and services to the community for 35 years. Pender was one of the twelve founding churches that set the path and began the journey.
Thanks goes out to all of you who continue to support WFCM many programs.
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The WFCM blue cart is outside the church.
All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed.
Item of the Week: Flour
Please no:
* Expired food
* Glass jars
Thank you for your continuing generous support of WFCM.
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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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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June 4, Trinity Sunday
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June 4, Graduation Sunday
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June 5, Violin Masterclass with United States Army “Pershing’s Own
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June 10, Rev. Will White Retirement Dinner Ceremony
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June 11, Music Appreciation Sunday
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June 11, Book Club
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June 18, Volunteer Appreciation Sunday
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June 20, One Board Primer
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June 25, Pounding Items Due
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June 26-30, Vacation Bible School
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July 2, Rev. Bruce Johnson's first Sunday
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July 16, Meet & Greet Barbecue for PUMC New Pastor, Rev. Bruce Johnson
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July 16, Talent Show
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August 27, Back to Church Sunday and potluck
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October 21, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Weekly Events
- Sunday
- Choir Rehearsal at 8:15 am
- Coffee, Video and Conversation, 10:15 am
- Children's Sunday School Class at 10:15 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 4:00 pm
- Monday
- Mary Martha Circle, in person and online
- Tuesday
- Staff Meeting at 11:00 am.
- Recorder Consort rehearsal at 6:00 pm
- Handbell Rehearsals at 6:45 and 7:30.
- Wednesday
- Ruth Circle meets in person the second and fourth Wednesday of each month
- Thursday
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4th Thursday Romeos at 11:45
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Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
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