Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and 11:15 am
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This Week at Pender
March 17, 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 20, 2022 Rev. Will White will preach on “If It Bears Fruit” from the series “Gathered up in Jesus” based on Luke 13:1-9.
March 20, 2022 is 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?”
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
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
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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 13, 2022, Rev. Will White preached on “Under the Wings” from the series “Gathered up in Jesus” based on Luke 13:31-35.
March 13, 2022 was the Second Sunday in Lent.
It might be time for someone to tell his/her story. A testimony of the healing power of grace and love can be a big help to worshipers in comprehending this gift. Perhaps there is a story in the serving ministries of the church, someone who was loved and accepted and served, even while feeling unworthy of such a gift. These stories are ways of letting folks know that grace abounds and still has the power to change lives.
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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! 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.
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. 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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Care and Connect Team
A new team is being created at Pender called “Care and Connect”.
This team will be involved in assisting Rev. White with routine pastoral care during busy seasons, help provide care when the Pastor is out for educational leave or vacation, and will also engage in periodic efforts to reach out to inactive members.
An organizational meeting was held on March 6 at 4pm.
If you are interested or want information please contact church leaders at care@penderumc.org
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Dear Pender, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all the words of condolence at my mother’s passing.
Your care, thoughtfulness and prayers have kept me going.
Thank you. You all shine the light of Christ at Pender!
Brian Stevenson
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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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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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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, March 27.
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!
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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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Sharing Jesus on Campus.
Stephanie and Eli serve with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) and with Bridges at George Mason University. CRU sponsors weekly Bible studies and other student programs where they have an opportunity to present the gospel.
At their last retreat, 14 international students attended and heard talks from the Bible about Jesus’ interactions with Mary and Martha, and also had the opportunity to learn about American culture.
Levi did a great job sharing the Gospel very clearly for all the students. During one conversation the students were asked to share their favorite part of the conference. One student from a Muslim background was excited to share all the things he had learned about Jesus, Christians, and American culture. There was also a time for Q and A and many of the believing students got to answer questions from their friends about Christianity. Stephanie has the gift to strike up a conversation with people she meets and then plans for follow-up meetings to discuss and read the Bible with them. This often results in a closer or a new walk with Jesus.
Recently Stephanie gave birth to their first child, a son, into their family. Please keep them in your prayers as they adjust to being new parents and also for Stephanie’s recovery from a bone condition that causes her a lot of pain, that it will heal by itself and not need surgery.
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Missions Conference April 30-May 1
Come and attend the Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration on Sat. Apr 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: Rice-A-Roni
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 20, Pick up GBE Food Bags
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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-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
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April 22-23, Confirmation Class Retreat Weekend
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April 23, Hope in Motion (The Chris Atwood Foundation)
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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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