The Common Ground Contemporary Service April 28 at 11:15 am will be in person and live-streamed.

Dear Church Family:

It was good to be back among you last Sunday after a refreshing week away on a personal retreat and with Nancy at a conference in Lake Junaluska, NC.  

Each week we read “the news” from Pender in this digital format. So, I have some encouraging news for you concerning what God is doing among us.  This week we began our new study of the Bible’s vital place and grace-filled work in our lives as Jesus’ followers. It was wonderful to get started by hearing the different stories of 17 members and friends of Pender who all shared something of their experiences of God’s word of grace through the reading of the Scriptures. We are just getting started, so feel free to join us on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 or Thursday mornings at 10:00 in the library. There is always room for one more disciple around the expanding circle.

At the same time, I was delighted to hear also that our new AA group had 11 persons attend a recent meeting at the church. There is a great need in our world to help people break the cycle of addiction and to live the life they were intended to live. Isn’t it good to know that, even as Jesus’ disciples at Pender grow in faith together, we are also reaching out in needful ways to our community? 

When we read or hear the news of the world, and sometimes even in the church, we may find it disheartening or worse. But it is ever encouraging to know that God is doing a new and newsworthy work of grace among us through the ministry of his church, you and me and us together. If you find what God is doing in your life or in our congregational life to be an encouragement to you, be sure to share it with someone who may need some good news, and maybe with an invitation to come and find out with us more of what God is doing to restore us to himself and make all things new.  

Even as we celebrate the work of God’s Spirit at work among us, I encourage each of us to continue to pray for the United Methodist Church and Pender in these days as the General Conference continues through next week. Let us pray for the same grace we are experiencing to be manifested in Charlotte NC and that God’s will and purposes may be accomplished for the UMC.

I am ever grateful to be serving the risen Lord with you at Pender UMC,

Pastor Bruce

From this Morning's Bible Study:

"The Way to Heaven"

Is Through the Narrow Gate

Is there more than one way to Heaven? According to polls, a surprising number of people believe there is. Even more surprising is that some of our modern day Christian churches are not confronting this issue.

The only reliable information concerning how to be saved can be found in God's written Word, not in the opinions of people. We must rely only upon His way. "The Way" was a designation for early Christians. It was "The Way" then, and is "The Way to Heaven" now. Christianity itself rests upon a plan of salvation so easy that even a child can understand. This perfect plan must be maintained; else, those who follow the wrong teachings will be separated from God. God's written Word tells us that the only way to Heaven is through what Jesus did on the cross.

• Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:5-7)

• "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)

• "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

God's Way

Based on the above Scripture the way to Heaven can only be found in God's Word. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt 7:13)

Only one Way to Heaven

According to Scripture, humanity is born spiritually separated from God, but God has provided a way to end this separation; that is by faith in Jesus Christ, and what He did on the cross. The way to Heaven is through faith in Jesus, the small gate, and narrow road. Peter said to allow God's Word to be "...a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts". (2 Peter 1:19) Do not rely upon the opinions of people. Learn to search the scriptures, and then believe what you find. Rely on God's Word; it will show you the way to heaven.

Related Scripture

• In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3)

• Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (John 3:18)

• This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1John 4:9)

• Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.(Hebrews 4:14)

© Copyright 2006-2023 Trusting-in-Jesus.com-https://www.trusting-in-jesus.com/Way-to-Heaven.html Christian Articles Studies and Resources by Samuel Mills

• April 23-May 3, General Conference going on now
• April 25, Thursday morning Bible Studies return
• April 27, Missions Meeting
• April 30, Last day to submit Graduate information
• May 4, Graduation Dinner
• May 5, Graduate Sunday
• May 11, Chris Atwood Foundation HopeFest 2024
• May 11, Concert presented by the Music Department
• May 18-19, Faith Promise Missions Celebration
• May 19, Pentecost Sunday
• June 20-22, Virginia Annual Conference
• June 24-28, VBS. Registration open now at www.penderumc.org/vbs.
• July 19-26, Philippi Youth Missions Trip
• September 8, Back to School picnic
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• December 7, Breakfast with Santa

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Class at 10:15 am.
• Youth Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Connections Adult Class meets at 10:15 am
• The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Pray for Pender, 10:15 am
• The Turning Point Youth Group at 4:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Recorder Consort or Flute Choir rehearsal
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 7pm
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle meets in person the second Wednesday of each month
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

• Check here for other meetings.

After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference will take place April 23-May 3, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. Please pray!

Learn more on the General Conference Page at https://penderumc.org/conference/

General Conference livestream below:

Find out what happened during the second day of the postponed 2020 General Conference!

Graduation Sunday is May 5th. We want to honor ALL of our high school, trade, technical, apprentice, vocational, college, and post-doctoral students.

Parents or guardians should send in the following information to the church office (office.admin@penderumc.org) no later than Tuesday, April 30th. Please include the following information:

• The high school, college, or trade school your senior is graduating from.
• Their future plans.
• Your senior's parent's or guardians names, as you would like for them to be listed.
• A photo of your senior.
• Questions can be directed to Jane McKee or Arlet Williams

We are very proud of our 2024 graduates and plan to honor them during our Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, May 5th at 9:00 AM. A slideshow of our graduates will be shown at the beginning of our 9:00 and 11:15 AM worship services. A dinner reception for the graduates and their families will be provided at 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 4th.  

We will need all graduate information no later than Tuesday, April 30th.

The Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration will begin Saturday May 18 with a Potluck Dinner.

Sunday May 19 at 9AM and 11:15AM Services David and Laura Shuping, long-term Pender members will share about their ministries.

The Annual Missions Conference is an opportunity to meet visiting missionaries, hear their stories about what God is doing in the lives of people, and how lives are being changed throughout the world because of Pender's Faith Promise Missions outreach.

"Experience the spirit of giving this Easter Season!

On Easter morning 2024, Jane McKee revealed exciting details about Pender's annual mission trip to Philippi happening in July.

She highlighted the diverse volunteer opportunities available for this transformative journey. But that's not all – she also announced that the Easter offering would be dedicated to building Tiny Houses for Philippi.

Imagine the impact! We have the chance to purchase kits, assemble them into cozy homes, and then watch as Ruston Seaman and his dedicated team transport these homes of hope to Philippi.

Dive into this heartwarming mission with us, contribute to a cause that rebuilds lives, and be a part of a community that cares.

Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of faith and service – stay tuned for updates!"

Matthew 5:14-16 King James Version (KJV) says:

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Hey Pender Family It’s always a joy to see your smiling faces, but we know there’s a whole world of amazing achievements and cool activities happening in your lives outside of Pender too. Why keep all that awesomeness to yourselves when we could be celebrating together right here in our newsletter

Kids’ Corner: Did your little one just make the honor roll, strike up a tune in the school orchestra, master the art of coloring inside the lines, score a touchdown, try a triple axel, or toss their graduation cap in the air? We want to hear all about it!

Adult Achievements: What’s new and exciting in your life? Picked up a paintbrush or a guitar recently? Maybe you’ve just designed the next architectural marvel in London, tied on tap shoes, shared a meal with a homeless person, or knitted your first scarf—no feat is too big or small for our Pender community spotlight.

Share Your Stories: Drop us a note, send in a photo, or even a short blurb about what’s new and exciting in your world. Let’s fill our newsletter with your successes and new ventures. After all, every achievement deserves a shoutout!

Can’t wait to feature your stories and celebrate all the incredible things you’re doing. Let’s make our next newsletter issue the most inspiring one yet

April 27 and 28 Donna Parker, Worship Leader, Head of Church Council, Bell Ringer and much more at Pender, will play in two handbell concerts, one in Haymarket and one in Warrenton.

May 3 a group of Pender People, including a past pastor and family, will go to Herndon High School to support Sean Wittmer in the title role of "Fiddler on the Roof".

Interested? Ticket info here.

On May 10, several Pender People will be at Oakton High School to support Ash Dougherty as she works diligently back stage to produce the stage play "Pippin".

You can be there, too - tickets here.

June 15, Mary O'Connor, Pender Director of Communications, will play balalaika at Capitol One Hall. There will be two free outdoor concerts this summer. One at Mason District Park in Annandale and one in Harris Pavilion in Manassas. September 22 there will be a Concert in Support of Ukraine in Culpepper.

Brian Stevenson, Director of Handbells and Ensembles here at Pender, plays a multitude of instruments including bassoon, clarinet, flute, guitar, harp, piano, organ, handbells, recorder and mandolin as well as arranging and directing, harp therapist and luthier.

Brian has completed his studies in piano tuning and repair with a certification from APTN and has just set up a page on NextDoor. If he's tuned your piano, please give him a good review. If you need your piano tuned, give him a call.

Don't Forget to Share Your Stories!

Unleashing Potential with BlackGirlScientist, LLC!

Dive into our latest slideshow featuring the exhilarating Lava Lip Gloss Lab, a FREE STEM Workshop held at Pender UMC, specially designed for 30 middle school-aged girls. This dynamic session was crafted to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, offering these young minds a hands-on experience that transcends the typical classroom setting.

Why STEM? STEM encompasses the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It's more than just an educational framework; it's a gateway to innovation and a critical component of future career paths. Our workshop not only introduced these bright young girls to fundamental concepts but also demonstrated how they can blend creativity with science to create something fun and beautiful like their very own lip gloss!

In this video, watch as curiosity transforms into tangible skills, see the joy of learning in action, and maybe even learn a thing or two about the science behind cosmetics. Don't miss out on the highlights from this empowering event where young girls learn, create, and inspire.



Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment! Let's inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers together!

Celebrate with us as we honored the United Women in Faith Women of the Year at our special Women of the Year Tea, held on April 21, 2024!

This prestigious event showcased the incredible achievements of Vicki Fitzgerald and Teresa Rothschild, highlighting their remarkable contributions to our community.

Under the leadership of Maya Berry, President of the United Women in Faith Pender UMC Chapter, the event was filled with warmth, inspiration, and a strong sense of fellowship. Join us in this video as we capture the highlights of the tea, from heartfelt speeches to joyful celebrations with members and guests.

Relive the special moments, the elegant decorations, and the community spirit that define the Women of the Year Tea. Whether you're a long-standing member or just curious about the impactful work of the United Women in Faith, this video is your gateway to experiencing the joy and dedication of our honored women.



The background audio was a flute solo by Brian Stevenson on October 3, 2022.

Impact Youth Bake Sale

Welcome to our latest YouTube slideshow featuring Pender's Impact Youth in action!

Dive into our delightful slideshow capturing the sweet moments of our dedicated youth baking cookies, brownies, lemon bars, and more. This isn't just any bake sale; it's a heartfelt effort to support the upcoming Mission Trip to Philippi, West Virginia, from July 19-26, 2024.

Watch as our Impact Youth mix, bake, and decorate their way through an array of delicious treats, all for a noble cause. The proceeds from this bake sale will help fund the construction of tiny houses, providing stable homes for those in need. Each slide in this video not only showcases the fun and fellowship of the baking process but also highlights the spirit of community and charity that drives Pender's youth.



Enjoy the smiles, the teamwork, and of course, the scrumptious baked goods that make this event so special. From stirring the batter to boxing up the final products, every moment is a step towards making a significant difference in the lives of others.

A J Rios is the drummer at Pender's Common Ground Contemporary service each Sunday at 11:15.

Check out his talent any Sunday in person or online. He recently shared his love for music and teaching music with Fox 5 News DC.

AJ and Hawkins from Middle C Music School guided the Fox 5 News hosts through creating a one-of-a-kind band using items anyone could find around the house. From paint cans to water xylophones, watch as everyday objects transform into musical instruments, all tuned to play perfect melodies and rhythms.

We had a night full of strikes, spares, and unforgettable fun! Pender's Impact Youth Group took over the lanes at Fairfax Bowl America for an epic bowling extravaganza.

Friends rallied, favorite bowling balls rolled, and the competition for the first strike was fierce. Whether seasoned pros or first-time bowlers, it was the perfect way to kick back, relax, and enjoy a fantastic evening with the crew.

We all met up and said our goodbyes directly from the bowling alley, still buzzing from the night’s excitement. It was an awesome event that truly struck up loads of fun! Don't miss the highlights—check out our video to relive every frame of the action.

Meeting Saturday 4/27/2024

All are welcome to join us for a discussion to consider “Questions in Faith” that pertain to us all, no matter our station of life or faith. 

We will meet in the library at 10:30 to talk about biblical answers to questions about God, faith, and life that relate to us all. 

If you plan to come, contact me to make arrangement to get you a study book that will be the basis of our discussion. 

Bring your Bible with you and invite a friend.  

Grief Counseling

Grief is a non-linear journey, and you don't have to go it alone. Pender UMC specializes in grief counseling and support, to help you through life's most difficult moments. Supporting clients in and around Fair Oaks.

Premarital Counseling for Couples

Prepare for a lifetime together by having the important conversations ahead of time, and in a supportive environment. Pender UMC provides premarital counseling for couples in our Fair Oaks office. Get the support, encouragement, and the tools to build a lasting marriage with our help.

Support our First Responders by helping us restock our Rest Stop.

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages of chips, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks.

Donations can be dropped off in the Church Office.

Our officers continually let us know how blessed they are to have a safe place here at Pender! In turn, we are safer because of their presence!

Join us for a recovery and family friendly festival with food, fun, and fellowship. All proceeds will help others access the profound hope of recovery, connection, and peer support.

ACTIVITIES:

10:30am:

• Morning yoga with Executive Director, Shelly Young! Bring your yoga mat if you have one.

11am - 1:30pm

• Smokin' Willy's on-site grilling
• Kids games
• Music
• Petting zoo
• Lawn games
• Raffle prizes
• Dessert

Pay what you can, but reserve your ticket in advance so we know how much food to have. We cannot wait to see you there!

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!

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. Becky Bryan is our current liaison with WFCM.

Thanks goes out to all of you who continue to support WFCM many programs.

~~~

The WFCM blue cart is between the two front doors of he church.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Maseca Corn Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helpers)
• Risotto
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Pancake Mix
• Peanut Butter
• Coffee (ground, no k-cups)
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Individual Juice Boxes (100% fruit juice preferred)

• Toiletries: body lotion, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, toilet paper, and lotion (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)

All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed.

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

Thanks to all of you who faithfully extend your loving mercy to those in our community who may face food insecurity without the donations we make to WFCM. Usually this Pender weekly email does not contain the entire letter from WFCM with their monthly update. Since it may have been awhile since you’ve seen how your contributions make a difference, please take a couple of minutes to read this. You’ll also learn about the various ways WFCM gets food to those who need it. 

Below is an excerpt from the letter which I want to bring to your attention. 

Please consider a recurring monthly donation. How does this help? We are able to turn your monthly donation of $50 into $300 of groceries.

When you give a cash donation to Pender designated for the WFCM Food Pantry, Pender will forward the donation to WFCM with the restriction to use it for the food pantry. In March we have sent $1,000 – which multiplies into $6,000 worth of food when WFCM makes bulk purchases.

If you have any questions, please contact me, Becky Bryan, or you may contact WFCM directly.

Again, thanks to each of you who continue to support this important ministry.

Read this month's WFCM Newsletter.

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.

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.