Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and
11:15 am
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This Week at Pender
July 6, 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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Welcome Pastor Bruce Johnson!
Pastor Ruston Seaman from the Peoples Chapel Church, Philippi, WVA will preach based on Philippians 1:3-7.
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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On behalf of Bishop Sue Hapert-Johnson and the Virginia Conference Cabinet, Reverend Robert Bruce Johnson has been appointed to Pender United Methodist Church as its new lead pastor effective June 28, 2023.
Reverend Robert Bruce Johnson (he likes to be called Pastor Bruce) was born in Spokane, Washington and was raised in the the Seattle, Washington area. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), Nampa, Idaho. He attended Princeton Theological Seminary and later transferred to Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Historical Theology.
It was at Nazarene Theological Seminary that he met and married his with wife, Reverend Nancy C. Johnson. After graduation, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he pursued a doctorate degree in Theology with a concentration in Wesleyan studies at Emory University. During this period, he joined the United Methodist Church and became convinced that the parish is an appropriate and needed place to practice theology in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition.
When the opportunity was presented to them, Pastor Bruce and Pastor Nancy moved to Virginia (her home state) to accept an appointment within the Virginia Conference. Within a few years, Pastor Bruce was ordained as an Elder.
He has now served as a pastor for the last 27 years in four different appointments in the Virginia Conference.
Fun Facts about Pastor Bruce
He is a lifelong fan of Seattle, Washington sports (don’t be surprised if you see him wearing a Mariners or Seahawks t-shirt or cap). Other hobbies include reading, music, singing, walking, and especially spending time with his family.
He and Pastor Nancy have two adult daughters, Lydia John, a video photographer with Channel 3 in Norfolk, Virginia and Anna Johnson, a figure skating coach and clinical nutritionist in Lynchburg, Virginia. As a “city-boy,” Pastor Bruce is looing forward to urban/suburban life again after spending many years livig i and learning to appreciate rural and small-town Virginia.
For many years, Pastor Bruce walked two to three miles a day with their dog Riley, his “four-legged evangelist.” Because Riley is an unusual mix (Corgi and Samoyed), Riley draws a lot of attention from neighbors and strangers. Those long walks have taught Pastor Bruce to welcome the opportunity to make contact with new friends who sometimes became disciples of Jesus Christ.
Passion in Ministry
The most important thing to know about Pastor Bruce is that he is a disciple of Jesus Christ who serves our Lord by helping congregations to become more intentional and effective in disciple-making (Galatians 2:20 and Ephesians 4:12). When Christ s at the center of our shared life, there is no problem that discipleship cannot fix.
Pender United Methodist Church has a rich history and he has been praying daily for the disciples at Pender and for our shared appointment in ministry. Pastor Bruce is excited about hearing from and getting to know the congregation and discerning how together we can fulfill Christ’s great mission in our time and place.
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What Does Radical Hospitality Look Like?
What does exceptional hospitality look like in practice? Radical hospitality is hospitality that goes beyond being friendly; it is welcoming guests with a warmth, openness, and authenticity that significantly exceeds expectations. It is intentional hospitality that surprises and delights people by making them feel noticed, giving them personal attention, and providing excellent follow-through. It is hospitality that makes guests feel so welcome they want to return again and again.
To consistently exceed guests’ expectations, we will likely have to adopt new behaviors — to go out of our comfort zone to make our guests feel comfortable. Radical hospitality creates a feeling of being comfortable, accepted, and valued — a memorable moment that people want to repeat. Friendliness is nice, but it doesn’t really create a feeling that people will remember.
Maya Angelou is often attributed with saying that “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Guests don’t come back to our churches because of what we do but because of how we make them feel. The difference between friendliness and radical hospitality is intentionality. To exceed guest expectations on a consistent basis, we have to be very intentional about it.
Three principles help us create interactions and environments where guests are open to hearing the message in prayer, song, and sermon and want to come back again. The three principles of radical hospitality are notice, offer personal attention, and provide excellent follow-through
There is tremendous power in noticing. We cannot provide radical hospitality until we first notice. Everything that follows — all our hospitality efforts — depend on us first noticing. To notice we must be aware of our surroundings (both the physical space and the people around us) and be present in the moment. Noticing includes:
· Offering a warm greeting to each guest you encounter
· Being on the lookout for people and environmental issues that need special attention
· Developing a dependable system for noticing and acknowledging guests
The second principle of radical hospitality is personal attention, and it’s completely dependent on making space in your life to notice. When guests receive personal attention, it’s memorable.
When we live into the principles of radical hospitality, we give people a taste of the kingdom of God. By showing that we are anticipating and ready for guests, that they are welcomed and accepted, we become physical manifestations of Christ’s love and welcome for those who come. When we make their experience exceptionally positive, their preconceived notions about church (and Christians) are deconstructed. They’re open to returning, which is the first step in a life of faith. When hospitality is done well, it changes lives.
Excerpt from Nixon, Yvonne Gentile, Debi. “3 Principles of Radical Hospitality.” Lewis Center for Church Leadership, 18 Aug. 2020, www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/3-principles-of-radical-hospitality/.
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All Pender Meetings, Classes and Events on the Church Calendar expired June 30.
If you are the leader of a meeting, Sunday School Teacher or event contact, please add your events for the summer 2023 or the 2023/2024 school year to the Event Calendar.
This applies to events at Pender, Zoom Meetings, groups at people's homes, enjoying a meal at a restaurant. All Pender events must be accounted for as they are reported to the District Office.
Pender Members can add your own events to the calendar through MyPenderPage.
Log onto MyPenderPage, find " Events" on the menu bar, then " Calendar". On the right top, click on " Add Event" to add it to the Pending Calendar.
You will get an email when your event is approved. Note that you cannot add an event to a room that is already reserved for another meeting.
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Pender Faith Promise Missions. Please lift up our 10 Mission Teams serving in the USA: Laura Bowers (CRU, DMV), Warren & Joy George (Navigators, CA), Rev. Neal & Shirley Hicks (TMS Global, TN), Stephen & Meiyun Hoyle (COM, VA), Stephanie Mberego (Bridges Int'l, DMV), Andrew & Karlayne Powars (CRU, DC), Rev. Ruston & Donna Seaman (Peoples Chapel, WV), Joe & Laura Sullivan (COM, PA), Kathie Virunurm (CRU, DMV), Rick & Debbie Yorgey (Navigators, DC).
Please select "Faith Promise Missions" for online contributions or indicate in the memo line of your check. Pender supports 62 Missions Teams and Cross-cultural Workers worldwide. For more info, please contact Greg or Maya Berry at church.missions@penderumc.org
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Do you have a car to lend a visiting missionary until late September?
The Paige Family (TMS Global, Spain) will be coming home to help their daughter, Cara, begin her freshman year at Houghton College in NY. If you are able to assist, please contact Maya Berry or Virginia Patch.
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Sign up to attend a family cookout to celebrate 40 years of fellowship with our Philippi, West Virginia friends.
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The group will meet by Zoom on Sunday, July 9th at 4 PM. This book is included in the Nurturing for Community reading program of the United Women in Faith.
Join us for a lively discussion about the book.
Please contact Iris Salcewicz for Zoom information.
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Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee hosts a Meet and Greet Barbecue Luncheon for its new pastor.
This event is open to the entire congregation and community.
If you and your family are planning on attending the lunch, please RSVP to Iris Salcewicz at isalcewicz@cox.net
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Please join the Ruth Circle Ladies on Wednesday, July 26 at 10 AM in the Gathering Space for a discussion of The Red Tent, written by Anita Diamant. We will have a lively discussion about the book. It’s always fun to hear what other people think about the reading.
The book is a first-person narrative that tells the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah and sister of Joseph. Dinah is a minor character in the Bible.
Questions: please contact Iris Salcewicz
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August 19, 2:00 PM, The Grow in God Cluster and Pender's Youth Group invites everyone to join us in the Gathering Place for a free ice cream social with all the fixings.
Please bring a friend.
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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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Visit from Pastor Ruston Seaman & Chestnut Ridge/Philippi WV church to celebrate 40 years of fellowship with Pender UMC.
POC are Maya Berry & Mark Atwood.
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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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Starting Thursday, September 7. The Music Experience is a weekly 45 minute session for third through sixth grade children.
Children can perform, read, write, and experience music, no prior music knowledge necessary.
Cost is $25 for the first child and $15 for additional family members.
Practice sessions will be held in the sanctuary.
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Sunday School
Topic: Youth Sunday School
Time: Sundays @ 10:oo am-11am
At Pender
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August 27, 12:30 PM, Back to Church Sunday with the Pender Praise Band.
Traditional Southern Potluck, bring your favorite main course that serves six people.
We will provide the salads and desserts.
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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: Pasta
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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July 8, Pender Missions Homecoming Signup to attend the cookout
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July 8-9, Reunion with Rusty Seaman and Chestnut Ridge
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July 9, Book Lover's Group
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July 16, Meet & Greet Barbecue for PUMC New Pastor, Rev. Bruce Johnson. If you and your family are planning on attending the lunch, please RSVP to Iris Salcewicz at isalcewicz@cox.net
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July 16, Pender's Got Talent Show.
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July 19, ROMEOs meet at Bob Evans
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July 26, Ruth Circle book discussion
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August 19, The Grow in God Cluster and Pender's Youth Group invites everyone to join us in the Gathering Place for a free ice cream social with all the fixings. Please bring a friend.
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August 27, Back to Church Sunday with the Pender Praise Band. Traditional Southern Potluck, bring your favorite main course that serves six people. We will provide the salads and desserts.
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September 7. Every Thursday from 4:30 to 5:15 PM, all third through sixth grade children are invited to The Music Experience! Children can perform, read, write, and experience music. No prior music knowledge necessary. Cost is $25.00 for the first child and $15.00 for additional family members.
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October 21, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Weekly Events
- Sunday
- 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, online
- Tuesday
- Recorder Consort rehearsal on hiatus until fall.
- Handbell Rehearsals on hiatus until fall.
- Wednesday
- Ruth Circle meets in person the second and fourth Wednesday of each month
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3rd Wednesdays Romeos at 11:45
- Thursday
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Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
- Choir Rehearsals on hiatus until fall.
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