Candles, Carols and Communion at 7:30 pm

Step into the warmth and joy of our Christmas Eve candlelight service, a time-honored tradition that promises to fill your heart with the spirit of the season.

As flickering candles cast a soft, inviting glow, you'll be enveloped in the rich harmonies of cherished Christmas carols. Sing along with us, letting the familiar melodies transport you to a place of peace and nostalgia.

Immerse yourself in the profound beauty of scripture reading and inspiring preaching, offering moments of reflection and hope. This is a time to reconnect with the essence of Christmas and find solace in its timeless messages.

A highlight of our service is the Holy Communion, a sacred and unifying experience that brings us closer together as a community of faith. It's a moment to pause, give thanks, and feel the presence of something greater than ourselves.

But that's not all – our service holds a special treasure for our youngest attendees. A children's message, crafted especially for them, will light up their eyes with wonder and fill their hearts with the joy of the season.

And, for a truly unique experience, our music will be a harmonious blend of the old and the new. The Traditional and Common Ground teams are joining forces to create a musical tapestry that weaves classical hymns with contemporary tunes. This blend of music promises to lift your spirits and leave you with a heart full of Christmas cheer.

Join us for an evening where community, tradition, and celebration come together in a beautiful tapestry of festive joy. We can't wait to share this special night with you!

Get ready for a Christmas morning like no other at Pender UMC! On this special day, December 25th, at 10:30 am, we're throwing a joyous Birthday Party for Jesus, and you're invited to be a part of this unforgettable celebration. Imagine the sanctuary alive with the spirit of Christmas, adorned with festive decorations, as we gather to honor the reason for the season.

 The air will be filled with the sound of beloved carols, as we host an exuberant carol sing that promises to lift spirits and warm hearts. This isn't just any sing-along; it's a chance for every voice, young and old, to come together in a jubilant chorus, echoing the joy of Christmas.

 And there's more! We've crafted a special message that will resonate with both children and adults, capturing the essence of Christmas in a way that's meaningful and engaging for all. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Christmas story and its message of hope, love, and joy.

 In the spirit of cozy Christmas mornings, kids and those young at heart are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas! Imagine the delight and comfort of worshiping in your festive PJs, surrounded by family, friends, and your church community.

 Please note, there will be only one service on Christmas Morning, making it a unique and special gathering for our whole church family. This Christmas, let's come together to celebrate, sing, and share in the joy of Jesus' birth at Pender UMC's Birthday Party for Jesus. It's more than a service; it's a heartfelt celebration of the greatest gift of all!

A few more copies of the book (The Means of Grace) for the Tuesday/Thursday class have been ordered.

Pastor Bruce is leading a study on a topic of importance to us all.

As Christians we know that God has acted in Jesus Christ to be in relationship with us, and we want to grow in our relationship to God. From the start, this has also been a central feature of Methodist Christianity. But how does this growth happen? And what is our part? 

Beginning next week, we will begin a new study and conversation to consider the ways God works in our lives with grace, and the specific ways in which we can participate in the process of knowing and loving the Lord. 

If you are interested, join us either on Tuesday at 7:00pm or on Thursday at 10:00am in the library. 

If you are unable to join us but are interested, or if you have questions, please contact me by email or phone (bruce.j@penderumc.org 434-610-1115) as soon as possible. 

We will order books soon and encourage anyone who is able to reimburse the church for the cost ($16) If that is a stretch for you, the church will pick up the cost. Since growing in our relationship to God is a topic that is relevant to every person, feel free to invite a friend or acquaintance beyond our congregation. 

I hope to see you there. 

Pastor Bruce 

KEEP IN STEP

Let’s start with some backstory…

Jesus had already lived, died, and rose again. Some of His closest friends—Peter and John—were telling everyone what they’d seen and heard. They even performed some astonishing miracles in Christ’s name, like healing a beggar who’d been crippled from birth.

Thousands of people believed Peter and John’s testimonies about Jesus, but many of the religious leaders did not. In fact, in their eyes, such messages and miracles were dangerous and could ultimately take away their power.  After doing some jail time because of what they’d been teaching, as well as defending their message in front of the religious council, Peter and John went back to the other believers, praying bold prayers and trusting in God.

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”  Acts 4:31 

Peter and John were in the habit of:

1. Gathering together with other believers

2. Praying together with other believers

3. Speaking boldly about the Word of God

As they did the natural—gathering, praying, and speaking—the Holy Spirit filled them with the supernatural power of God.  As Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” We keep in step with the Spirit by walking with Him, listening to Him, and following His guidance.

Like Peter and John, who faced tons of opposition for their faith, we can keep trusting in and walking with God. We can keep gathering together with like-minded believers. We can keep praying bold prayers that can’t be accomplished on our own. We can keep speaking boldly and continually about the hope we have in Jesus. 

 “Keep In Step.”  YouVersion 28 May 2023.  https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

Prayer

God, use me to be an example for You.  

I want to amplify Your glory wherever I go.  

Thank you for choosing me, no matter my age or ability.  

I am not too broken or messed up for You to use me.  

Empower me as I seek to love, lead, and live like You.

In Jesus name, Amen.

 YouVersion 16 June 2023.  https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

Christmas Love Offering

Gratitude is the appreciation of a gift received.  Happiness is the enjoyment of completely living in the present while sharing God’s love and grace with our neighbors.  Hope is the belief and knowledge that our Father will provide for all of our needs.  Today, Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee encourages all of us to think of these gifts and prayerfully consider providing a Christmas Love Offering for our pastor and staff.  

Our staff continually, faithfully, and with great reverence actively supports Pender’s world-changing mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ who will transform the world; of providing an inclusive love for all persons; of encouraging others to deepen their faith walk; of providing passionate worship; of offering radical hospitality to all; of teaching, and encouraging each other to develop an authentic relationship with Christ; and of participating in sacred resistance activities as the Holy Spirit calls us. 

In partnership with the Pender family, our staff share the good news, provide hope, and are fully invested in discipleship making -- the core of what we do at Pender.  It is hope that keeps us moving forward, towards becoming more Christ-like in our daily lives.  Hope has sustained our work in the domestic and international mission field for more than 116 years.  Pender’s staff celebrates and rejoices with our children, youth, and families as they  connect with each other, in learning about Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit both in-person, through recorded, streaming, and Zoom/concurrent Bible studies.  Our staff partners with volunteers to provide opportunities of sharing the sacrament of holy communion together;  to joyfully engage with each other thorough a variety of evangelical outreach events; as well as making telephone calls, sending cards, home visits, and partnering with our powerful prayer warriors who reach out to the community letting folks know that they are loved, seen, heard, and remembered.

The collaboration of Pender staff with our volunteers have provided worship music in both the contemporary and traditional styles that encourages us to disconnect from the outside noise and to be fully present with our Father during worship, wedding celebrations and Going Home services.  The powerful sermons that challenge and encourage us to reflect on our personal relationship with Christ and how we share the good news and gospel with others is a testimony of our staff sharing their gifts and offerings with each of us.

Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee encourages each of you to prayerfully consider making a love offering gift - indicate “Love Offering Gift” in the memo of your check or online giving by Sunday, December 31, 2023. 

2023 Woman of the Year

It’s time to nominate a Pender woman for the annual Woman of the Year award. Which woman has given support and encouragement to the Pender community? Who do you think deserves this special honor?  

Forms are in the church office. Once the form is completed, please leave the form in the church office. Forms need to be returned by Sunday, January 14th.

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

The following donations are currently needed: bottled water, energy drinks and hot cups for coffee or tea.

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!

Please join the Pender Books Lovers as they discuss Madeline Martin’s book, The Last Bookshop in London. The group will meet by Zoom on Sunday, January 14 at 4 PM.

Please contact Iris Salcewicz for more details.

From Amazon: INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“An irresistible tale which showcases the transformative power of literacy, reminding us of the hope and sanctuary our neighborhood bookstores offer during the perilous trials of war and unrest.”

—KIM MICHELE RICHARDSON, author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.

Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.

GBE Outreach

Thank you Pender for your generous support of the GBE Backpack Blessings meal program.  We are currently packing 50 meal bags per week for the school counselors to distribute to families in need of them.  

 Please look in the Church Lobby this Sunday December 10 for the next round of donation bags. Bags and food items should be returned to the blue bin in the lobby no later than Sunday December 31.  

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry in our community!

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!

As the clock ticks towards a new beginning, join us in a heartfelt celebration to welcome 2024!

On December 31st, at 10:30 am, we're bringing everyone together for a special combined worship service, embracing the new year with open arms and uplifted spirits.

Gather with us in an atmosphere filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation, as we bid farewell to the old year and step into the promises of 2024.

This will be more than just a service; it’s a moment to come together in faith, hope, and community, marking a new chapter in our shared journey.

Ring in the New Year with a heartwarming and spirited celebration at our special New Year's Eve potluck dinner and service! As the clock winds down on the old year, we invite you to come together for an evening of fellowship, flavor, and faith. Bring your favorite dish to share, and gather around the table for a feast that celebrates the diversity and unity of our community.

After we've savored the last bites and shared stories, we'll transition into a meaningful short service. This will be a time to reflect, give thanks, and set intentions for the year ahead. Together, we'll raise our voices in songs that resonate with hope and join our hearts in prayers that seek blessings for the days to come.

This is more than just a gathering; it's an opportunity to weave together the fabric of our community as we step into the New Year. Whether you're a long-time member or new to our circle, your presence will add to the joy of the occasion. Let's bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one with open hearts and uplifted spirits!

If coming for the potluck dinner, please tell us what you'll bring.

You can get a supportive text message and Bible verse on your phone everyday by texting the word "hope" to 540-712-6275.

Unsubscribe any time.

Discover a supportive space for new beginnings! Join us every Wednesday at 6:00 PM, starting January 3rd, in the serene ambiance of Pender UMC's Library.

At 5:00 PM there will be a time of casual chat, known as the "meeting before the meeting".

Engage in meaningful conversations and find camaraderie at our AA meetings, guided by the experienced Tom O, a dedicated long-term member.

These are open meetings.

OPEN (Open to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism)

DISCUSSION (Group participation in discussion of topic relevant to the AA program)

STEP (Group discussion of the 12 steps of AA)

Starting January 3, 2024.

For this week, until New Year's Eve

For next week, through January 6, 2024

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.

~~~

The WFCM blue cart is outside the church.

All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed.

Item of the Week: Canned Fruit

Item of Next Week: Canned Vegetables

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

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.

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.