Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and
11:15 am
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This Week at Pender
October 27, 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, October 30, 2022, Pender Lead Pastor Will White will preach on "Man Out On a Limb" based on Luke 19:1-10.
Let’s have fun as we end lectionary Year C. Can we do that? Is it possible to have fun with scripture? Some would say not, it’s true. The argument would be to have fun is to diminish the seriousness of the text, of the gospel. To have fun is to trivialize what shouldn’t be trivialized.
"Man Out On a Limb" is the first sermon in the new series titled Face to Face with Jesus. What would it be like to encounter Jesus face to face? That’s the question this series sets out to help us answer. We can’t know, of course, but we can get a glimpse of what happened to those who did meet Jesus in the Gospel texts we examine here.
We look forward to seeing you!
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
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The Sunday Traditional Service is in person and live-streamed at 9:00 am |
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Pender Common Ground 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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Week Three
In the coming weeks, a short segment of the overall presentation will be included in the newsletter each week.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the structure and missions of Pender.
For the third week, we begin presenting information on Pender’s clusters and committees.
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Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.
[Martin Luther King, Jr.]
These are difficult times in our world, and we need to stand and work together as women and men of faith. Earlier this week, Pender held its Charge Conference, and our community nominated and affirmed a new set of laity leaders, persons who have accepted to lead our faith community in building disciples for Christ.
Let us build up our church community where we can share our experiences and create a network of loving support for our congregation and people in Fairfax. Let us commit to building a healing environment, a place for listening and coming together, a community where we build our faith and our resilience. For resilience is what enables us to move forward and think of the future. Resilience is essential for making the impossible possible.
We can only achieve growth in our congregation, reaching out to children, teens, adults, seniors, the poor, sick, homeless, hungry, the imprisoned, physically and mentally ill, those persons fighting agains abuse and/or neglect, the disabled and the differently able, IF we are a church where we are living in peace. We must be a church where there is room for everyone, where we recognize that we are all are sisters and brothers, son and daughters of the same God who is Mother and Father of us all. St. Francis of Assisi stated: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
We are Christ-centered, diverse, resilient, generous, and a spirit-filled people.
We Are Pender.
Sosa, A. (2017, March 8). Stirring the Waters – Making the Impossible Possible. Jesuit Resource – Free Online Resources. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/
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October is National Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Month
No matter how humble or unassuming they may be, most people get a warm glow inside when someone says “thank you” for what they’ve done or expresses appreciation simply for who they are. Clergy and others who fill pastoral roles are no exception.
October is Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Month. It is a time to say “thank you” to the people who may be most visible as preachers and teachers, but who, in reality, are on-call 24/7 standing with congregants and others to offer spiritual and other support in times of confusion, transition, times of heart-wrenching sorrow and times of overwhelming joy. They laugh, cry and pray with those whom they shepherd and serve.
Established as a worldwide recognition time in 1992, the call to honor the contributions of pastoral leaders can be traced back to Paul, who advised congregations to give “double honor” to the elders who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, NIV).
Here are some ways to extend appreciation to pastors or other clergy. And, remember, these suggestions are also good for birthdays, and other times when the congregation or individuals want to say “thank you.”
1. Send a hand-written note or greeting card with a message of gratitude.
2. Have children draw pictures or create other artwork for a clergy member or Sunday school leader.
3. Pray for your pastors – and let them know you do so (ask them what you might specifically pray for).
4. Lend your pastor a hand by volunteering at Pender, in the office, or where he needs assistance.
5. Give a “thank you basket” filled with coffee, favorite snack or hard-to-find allergy-friendly food items.
6. Provide a meal via a gift card to the pastor’s favorite restaurant or a home-cooked or takeout meal. Make a gift card large enough to include the spouse. Deliver meals at a time convenient to the recipient.
7. Consider giving gift cards that encourage self-care (massage, movie theater, a favorite local restaurant or upscale espresso spot).
8. Provide tickets to a sporting, cultural event, or concert they will enjoy. Make it easy for them to take a spouse or other companion and be sure the dates will work.
9. Give a service that your pastors are unlikely to get for themselves but would appreciate (house cleaning, landscaping, tailoring, consulting or financial advising).
10. Give a group gift, from a group or to a group, such as an espresso machine.
11. Provide a weekend getaway for the pastor and spouse and/or family.
Noble, Kathy. “Saying 'I Appreciate You' to Pastors.” ResourceUMC, The United Methodist Church, 16 Oct. 2019, https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/saying-i-appreciate-you-to-pastors.
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Flood Buckets
Flood Buckets can be brought to the Trunk or Treat event on October 29 at 4:30 pm.
There are signup sheets in the narthex.
Pender United Methodist Church is requesting that each family donate an item in support of our assisting our neighbors in Florida and Puerto Rico who are working through the devastation and impact of natural disasters, specifically hurricanes. It is our hope that everyone will join with us in assisting to build flood bucket cleaning kits that will assist the families.
All items must be new. All cleaning agents must be in liquid form. No powders can be accepted. Items for donation may not be imprinted with cartoon characters, advertisements, religious, patriotic, military, or camouflage symbols.
Requested Cleaning Kit Materials:
One Five-gallon round bucket with lid (14.35" h x 12.19" w x1)
- No screw lids
- This may be used, but it must be free from all residual product
- Advertisements on the outside are acceptable.
- No patriotic or religious symbols are to be displayed.
One 32-64 oz. bottle liquid laundry
One 16-40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner (please, no spray cleaners)
One 16-34 oz. bottle liquid dish soap
One 4-8 oz. pump spray air freshener
One 6-14 oz. pump spray insect repellent (pack of 10-20 wipes also acceptable)
- Pump spray bottles must have protective covers
One scrub brush (with or without handle)
18 re-usable cleaning wipes
- No terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels
- Remove the packaging
Five scouring pads
- No stainless steel or pads with soap on them
- Remove from packaging
36-50 clothespins
One 50-100 ft. clothesline (cotton or plastic line)
24 roll of heavy-duty trash bags (33-45 gallon sizes)
Five N95 particulate respirator dust masks (1-3 mm thickness)
Two pairs kitchen gloves
- Durable for multiple uses
- Remove from packaging
One pair work gloves
Cotton with leather palm or all leather
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Leaders Wanted
The Nominations Committee is currently in the midst of its annual nominations campaign and we are looking for leaders for a number of key positions. Two of these are the leads of the Finance Committee and the Serve God/Nominations Cluster. Following are very brief descriptions of the duties. If you think you might have the skill set and spiritual gifts for either of these positions, please contact David Hensley at dhhensley@gmail.comor 703-408-7750. Thank you very much.
Serve God/Nominations:
1. Recognize retired leaders from the previous year.
2. Highlight opportunities for leadership training.
3. Present leadership training, e.g. Pender 101.
4. Identify and recruit candidates for leadership positions.
Finance:
5. Lead Finance Committee meetings.
6. Track Church finances.
7. Oversee stewardship.
8. Compile an annual budget.
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We need volunteers to put door hangers for Trunk or Treat on the homes along Alder Woods Drive on Sunday, October 16 at 3:30 pm.
Can you help on October 29? We need people to set up for Trunk or Treat and to clean up afterward.
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The Pender Book Lovers will be reading Patricia Cornwell’s Body of Evidence.
We will be discussing the book, by a Zoom meeting, on November 13 at 4 PM. The discussion only lasts about one hour.
Please join us. Contact Iris Salcewicz for more information.
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MISSION UPDATE
Agustin & Cara Banuet serve with National Ablaze International in Medellin, Columbia with her family. September was an awesome month! Their church which they planted, just passed the 5th year mark. Five years of hard work, are now showing fruit! At the Anniversary they had over 80 adults plus children. Every chair was filled. "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted." Psalms 127:1. The Lord has built and will continue to protect and sustain this wonderful home. A safe place for many to seek Him.
Ministry outside the four walls continues
They also continue ministering at the local jail. Recently the Word of God was preached there and they delivered 120 personal hygiene packets. They also sent 100 more packets to a jail in Medellin.
Seeing Miracles
Cara & Agustin have witnessed some remarkable miracles among their congregation. One lady was advised by her doctor to have a very dangerous surgery to remove some mass from her neck. They were believing God for healing in her neck. The surgery kept getting delayed time after time. The day of surgery, she was ready at the hospital when all of a sudden the surgery was cancelled. She met with a new doctor who told her she didn't need an operation since her problem was not big at all, plus the mass had not increased in size. They will be doing some easier treatments instead. Praise God!
Coming Up
Cara and Agustin are expecting baby #2 in March. Her last pregnancy had some health complications, so they ask for your prayers for a smoother pregnancy this round.
In October they have baptisms and start up a second round of discipleship courses.
In November a short term missions team will come from Iowa and they have their Fall Festival.
Thank you for your prayers and support. What you do enables our missionaries to work and serve the saints in Columbia.
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Woman of the Year forms are on the desk in Pender's front office.
They're due November 6, 2022
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GBE Backpack Program Update:
Thank you all for your generous donations of food this month. Please look for the next set of shopping bags to be in the church lobby on Sunday, November 6th with a return date of November 20th!
Your involvement in the ministry is essential to it's success!
If you have any questions, please contact Ann Hines or Jami Flemmons
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Office Volunteers
We are looking for a few volunteers that would be willing and able to help out at the Church Office during the week. We could use some volunteers to help answer the phone, sort mail, and fold the bulletins if anyone feels so called to help. We would want help primarily on Monday and Wednesday mornings, but if you have availability on Thursdays, we can also use your help then as well!
Please contact Joe Mace or Pastor Will for further details and information.
As always, thanks for everything that you all continue to do for Pender and the Church. We are truly blessed to have a foundation in Christ upon which we can always depend on in these crazy days that have made up the past few years!
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The Pender Nursery is available on Sundays during services and Sunday School classes.
Note that all children must wear masks and have their temperature taken.
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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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Calling all Shepherds! If you like working with children (ages PreK - grade 6) and are willing to help distribute materials, and assist children in the classroom, we'd love to have you join our Children's Sunday School team!
Help our children to feel God's love and the support/encouragement of our Pender family!
(Sundays, 10:15 - 11am. Sign up for 1 week or 40!)
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Matthew 25:39 'When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
Pender is in mission to incarcerated Fairfax youth as they await their sentencing. We worship monthly, and once a year, we host a Christmas Party.
It is a particularly difficult environment in which to establish a party mood. But I am Maryann Weber, and I bring party. Is joining me something you could do and is on your heart?
Covid restrictions are lifted and we can bring as many as who want to come. Still masks, though.
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Sunday School
Topic: Youth Sunday School
Time: Sundays @ 10:oo am-11am
At Pender
Pastor White and Mark Atwood continue to meet with the youth on Sunday evenings, unless otherwise indicated. Join us!
- Saturday, October 29, 4:30-6:30 pm – Trunk or Treat in the church’s parking lot.
- Sunday, October 30 – No youth meeting.
- Saturday, November 5, 9:30am – Meet in the church parking lot. We’ll car caravan to the Metro. We’ll travel to The National Museum of the American Indian downtown. After the tour, we’ll have lunch. Please bring $20. We’ll call for rides on the way home, returning in the early afternoon.
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With the departure of Minister Howard Finley, church leaders are seeking ways to support the youth of our church and reach out to our community while continuing to investigate all options (including staff) to support youth ministries.
In the meantime, Mark Atwood is planning Sunday evening meetings with support from Rev. White.
Rev. White is discussing with youth and parents possible Educational Day trips and fun outings the youth might enjoy this fall. We’ll continue to let you know what we are doing as we seek to support the youth of Pender while reaching out to our community. ~Rev. White
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Do you order from Amazon?
Pender United Methodist Church (EIN: 54-0856924) has been issued a $43.12 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between April 1 and June 30, 2022.
So far, AmazonSmile has donated:
• $1,133.46 to Pender United Methodist Church
• Over $306 million to US charities
• Over $346 million to charities worldwide
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All Pender Meetings, Classes and Events on the Church Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year expired at the end of June 2022.
If you are the leader of a meeting, Sunday School Teacher or event leader, please add your events for the 2022/2023 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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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: Pasta
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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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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October 29, Trunk or Treat, 4:30
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November 5, Youth Trip to The National Museum of the American Indian
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November 6, Woman of the Year Nominations Due
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November 6, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Disaffiliation
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November 12, Scouting for Food
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November 12, Scout After-Party
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November 13, Door Hanger Delivery
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November 13, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Disaffiliation
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November 16, Common Ground Growth team Meeting #2
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November 23, Thanksgiving Eve Community Service
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November 20, Hanging of the Greens
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November 27, Advent begins
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December 3, Christmas Concert
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December 4, United Women in Faith Ugly Christmas Sweater and Sing Along Party
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December 9, Youth Orchestra Concert
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December 10, United Women in Faith General Membership
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December 11, Christmas Social
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December 11, Build Your Own Gingerbread House
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December 11, Christmas Caroling
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December 17, JDC Christmas Party
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December 18, Christmas Cantata
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December 24, Christmas Eve Services
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December 25, Christmas/Birthday Party for Jesus
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February 12 through the 18, Hypothermia
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, in person and online
- Tuesday
- Staff Meeting at 11:00 am.
- Handbell Rehearsals at 6:45 and 7:30.
- Wednesday
- Ruth Circle meets in person.
- Thursday
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4th Thursday Romeos at 11:45
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Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
- AV and Worship Team
- Choir Rehearsal
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