A Word from Pastor Bruce

A friend of mine recently shared with me a story passed on to him at a time when he was feeling discouraged and wondering if he was making any progress with chronic needs in his life. Imagine climbing a switchback mountain (I have done this, maybe you too), with its back and forth turns often through dense forest. As you slog ahead you look up and see the mountaintop that still seems far away. Will I ever make it? you wonder. That is a good time to turn and look back to remember where you have already come—the distant mountain where your journey began, the valley in between, and the many switchbacks you have already traversed on your journey upward. Viewed from the perspective of the progress you have made the way ahead doesn’t seem quite as daunting and impossible.  

As your pastor, I am mindful that the way ahead for Pender sometimes seems daunting and uncertain. But as I pause to see what God is doing among us as we journey together as Jesus’ disciples, I am regularly encouraged and renewed in hope. During our recent Charge Conference three members spoke up to offer to fill open leadership needs, while afterward it was suggested to me that another member would be good to fill one more important position. In my 28 Charge Conferences as a UM pastor, I have never had this happen. I left the conference praising God for providing church leaders for Pender in this time. Then, this past Sunday, many of us met in the Gathering Place between services for a presentation by our finance chairs David and Pamela Kinard about our 2024 church budget and to discuss our financial needs and plan going forward. This plan begins with a three-month campaign to raise $250,000 to resupply our savings as we work to address stewardship and other needed measures. After the meeting I was informed that one of our members has offered to match gifts up to $93,000 toward this campaign effort. In talking with this person later, the faith that is driving this gift was powerfully evident. Together we thanked God with prayer and hugs. Then this week, nine persons joined me in a conversation about the practices of discipleship that enable Christians to keep our eyes fixed on Christ who leads us in this journey of grace and faith, and growing in faith and joy especially when the way seems long and difficult. There is nothing that warms a pastor’s heart more than being in the company of hungry disciples who long to grow in faith and faithfulness. If there was space, many of us could name other developments at Pender that demonstrate God’s grace (the Holy Spirit) at work among us. 

The road ahead remains challenging. But as a congregation of Jesus’ followers, we are strengthened as we pause, look around and recognize the progress we have made, and give thanks for what God is doing among us and sometimes with powerful signs. As we begin a week of Thanksgiving, I hope you can see the signs of God’s renewing work in your life and in our beloved congregation. We have much for which to be thankful in this ongoing journey, for the signs of God’s grace evident among us and for the faith that is shining forth from us. For these and for a hopeful future of God’s making for Pender, we may all sing our thanks and praise.

Pastor Bruce

NOTE: The Tuesday night/Thursday morning Bible study will not meet this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume our regular schedule beginning Tuesday, November 28.

New 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 

Who Do You Trust?

Maybe it’s a dream you’re holding onto, or a promise you’ve been given. Maybe you’re waiting on a person to change, or a situation to shift. Maybe you’re waiting for a prayer to be answered, hope to arrive, joy to replace sorrow, or clarity and hope to replace confusion and chaos.

It can be difficult in the midst of pain, loss, and suffering to patiently cling to the One who promises to come through for us.  Isaiah was a prophet to the leaders of Judah during a time of national corruption and spiritual destitution. He foretold of his people being dragged away into exile because they were trusting in idols, political rulers, and other momentary things.

But Isaiah also reminded the people that God was sovereign, God would bring them out of exile, and God would one day send a savior to rescue them forever.  Isaiah didn’t live to see all his prophecies fulfilled—but he held onto the hope that he prophesied about, and his words to the people of Israel can continue to encourage us today…

Trust in the Lord even when circumstances don’t make sense.

Trust in the Lord even when you’re suffering.

Trust in the Lord even when your heart is breaking.

Come what may, trust in the Lord.

Seasons may shift, situations may change, people may abandon, desert, or betray you—but the one who remains constant throughout history is the God over history. The Lord is unchanging and immovable. Nothing can stand against Him or overcome Him.  He knows what it’s like to suffer because He suffered for us. And so we can trust God because He keeps His promises—and He has promised to fight for us, never leave us, make a way for us, love us, protect us, and remain faithful to us.

Since God is our salvation, we can trust Him and not be afraid. 

So come what may, let’s choose today to trust in the Lord.

“Who Do You Trust.” YouVersion 17 July 2023. https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

Experience the joy of giving this season with Giving Tuesday, a global celebration of generosity held on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

As the year draws to a close, embrace the spirit of kindness and make a meaningful impact through financial gifts. Not only will your contributions bring smiles and support to those in need, but they also offer potential tax advantages for your 2023 filings.

Seize this perfect opportunity to give back, enrich lives, and enjoy the benefits of thoughtful generosity as the year ends.

Join us in making a difference on Giving Tuesday, a day where every act of kindness counts!

🌟✨ United in Gratitude: A Multi-Church Thanksgiving Celebration ✨🌟

As the holiday season approaches, let's gather in a spirit of unity and thankfulness with our friends from Christ Presbyterian, King of Kings Lutheran, Ox Hill Baptist, and Pender United Methodist Churches. 

Join us for an inspiring service filled with joyous music, heartfelt reflection, and an opportunity to count our blessings in the warm company of our community. This year, we're honored to have Pastor Bruce Johnson from Pender deliver a message that promises to uplift and resonate with the spirit of Thanksgiving.

After the service, we invite you to linger a little longer and enjoy a delightful reception. It's a time for laughter, fellowship, and creating memories with both old friends and new.

Let's come together to express our gratitude and celebrate the abundance of life's gifts. We can't wait to welcome you into this circle of thankfulness!

🍂🙏 #CommunityThanksgiving #GratefulHeartsUnite #HolidayBlessings

Operation Christmas Child

* Help spread the gospel though the gift of a simple shoebox. Pack a box with your family or small group to share the love of Christ. Boxes due Nov. 19th. Information and boxes available in the Narthex or at www.samaritanspurse.com/occ

* Not able to pack a box? Check out Build Your Shoebox Online! - Operation Christmas Child (samaritanspurse.org) to build a box online, or donate towards shipping costs. Indicate OCC on your check memo or online donation to Pender; just $10 per box to ship to those who need to hear about Jesus.

If you have any questions, please contact Cherie Kronimus.

Thank you to all of you who donated to Scouting for Food:

Thank you to the Sully District Boy Scouts, the community members in the Sully district who donated during this year's Scouting for Food, and the many volunteers who helped deliver, stock, and sort the food and toiletry donations! WFCM received an incredible 50,416 pounds of food and toiletry items! These community food drives ensure families selecting food and self-care items in the WFCM client choice food pantries can choose from a variety of canned goods, baking goods, snacks, and toiletries in addition to fresh food items at each visit.  

Thank you for continuing to support WFCM.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry group will meet this Saturday from 10 AM - Noon. We are currently meeting by Zoom.

If you crochet or knit, please join us. The group makes prayer shawls, lap blankets, baby blankets, scarves, hats and slippers.

We have show-n-tell so we can see what the group is working on.

Please contact Iris Salcewicz for Zoom information.

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!

🎉📦 Make Some Noise with Impact Youth: Birthday in a Box Bash! 🥳🎈

Hey, you've got the power to light up someone's birthday candles with joy – and you don’t even need to be a wizard! Join us for a mission with a twist: packing a Birthday in a Box!

🚀 Date: November 19

⏰ Time: 4:30 to 6 PM

📍 Place: Pender UMC with the Impact Youth crew

We're on a quest to turn ordinary boxes into treasure chests of birthday magic for kids who need it most. Grab your tape, your creativity, and your friends – it's time to create some happiness in a box!

There'll be music, there'll be snacks, and there'll be plenty of high-fives to go around. Be the reason someone has an unforgettable birthday this year.

No RSVP needed – just bring your awesome self and let's make this party start with a bang!

#BirthdayInABox #ImpactYouth #PartyWithAPurpose #TeenPower

Impact Youth is a place where you can learn and grow in your walk with Christ at your own pace. We strive to make a safe place for students to be themselves and to turn their lives towards Jesus Christ.

Don’t worry about where you stand in your faith walk. Whether you are a Bible Vet or still figuring out where Genesis is, YOU ARE WELCOME! We would love to have you.

You will have the chance to meet new friends, learn new music or sing along to songs you already know, experience the Bible in a completely different way.

It is whatever you need it to be, come see what we're all about!

All youth in grades 7th-12th are invited to bring your friends and join our Impact Youth Group every Sunday night.

Can't wait to see you on Sunday!

Nov 19: birthday in a box

Dec 3: Christmas party and kitty catnip socks

"🌙✨ Trivia Night Extravaganza! 🤓🏆

Think you’ve got the brains? Prove it! Come show off your trivia skills and battle it out for some epic, quirky prizes. It's more than just a game—it's a night to make new friends and laugh with the old ones.

📅 November 18 | 🕢 7:30 PM

Join the fun at PUMC Youth Room. Good vibes, tough questions, and the chance to be crowned the trivia king or queen. Are you in?

#TriviaThrowdown #NightOfWitsAndGiggles

Bring a bag of chips and your collection of wit and wisdom every 3rd Saturday of the month at 7:30pm to Pender UMC. We'll meet in the Gathering Place.

Pender UMC.  12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA. Go to  http://www.penderumc.org for details and updates!

Upcoming:

🌟 Young Hearts, Ancient Words 📚✨



Unlock the mysteries of history's bestseller! Whether you're a curious onlooker or a seasoned journeyer, let's dive into the depths of the Bible over a cozy breakfast meetup. ☕🥐

📅 November 25 | 🕥 10:30 AM

Join Pastor Bruce and fellow seekers in Pender’s Library for a morning filled with warm bites and enlightening talks. Explore what the Bible might hold for your life – your chapter starts here!

#ExploreWithBruce #MorningBitesAndBibleInsights

Pender UMC.  12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA.  Go to  http://www.penderumc.org for details and updates!

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 Soup

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.