Sunday Worship:
In Person and
Streaming
at 9:00 and
11:15 am
|
|
This Week at Pender
October 13, 2022
|
|
By following Jesus
and reaching out to others,
we seek God's transformation
of ourselves and our world.
|
|
|
|
On Sunday, October 16, 2022, Pender Lead Pastor Will White will preach on "Itching Ears" based on 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.
This week is about distractions. Squirrel! Well, not about distractions so much as about loss of focus, or maybe even loss of trust in the foundations of the faith. Once again, we are called to celebrate our faith and to embrace ways of living out that faith that might grow and change but in the end will remain true to the words and witness of Jesus Christ.
"Present Yourself to God" is from the sermon series titled Not Ashamed. This series is about claiming the faith we’ve been given with boldness and enthusiasm. But it is also about honoring those from whom we learned about Christ. So, there can be space for both: making new commitments to following or renewing commitments long standing.
We look forward to seeing you!
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
|
|
The Sunday Traditional Service is in person and live-streamed at 9:00 am |
|
Pender Common Ground Contemporary Worship is in person and live-streamed at 11:15 am |
|
"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.
|
|
A CHARGE CONFERENCE for Pender United Methodist Church has been set for Monday, October 24th at 7:00 pm in room 215 in accordance with ¶246 of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016.
The purpose of the meeting is to approve Pastoral compensation and nominations for leadership for 2022. The Rev. Will White, or another designee of the Rev. Sarah Calvert (Northern Virginia District Superintendent), will preside.
The voting members shall be the Church Council.
|
|
GIVING FINANCIALLY
Each act of financial giving to the Lord is a testimony to your willingness to TRUST God in your life. Each time you give, you are acknowledging your total and complete dependence on Him as your Heavenly Father. Not to give faithfully to the Lord’s work is a sign that you’re unwilling to trust God in your life.
The giving we do at our church should be transformative by helping us better understand how to manage our possessions (including our money), as we seek to bring honor and glory to God.
It is important for us to develop our financial resources and give them to the kingdom in a way that brings honor and glory to God, edifies the kingdom, and builds up the local church.
In Matthew 25 Jesus talked about the parable of the servants given the talents. The servants were asked for an account of what they did. Like the servants, all of us will one day give an account of what we did with what was put under our management. What did we do with what we were given by God and how did we steward those things for growth, glory, and honor of the kingdom? It’s all about our time, spiritual giftedness, and financial resources. All three of these things put together with a good balance will result in proper biblical stewardship.
SUPPORT PENDER THROUGH YOUR PRAYERS, GIVING AND SERVICE
We are asking everyone to prayerfully ask for God’s provision to fulfill the spiritual, physical, people and financial needs of Pender United Methodist Church. Some of the current needs of the church include the following:
· The church building needs a new roof so that when God blesses us with much needed rain, the rain stays on the outside of the building.
· Pender has faithfully paid its share of apportionments in the past. The apportionments represent the share Pender, as a local church, contributes to the Virginia United Methodist Conference to support local, national, and international missions and pastor retirements. Current levels of giving are currently insufficient to allow for the payment of apportionments this year.
Please prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to be the answer to prayer to meet the needs of the church.
The following prayer is being shared to guide you as you pray for Pender’s needs.
Dear Lord,
You are worthy to be praised. You are the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Equip us to strive for Your kingdom and for Your righteousness. You promise that if we do so, all these things will be given us. You know what Pender United Methodist church needs. We pray using Your word for the funding needed for a brand-new roof. We also pray using Your word for the funding to allow Pender to pay its share of apportionments this year.
We thank You for Your providence and we pray with gratitude and expectation. In Your Precious Name we pray. Amen and Alleluia.
We trust that the One who has been faithful in the past will be faithful in the future.
Thank you for your continued giving, service and prayers.
|
|
Pender 101 is an educational seminar which has been prepared to explain how both the United Methodist Church in general and Pender UMC in particular function.
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 this first week, the organization of the United Methodist Church is presented.
|
|
Neighbors In Need
But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.” Matthew 20:25-28 (Common English Bible)
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do. - Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV)
God, grant me an opportunity to help someone today,” I prayed. It didn’t take long to receive an answer. We each have opportunities to serve others every day. When we pray for God to direct our steps and open our eyes to ways to serve, our Creator is delighted to answer our requests. We can help an elderly person with their groceries or take the time to talk to a lonely friend on the phone.
Regardless of how we love others, we can experience a sense of delight when we serve others and glorify God.
Thought for the Day: God will grant me an opportunity to help someone today.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our hearts to see opportunities to serve others and learn what it means to love like you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wheeler, Jodi. “Neighbors In Need.” The Upper Room, The Upper Room, 4 Oct. 2022, https://www.upperroom.org/
__________________________
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.
|
|
The 11:15 AM Common Ground Worship Service team is beginning the journey of doubling our service’s attendance by Fall 2023. Assisting us in accomplishing this goal is our consultant Rev. Jim Chandler.
We will be meeting with Rev. Chandler once per month virtually to discuss strategies that will allow us to achieve our goal. Our first team meeting will take place on the evening of October 13th. Please stay tuned for ways to contribute and get involved.
If you have any questions or thoughts regarding this new outreach team, please reach out to Garrett Armentrout at garrettarmentrout@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Garrett
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
MISSIONS UPDATE October 13, 2022
ACCESSING THE UNREACHED BY RADIO
Pender Missionaries, Steve and Kathy Sutherland serve with Reach Beyond Australia. Steve serves as a transmitter and antenna engineer, at the global Australia site overseeing the installation and maintenance of equipment for shortwave radio transmission. Three transmitters send Christian broadcasts to areas from India through Asia, sharing the Good News of Jesus. Although their listening audience is very far from the transmission site, encouraging letters arrive voicing appreciation for Reach Beyond programs. Steve and Kathy would like to share with you another story of a life being reached through radio programs, this time in the remote areas of Myanmar.
"Two years ago my grandfather received a radio as a gift. In 2021, due to the political situation in our country, we realized how valuable this gift was. Our family and other villagers had to flee to the forests many times for the safety of our lives. We heard no news as all telephone and internet connections were cut off. My grandfather can no longer live at home, but lives on a farm. Whole villages can no longer worship at their home church. Amid challenges and difficulties, my grandfather thanks God that he is able to listen to the "Living Word" radio program which gives him hope in the midst of hopelessness and strength in the midst of disappointment. He is very thankful that he can listen to the program five times a week. He would like to let you, the team, know that your work is not in vain and the "Living Word" program plays a very important role in the Kingdom of God. Thank you."
Whatever your role, you all play a part in touching the lives of people like this grandfather. With appreciation for your prayers and partnership,
The Sutherland Family
|
|
GBE Backpack Program
Thank you all so much for taking all of the blue bags last week! Please remember to return them to the blue bin in the lobby no later than October 16th.
Those items include: 50 cans of Hormel Chili, 25 cans of Spaghettios and 25 full size boxes of macaroni and cheese. If you find yourself at any store and want to pick up some of those items to contribute, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all so much for your continued support of this great ministry. The counselors at GBE are always so appreciative of your generosity!
|
|
Woman of the Year forms are on the desk in Pender's front office.
They're due November 6, 2022
|
|
Reaching Out to New People
By Pete Andrews
Have you ever wondered how to reach out to new people to bring him or her to God and to Pender UMC? Well, that is what the Reaching New People Team at Pender is all about. Reverend Melissa Dunlap, an Elder within the Virginia Annual Conference, is Pender’s consultant to discuss and implement ways to do just that in the community around Pender UMC.
Our first event will be Pender’s Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 29th. We are currently thinking of ways we can get to know the guests who will come.
We are looking for new members to join our group. If you would like to be a part of this, please email me at Andrepr100@aol.com.
We are just getting started and will be planning more events throughout the year.
|
|
Slideshow of pictures from the PUMC United Women in Faith social event held on Thursday, October 6 at The Tea Room in The Plains, Virginia.
We shared with the owners Pender’s upcoming Trunk or Treat event as a way of Reaching New People.
|
|
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!
|
|
The Connections Sunday School Class is back at 10 am.
Rev. White, Brian Stevenson, and other volunteers will lead the class based on the lectionary readings for each Sunday.
Come join us in Room 206 (Library)!
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
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!)
|
|
Ruth Swiger painted 26 animal paintings for the preschool. |
|
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!
- Sunday, October 16, 3:30 pm – We’ll walk and talk about plans for “Trunk or Treat” and The National Museum of the American Indian as we hang door hangers.
- Sunday, October 23, 4:00 pm – We’ll meet for a program and to talk about “Trunk or Treat” plans.
- 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.
~~~~
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
|
|
This class is held at Pender on October 22,
Our club offers Safe Sitter courses throughout the year. Safe Sitter® teaches young teens (6th-8th graders) everything they need to know to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Students will learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather. The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice choking rescue! (www.safesitter.org) We have over 1000 graduates so far!
Currently scheduled classes are listed in the registration form below.
SafeSitter Essentials includes:
- Safety Skills
- Child Care Skills
- First Aid and Rescue Skills
- Life & Business Skills
Student Check-in starts at 9:15 am and class begins promptly at 9:30 am. Pre-registration is required. Parents are encouraged to attend a closing ceremony at the conclusion of class, from 2:45-3:00 pm.
Cost: $68.00 – which includes a pizza lunch and, upon completion of the course, The Official Safe Sitter® Babysitter’s Handbook with Completion Card, Important Numbers Note Pad, Bandage Dispenser, LED Flashlight, Pencil and Messenger Bag.
For more information, contact Safe Sitter Registration Coordinator Nicole McDermott at safesitter@gmail.com.
Promotional Information
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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: Dried Beans
Please no:
* Expired food
* Glass jars
Thank you for your continuing generous support of WFCM.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
-
October 16, Door Hanger Delivery
-
October 22, Safe Sitter Class
-
October 24, Charge Conference
-
October 29, Trunk or Treat, 4:30
-
November 5, Youth Trip to The National Museum of the American Indian
-
November 6, Woman of the Year Nominations Due
-
November 6, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Disaffiliation
-
November 12, Scouting for Food
-
November 12, Scout After-Party
-
November 13, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Disaffiliation
-
November 23, Thanksgiving Eve Community Service
-
November 20, Hanging of the Greens
-
November 27, Advent begins
-
December 3, Christmas Concert
-
December 4, United Women in Faith Ugly Christmas Sweater and Sing Along Party
-
December 9, Youth Orchestra Concert
-
December 10, United Women in Faith General Membership
-
December 11, Christmas Social
-
December 11, Build Your Own Gingerbread House
-
December 11, Christmas Caroling
-
December 17, JDC Christmas Party
-
December 18, Christmas Cantata
-
December 24, Christmas Eve Services
-
December 25, Christmas/Birthday Party for Jesus
-
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
-
4th Thursday Romeos at 11:45
-
Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
- AV and Worship Team
- Choir Rehearsal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
