Dear Church Family:

I have some good news for you and some even better news.  

By now many of you know that we have been without heat in a large portion of the church building this past week. The good news is that the heat will be restored tomorrow, and we’ll have a warm building for our Saturday outreach activity and for worship and Sunday school on Sunday. I am grateful to Sergio, JaiVon, and Robert for helping us to get the repair work done as quickly as possible.  

Now for the even better news: Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent, the start of the new Christian year. For the followers of Jesus, every year begins with a four-week season of preparation to make us ready for the great celebration of Christmas. But why this preparation? Many people get ready for Christmas by decorating their homes and buying gifts for loved ones in anticipation of a great family gathering. That has its place, but Jesus’ disciples know that the most important preparation we make is in our hearts and minds, in our fellowship and witness. Yet those words are easier to type than to live. I remember well my frustration as a child staring at our brightly lit family tree with a mountain of packages spilling out just begging us to tear into them. Not so fast, my father insisted, we must first read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and from the King James Bible no less! And then give thanks in prayer for the story we just read. My dad was not in a hurry, and this practice seemed to my lustful heart to drag on forever. This was our family pattern every year. Only much later did I realize the wisdom in my father’s actions.  

When we consider what we are celebrating at Christmas it becomes clear why a deeper and extended preparation is essential for our life as Christians. For Christmas is not in the first place about a family celebration or gift exchange. It is about welcoming the good news that the eternal Creator of all things has been born into His own creation in Jesus of Nazareth to rescue and restore us, and to remake the world according to God’s loving purposes. A moment‘s thought tells us that the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is both a mind-blowing mystery and the surpassing gift of God to all creation and to each of us to save and make us whole. As the early church put it, God became man that we might become like God. But in our distracted and forgetful world, even Christians are tempted to forget the meaning of this greatest gift making it all too easy to get caught up in the holiday rush that is busy but devoid of enduring meaning and hope.  

During Advent it is our great privilege and responsibility as Jesus’ disciples to make ourselves ready, with worship and prayer, study, and service, in hopeful anticipation of the joyful celebration to come. And we do so both for ourselves and for our world. By moving patiently through the weeks of Advent (and not rushing ahead to Christmas), we give the Holy Spirit time and opportunity to work in us so that we may experience more fully the revealed truth that lies at the heart of our salvation and the world’s hope, and we make ourselves ready to help others to experience the same. As the story of our lives is more fully shaped by the truth of God’s salvation revealed in the humility of Jesus Christ, the Son of God before all time, we are better able to give a faithful witness to God’s redeeming and reconciling love for all our neighbors.  

I don’t remember many of the gifts hidden in those shiny packages long ago. But I do remember the story my dad read every year, for it is the good news that gives meaning to our lives and proper place to our every celebration. And I am grateful that by the church’s unhurried practice of Advent each year, we are better able to understand and receive fully the saving mystery of God with us in Jesus Christ. For Christians who accept the invitation to prepare at Advent, this is even better news than the heat coming back on.  

May you have a grace-filled and faithful Advent this year.

Pastor Bruce  

Three copies of the book (The Means of Grace) for the Tuesday/Thursday class are now in the church office. They may be picked up first come first served for $15. 

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 

Unfortunately, we need to CANCEL the United Women in Faith meeting that was scheduled for Saturday, December 2. The heat isn’t working correctly at church, and we don’t want anyone to get sick from sitting in the cold. We will be rescheduling the meeting in January. 

Pender Hill School has been selected five years in a row for the Best of Fairfax Awards for Child Care and now qualifies for the 2023 Fairfax Business Hall of Fame. 

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 Bag 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 Bag!

🚀 Date: December 3

⏰ Time: 4:30 to 6 PM

📍 Place: Pender UMC with the Impact Youth crew

We're on a quest to turn ordinary bags 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 bag!

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!

#BirthdayInABag #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!

"🌙✨ Game Night Extravaganza! 🤓🏆

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

📅 December 16 | 🕢 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. ☕🥐

📅 December 9 | 🕥 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!

December 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Join us for a festive afternoon of creativity and fun! Your little ones are invited to a delightful gingerbread cookie and ornament decorating extravaganza! We’ll provide all the supplies needed for them to craft their own holiday masterpieces.

After the artistic adventure, we’ll settle in for a heartwarming holiday movie screening.

This memorable holiday experience is a family event and includes a photo with St. Nick himself.

Let’s make merry memories together!

Sunday, December 03

If you are available Sunday, after the Common Ground service, please come help with decorating the Sanctuary and Narthex.

Lunch will be provided.

Please contact Cathleen D. with any questions.

Join us at Pender at 2:30 pm on December 3 for a festive journey through the neighborhood, spreading the holiday cheer with joyous Christmas carols.



Together, we'll light up the streets with our voices and share the magic of the season!

Join us on December 9 at 4:30 for an enchanting evening as all Pender Music groups come together for a spectacular holiday concert. Witness the melodic harmony of handbells and chimes, feel the rhythm with the choir and praise band, and be mesmerized by the intricate sounds of the recorder consort.

Our talented instrumentalists and singers are set to dazzle you with a diverse repertoire, featuring everything from traditional Christmas carols to contemporary scores. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with favorite holiday classics, and don't miss the chance to join in some delightful sing-alongs!

The evening promises not only a feast for the ears but also a delightful reception to follow, where you can mingle, enjoy some festive treats, and revel in the joyous atmosphere. This is more than a concert; it's a celebration of holiday music, talent, and community.

December 24 will be the fourth Sunday of Advent. We will have services at 9 and 11:15 am.

The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians.

During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the church calendar, the Christmas season lasts from sundown on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 6). This is sometimes referred to as "the 12 days of Christmas."

Advent begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. 

The color for Advent has traditionally been purple, although some churches have adopted blue. In practice, however, as churches increasingly incorporate the symbols and decorations of Christmas during Advent, more and more red, green and gold are appearing. The United Methodist Book of Worship upholds the traditional color of purple for Advent, signifying penitence and royalty, but also allows blue, the color of hope."

Candles, Carols and Communion

Join us for a traditional candlelight service at 7:30 pm. You’ll hear and sing the traditional Christmas Carols. There will be scripture reading and preaching. We’ll serve Holy Communion. There will not be a children’s activity at this service.

Music will be provided jointly by Traditional and Common Ground teams both services on Christmas Eve!

This night is about the tradition, about the familiar, about feeling at home in this newly renovated sanctuary. It seems that with the text from Luke this year that we can’t get enough of the shepherds. As they are among the first witnesses of the miracle, their presence is a clue to the meaning of this mystery.

Come experience the joy!

Birthday party for Jesus. A carol sing and a message for children and adults will be the order of morning worship.

Kids, and young at heart, may wear their pajamas if they like!

There will be one service only on Christmas Morning!

Welcome in 2024 with one combined worship service on December 31 at 10:30am.

Please join us New Year's Eve at 7:00 pm with a potluck dinner and short service to welcome the New Year with songs and prayers.

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: Rice

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.