“The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This statement from the United Methodist Book of Discipline expresses our understanding of the mission of the whole church of Jesus Christ and of our congregation at Pender UMC. Some of us who worship and serve as Jesus’ disciples here are members of the congregation. Others are not. Americans in this age, we are told, are not “joiners.” So, what difference does church membership make for our life as a disciple of Jesus? As we approach the end of this current Christian year (concluding with Christ the King Sunday on November 26) and the start of a new year at Advent, we are considering the vows of membership that some of us have taken when we join a local United Methodist Church, vows to “faithfully participate” in the church’s ministries by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness (UMH pg.38).  Specifically, we are asking, how might our membership vows help us to fulfill our call as Jesus’ disciples to be faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us individually and together, gifts of time, talent, and treasure, the gift of life itself and the greatest gift of our new and shared life in Christ as his church, his “body” on earth?     

Last Sunday in worship we focused on the vow to participate in and support the church’s ministry by our faithful prayers. We heard a marvelous story about how God answered prayer for His people one minute before a 9:30 deadline by providing a Bible School teacher at 9:29! Thank you, Carol-Anne, for your 9:29 testimony reminding us of the great grace the Lord gives to those who pray with trusting faith. At the end of the sermon, I challenged all of us to commit to a season of prayer and fasting (in whatever way our body will allow) between now and the start of Advent to devote time to pray together for our life, mission, and ministry at Pender, and especially for the Spirit’s leading and our faithfulness in these challenging days. In our prayer meeting in between services, it was suggested that we call this a season of 9:29 Prayer. So, at the end of this Christian year, and as we approach the start of a consequential year for Pender and the UMC, let me extend the invitation for all of us to participate in 9:29 Prayer by devoting one day a week to pray and fast for God’s will to be done at Pender, for God’s grace for our every need, and for us—personally and together—to grow as faithful stewards of every gift and grace God has entrusted to us as Christ’s church at Pender. Will you join your brothers and sisters in Christ, to seek the Lord of the Church and offer our congregational needs and hopes with humble and trusting 9:29 faith, to discover what marvelous thing the Lord may do in and among us at this needful hour?

As we look ahead to this Sunday, our focus will be upon our second membership vow: to faithfully participate with our “presence.” On this All Saints Sunday, I hope you will join us as we gather to worship the Lord, to give thanks for our departed brothers and sisters in Christ, and to join at the Lord’s table to receive the meal of grace, Holy Communion.  

Now and always, the Lord be with you and with us all.

Pastor Bruce   

Enduring Setbacks

As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him.

During this time, David laments to God: he has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.

David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.

And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive: instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful.

And God can—and will—be faithful with your life.

When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory.

God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God.

So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him like David did.

“Enduring Setbacks.”  YouVersion 3 August 2023.  https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

Do you like to read and talk about books? Do you like to read current bestsellers or classic books - mysteries, thrillers or non-fiction? 

The Book Lovers Group meets monthly on the second Sunday at 4:00 PM. We are meeting by Zoom and normally we meet about 1 1/2 hours. We have a lively discussion about the book since sometimes we all like the book and other times, we can’t agree if we like the book.

Please join the Pender Book Lover's Group as we read and discuss Jimmy Buffett's A Salty Piece of Land. We will meet by Zoom on Sunday, November 12 at 4 PM. All are welcome to join us.  

Contact Iris for more information or the webmaster for the Zoom link.

Pender's Annual Trunk or Treat Slideshow

Our 2023 fall festival featured trunk or treat, snacks, games for all ages, and live music by our Common Ground Praise Band (including karaoke so everyone could get involved).

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!

On Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4:30 pm, Pender's Impact Youth Group will pack 100 sandwiches for the homeless in our area.

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 5: making 100 sandwiches

Nov 19: birthday in a box

Dec 3: Christmas party and kitty catnip socks

Young Adults (18-40 years old) and friends!

Meet up at Dave and Busters, Fair Oaks Mall for a great night of food and games!

Watch college football on the super screens (and other sporting events) and play cool arcade games.

Bring $20 for an evening of fun with friends, old and new.

Upcoming:

What is the Bible about? Isn't it old and outdated?

Every wondered why the Bible is the most read book ever written?

Do you wonder what the Bible has to do with your life?

Whether you're just a curious bystander or a seasoned explorer, come every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30am for breakfast and engaging discussion. We'll provide the Bible!

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

Trivia buffs! Compete to find out who's the king (or queen) of the minutiae!

Enjoy snacks! Win wacky prizes!

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!

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 Beans (refried, black, kidney, baked)

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.