Pastor’s Narrative Report

To the Charge Conference of

Pender United Methodist Church

November 5, 2023

(revised for the weekly Pender newsletter)

It has been my joy and privilege to serve Jesus Christ with the disciples of Pender United Methodist Church. Over the past four months I have devoted myself to learning about the heart of our congregation and the present challenges facing usthat together we may discern God’s will and way for us in this time.

Our needs and challenges are great. By almost any measure, we are not the church we used to be. Over the past several years, for a host of reasons, our attendance has dropped significantly. Many of the most faithful among us are aging and have not been replaced by a new generation of disciples. Our financial trajectory is unsustainable. The changes have been accompanied by internal conflict and exacerbated by frequent turnover in pastoral leadership. There is palpable concern about the future of the church, compounded by the present uncertainty and likely changes coming to the UMC in 2024.

At the same time, there are clear signs of God’s grace and our vitality among us. The spirit of “a church with a heart for mission” is alive and well in many of our members, and it is finding faithful expression in the revitalization of existing ministries and new initiatives of outreach into our community. We are blessed with a nucleus of faithful and resilient leaders, and we are working to expand their number to be more representative of the entire congregation. Our staff is composed of faithful followers of Jesus Christ who support and help to facilitate our efforts in mission and ministry. The financial slide has levelled off somewhat and there is a noticeable upturn in attendance at both services along with a faithful following online. Ten persons joined me in a book study exploring the vision, message, and method of our Methodist ancestors as a fruitful model for discipleship and church revitalization in our time. Five to ten of us gather between services each week to pray for the church, the world, and for each other. The Pender Hill Preschool touches the lives of dozens of children and their families with the love of Christ each weekday. We now support two Spanish-speaking congregations that are reaching people beyond our capacity with the gospel of Christ.  

The needs of this time are evident, and the followers and witnesses of the risen Lord seek perspective and help for our every need. Drawing on a parable of Jesus, a clergy friend of mine describes this as a season of pruning in American Christianity. And, as Jesus makes plain, only our heavenly Father—the divine knife-bearer—sees the new fruit that is yet to be born. Disciples live by trust in the One who loves us enough to trim away what is unfruitful to prepare us for a season of new growth. And the growth we need most is in grace and faithfulness starting in our own lives. Last week I invited the congregation to join me in a season of prayer and fasting, to seek the will, wisdom, and direction of God for us in this time. For this and all our needs, God’s grace is sufficient and fruit-bearing. 

John Wesley was described by one of his biographers as “a pessimist of nature but an optimist of grace.” As a grateful beneficiary of our living heritage of Methodist faith and practice, I share Wesley’s optimism in the grace of God that can turn us around, make us new, generate in us a living hope, and teach us to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the great mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and the renewal of the church.  

It is my earnest prayer and daily effort to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in helpingPender UMC to be renewed and reformed in “joyful obedience” to Christ, to bear the Spirit’s fruit in every aspect of our life as Christ’s body, and to offer to the world the life-giving Word and saving way of the triune God. In this season of change, I pray that each of us will commit to seek the living Lord in the humility of our needs that we may be raised up again in the sure optimism of God’s grace. I am confident that as God draws close to us in grace, those who draw close to God in faith will rejoice together in the growth that follows the pruning.

I am grateful to be your pastor and fellow disciple in these days,

Pastor Bruce  

New Study to begin 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 next week 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 

God Over The Seemingly Impossible

It might feel unlikely that God will show up in your impossible situation: your diagnosis, your infertility, your broken relationship, your disobedient kid, your inconsistent character, your anxiety, your financial struggles, your grief.

Thankfully, God is not limited or bound by the natural world.

Growing up in a Jewish family, Mary would have known about the prophesied Messiah; the long-awaited Savior of the world. But she probably never imagined that those age-old predictions would be fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of her son—who was somehow fully God, yet also fully man.  But as the angel Gabriel explained to Mary:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”  Luke 1:37 ESV

Not only did God plan these events long ago, He also declared them ahead of time through Old Testament prophets and writers.  Jesus’ life: This God-man would come from the lineage of David (Isaiah 9:7), and be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). He’d make the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, and the mute sing (Isaiah 35:5-6). He’d proclaim good news to the poor, comfort the brokenhearted, and set the captive free (Isaiah 61:1).

Jesus’ death: Though innocent (Isaiah 53:9), he’d be betrayed by a close friend (Psalm 41:9) for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12). He’d be despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), beaten and spit on (Isaiah 50:6), pierced in both the hands and feet (Psalm 22:16), and ultimately killed (Daniel 9:26).

Jesus’ resurrection: He would be raised to life again (Psalm 16:10-11) and establish a never-ending covenant with God’s people (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Because He’d be willing to bear the sins of many and intercede for rebels (Isaiah 53:12), many would be counted as righteous (Isaiah 53:11) and He’d be a light to all nations (Isaiah 11:10).

Everything about Jesus seemed impossible, but God is able to do beyond what we could imagine. So remember the God you serve, and be encouraged: God is surprised by nothing. He already knows the end from the beginning. His purposes can’t be derailed. His character will never change.

Nothing is impossible for Him.

“God Over The Seemingly Impossible.” YouVersion 27 July 2023. https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/

The Church Council Chair and Finance Committee Co-Chairs invite you to join us on November 12 at 10:30 AM (between services) in the Gathering Place for an information session on next year’s proposed budget. 

Church leaders will be available to answer questions that you may have relating to Pender’s finances.

Coffee and donuts will be provided. We encourage everyone to join us.

🌟✨ 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.

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.

GBE Outreach

Thank you Pender for your generous support of the GBE Backpack Blessings meal program.  We are currently packing 50 meal bags per week for the school counselors to distribute to families in need of them.  

 Please look in the Church Lobby this Sunday Nov 12 for the next round of donation bags. Bags and food items should be returned to the blue bin in the lobby no later than Sunday Nov 26.  

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry in our community!

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 11 | 🕥 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: Instant Mashed Potatoes

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.