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.

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

Don't boo on Peter

Based on Matthew 14:22-33

Let’s not be too quick to judge Peter. He did make an audacious move with faith when he recognized Jesus amidst the storm.

In the lectionary gospel reading, we see Peter dare to step onto the turbulent waters. Don’t boo on him. When was the last time we took such a bold action of faith, venturing towards the place where the Lord was calling us?

What strikes us most in this story is Jesus’ location. Amidst the storm, he called out, “Come.” The word “Come” must have offered Peter a different kind of assurance compared to an order of “Go.” When we read Peter’s response, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water” (Matthew 14:28), it becomes evident that his greatest desire was to be by Jesus’ side.

The disciples had struggled all night to cross the lake, battling strong headwinds and relentless waves, yet finding relatively safety in the boat. But Peter chose to step out of the boat to be with Jesus, even if it meant confronting the chaos of the storm. Remarkably, Peter didn’t ask Jesus to come to their boat and calm the storm. His priority was not merely seeking Jesus’ power to fix the problem, but rather being in Jesus’ presence itself. 

Of course, we read Peter began to sink when he noticed the forceful wind and fear took hold of him. Did he fail? It might appear so. However, his true failure was losing sight of what he was responding to. It was the calling of Jesus on the water that mattered, not the fear from the water without Jesus.

Don’t boo on Peter yet. Though the storm that terrified him was the one in which he lost sight of Jesus, in the very storm he cried out to Jesus, “Save me” and again, it was the storm in which he found himself in the Lord’s hands. We cannot condemn him for his moment of sinking. He didn’t attempt to save himself but acknowledged his need for Jesus. This is another example of faith Peter displayed.

How much we relate to this story! Our lives, both personal and collective as the United Methodist Church, often mirror Peter’s experience - facing a mass of challenges and being battered by them. May we be inspired by Peter’s example, desiring to be where Jesus is, regardless of the circumstances. Like Peter, may we step out with audacious faith, knowing that each bold stride takes us closer to Jesus. Let’s not be foolish by acting like we can save ourselves, but be blessed with the knowledge that we have a Savior we can call upon. Praise be to the Lord! 



by: Pyung Ahn “Peace” Kim - District Superintendent, Wisconsin Conference UMC

Members of the 2024 S/PPRC:

David Hensley - Chair

Pastor Bruce Johnson

Mark Atwood

Maya Berry

Karen Cross

Carol-Anne Kaye

Thomas Parker

Glenn Lammi

Finance Chairman David Kinard brings an exciting update to the Pender community about our dynamic financial endeavor, the "Bridge of Hope" campaign. This initiative isn't just a campaign; it's a journey towards a brighter future for our church, and every member's contribution is a pivotal step on this bridge.

As of this Wednesday, January 10, 2024, our collective efforts have already amassed a remarkable $37,909! What's even more heartening is that $10,000 of this is a matching grant from a generous member of our church family. This means every contribution to the "Bridge of Hope" is effectively doubled, up to an astounding $92,000. Every penny you give becomes two, making your impact even more significant.

Pamela and I are personally committed to this cause. All our weekly offerings are now channeled directly to the "Bridge of Hope," ensuring we fully leverage this matching opportunity. We encourage you to consider doing the same. Remember, undesignated funds go into our general fund, so let's be intentional with our giving. It's as simple as marking "Bridge of Hope" on your check, envelope, or selecting it from the dropdown menu when giving online.

Our goal is to maximize this matching gift and double our financial strength. This campaign is more than just numbers; it's about sustaining our beloved church's future. Over the past few years, our savings have dwindled as we've struggled to cover monthly expenses. The "Bridge to Hope" is our path to financial stability, ensuring we don't deplete our reserves.

To help everyone understand the depth and importance of this campaign, we've prepared informative handouts and giving cards available in the Pender narthex. These include answers to frequently asked questions and contact information for any further queries you might have.

Join us in this remarkable journey of faith and generosity. Let's seize this opportunity to double our impact and secure our church's financial future. Your participation in the "Bridge of Hope" campaign is not just a donation; it's an investment in the heart and soul of our Pender community.

To give, click here and choose "Bridge of Hope" - thank you!

Hello Pender Family!

We're excited to see all the wonderful meetings and gatherings being planned within our community! To ensure everything runs smoothly, we kindly ask that all Pender meetings, whether they're happening on-campus, off-campus, or virtually via Zoom, be included on the church calendar. This little step helps us all stay connected and informed.

If you're looking to request a meeting, it's super easy! Just fill out this form, and voilà, you're on your way. We'll send you an email to let you know once your event is approved. Just a heads-up: if a room is already booked, we won't be able to schedule your event there, but we'll do our best to find a great alternative for you.

We appreciate your patience in waiting for the approval of your meeting. We know you're eager to get together, but it's best to hold off on resuming meetings until you get the green light. This ensures that your space is confirmed and ready for you. Remember, completing the form is the first step, but your room isn't booked until you receive that approval email.

Thanks for helping everything run like clockwork at Pender! We can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll be doing in your meetings. 

Questions or need help? Email webmaster@penderumc.org.

Blessings and Happy Planning!

This Saturday, January 20, all are welcome to join us for a new discussion to consider “Questions in Faith” that pertain to us all, no matter our station of life or faith. 

We will meet in the library at 10:30 to talk about biblical answers to questions about God, faith, and life that relate to us all. 

If you plan to come, contact me to make arrangement to get you a study book that will be the basis of our discussion. 

Bring your Bible with you and invite a friend.  

Support our First Responders by helping us restock our Rest Stop.

The following donations are currently needed: bottled water, energy drinks and hot cups for coffee or tea.

Donations can be dropped off in the Church Office.

Our officers continually let us know how blessed they are to have a safe place here at Pender! In turn, we are safer because of their presence!

Retired Old Men Eating Out are currently meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at Bob Evens on Route 50. 

Contact Keith Saddler for more information.

Backpack Blessings

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 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 January 28.  

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!

Discover a supportive space for new beginnings! Join us every Wednesday at 6:00 PM, starting January 3rd, in the serene ambiance of Pender UMC's Library.

At 5:00 PM there will be a time of casual chat, known as the "meeting before the meeting".

Engage in meaningful conversations and find camaraderie at our AA meetings, guided by the experienced Tom O, a dedicated long-term member.

These are open meetings.

OPEN (Open to anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism)

DISCUSSION (Group participation in discussion of topic relevant to the AA program)

STEP (Group discussion of the 12 steps of AA)

You can get a supportive text message and Bible verse on your phone everyday by texting the word "hope" to 540-712-6275.

Unsubscribe any time.

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.

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.