The Common Ground Contemporary Service May 5 at 11:15 am will be in person and live-streamed.

Dear Church Family:

Recently I received an early morning phone call from one of Jesus’ disciples who was anxious and seeking support during difficult and prolonged struggles. We talked and prayed together and there was a palpable sense of relief and encouragement when the call ended. Listening to the troubles it became clear that this person needed most to be reminded that, when the challenges of life and faith are greatest, the most important thing we can do is to humble ourselves, seek God’s Word, wisdom, and guidance to help us be faithful to play our part, and then to trust the Holy Spirit with those things beyond our control.  

In such encounters, I am ever mindful that, apart from my role as a pastor, I am a brother in Christ. From time to time, I too need to be reminded of the same truths that keep Jesus’ followers rightly oriented in the life of faith, and I’m grateful for those who care enough to lead me back to the source of true life and help when I too am tempted to become forgetful and fretful. 

For every Christian, sometimes we stand in need of help and sometimes we give it. And in every loving and prayerful interaction with sisters and brothers in Christ, we come away stronger and more able to serve God faithfully and to love those in our sphere of influence, to be witnesses to the risen Christ who overcomes our weakness and fears. This fellowship of attentive love and strengthening prayer is one of the greatest joys and benefits of our shared faith as Christians. It is, you might say, our way of life.

It almost goes without saying that the world is full of troubles beyond our control, as is the church that Christ has called his body on earth. If we forget who we are, the troubles may consume our thoughts and energy leaving us fretful and ineffective in our Lord’s great mission for his church, to make disciples of all nations. The way of life we seek is not our own, but the way of him who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jesus spoke these words as he was preparing his disciples for the greatest challenge of all, the catastrophic crisis of his passion and cross, and understanding that they would not grasp the meaning of his words until he was raised from the dead.  

The Easter good news that we celebrate each Sunday is that Jesus is raised bodily from the dead! His words have been proven to be not hubris or folly, but rather the essential truth of God, the church, the world, and our lives. The first name that Jesus’ followers were given after his resurrection was the “people of The Way.” Submitting ourselves and our fellowship to Christ each day fills us with Spirit-born faith, hope and love, no matter the present troubles, for the one who is the true way of life has conquered the greatest of foes: sin, death, and the devil. And now his Spirit works in us with needed grace and power, in every struggle and through a million faithful encounters, as the daily expression of his triumphant love that is leading us in his holy way and making all things new. There is no trouble so large, no sin so grave, nor any fear so captivating to be beyond the reach and power of the triune God who frees us from fear and frees us to serve him and others joyfully in his name. Nothing can keep the faithful from being remade in the image of God’s perfect love as we follow in Christ’s way of love.  

At the end of the phone call, very real human troubles had not disappeared. But through the lens of Christ’s redeeming love, born of the Spirit and prayer, we saw them in a different light, no longer as overwhelming darkness, but again illuminated to be our present mission field as witnesses to Christ the risen Savior and Lord. Thanks be to God for giving us in his Son the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus our Lord!

I am eternally grateful to be following in the way of Christ with the disciples of Jesus at Pender UMC.

Pastor Bruce     

Joy Made Complete

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:3,4

What brings you joy? Does it come when you run a mile in under ten minutes? Perhaps it is when you are flush with cash. Or it may simply be when you are with the people you love. Interestingly, in all of these examples, joy is the product of outward circumstances in your life.

Unfortunately, that makes this kind of joy fleeting—doesn’t it? You can lose your family, money, athleticism, and joy along with them. When joy comes from your ever-changing circumstances, it is here today and gone tomorrow.

God wants you to have something better. That’s why the apostle John wrote today’s Bible passage. He gives you a cause for joy that will stay with you no matter what happens in life: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

That is what John saw and heard. With his own eyes, he saw Jesus’ empty tomb. With his own ears, he heard Jesus speak to him and the other disciples on the first Easter evening. They spent decades telling others about the risen Christ, and that good news united everyone who believed it. More importantly, it also united them to God.

It does the same thing for you! The reality of the resurrection gives you forgiveness of sins, fellowship with God, and eternal life. These are promises, and Jesus’ resurrection is the promise kept that guarantees all the rest.

This means Easter is a source of joy that is always with you, no matter what your ever-changing circumstances are. Remember: God is good, his Son lives, and your name is written in heaven. Nothing can take that away, as long as one thing is true; and it is always true: Christ is risen!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, use the message of your Son’s resurrection to make my joy complete—this day and every day. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

• April 23-May 3, General Conference going on now
• May 4, Funeral for Allan Billings at 11 am
• May 4, Graduation Dinner
• May 5, Graduate Sunday
• May 11, Chris Atwood Foundation HopeFest 2024
• May 11, Concert presented by the Music Department
• May 18-19, Faith Promise Missions Celebration
• May 19, Pentecost Sunday
• June 20-22, Virginia Annual Conference
• June 24-28, VBS. Registration open now at www.penderumc.org/vbs.
• July 19-26, Philippi Youth Missions Trip
• September 8, Back to School picnic
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• December 7, Breakfast with Santa

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Class at 10:15 am.
• Youth Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Connections Adult Class meets at 10:15 am
• The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Pray for Pender, 10:15 am
• The Turning Point Youth Group at 4:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Recorder Consort or Flute Choir rehearsal
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 7pm
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle meets in person the second Wednesday of each month
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

• Check here for other meetings.

After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference is taking place through May 3, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. Please pray!

Learn more on the General Conference Page at https://penderumc.org/conference/

General Conference livestream below:

Find out what happened during the yesterday of the postponed 2020 General Conference!

Jessie Busby writes:

A Thank You

It is with deep gratitude that the family of Richard E. Busby acknowledges the overwhelming outpouring of love and support shown to us by our Pender family during this time of berevement.

From the many cards, flowers, calls, meals, honorariums, behind-the-scenes services and work for the lovely reception we are all so very appreciative.

The memorial service itself was so very moving and reassuring. We thank each and every one of you. We are indeed blessed to be part of Christ's family at Pender.

The Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration will begin Saturday May 18 with a Potluck Dinner.

Sunday May 19 at 9AM and 11:15AM Services David and Laura Shuping, long-term Pender members will share about their ministries.

The Annual Missions Conference is an opportunity to meet visiting missionaries, hear their stories about what God is doing in the lives of people, and how lives are being changed throughout the world because of Pender's Faith Promise Missions outreach.

"Experience the spirit of giving this Easter Season!

On Easter morning 2024, Jane McKee revealed exciting details about Pender's annual mission trip to Philippi happening in July.

She highlighted the diverse volunteer opportunities available for this transformative journey. But that's not all – she also announced that the Easter offering would be dedicated to building Tiny Houses for Philippi.

Imagine the impact! We have the chance to purchase kits, assemble them into cozy homes, and then watch as Ruston Seaman and his dedicated team transport these homes of hope to Philippi.

Dive into this heartwarming mission with us, contribute to a cause that rebuilds lives, and be a part of a community that cares.

Don’t miss out on this incredible journey of faith and service – stay tuned for updates!"

Matthew 5:14-16 King James Version (KJV) says:

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Hey Pender Family It’s always a joy to see your smiling faces, but we know there’s a whole world of amazing achievements and cool activities happening in your lives outside of Pender too. Why keep all that awesomeness to yourselves when we could be celebrating together right here in our newsletter

Kids’ Corner: Did your little one just make the honor roll, strike up a tune in the school orchestra, master the art of coloring inside the lines, score a touchdown, try a triple axel, or toss their graduation cap in the air? We want to hear all about it!

Adult Achievements: What’s new and exciting in your life? Picked up a paintbrush or a guitar recently? Maybe you’ve just designed the next architectural marvel in London, tied on tap shoes, shared a meal with a homeless person, or knitted your first scarf—no feat is too big or small for our Pender community spotlight.

Share Your Stories: Drop us a note, send in a photo, or even a short blurb about what’s new and exciting in your world. Let’s fill our newsletter with your successes and new ventures. After all, every achievement deserves a shoutout!

Can’t wait to feature your stories and celebrate all the incredible things you’re doing. Let’s make our next newsletter issue the most inspiring one yet.

May 3 a group of Pender People, including a past pastor and family, will go to Herndon High School to support Sean Wittmer in the title role of "Fiddler on the Roof".

Interested? Ticket info here.

Long time handbell ringer, Caroline Klein, will be moving to Massachusetts after this week. She'll be ringing for the last time at Pender during Traditional Worship Sunday morning with the Joy Ringers.

On May 10, several Pender People will be at Oakton High School to support Ash Dougherty as she works diligently back stage to produce the stage play "Pippin".

You can be there, too - tickets here.

June 15, Mary O'Connor, Pender Director of Communications, will play balalaika at Capitol One Hall. There will be two free outdoor concerts this summer. One at Mason District Park in Annandale and one in Harris Pavilion in Manassas. September 22 there will be a Concert in Support of Ukraine in Culpepper.

Brian Stevenson, Director of Handbells and Ensembles here at Pender, plays a multitude of instruments including bassoon, clarinet, flute, guitar, harp, piano, organ, handbells, recorder and mandolin as well as arranging and directing, harp therapist and luthier.

Brian has completed his studies in piano tuning and repair with a certification from APTN and has just set up a page on NextDoor. If he's tuned your piano, please give him a good review. If you need your piano tuned, give him a call.

Don't Forget to Share Your Stories!

Unleashing Potential with BlackGirlScientist, LLC!

Dive into our latest slideshow featuring the exhilarating Lava Lip Gloss Lab, a FREE STEM Workshop held at Pender UMC, specially designed for 30 middle school-aged girls. This dynamic session was crafted to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, offering these young minds a hands-on experience that transcends the typical classroom setting.

Why STEM? STEM encompasses the core disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It's more than just an educational framework; it's a gateway to innovation and a critical component of future career paths. Our workshop not only introduced these bright young girls to fundamental concepts but also demonstrated how they can blend creativity with science to create something fun and beautiful like their very own lip gloss!

In this video, watch as curiosity transforms into tangible skills, see the joy of learning in action, and maybe even learn a thing or two about the science behind cosmetics. Don't miss out on the highlights from this empowering event where young girls learn, create, and inspire.



Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment! Let's inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers together!

Celebrate with us as we honored the United Women in Faith Women of the Year at our special Women of the Year Tea, held on April 21, 2024!

This prestigious event showcased the incredible achievements of Vicki Fitzgerald and Teresa Rothschild, highlighting their remarkable contributions to our community.

Under the leadership of Maya Berry, President of the United Women in Faith Pender UMC Chapter, the event was filled with warmth, inspiration, and a strong sense of fellowship. Join us in this video as we capture the highlights of the tea, from heartfelt speeches to joyful celebrations with members and guests.

Relive the special moments, the elegant decorations, and the community spirit that define the Women of the Year Tea. Whether you're a long-standing member or just curious about the impactful work of the United Women in Faith, this video is your gateway to experiencing the joy and dedication of our honored women.



The background audio was a flute solo by Brian Stevenson on October 3, 2022.

Impact Youth Bake Sale

Welcome to our latest YouTube slideshow featuring Pender's Impact Youth in action!

Dive into our delightful slideshow capturing the sweet moments of our dedicated youth baking cookies, brownies, lemon bars, and more. This isn't just any bake sale; it's a heartfelt effort to support the upcoming Mission Trip to Philippi, West Virginia, from July 19-26, 2024.

Watch as our Impact Youth mix, bake, and decorate their way through an array of delicious treats, all for a noble cause. The proceeds from this bake sale will help fund the construction of tiny houses, providing stable homes for those in need. Each slide in this video not only showcases the fun and fellowship of the baking process but also highlights the spirit of community and charity that drives Pender's youth.



Enjoy the smiles, the teamwork, and of course, the scrumptious baked goods that make this event so special. From stirring the batter to boxing up the final products, every moment is a step towards making a significant difference in the lives of others.

A J Rios is the drummer at Pender's Common Ground Contemporary service each Sunday at 11:15.

Check out his talent any Sunday in person or online. He recently shared his love for music and teaching music with Fox 5 News DC.

AJ and Hawkins from Middle C Music School guided the Fox 5 News hosts through creating a one-of-a-kind band using items anyone could find around the house. From paint cans to water xylophones, watch as everyday objects transform into musical instruments, all tuned to play perfect melodies and rhythms.

Meeting Saturday 5/11/2024

All are welcome to join us for a 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.  

Grief Counseling

Grief is a non-linear journey, and you don't have to go it alone. Pender UMC specializes in grief counseling and support, to help you through life's most difficult moments. Supporting clients in and around Fair Oaks.

Premarital Counseling for Couples

Prepare for a lifetime together by having the important conversations ahead of time, and in a supportive environment. Pender UMC provides premarital counseling for couples in our Fair Oaks office. Get the support, encouragement, and the tools to build a lasting marriage with our help.

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

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages of chips, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks.

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!

Join us for a recovery and family friendly festival with food, fun, and fellowship. All proceeds will help others access the profound hope of recovery, connection, and peer support.

ACTIVITIES:

10:30am:

• Morning yoga with Executive Director, Shelly Young! Bring your yoga mat if you have one.

11am - 1:30pm

• Smokin' Willy's on-site grilling
• Kids games
• Music
• Petting zoo
• Lawn games
• Raffle prizes
• Dessert

Pay what you can, but reserve your ticket in advance so we know how much food to have. We cannot wait to see you there!

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!

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. Becky Bryan is our current liaison with WFCM.

Thanks goes out to all of you who continue to support WFCM many programs.

~~~

The WFCM blue cart is between the two front doors of he church.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Maseca Corn Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helpers)
• Risotto
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Pancake Mix
• Peanut Butter
• Coffee (ground, no k-cups)
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Individual Juice Boxes (100% fruit juice preferred)

• Toiletries: body lotion, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, toilet paper, and lotion (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)

All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed.

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

Thanks to all of you who faithfully extend your loving mercy to those in our community who may face food insecurity without the donations we make to WFCM. Usually this Pender weekly email does not contain the entire letter from WFCM with their monthly update. Since it may have been awhile since you’ve seen how your contributions make a difference, please take a couple of minutes to read this. You’ll also learn about the various ways WFCM gets food to those who need it. 

Below is an excerpt from the letter which I want to bring to your attention. 

Please consider a recurring monthly donation. How does this help? We are able to turn your monthly donation of $50 into $300 of groceries.

When you give a cash donation to Pender designated for the WFCM Food Pantry, Pender will forward the donation to WFCM with the restriction to use it for the food pantry. In March we have sent $1,000 – which multiplies into $6,000 worth of food when WFCM makes bulk purchases.

If you have any questions, please contact me, Becky Bryan, or you may contact WFCM directly.

Again, thanks to each of you who continue to support this important ministry.

Read this month's WFCM Newsletter.

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.