Dear Church Family:

With this Sunday, we enter together fully into Lent, the 40-day season of preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Last evening, at our Ash Wednesday service, we heard once again the admonishing words to “observe a holy Lent.” 

Events are being planned and activities are taking place at Pender that will help us in our preparation and journey to the cross and empty tomb of Jesus. 

You can find out more about our Lenten and Holy Week schedule on the church website and in this weekly newsletter.

One new opportunity for spiritual growth and Lenten practice this year will be our weekly “Time with God.” Each Wednesday of Lent from 5:00-6:15, the sanctuary will be open for you to drop by for a few minutes or an hour for silent prayer and guided meditation on the Scriptures, followed by Holy Communion. I will be present throughout the time to serve communion as people become ready. In this way, we set aside time each week to “seek the face of God” on our journey of faith in this sacred season, and with other pilgrims. You may also want to consider fasting (in whatever way is suitable for you) on Wednesdays to enhance your prayerful devotion. But fasting or not, I encourage you to consider setting aside extra Time with God as a part of your discipline for living a holy Lent this year.   

Now and always, the Lord be with you, and with Pender UMC as we seek God’s face together in these days,

Pastor Bruce

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

We Live in God’s World 

Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

Hebrews 3:4

The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago is one of the tallest and most famous buildings in the world. That building did not just appear by itself. Behind the fame of that building is the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. This firm has received great honor for its work with that tower. Every time someone looks into the history of the building, its name is attached to it.

The accomplishment of this firm is put into perspective by the message we read today from God’s Word. God is the builder of everything. He built everything when he created the world. We live in his world, but we don’t always give him the honor he deserves. In fact, we do just the opposite. We tend to take what he has made and abuse it and waste and misuse what he has given us. We aren’t satisfied with the physical and natural blessings he provides. Through our sins, we heap insult and dishonor before his feet and destroy what he has built.

But in his grace, God did not wipe us out for the lack of honor we show him. Instead, he followed a plan to rescue us from our failures and restore us to himself. His plan included sending prophets like Moses, who proclaimed that a Savior would come to save us. His plan unfolded as the promised Savior finally came, revealing himself as Jesus, the Son of God. Through Jesus, God grants us the forgiveness of sins and gives us new life—life that lasts forever with God.



Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill may receive honor as long as the Willis Tower stands. Yet we have a God who will receive eternal honor, for he has restored us as a new creation through Jesus, a restoration that will never be destroyed.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I give thanks that you have restored me through Jesus as your new creation. Lead me to honor you always for every blessing you give for both body and soul. 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.

After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference will take place April 23-May 3, 2024 in Charlotte, NC.

Over the next several weeks, the Virginia Conference of the UMC will be sharing resources to prepare United Methodists in Virginia for the upcoming General Conference. These resources, which will include videos, podcasts, and print resources, will be available through the conference social media channels and on a dedicated conference webpage. That can be found at https://vaumc.org/gc2024

Pender will have three information sessions leading up to General Conference. There will be more about these sessions during the services on Sunday, February 18. The first session March 10 during Sunday school time and the other two will be on Wednesday, March 13 - one during lunch time and an evening session.

Check out this premiere video featuring Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Lay Leader Martha Stokes, and Director of Connectional Ministries for Innovation and Creativity Jonathan Page!

Key Points:

• Because of the pandemic, the last regular session of General Conference was nearly eight years ago.
• General Conference is the only body that can speak for the whole United Methodist Church.
• It has the authority to make revisions to the denomination’s Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions.

The United Methodist Church has no pope.

But it does have a General Conference — the only body that can set official policy and speak for the international denomination.

General Conference brings together lay and clergy delegates from four continents whose decisions will affect how millions of United Methodists do church for years to come.

Think of the two-week gathering as a combination of a United Nations General Assembly, a U.S. congressional session and a time of rousing Christian worship.

The coming General Conference, now scheduled for April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina, comes at a particularly momentous time.

General Conference typically gathers every four years. But because of the COVID pandemic, the assembly could not meet in 2020. That means the last regular session was in May 2016 — nearly eight years ago.

In the interim, the denomination has seen a quarter of its U.S. churches depart under a disaffiliation policy that began in 2019 and expired at the end of 2023.

What comes next for the international denomination will be largely up to General Conference itself.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the big event.

What does General Conference do?

General Conference is the denomination’s highest legislative body. As such, it has the authority to make revisions to the denomination’s Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions.

The Discipline is the denomination’s governing document that contains its doctrine, constitution, church law, rules of organization and procedures. The Book of Resolutions contains the denomination’s positions on current social issues. Resolutions expire after eight years unless General Conference readopts them.

General Conference approves the four-year budget allocating apportionments — shares of church giving — for denomination-wide ministries around the globe. General Conference also sets the formula used for apportioning the budget to annual conferences, the denomination’s regional bodies, which in turn ask for apportionments from local churches. 

In addition, the assembly approves theological statements on subjects such as baptism and communion. The coming General Conference will consider adopting a theological statement on the United Methodist understanding of church titled “Sent in Love.”

General Conference also elects members of the Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court; members of the commission that plans General Conference; and some members of other denominational leadership bodies.

The Judicial Council will be on hand throughout General Conference to weigh in on questions about General Conference actions including whether legislation is in line with the denomination’s constitution.

Who can propose legislation to General Conference?

The Book of Discipline states that any United Methodist organization, clergy member or lay member may submit a General Conference petition — basically the United Methodist equivalent of a bill before a legislature.

All told, the coming General Conference has received 1,099 total valid petitions — including 352 new petitions submitted since General Conference’s delay in 2020.

Some of those petitions were submitted by people who have since left The United Methodist Church. The Rev. Gary Graves, General Conference secretary, plans to provide a report at the start of General Conference identifying those petitions.

Where can people see what legislation is under consideration?

The Advance Daily Christian Advocate contains the petitions and reports that will be before delegates. The Advance Daily Christian Advocate is available in PDF form.

People also can subscribe online to the Daily Christian Advocate at DailyChristianAdvocate.org. The website includes the proposed legislation and will include the daily proceedings. General Conference delegates and first reserves receive free access to the site. Others may access it for a one-time fee of $49.99.

United Methodist Communications and Graves also will offer an overview of some of the legislation before delegates during a livestreamed orientation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 29 and March 1. The stream will be available in English, French and Portuguese. 

Who votes at General Conference?

The coming General Conference plans to have 862 voting delegates — half clergy and half lay.

Of the elected delegates, 55.9% are from the U.S., 32% from Africa, 6% from the Philippines, 4.6% from Europe (including Russia) and the remainder from concordat churches that have close ties to The United Methodist Church. General Conference organizers are working to help delegates obtain the needed visas to attend.

Interpreters will support this multinational and multicultural body in 10 languages. Written materials will be available in the four official General Conference languages: English, French, Kiswahili and Portuguese.

How are the delegates chosen?

Annual conferences — the denomination’s regional bodies consisting of lay and clergy voters from multiple churches — each elect an allotment of delegates. The United Methodist Church’s constitution requires that laity elect the lay delegates, and clergy elect their fellow clergy.

The United Methodist Church’s constitution also mandates that each annual conference gets at least two General Conference delegates — one lay and one clergy. Beyond this mandatory minimum, conferences are allotted their delegate slates using a formula based on their lay and clergy membership numbers. The delegation allocations for the coming General Conference in Charlotte are based on the membership data available in 2017, well before the COVID pandemic upended so much of church life. 

Most annual conferences also elect reserves who participate in General Conference as needed to assure that each annual conference is fully represented throughout the session.

The denomination currently has 53 annual conferences in the U.S., and 80 annual conferences in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. But at the time of delegate elections in 2018 and 2019, two U.S. conference mergers had yet to take effect. That means the four legacy conferences involved in those mergers will each seat a delegation in Charlotte.

What is the role of bishops at General Conference?

United Methodist bishops have a limited role during the assembly.

They preside at General Conference sessions but do not have voice or vote. This means they cannot make motions or advocate for positions from the floor.

Bishops do preach during worship. South Carolina Conference Bishop L. Jonathan Holston also will deliver the episcopal address on behalf of the Council of Bishops.

However, bishops usually know well the delegate experience. Many previously served as delegates themselves before their election to the episcopacy.

How often do those attending join in worship?

General Conference opens and closes with Christian worship. Worship services also open each day’s proceedings, often with bishops preaching. On April 28 — the Sunday of General Conference — delegates and others at the gathering are encouraged to attend services at local United Methodist churches. Charlotte is home to multiple United Methodist congregations.

How does legislation become church law?

The first stop for legislation under consideration at the coming General Conference is one of 14 legislative committees or the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters. The standing committee is a permanent General Conference committee that deals with matters pertaining to church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

Petitions approved by committee then move on to the full body of delegates for possible further revision and a vote.

The Book of Discipline requires that all petitions must receive a vote in their assigned committee and all legislation approved by a committee must receive a vote by the full General Conference plenary.

It is possible for legislative committees and the plenary to vote down multiple petitions in bulk. Likewise, the General Conference plenary can approve multiple petitions in bulk if they qualify for the consent calendar.

Delegates routinely pray over their decision-making. They are to vote based on their own conscience as moved by the Holy Spirit.

What percentage of votes does legislation need to pass?

Most legislation requires only a simple majority of General Conference delegates to pass.

Amendments to the denomination’s constitution require a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by a two-thirds aggregate vote of the lay and clergy members present and voting in the annual conferences.

Changes to the denomination’s doctrinal standards, which includes basic Christian tenets such as belief in Christ’s resurrection and the Trinity, require at least a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by three-fourths aggregate vote of the lay and clergy members present and voting in the annual conferences.

The United Methodist Church has never altered its doctrinal standards before, and no proposals before the coming General Conference seek to alter them.

When does newly passed legislation take effect?

Legislation approved by the coming General Conference will become effective Jan. 1 next year, unless otherwise specified.

However, amendments to the denomination’s constitution only take effect after the Council of Bishops certifies their ratification. In practice, that means any new amendment will not take effect until the bishops meet in spring 2026.

Hahn is assistant news editor for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or  newsdesk@umcom.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Friday Digests.

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 Wednesday, February 7, 2024, our collective efforts have already amassed a remarkable $67,184! 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, 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.  

Lectio Divina, or “divine reading” is a traditional Christian practice that helps you dive deeply into a passage of scripture and see how God speaks to you.

The group reads a Bible passage, reflects on the passage, responds to what God’s word is saying to us and rests to meditate on the Bible passage.

The group is meeting by Zoom. This event is every Thursday except for the first Thursday of each month, Thanksgiving, and other holidays to be determined.

Please contact Carol-Anne Kay or Arlet Williams for Zoom information.

GBE Backpack Meal Program Thanks and Update

We wanted to thank you all so much for your very active participation in filling the blue bags for GBE. Each time we put them out they are all taken and brought back full! We can't tell you how much we and the counselors and students at GBE appreciate this! The bags will once again be available this weekend and will need to be returned by February 25th.

You might notice that we will no longer be asking for Mac-n-Cheese and Milk. Thanks to WFCM, who has provided a refrigerator to the school, as of last week, they are also providing Mac-n-Cheese and fresh produce and refrigerated items.

In addition to filling the blue bags if you have any plastic grocery bags that you would like to recycle, they have said that would be of great help in distributing the additional WFCM provided items. Thank you again for your continued support.

If you have any questions, please contact Jami Flemmons or Ann Hines

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!

Stuff the Bus benefitting WFCM

Would you like to help stock our shelves? In January, we provided groceries for more than 700 families, over 120,000 lbs. of food. We need your help to re-stock our shelves with the most needed items listed below.

During the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus food drive, you can bring non-perishable food and toiletry donations for WFCM to Giant located at 5740 Union Mill Road,Clifton, VA 20124 on Saturday February 17th 9am - 3 pm. Thank you.

All women are invited to attend the quarterly Pender United Women in Faith (UWF) on Saturday, Feb 24 at 9:30am. 

We'll meet in the Gathering Place and enjoy a light breakfast.

New officers will be installed, we'll have a fun activity, and plan activities for the year. 

The Prayer Shawl Ministry group will meet this Saturday from 10 AM - Noon. We are currently meeting by Zoom.

If you crochet or knit, please join us. The group makes prayer shawls, lap blankets, baby blankets, scarves, hats and slippers.

We have show-n-tell so we can see what the group is working on.

Please contact Iris Salcewicz or Mary O'Connor for Zoom information.

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.

Come check out Pender Hill Preschool's open house or if you can't make that date, call 703-352-6204 to schedule a tour.

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!

Step into a world of giggles and song with “Fun “with Music at Pender! This is not just any music class – it's a journey through sound and imagination designed especially for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups. Since 2013, Jim and Roberta Ponthave been creating a space where tiny toes tap, and little voices echo with joy, crafting a magical musical experience for children from birth to five years old.

Wave 'hello' and join us every Monday morning for a delightful 30-minute musical escapade! Our littlest musicians and their families come together at 10 AM to sing, dance, and make friends with tunes. We dive into a treasure trove of stuffed animals and toys, transforming the room into an enchanting stage for our budding performers. With every stuffed lion's roar or elephant's trumpet, your child's imagination will soar!

After the musical fiesta, it's time for a yummy snack, followed by playtime where kids can explore and make-believe. Meanwhile, moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers can relish a homemade brunch prepared with love – a perfect chance to mingle and share stories.

Our box of wonders is always brimming with surprises! One day it's a car zooming around, another day it's a train chugging along. Flip it over and voilà, it's a drum or even a rumbling thunder to match the beat of our songs. From "The Wheels on the Bus" to sparkling new Bible-based rhymes, we have tunes that will make your little one's heart dance with every beat!

Last week, our pint-sized percussionists marched on bubble wrap to the rhythm of a march, popping and hopping with glee. And guess what's next? A tunnel adventure awaits their curious little eyes and eager hands!

So, if you're a parent with a playful tot between zero to five, and Monday mornings are open, come and make a splash in our sea of melodies at "Melody Mornings". It's not just fun; it's a musical hug for the heart and soul. Can't wait to sing and swing into a new day of joy with you and your little one! 

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)

Pender VBS Registration is open!

VBS will be the week of June 24 through June 28

In the bustling, whimsical world of Hero Hotline Headquarters, superheroes of every shape, size, and superpower come together under the watchful eye of the wise Professor and the legendary Super Meer, a daring Meerkat hero.

Here, in this vibrant hub of heroism, young and old heroes alike answer the call of duty, joining forces to lend their extraordinary talents to Hero Teams across the globe.

Whether it's solving perplexing puzzles, battling dastardly villains, or rescuing those in peril, these superheroes are always ready to save the day with a dash of fun, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Register at https://penderumc.org/vbs

Join us for a spectacular spaghetti dinner followed by an action-packed screening of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."

Dive into a world of flavors and then swing into the multiverse with your favorite Spider-Heroes—all for free!

Mark your calendars for February 24th at 5 pm. It's not just a meal and a movie; it's an evening packed with excitement, laughter, and community spirit. Don't miss out on the chance to feast on delicious spaghetti and embark on a thrilling cinematic journey with friends and family.

It's free but please let us know you're coming so the youth know how much to prepare.

Eggstravaganza Alert for 150 Little Explorers!

Get ready for a spectacular Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, where adventure awaits and excitement is just a hop away! This event is a dream-come-true for every bunny in the family - from the tiniest of tots to the coolest of kids.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt: Dash and dart through the great outdoors on a quest to find the most eggs!
• Nature's Palette of Eggs: Dive into a world where vibrant eggs are nestled among spring's finest backdrops.
• Snack-a-thon Station: Refuel with scrumptious snacks, popcorn that pops with flavor, and lemonade as sweet as spring.
• Sunshine and Smiles: Bask in the glow of the sun and the joy of the day with friends and family.
• Goodie Bags & Raffle Fun: Every explorer gets a goodie bag and a raffle ticket for a chance to win egg-cellent prizes.
• Bunny Bingo & Bunny Hop: Get your game face on for Bunny Bingo and show off your best moves in the Bunny Hop.
• Safe for All: We’ve got allergy-friendly options, so every child can join the thrill of the hunt.

Gather Your Baskets!

• Date: March 30, 2024
• Time: 10:30 AM - 12 PM
• Check-In: 9:45 Pender. Be on time to grab your child's goodie bag and raffle ticket!

Three Age Divisions: Ensuring fair play and fun for all, with little ones, middles, and big kids each having their own egg-ventures.

Don't miss out on this springtime fiesta! Bring your baskets, wear your sunniest smiles, and let’s hop into a day of joy and jolly-good fun!

See you at the starting line, egg-hunters!

Schedule:

Outside:

10:30-11:00 Preschool age egg hunt

11:00-11:30 Kindergarten- second grade egg hunt

11:30-12:00 2rd-6th grade egg hunt

Inside while the hunts are happening:

Cottontail Cafe - popcorn and lemonade

Brief film

Bunny Bingo and prizes for EVERY child.

Bunny Hop Dance

Raffle for 2 local merchant gift cards every half hour!

At noon - final raffle for large, loaded Easter basket!!

It's free, but we can only accommodate 150 children plus their parents. Please let us know you're coming!

Spring is coming! Please support BSA Troop 1530’s Mulch Sale!

Order at: www.bsatroop1530mulch.org

We are keeping the price same at $5.50 per bag this year. Delivery is free to your driveway starting March 9^th and ending by March 16^th.

(Also accepting donations, if mulch is not on your shopping list this year.)

Thank YOU for your consideration and support!

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. 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 outside the church.

WFCM pantry needs:

• Canned peaches and canned fruit cocktail, no sugar added
• Oatmeal, grits
• Canned tomatoes, stewed or crushed
• Risotto
• Brown rice
• Toiletries: toothpaste, lotion, toilet paper

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.