Dear Church Family:

Today is the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, when allied forces began the invasion of France that would lead to the liberation of Europe and the end of Nazi terror. Citizens of the U.S., France, and many other countries will remember with solemn gratitude the great accomplishment and sacrifice of soldiers and seamen that turned the tide of World War 2 and eventually brought an end to the nightmarish destruction. Thousands of lives were lost that first day, given in the service of saving countless others and restoring peace among the nations.

As I thought about the sacrifices associated with this day, it occurred to me, what would have happened if the commanders or soldiers had balked at participating in what they knew was a dangerous endeavor? What if, rather than finding the courage to act in the face of death, they had abandoned their mission and shrunk away in fear? What would the world look like today? What would we have to remember and celebrate? Today, we remember the hard-fought victory that changed the course of history for the whole world, but with the sobering realization that the glorious outcome was achieved only at great cost to many whom we will never know but to whom we are forever indebted.        

In the wisdom of divine providence, the United Methodist Church is even now living through a consequential season following the recent General Conference. There has been a sea-change in our history as a denomination in long-disputed matters of faith and practice. A long season of conflict has abated, with many celebrating the changes and others doubtful in dismay. When I talk to United Methodist members and clergy colleagues, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and concern on all sides.  

To be sure, the ramifications of the changes brought about by the conference pale in comparison to the costs and consequences of war. Nevertheless, this moment in our church life is unprecedented in our history as a Methodist people. The decisions by the conference have put before us all a set of questions and challenges that we must face together. Local churches must now ask, “Who will we marry in our building?” “Who will we receive as a pastor?” With new possibilities, the answers to these questions can no longer be assumed. 

On the surface, the challenges before us are about disagreements over marriage, sexuality, pastoral appointment, and other disputed issues. And yet, as I pray, think, and talk with you these days, I believe that an even deeper set of questions confronts us, questions that go to the heart of our identity as a local body of Jesus’ disciples in the Methodist tradition: Who are we? and how will we live together as a congregation within the United Methodist Church when we are not of one mind about disputed issues? Can we find unity amid our differences? What values do we share as the body of Christ? What expectations do we have for each other and from the church? Can we come to consensus about how we will live when it is not possible to please everyone? How is the Lordship of Christ to be realized among us in this season of change? How will we discern the leading of the Holy Spirit who keeps us faithful in the way of Christ?  

Confronting tough questions together is essential if we are to discern how we are to move into God’s future as a congregation. It will take courage and much grace. It will also take a commitment on the part of each of us who loves the church to be part of needed conversations that are a vital part of the discernment. Following our General Conference information meetings these past two Sundays, we will soon be holding meetings where members and congregants are encouraged to express their concerns, ask questions, listen respectfully to each other, and help to be part of the process by which we can discern the Spirit’s leading for Pender. On Monday, June 17, 7:00 at the church, a meeting will take place where Donna Parker (church council chair) and I will hear the concerns and questions particularly of those who identify as centrist-progressive in their theological/ethical orientation. If you wish to be part of this gathering, contact David Hensley. A gathering of traditionalist members/congregants will also take place during Sunday school in the next couple weeks. Some people are planning to attend both discussions. Other established small groups are considering engaging in such needed conversations among trusted friends and disciples. Donna and I will do everything possible to meet with any group that wishes an audience. If you prefer, you are welcome to write down and submit your thoughts to one of us.

To do needed and hard work takes time. To discern the mind of the Spirit will require much patience, humility, clarity, and prayer among the disciples of Jesus. In these days, I am reminded of Psalm 27, in which the Psalmist wrestles with finding God’s “light and salvation” amidst great personal distress and a host of enemies. After seeking the face of God in prayer, the Psalmist ends with this poignant word for our time: “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord.”   

I encourage you to join brothers and sisters in Christ at Pender to gather and seek God’s face together in this needful time. To courageously commit yourself to being part of this needful process that will require each of us to be humble, to trust, and to lovingly engage each other as we seek God’s truth and love. I am confident that as we wait on the Lord, we will surely discern the grace and light we need for our way ahead together.  

Pastor Bruce

• June 9. Philippi Information Session
• June 13, Last day to register for VBS. www.penderumc.org/vbs
• June 15, Prayer Shawl Meeting
• June 20-22, Virginia Annual Conference
• June 21, Virginia Annual Conference Game Night. Register here.
• June 22, UWF Breakfast Meeting. All women are welcome.
• June 24-28, VBS. Vacation Bible School each day fro 9-noon
• 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 on break until the fall
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsal on break until the fall
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 7pm
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle on break until the fall
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 10:00 am
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
• Choir Rehearsal on break until June 6
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

• Check here for other meetings.

All Pender Meetings run by the school year. Recurring meetings (weekly or monthly) taking place after June 30, 2024 will need to be scheduled again for the 2024-2025 school year.

Pender Members and Pender-sponsored groups such as Boy Scouts should fill out this form. You will get an email when your event is approved. Note that you cannot add an event to a room that is already reserved for another meeting. 

The Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC) hosted a post-General Conference webinar on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7 PM. 

The panel included:

• Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson
• Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation
• Delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page

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

Andy Kaye has left a thumb drive in the church office with many Conference Resources, Contact the webmaster for a copy.

Recording of the Post-General Conference webinar below:

What You Need to Know About VBS

Registration closes June 13, 2024.

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.

For ages potty-trained 3s through sixth graders.

More information and registration.

Do you have a wheelchair you can lend to a 72-year-old woman? She is low income and no medical insurance. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. 

If you can help, please contact Michelle Butler by email or call (703) 443-2000. Michelle is a Social Worker at HealthWorks for Northern Virginia Center Center.

Thanks!

Meeting Saturdays

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.  

We're thrilled to invite you to embark on a transformative journey with the Read a Chapter a Day challenge! Reading the Bible is one of the essential spiritual practices of disciples.

Join the Summer challenge to read a chapter of Acts a day, starting the day after Memorial Day (May 27) and concluding on Independence Day (July 4).

This challenge is an opportunity for us to grow together in faith, wisdom, and community.

Register here to participate.

From May 28 through July 4, you'll receive an email each day (Monday through Friday) with a new chapter from the Book of Acts.

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

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages beef jerky, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks. They don't currently need chips.

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!

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

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)

WFCM has been providing food and services to the community for 37 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. Please contact her with any questions.

In April more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 48% increase over April of 2023! Serving more families means we have a greater opportunity to make an impact with our donations.

There are multiple ways you can support this community ministry. The ways we hear of most often are donations of goods or money. Another way to participate is through volunteering of time to work in the Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the WFCM office or Becky Bryan.

Financial donations to be used to stock the Food Pantry can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM. In a recent newsletter, WFCM explained that, because of the savings that flow out of bulk purchases, a donation of $100 is used to purchase the equivalent of $600 of food.

For donations of food and toiletry items, you may leave your gifts in the grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors. OR, you can order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151.

~~~

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

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

Food & Beverages​​​

• Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Canned Pasta 
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helpers)
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)
• Risotto
• Pancake Mix 
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Coffee (ground, no k-cups)

​

Toiletries

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by our clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Body Lotion
• Toothpaste 
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner 
• Lotion 
• Toilet Paper
• Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Baby Wipes 

​

NOTE:  Only size 6 diapers and large pull-ups are needed at this time thanks to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank.

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

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.