Dear Church Family:

Last Sunday, Donna Parker, our Church Council chairperson, announced three upcoming information sessions at Pender UMC regarding the United Methodist General Conference that will take place from April 23-May 3 in Charlotte NC. The conference is widely anticipated to be consequential for the future of the denomination, and the decisions made could impact every local church. We have selected a variety of meeting times to make it possible for each of us to attend one of the meetings. They are scheduled for Sunday, March 10, following the traditional service, and Wednesday, March 13, at 11:00am and 7:00pm. I encourage all members and participants in the life of Pender to attend one of the sessions. These first meetings will focus on information, the background, facts, agenda, process, and possible outcomes of the conference. You will also have an opportunity to submit your questions that will be addressed by Donna or myself at that time or later in ways yet to be determined. We recognize that these meetings are just the beginning of a journey we will take together to discern our way forward as a congregation. To help us in this journey, a working team of Beth Dougherty, Andy Kaye, Arlet Williams, and myself has been tasked with advising the council on how to lead the congregation through this process together. These matters are of importance to us all, and we need your input and partnership in helping Pender to be informed and faithful in serving Christ and others in his name.

This past week I was traveling with my wife (and pastoral colleague) Nancy, and she reminded me of a vital fact that we all know but that can easily become obscured during times of uncertainty and anxiety: to be faithful, Jesus’ disciples bathe all that we do in prayer, and continually. The busier we get in addressing great challenges, the more we need to devote time to pray, personally and together. Since I arrived at Pender, I have encouraged us to set aside time for prayer for the UMC and Pender. This Sunday I will be announcing a church-wide call to prayer for General Conference beginning now and continuing throughout the conference. I encourage you to find time each day (maybe 4:23-5:03?) to pray for: the leadership of conference (for the Bishops who will lead, for clergy and lay delegates to conference, for the VA conference delegation), for the conference agenda (more information to come), for the future of UMC and for all who are impacted and concerned for it, for the American church and the international church. You are also encouraged to pray for Pender: our council leadership and pastor, for church members and friends who may not agree on the desired direction of the church, for those who feel impacted by the issues, for us to show the love, grace, and truth of Christ toward each other at all times, and above all, for God’s will to be made plain to us and for us to walk together in it.  

Someone once said: Where the will of God leads us, the grace of God will provide for us. I challenge each of us who are a part of the Pender community to humble ourselves before God and His word, and to engage personally and together in a season of prayer that will enable us to discern together God’s will and our faithful path forward as a church of Jesus’ disciples. The Lord who is doing a good work among us will surely provide for us as we do.        

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

Discerning and Appreciating Divine Intervention in Day-To-Day Life 

In the rush and bustle of modern existence, there lies often unseen, the divine blessings playing a significant part in our lives. Consequently, it becomes an imperative need to understand and acknowledge them, seeing they weave the very fabric of our existence. Each new dawn comes imbued with countless blessings and opportunities. This beautiful synapse between day and night holds the key to numerous spiritual revelations. The reflections, spiritual wisdom, and practical advice in appreciating each morning’s blessings lends a profound perspective to our daily routines despite their overt mundanity.

Life unfolds day by day—a mosaic of joys, trials, triumphs, tribulations, and miracles. Among these life happenings, there are times when one might sense an extra spark or splendor. Almost as if there’s an otherworldly helping hand guiding events in a seemingly serendipitous direction. Some call these instances “miraculous,” and others refer to them as “divine intervention.”

Discerning these awe-inspiring occurrences in the everyday humdrum isn’t always a walk in the park. The world hustles and bustles at a breakneck pace, and chaos often drowns the subtle hum of these interventions. You must create a serene sanctuary inside your heart and mind—a sacred space where God’s messages aren’t lost in the worldly clamor.

Prayer serves as a steadfast bridge towards this sanctuary. Not just in the form of traditional, pre-determined phrases one recites out of habit, but conceptualizing prayer as an open, earnest discussion with the Almighty. When you quiet down and put forth sincere sentiments to God, it invites a divine dialogue—an exchange of celestial wisdom that helps discern His interventions in your life.

Another key to understanding divine intervention is humility. This virtue isn’t about belittling oneself, rather it is acknowledging the infinite forces beyond human understanding. With humility, one can comprehend the possibility of divine influence, threading through seemingly mundane events like a golden strand, transforming them into godly gifts.

Now, appreciation is an equally important facet of this spiritual journey. While it’s one thing to discern divine interventions, truly cherishing these moments lifts living onto a transcendent plane. Not all miracles come with celestial flash and fanfare. Some gently ripple through life as whispers of wind that tickle the soul or subtle shifts that mold characters into armors of virtue and resilience.

Appreciation is in finding joy and gratitude in these small kindnesses from above—acknowledging them as proof of God’s continuous presence. This in turn brings us back to humility, creating a cycle of spiritual growth where you can better discern, appreciate, and communicate with the divine.

Finally, it would be remiss not to mention faith—the cornerstone that binds discernment and appreciation together. Never underestimate its power; a mustard seed-sized faith can indeed move mountains. Cultivate it steadfastly through prayer, humility, and gratitude. Faith isn’t blind trust, but a conscious decision to believe in what’s unseen and unfathomable.

So, dear friends, in the warble of a songbird, the laughter of a child, the serenity of a sunset, or the comforting hug from a loved one, let’s not forget to peer closely. For these may well be the gentle nudges of divine intervention delicately woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Remember, God works in mysterious ways—ways that might seem ordinary until you gaze closer and realize, it’s extraordinary. Stay open-hearted and open-minded, for the Lord’s hand is forever at work, subtly guiding, ceaselessly caring. Let Him in, let these hidden blessings enrich your life, for His divine intervention is everywhere. All it requires is a listening heart, a humble mind, and a grateful soul.



Reprinted from wow4u Inspirational Words of Wisdom January 16, 2024 by writio.com

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

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!

On February 18, 2024, Donna Parker, the chairperson of Church Council for Pender UMC, addressed the congregation about the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which is a global assembly of delegates occurring every four years to govern the church, in lieu of a singular spiritual head.

She mentioned the specially called conference in 2019 and the postponed 2020 conference, now rescheduled for April 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with subsequent conferences in 2026 and 2028 to realign with the original schedule.

With around 2,000 legislative issues expected at the upcoming conference, the Church Council and Pastor Bruce feel it's crucial to inform the congregation about the conference's workings and potential impacts on Pender.

To facilitate this, meetings are scheduled for the week of March 10th, with both in-person and possible Zoom participation. These sessions aim to educate the congregation, address their questions, and ensure everyone is informed.

Donna emphasizes the importance of an educated congregation for effectively addressing church issues and asks for prayers for the church's leadership as they navigate these challenges.

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!

No Meeting this Saturday (2/24/2024)

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.  

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!

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. 

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.