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

Learning to Say Yes

The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior’...(Judges 6:12).

Our bible is filled with stories of people who, like us, were called by God who didn’t feel up to the task. In our scripture for today, Israel is an overrun, defeated nation. The Midianites during this time were a stronger force, literally pushing the Israelites around. Because of that, it caused many in the land to pray to God, asking for deliverance. 

Here is how God responded. God arrived in front of Gideon, who was threshing wheat in the winepress. Here is what that really means: Gideon can’t thresh wheat out in the open because the cloud that would arise would surely draw unwanted attention from a Midianite raiding party. So he is simply hiding, getting his work done. 

It is to him that God comes through a messenger and says, “God is with you, you mighty warrior.” I love it. Do you catch the irony here? Here is a man, hiding, getting his work done, who is hailed as a mighty warrior. 

I love Gideon’s response. “God is with me? What are you talking about? God isn’t here. God isn’t doing the wondrous things God did from old, like when God delivered our people from Israel. No. No. God has left us, and now we are subject to the whims of the Midianites. God has left us to fend for ourselves.” 

Have you ever felt abandoned? Have you ever felt like you are left to fend for yourself? Are you waiting for someone else to come along and make your life better? Blaming others doesn’t solve the problem.

The messenger from God listened to Gideon and said, “Look, it is time for you to go in this strength of yours and make a difference. Go and save Israel from Midian.” Do you hear the irony again? 

Gideon is whining and complaining. He is not acting strong at all. Yet he is the one God is sending to this task of saving Israel. 

If you read the rest of this story, you discover that Gideon is so filled with doubt that he puts God to the test to see if God will really be with him. God shows that God will be there for Gideon and not abandon him in the ministry to which he has been called. 

This story of Gideon’s call is meant to encourage us to listen to and respond to God’s call in our lives. Because this story shows us once again that the people God uses to make a difference in this world are people like you and me. People who are average, everyday kind of people.  

When we say yes to God in our lives, God is able to work through us to do incredible things in this world. As we begin 2024, what is God inviting you to say yes to? May we find ways to partner with God and with one another.

Prayer

Holy One, thank you for calling us and your church to be witnesses of your love and grace in this world. Help us to remember on this day that you call us to live our faith in this world. Teach us to live out loud. Give us the courage to live out of our calling and the hope that comes from you. In the hope that Jesus offers us. Amen.



Author: Scott Carlson - Director of Congregational Development

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.

NEWS from the Delegation

VAUMC General Conference Delegation Endorses Christmas Covenant Regionalization Plan.

Overview

The VAUMC General Conference Delegation unanimously supports the Christmas Covenant regionalization plan as the wisest and most hopeful way forward for the United Methodist Church. At the June 2023 Annual Conference, the General Conference Delegation made a short presentation on this matter. The Virginia Annual Conference then voted to endorse the Christmas Covenant regionalization plan as well.

In September 2023, the authors of the Christmas Covenant joined with the Connectional Table and the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters to submit updated regionalization legislation for General Conference. This updated plan will be considered at General Conference 2024. If this regionalization plan passes, Annual Conferences will have to vote to ratify the resultant constitutional amendments. We, the General Conference delegation, are grateful that the Virginia Annual Conference voted to endorse the Christmas Covenant regionalization plan in advance of the 2024 General Conference.

Regionalization FAQs

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 February 28, 2024, our collective efforts have already amassed a remarkable $75,749! 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.

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

The following donations are currently needed: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!

Sunday, February 25, 2024 the United Women in Faith announced their annual Woman of the Year. This special day was dedicated to honoring the remarkable women who have been foundational to our community, culminating in the prestigious Woman of the Year award. This year, we were thrilled to acknowledge two extraordinary women, Vicki Fitzgerald and Teresa Rothschild, whose dedication and service have profoundly impacted our church.

Vicki Fitzgerald, a beloved member since 1992, has been a guiding light through her work as an educator and steadfast volunteer. Her contributions, especially during challenging times, have been invaluable, making her an undeniable choice for this honor. 

Teresa Rothschild, our second honoree, has been a vibrant force within Pender since 1994. Her diverse roles, from leading Girl Scout troops to serving as a Sunday school teacher and choir member, alongside her professional expertise as an economist, have greatly enriched our community. Teresa's unwavering commitment alongside her family has extended her influence far beyond the church walls.

Experience the joy and applause as we celebrate Vicki and Teresa, honoring their heartfelt service and the indelible legacy they've created within the Pender community. 

In celebration of their achievements, a morning tea will be held in their honor on April 21st.

Last Sunday, UMM President Keith Saddler announced a breakfast meeting on March 9,

In an unexpected twist, amidst the serene Sunday morning rituals of coffee and contemplation, a glance at the calendar revealed a delightful oversight. Not scheduled for announcements but propelled by a sense of community and the spirit of spontaneity, an impromptu share brought smiles and nods of relatability among the congregation.

With the humor and warmth that only a shared community experience can bring, the revelation of an upcoming United Methodist Men's (UMM) function sparked a light-hearted exchange. Mark your calendars for Saturday, the 9th, as UMM invites you to a men's breakfast that promises fellowship and good food – this time, with a savory twist of sausage over bacon, in response to a playful admission of being "baconed out."

As laughter and camaraderie filled the air, the announcement unfolded plans for spring activities, hinting at delicious ventures and communal gatherings that resonate with the simple joys of life. Amid the anticipation of great ideas and future plans, a gentle reminder intertwined with inclusivity and fellowship: Pastor's Bible study attendees, regardless of gender, are warmly invited to join and savor the extra sausage prepared with care.

This moment of unity, shared plans, and the promise of nurturing gatherings captures the essence of community life at Pender UMC. So, let's gather, plan, and celebrate the small, joyous moments that knit us closer, one breakfast at a time.

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

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.