Jesus is in the house! Did you know that? If we claim to follow him, Jesus is in our household of faith, the Church, and in our households of family and friends, however they are composed. So then, how are we to live within our households if Jesus is there? This is the fundamental question that Paul addresses in his first letter to the Corinthians. He makes some bold claims that sound as radical today as they did then! In fact, maybe our worlds aren’t all that far apart. Join us as we launch this new sermon series and bring someone with you who needs to know that Jesus can be in their house as well!

John and Lisa Hamilton are the One Mission Society (OMS) team leaders for Uruguay. After serving 10 years in various pastoral and team roles in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia, John and Lisa moved to Montevideo in early 2003. The OMS team in Uruguay currently works in partnership with Christ Church, an interdenominational church in Carrasco, an eastern suburb of Montevideo. In addition to leading the OMS team, John serves as lead pastor for Christ Church. Lisa participates in counseling, children’s ministries, women’s discipleship, and mentoring emerging leaders in the church community.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services. On Easter we heard about the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, and how they told others about what they saw and experienced. What have you seen and experienced about Jesus? Did you know we’re all being called to the witness stand? We will hear a witness from someone in the addiction recovery community and how Jesus has helped them in that journey, and consider how Jesus is calling each of us to be witnesses to his grace and activity in our lives. A video of this sermon from the Common Ground service is available on PenderUMC.org

Of course it is no surprise that this Sunday is EASTER! And we all know there will be flowers and brass and triumphant music and favorite hymns and excited children and dressed-up adults and both Alleluias and Hallelujahs and even rumors of an empty grave and eternal life . . . and there will be a story that reminds us of what we are celebrating. And just because it is no surprise to you, doesn’t mean there is not someone in your circle of acquaintances for whom our Easter Celebration might be a wonderful new thing to experience! Remember that part of the story? – when Mary saw the empty tomb, she ran to tell her friends Peter and John. Let’s do the same and have a great Easter together. The sermon is entitled, “The Most Important Word of Easter!”, based on John 20: 1-18.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services. As Palm Sunday approaches, the old cheer comes to mind: “What do we want?” “Change/Victory/Whatever!” “When do we want it?” “Now!” That mindset of the masses was prevalent as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and it’s still prevalent today. We want what WE want and we want it NOW. We are eager for the quick fix… and in three easy steps we can have it, so hucksters will tell us. But is that ever reality? Join us for a new look at an old story from John 12:12-19. A video of this sermon from the Common Ground service is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on March 18, 2018. Our names are important to us. We do not like for them to be mispronounced, misspelled, forgotten, or used as a launching pad for making a joke about us. For many of us, there is behind our name a story, or an ethnicity, or a nationality, or a significant historic connection, or all of these! Behind the name Lazarus, there is a well-known story about dying and being raised, entombed and walking out, being all wrapped up and then unwrapped. And then there is Jesus – quite a name, quite a story . . . and he has a “last name,” too. Jesus is still leading . . . but be careful, Jesus, danger ahead! “Leading from Despair to Possibility” (John 11:1-44) A video of this sermon from the Common Ground service is available on PenderUMC.org

What do we choose to see? Have you ever thought of that? If you wander through an art museum you often find several people looking at the same painting yet choosing to see different aspects from each other. Children often pass the time on summer days by lying down, looking at the clouds, and seeing different animals in the different shapes of the clouds. There is great freedom in these ways of seeing. Yet, there are times when the ways we choose to see reveal how stuck we are, for we cannot, or choose not, to see otherwise. Though we may have the physical ability to see, we find ourselves blind to aspects of seeing fully. Does Jesus help with this? Can he clarify our ways of seeing freely, rather than with blinders?

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on March 4, 2018. Given the multiplicity of water fountains, coffee shops, healthy drink options, and fancy drink containers, we probably find ourselves hydrated all the day long. In fact, the concept of “thirst” is lost on us, because if we are ever thirsty, the remedy is easily within reach. Jesus knows that we thirst at a whole different level than our physical thirst, so when he met a woman at Jacob’s well, they shared their physical thirst, but so much more. One of the paradoxes of our faith is that God gifts us with what we most need but have never requested! This 3rd Sunday in Lent, we journey closer to Jerusalem, following Jesus our Savior, who is “Leading from Emptiness to Wholeness” (John 4: 1-42). A video of this sermon from the Common Ground service is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services. John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse of the Bible. We see it on signs and car decals. Athletes write it on their uniform in some way. It’s one of the first verses we teach to our children. Yet, we cannot take these words out of their context. Someone comes to Jesus under cover of darkness, and Jesus ends the conversation by speaking of light. How does God loving the world and sending his only Son fit into that? And what difference does it make for us in our journey through Lent? A video of this sermon from the Common Ground service is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on February 18, 2018. “I’m just sure you can do this . . .” is the beginning of a conversation about our doing something that we already know how to do. So not surprisingly, Jesus was asked to perform a miracle, for he was known for his miracles. Jesus heard the request as temptation . . . he said “No,” not once but three times. What can Jesus teach us about freeing ourselves from temptation? Our Lenten sermons begin with Jesus in the desert, “Leading from Temptation to Deliverance” A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on February 11, 2018. The topic was Up the Foggy Mountain. Our integrity is put to the test every day, in virtually every situation. We are being watched closely to see how we will respond. The choice of our walk matching our talk, our behavior matching our beliefs, our character matching our confession is left to us. What will we do? We begin to wrap up this part of our series, Follow The Leader, as we look at Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 7:15-23. A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Our integrity is put to the test every day, in virtually every situation. We are being watched closely to see how we will respond. The choice of our walk matching our talk, our behavior matching our beliefs, our character matching our confession is left to us. What will we do? We begin to wrap up this part of our series, Follow The Leader, as we look at Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 7:15-23.

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on January 28, 2018. The topic was When Relationships are Broken. For many reasons, ours is a “throw away” society. When things break . . . we throw them away . . . and then we look around for a replacement. So what do we do when the “thing” that breaks is a relationship? Relationships are so valuable and yet so difficult to repair. A really good leader would give us some help with broken relationships. Our sermon series (“Follow the Leader) continues to ask hard questions . . . like will we let Jesus be our Leader in the healing of broken relationships? The Scripture was Matthew 5: 21-30 

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on January 21, 2018. The topic was When the Cultural Driver is Greed. Jesus asks his listeners, “Why are you worried about your clothing? . . . Why are you worried about what you can gather into your barn?” Our retort may well be, “Of course we worry . . . who doesn’t?” What if we don’t have the right outfit for the right occasion? What if we go to the barn and it is empty? What if . . . we followed a leader who has a different understanding of life’s essentials. Our sermon series, Follow the Leader: Do We Want to Play? continues with the challenge of a very familiar Jesus teaching: Matthew 6:25-33. So, search your “walk-in”, and try to find something suitable to wear as we praise God on Sunday!!

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services . In Monopoly, we know we’re doing well when we have lots of money, houses, and hotels. In Checkers, we know we’re doing well when we have more of our opponent's pieces than they have of ours. And when we play Follow the Leader, we know we’re doing well when we do what they do and go where they go. How do we know we’re doing well in real life, though? Is it by how much money and property we have? Is it how much we’re defeating our opponents? Or is it when we do what our leaders do, and go where they go? And what does that look like if we claim to follow Jesus Christ? Our message series, “Follow the Leader: Will We Play?” continues this Sunday by looking at Jesus’ measures of success in Matthew 5:1-12.  A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org in the Common Ground archives

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services . Leading is hard, whether in our home, our workplace, or whatever our sphere of influence may be. What does that look like? Who’s in charge anyway? We naturally look to others for these and other answers, when really the solution might be found within. Join us as we wrestle with these questions from Matthew 3:13-17.  Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17.  A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org in the Common Ground archives

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services on December 31, 2017. The topic was "Endings and Beginnings" based on the Scripture from Luke 2:22-38.

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services . December 24th , the fourth Sunday of Advent – the last of a three part sermon series entitled “The Redemption of Scrooge”. “A Christmas Carol” moves through dramatic shifts and turns, murky darkness and hoped for light. How will it end? Our journey to Christmas Day has its own shifts and turns, and as we near the finish line, we too ask, “How will it end?” Let us resolve with Ebenezer Scrooge to end well, seeing clearly the gift that God has chosen for us. Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

PastorDan preached at all 3 services . December 17th , the third Sunday of Advent – the second of a three part sermon series entitled “The Redemption of Scrooge”. Scrooge meets with the Ghost of Christmas Present, and is shown an alternative way of seeing reality that is normally hidden under the ways of the world. Upon learning that she is to bear God’s Son, Mary’s soul is opened to this way of seeing God’s reality, as we’ll read in Luke 1:46-55. It’s easy to view the world through miserly eyes like Scrooge. What does it take to view it through the eyes of Mary, indeed, through the eyes of God? Scripture: Luke 1:46-55 A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services . December 10th , the second Sunday of Advent – the first of a three part sermon series entitled “The Redemption of Scrooge”. Can it be that the novelist Charles Dickens has important insights into our preparation for the Christ Child? Scrooge is visited by the “spirit of Christmas past”, and his life begins to change. The sermon looks at Scrooge, Isaiah, and Jesus, asking “What Shall We Count?” Scripture: Isaiah 63:15-64:1. Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16. A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

"That's great, it starts with an earthquake Birds and snakes, and aeroplanes And Lenny Bruce is not afraid…” What on earth are we talking about? The end of the world as we know it, of course! Many have tried predicting when it will happen, and yet we’re still here. Theories of how it will come about tantalize our imaginations, at least for some. For others, we’d rather just keep our heads down and not think about it. Yet, Jesus talked about it. As we prepare to conclude another trip around the sun, it will be good to hear again the Good News in a world that seems to be getting worse and worse.

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services . As we move together into our national observance of Thanksgiving Day, we will look to the scriptures to guide us in our distinctive understanding of being thankful, of fleshing out a life-style of gratitude. Our scripture focus will be Psalm 65, one of the many psalms of praise, and Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18: 9-14). It turns out that gratitude is quite a spiritual challenge. The written transcript will be available soon. A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Jay preached at all 3 services and concluded the three week series on the three simple rules of our founder John Wesley. These are rules which call forth the best in each of us, and challenge us to be Jesus’ disciples every day. The key to our success is in the third rule: Stay in Love with God. (Mark 12:28-34). Early Methodists boiled the essence of following Jesus down into three simple rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These are good rules to apply to our lives, but especially when it comes to managing our money. What might that look like? Join us and discover together.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services and began a message series on Three Simple Rules for Money", This week's sermon was entitled "Do Good" (Galatians 6:7-10). Early Methodists boiled the essence of following Jesus down into three simple rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These are good rules to apply to our lives, but especially when it comes to managing our money. What might that look like? Join us and discover together.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services and began a message series on Three Simple Rules for Money, This week's sermon was entitled "Do No Harm" (Galatians 5:13-15). Early Methodists boiled the essence of following Jesus down into three simple rules: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. These are good rules to apply to our lives, but especially when it comes to managing our money. What might that look like? Join us and discover together. A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Our Pender Supported Missionary, Rick Yorgey, was our guest speaker. Rick has been serving on the pastoral staff team of Dominion Church in Washington, DC, and has personally been involved in work of racial reconciliation. Rick will be sharing God's Word with us in light of recent events in Charlottesville, Ferguson, Baltimore, and continued racial tension in America, and how God might be calling us to respond.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services and continued his sermon series based on our church-wide study, "Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems." This week's sermon was entitled "The Beauty of Name-Dropping" (Nehemiah 3:1-5). A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services and continued his sermon series based on our church-wide study, "Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems." This week's sermon was entitled "Oppositionists" (Nehemiah 4:1-15). A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org in the Common Ground archives.

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services and continued his sermon series based on our church-wide study, "Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems." This week's sermon was entitled "Food Network Solutions" (Nehemiah 5:1-19). A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org under Common Ground sermons

Pastor Dan continued the sermon series based on our church-wide study, "Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems" and the second sermon in the series is entitled "Let’s Do This!" based on Nehemiah 2:11-16.

Pastor Dan began a new sermon series based on our church-wide study, "Solve: Finding God's Solutions in a World of Problems" and the first sermon in the series is entitled "Problemists" (Nehemiah 1:1-11). 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations...

Pastor Kenny preached at our 8:15 & 11am services on Galatians 6:9-10, Do Not Grow Weary. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Tony Hines preached at our 8:15 & 11am services on Building a Wall (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 17 He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[a] who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men or young women, the elderly or the infirm. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. 18 He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the Lord’s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19 They set fire to God’s temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there...

At our 8:15 and 11:00 Services, Pastor Dan preached on For the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20). He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

Pastor Kenny preached at our 8:15 & 11am services. Over this past weekend, we have witnessed what evil and hate can do in our midst. Charlottesville is an example close at home of the violence which is filling our world by the Evil One using people. Let me say in the strongest terms as your Senior Pastor that I and our United Methodist Church condemn violence, bigotry and racial prejudice in all forms it presents itself. I call upon the people of Pender to pray for peace and justice in Charlottesville. Jesus told us to stand fast against evil. We are also called to pray for our enemies. As followers of the Christ of the cross, we know that love overcomes evil ultimately. Let us together claim that hope and stand fast to the power of Christ that defeats evil, heals those who are mourning, heals hearts filled with hatred and proclaims God's peace (shalom) and wholeness for the world and our commonwealth.

Dr. Gene Thomas preached at all 3 services. on Matthew 14:22. Jesus Walks on the Water. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

Pastor Kenny began a sermon series entitled "The Games We Play" and preached at all three services on John 10:10. The title was Game of Life & Priorities. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Pastor Kenny concluded his sermon series entitled "Book of Joy" and preached on "Rejoice" (Philippians 4) at our 8:15 and 11am services. "...Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus..."

Pastor Kenny continued his sermon series entitled "Book of Joy" and preached at our 8:15 and 11am services on Philippians 3. The sermon title is Joy of the Journey. Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence..."

Pastor Kenny continued his sermon series entitled "Book of Joy" and preached at our 8:15 and 11am services on Philippians 2. Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Sunday, July 9th, we welcomed Pastor Kenny back from his sabbatical! He began a new sermon series entitled "Book of Joy" and preached at our 8:15 and 11am services on Philippians 1. ...3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ...

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 services on "True Freedom: Free Indeed" (John 8:31-36).

At our 8:15 & 11am Worship Services, our guest speaker Dr. Robert J. Stamps preached on "The Most Profound Witness" (Matthew 5:14-16). Dr. Stamps received the BA from Wheaton College, Illinois ('63), the MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky ('68), and the PhD from the Council for National Academic Awards, Saint John's College, University of Nottingham ('86). Dr. Stamps also studied at New College/University of Edinburgh, Garrett Theological Seminary/Northwestern University, Illinois, and the Institute for Holy Land Studies, Palestine. Ordained in 1966 through the United Methodist Church, he has served appointments as university chaplain and as pastor of congregations across the United States. He is also the writer of several published hymns, a connoisseur of great music (BBC Radio Three online), and a student of the American Civil War. Dr. Stamps is married to Ellen Stamps (who was our guest speaker for our most recent Missions Celebration) and father of a son a

Sunday, June 18th was Father's Day and our very own Tony Hines preached at all 3 services on "As For Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord" (Mark 5:21-42) This Sunday was also Graduation Sunday and we honored our high school and college graduates at our 11am Worship Service. Together we celebrated this wonderful milestone in their lives!

Pastor Dan preached on Get in the Flow for Pentecost and Confirmation at all three services.. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. ~John 7:37-39

Sarah is a United Methodist elder beginning her fourth year serving the Arlington and Alexandria districts as the Bi-District Coordinator for Church Revitalization and Leadership Development.  Sarah says you can shorten the title to: "I'm from the Districts, and I'm here to help!"  Sarah grew up all over as a military kid, ending up in Fairfax, Va. She has a BA in Economics from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg followed by J.D. from George Mason Law School, opening a law firm in Fairfax as her first career. After an overwhelming and literal calling from God, Sarah attended Wesley Theological Seminary for her Masters of Divinity and then again a few years later for her Doctorate in Church Leadership. Her dissertation work was on clergy support groups. 

Pastor Kenny preached at all 3 services on Our Life as a Sacrament (Philippians 1:27, 2:5) "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27)

At our 8:15 and 11:00 am worship services, Rev. Tony Yeo, Pastor at Covenant Evangelical Free Church in Singapore, preached on "Making a Difference" (Matthew 4:18-22).    As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. ~ Matthew 4:18-22

At our 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 Traditional Services, Pastor Kenny preached on Sacraments Matter: Holy Communion. For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a numbe

Sunday, April 30th, was Missions Celebration Sunday! Our Key Note Speaker, Ellen Stamps, preached at all 3 services on "What if God Gives You a Roof?" (Mark 2:1-5) Ellen Stamps had anticipated she would be a missionary, but God had other plans and she received her RN degree from the Academic Hospital of Utrecht in the Netherlands. In 1976, she was asked by Corrie ten Boom, evangelist and author of "The Hiding Place," to become her nurse, secretary, and traveling companion. Ellen authored an account of their 10 years of life and travels together: "My Years with Corrie." After serving with Corrie, Ellen met and married Bob Stamps in 1976. They have a son and a daughter and continue in ministry together.

Ruston Seaman from New Vision Renewable Energy (NVRE) was our special pre-Missions Celebration speaker at all 3 services. Ruston, president and CEO of NVRE , has dedicated his adult life to ministry and community development in under-resourced rural communities in the U.S.

At our 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 Easter Services, Pastor Kenny preached on Easter Hope. "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said...

At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny concluded a five-week sermon series using Scriptures and video clips from the film The Shack to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:37-38)

Pastor Kenny continued a five-week sermon series using Scriptures and video clips from the film The Shack to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

At all three services, Pastor Dan continued a five-week sermon series using Scriptures and video clips from the film The Shack to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Pastor Kenny continued a five-week sermon series using Scriptures and video clips from the film The Shack to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain. Scripture: Hebrews 13:5 (traditional) and Matthew 14:22-33 (common ground) A video of this sermon is available on PenderUMC.org in the Common Ground area.

At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny began a five-week sermon series using Scriptures and video clips from the film The Shack to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.

At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny concluded his sermon series "Coming to Terms with the Story - Parables of Jesus" and his message for this Sunday is entitled "The Invitation" (Luke 14:15-24).

I don’t want to think about that. Jesus didn’t really say that did he? The rich man went where? Come & let’s see. (Luke 16:19-31)

LOST has many meanings. If I lost my Smart Phone, I’d look til I find it so it could serve the purpose for which it was created. WHO not WHAT is lost that you KNOW?

At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny began a new sermon series entitled "Coming to Terms with the Story - Parables of Jesus." All of us love a good story. Jesus loved a good story and told them as parables. For the next 4 weeks we will see what the stories really say and come face to face with Jesus' story. The sermon title for this Sunday is"What Have You Done with the Story?" (Mark 4:1-20)

The final message in our series,"Bless this Home." This Sunday's sermon is entitled "Persecuted." "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

Pastor Dan preached at all three services. This Sunday's sermon is entitled "Peacemakers" from the Bless This Home series. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Pastor Kenny preached at all three services. This Sunday's sermon is entitled "Pure in Heart" from the Bless This Home series. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Pastor Dan preached at the Traditional service. Looking to start 2017 off on the right track with peace, happiness and contentment? We want our family to enjoy peace, happiness, and contentment, but so often we stumble through our most important relationships. In "Bless This Home," discover four family-altering qualities: purity, peace, righteousness, and persecution. This Sunday's sermon is entitled "Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness." "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Pastor Kenny preached at the Traditional services. We used Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 1:19-25

Pastor Kenny preached at the Traditional services. Have you ever had a dream that caused you to do something different, make a change, or go in a different direction? Have you ever had a dream that changed your perspective, gave you a new insight, or resolved something for you? Movie Clip: It's a Wonderful Life Scripture: Matthew 1:19-25

Dan preached at One Unified Service for BFF Pledge Sunday. What lies ahead in life, kingdom and church will require patience, but also hope. Movie Clip: A Christmas Story Scripture: James 5:7-10

Pastor Kenny preached at the Traditional services. Keep watch over your heart, lest it grow two sizes too small. Movie Clip: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Pastor Kenny preached at the Traditional services on "BFF" (3 John). 1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters,[a]even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.

The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth— because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 1-6)

Pastor Dan preached at all three services on"The Perfect Candidate" (1 John 4:16b-19). "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.We love because he first loved us."

Pastor Dan preached at all three services on "Sharing Faith Without Fear". 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ~2 Timothy 1:6-10

At our Traditional Services, Pastor Kenny continued the Sermon Series entitled "Prospectus of Faith" and preached on "Invest in the Kingdom" "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:14-30)

At our Traditional Service, Pastor Kenny continued the Sermon Series entitled "Prospectus of Faith" and preached on "Invest in Relationships." (Colossians 3:12-17)

At our Traditional Service, Pastor Dan began a new Sermon Series entitled "Prospectus of Faith" and preached on "Invest in Life" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

At out 11:00 Service, Javaid Haroon preached on "We are All One in Christ." (Galatians 3:23-29)

At our 8:15 and 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny preached the third sermon in the sermon Series "Shift Happens" on Make the Change. Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 Let's face it: everybody experiences shift from time to time. Jobs change, health declines, relationships turn and our emotional equilibrium is thrown off course. Yet, often in these moments God is preparing us for what’s next. How can we embrace God's best next without successfully navigating change along the way?

(Traditional) At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny preached the second sermon in his sermon Series "Shift Happens" on Dancing Through Change Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5 Let's face it: everybody experiences shift from time to time. Jobs change, health declines, relationships turn and our emotional equilibrium is thrown off course. Yet, often in these moments God is preparing us for what’s next. How can we embrace God's best next without successfully navigating change along the way?

"Shift Happens"-- a series looking at how we are to navigate change as followers of Jesus. In a world that is changing more rapidly every day, especially in Northern Virginia, we think this will be a timely topic. Both Pastor Kenny & Pastor Dan preached on"Letting Go of Fear" (Numbers 13:26-14:9)

At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny preached on "Prayers for Democratics and Republicans" (1 Timothy 2:1-6)

At our 8:15 & 11:00 am Services, Pastor Kenny continued his Sermon Series, "Something Fishy," and preached on "Who Deserves Mercy?" (Jonah 4)

God is merciful and his compassion does not fail. The word of God is proclaimed for a purpose! His desire is for all to change their hearts and lives. The video at the left was shown during the sermon.

(Traditional Service) At our 8:15 & 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny continued a new sermon series,"Something Fishy," and this Sunday's sermon was entitled "A Fishy Prayer" (Jonah 2)

At our 8:15 and 11:00 Services, Pastor Kenny began a new sermon series,"Something Fishy," and this Sunday's sermon was entitled "God is Calling You!" (Jonah 1)

This is our final week in our sermon series, "We Believe."

Pastor Dan preached at all 3 Worship Services on "Forgiveness of Sin." (Luke 7:36-50) "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven-for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."And he said to her,"Your sins are forgiven."Then those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"And he said to the woman,"Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7:47-50)

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you." (John 16:13-15)

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

Our Pastors began a new sermon series: "We Believe." Pastor Dan preached at all 3 Worship Services on "God the Father" (Genesis 3:8-24).

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:4-7) Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Our Pastors were at Conference, so Javaid Haroon preached as one of the 3 Lay Speakers at the 8:15 Service Scripture: Matthew 6:9, Exodus 20:12

Our Pastors were at Conference, so David Raich preached as one of the 3 Lay Speakers at the 11:00 Service Scripture: Ephesians 6:4, Psalm 136:2

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

God has given us a special gift, the gift of memories. This Memorial Sunday let us obey Jesus and Remember.

The Great Commission "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

It's Pentecost Sunday, one of the principal days of the Christian year, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. The Greek word pentecoste means "fiftieth day." Pentecost is the day on which the Christian church commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and others assembled in Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the Christian church and the proclamation of its message throughout the world and is often referred to as the birthday of the church.

So much of all the talk about heaven is focused on what happens after we die. But we believe the promise of heaven has impact in how we live today! Is it possible to bring a little bit of heaven to earth?

In a world that seems to be getting worse and worse in many ways, where do we find hope? Politicians fail us, the stock market fails us, and even people we trust the most can fail us. The promise of heaven offers hope eternal that will not disappoint! Join us as we worship our God of hope and be filled anew with hope for your life.