Gingerbread Cookies and Ornaments

December 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Join us for a festive afternoon of creativity and fun! Your little ones are invited to a delightful gingerbread cookie and ornament decorating extravaganza! We’ll provide all the supplies needed for them to craft their own holiday masterpieces.

After the artistic adventure, we’ll settle in for a heartwarming holiday movie screening.

This memorable holiday experience is a family event and includes a photo with St. Nick himself.

Let’s make merry memories together!

From last Year's Event:

Advent Began

Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "visit," is a season imbued with anticipation and reflection, marking the commencement of the Christian liturgical year. Spanning four Sundays leading up to Christmas and culminating on Christmas Eve, Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, where Christians across the world ready their hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This season is a journey through time—honoring the deep yearning of Jews for a Messiah and our own profound need for forgiveness, salvation, and a fresh start. Advent is a duality of celebration: it commemorates the historical birth of Jesus in a modest Bethlehem stable while simultaneously looking forward to the second coming of Christ, fulfilling the promises of the first.

Contrary to popular belief, the Christmas celebration extends beyond a single day. In Christian tradition, the festive season stretches from the sundown of December 24 (Christmas Eve) through to the Epiphany on January 6, often referred to as "the 12 days of Christmas."

The Advent Wreath, an emblem of this sacred period, traditionally adorns the dinner table as a vivid reminder of the holy season. With origins tracing back to Germany, the wreath is a circle of evergreen, symbolizing eternal life and unending growth, and is adorned with four candles—three purple and one pink. Each candle, lit progressively each Sunday of Advent, illuminates a path through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, mirroring the increasing light of Christ's presence in the world.

Purple, the traditional color of Advent symbolizing penitence and royalty, is often used, though some churches have adopted blue, the color of hope. Today, as Christmas symbols and decorations blend into Advent observance, hues of red, green, and gold are increasingly seen.

Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it's an invitation to delve deeper into the spiritual essence of this time of year. It's a call to embrace the words of Martin Luther King: "To be a Christian without prayer, is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Each candle of the Advent Wreath, from the first symbolizing hope to the last radiating peace, invites us to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for the profound mystery and joy of the birth of Christ.

A few years ago, Pender members made short videos called “Advent Kindness Kits”. You can see them here:

Hanging of the Greens

Sunday, December 03

If you are available Sunday, after the Common Ground service, please come help with decorating the Sanctuary and Narthex.

Lunch will be provided.

Please contact Cathleen D. with any questions.

Christmas Caroling

Let's make merry memories!

Join us at Pender at 2:30 pm on December 3 for a festive journey through the neighborhood, spreading the holiday cheer with joyous Christmas carols.

Together, we'll light up the streets with our voices and share the magic of the season!

Impact Youth Christmas Party/Birthday in a Bag

Make Some Noise with Impact Youth: Birthday in a Bag Bash!

Hey, you've got the power to light up someone's birthday candles with joy – and you don’t even need to be a wizard! Join us for a mission with a twist: packing a Birthday in a Bag!

Date: December 3
Time: 4:30 to 6 PM
Place: Pender UMC with the Impact Youth crew

We're on a quest to turn ordinary bags into treasure chests of birthday magic for kids who need it most. Grab your tape, your creativity, and your friends – it's time to create some happiness in a bag!

There'll be music, there'll be snacks, and there'll be plenty of high-fives to go around. Be the reason someone has an unforgettable birthday this year.

No RSVP needed – just bring your awesome self and let's make this party start with a bang!

Holiday Concert

Experience the Magic of Music this Holiday Season!

Join us on December 9 at 4:30 for an enchanting evening as all Pender Music groups come together for a spectacular holiday concert. Witness the melodic harmony of handbells and chimes, feel the rhythm with the choir and praise band, and be mesmerized by the intricate sounds of the recorder consort.

Our talented instrumentalists and singers are set to dazzle you with a diverse repertoire, featuring everything from traditional Christmas carols to contemporary scores. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with favorite holiday classics, and don't miss the chance to join in some delightful sing-alongs!

The evening promises not only a feast for the ears but also a delightful reception to follow, where you can mingle, enjoy some festive treats, and revel in the joyous atmosphere. This is more than a concert; it's a celebration of holiday music, talent, and community.

[Don’t miss this magical musical journey – mark your calendars now!]

Church Council Christmas Social

The Church Council Christmas Social will be held on December 10 at 4:30pm in our Gathering Place.

Santa's Ride

Pender Hill School is collecting toys for the Santa's Ride program again this year. We are excited to work with the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad to collect new toys and books for children in local hospitals.

Items can be donated in the marked bins in the Church Lobby and the downstairs Preschool hallway until Sunday, December 10.

Please contact Sarah Hocker with any questions.

PrimeTimer's Christmas Lunch

PrimeTimer's Christmas Lunch on December 12 at 11:30 in the Gathering Place

Advent Continues

December 24 will be the fourth Sunday of Advent. 

Pender will have a 9:00 Traditional Service and and an 11:15 Common Ground Contemporary Worship as usual on this Sunday.

The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians.

During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the church calendar, the Christmas season lasts from sundown on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 6). This is sometimes referred to as "the 12 days of Christmas."

Advent begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. 

The color for Advent has traditionally been purple, although some churches have adopted blue. In practice, however, as churches increasingly incorporate the symbols and decorations of Christmas during Advent, more and more red, green and gold are appearing. The United Methodist Book of Worship upholds the traditional color of purple for Advent, signifying penitence and royalty, but also allows blue, the color of hope."

Adapted from https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/to-be-united-methodist-what-is-advent

A few years ago, Pender members made short videos called “Advent Kindness Kits”. You can see them here:

Christmas Eve 7:30 pm

Candles, Carols and Communion

Step into the warmth and joy of our Christmas Eve candlelight service, a time-honored tradition that promises to fill your heart with the spirit of the season. As flickering candles cast a soft, inviting glow, you'll be enveloped in the rich harmonies of cherished Christmas carols. Sing along with us, letting the familiar melodies transport you to a place of peace and nostalgia.

Immerse yourself in the profound beauty of scripture reading and inspiring preaching, offering moments of reflection and hope. This is a time to reconnect with the essence of Christmas and find solace in its timeless messages.

A highlight of our service is the Holy Communion, a sacred and unifying experience that brings us closer together as a community of faith. It's a moment to pause, give thanks, and feel the presence of something greater than ourselves.

But that's not all – our service holds a special treasure for our youngest attendees. A children's message, crafted especially for them, will light up their eyes with wonder and fill their hearts with the joy of the season.

And, for a truly unique experience, our music will be a harmonious blend of the old and the new. The Traditional and Common Ground teams are joining forces to create a musical tapestry that weaves classical hymns with contemporary tunes. This blend of music promises to lift your spirits and leave you with a heart full of Christmas cheer.

Join us for an evening where community, tradition, and celebration come together in a beautiful tapestry of festive joy. We can't wait to share this special night with you!

Christmas Morning 10:30 am

Get ready for a Christmas morning like no other at Pender UMC! On this special day, December 25th, at 10:30 am, we're throwing a joyous Birthday Party for Jesus, and you're invited to be a part of this unforgettable celebration. Imagine the sanctuary alive with the spirit of Christmas, adorned with festive decorations, as we gather to honor the reason for the season.

  The air will be filled with the sound of beloved carols, as we host an exuberant carol sing that promises to lift spirits and warm hearts. This isn't just any sing-along; it's a chance for every voice, young and old, to come together in a jubilant chorus, echoing the joy of Christmas.

  And there's more! We've crafted a special message that will resonate with both children and adults, capturing the essence of Christmas in a way that's meaningful and engaging for all. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Christmas story and its message of hope, love, and joy.

  In the spirit of cozy Christmas mornings, kids and those young at heart are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas! Imagine the delight and comfort of worshiping in your festive PJs, surrounded by family, friends, and your church community.

  Please note, there will be only one service on Christmas Morning, making it a unique and special gathering for our whole church family. This Christmas, let's come together to celebrate, sing, and share in the joy of Jesus' birth at Pender UMC's Birthday Party for Jesus. It's more than a service; it's a heartfelt celebration of the greatest gift of all!

Welcome the New Year 10:30 am, 12/31

As the clock ticks towards a new beginning, join us in a heartfelt celebration to welcome 2024!

On December 31st, at 10:30 am, we're bringing everyone together for a special combined worship service, embracing the new year with open arms and uplifted spirits.

Gather with us in an atmosphere filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation, as we bid farewell to the old year and step into the promises of 2024.

This will be more than just a service; it’s a moment to come together in faith, hope, and community, marking a new chapter in our shared journey.

Potluck Dinner and Welcome in the New Year, 7:00 pm, 12/31

Ring in the New Year with a heartwarming and spirited celebration at our special New Year's Eve potluck dinner and service! As the clock winds down on the old year, we invite you to come together for an evening of fellowship, flavor, and faith. Bring your favorite dish to share, and gather around the table for a feast that celebrates the diversity and unity of our community.

After we've savored the last bites and shared stories, we'll transition into a meaningful short service. This will be a time to reflect, give thanks, and set intentions for the year ahead. Together, we'll raise our voices in songs that resonate with hope and join our hearts in prayers that seek blessings for the days to come.

This is more than just a gathering; it's an opportunity to weave together the fabric of our community as we step into the New Year. Whether you're a long-time member or new to our circle, your presence will add to the joy of the occasion. Let's bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one with open hearts and uplifted spirits!

Epiphany, 1/6/25

Epiphany is one of the most joyous feast days in the church year as we celebrate the visit of the Magi and Jesus’ coming as Savior of all people. Because it happens 12 days after Christmas, the celebration can be lost in post-holiday fatigue.

Christmas is not just one day, but a season of twelve days from sunset Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) through Epiphany.

The twelfth day of Christmas, Epiphany, an even more ancient Christian celebration than Christmas, originally focused on the nativity, God’s incarnation (God made flesh) in the birth of Jesus Christ and Christ’s baptism. Today, it commemorates the visiting of the Christ Child by the Magi (Wise Men) with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Epiphany – the day we celebrate the divine revelation of Christ to those beyond the Jewish nation. We think of Epiphany as the day we remember the coming of the wise men to worship the Christ child and we think immediately of camels, the star, and strange gifts – but is that all there is to the account? Of course not! There is so much more – join us Sunday as we consider how the movers and shakers in the 1st century CE responded to the heavenly sign of the presence of the Son of God among us. How would we respond? How DO we respond?