Lent at Pender
DURING THE FORTY DAYS OF LENT Christians have a special opportunity to engage in “acts of piety” and “deeds of mercy”. These acts do not help us earn God’s favor, but do cause us to focus on our faith in Christ. Thereby, we grow spiritually.
Please consider making a gift to our Easter Offering this year which will support UMCOR Disaster Relief in Ukraine and for the FACETS thermal shelter held at Pender March 27-April 1.
Matthew 5:16-17: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Lent at Pender
- Shrove Tuesday
- Ash Wednesday
- Palm Sunday
- Palm Sunday Processional
- Holy Thursday
- Good Friday
- An Easter Experience
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
This is a church-wide event. Participants feasted on pancakes, sausage, and the fixings as well as played games.
This activity was held in the Gathering Place.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Ash Wednesday is an observance built around the imposition of ashes and not on the proclamation of the Word. The worship team should make sure that the focus is on the ashes and the symbolism that is inherent in them. Even if you don’t actually apply them to the forehead or any part of the body, the ashes can still remind us of our mortality and our human sinfulness. This is essentially a call to the Lenten observance; therefore, it needs to take the center place.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday.
During Pender’s Ash Wednesday service Pastor Will will share a sermon titled “Piety Practice” from the Lenten series “Gathered Up in Jesus” based on 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10.
The congregation will be invited to receive the ashes on their foreheads. Pastor Will will dip his finger into the ashes, spread them in a cross pattern on the forehead, and say, “From dust you came and from dust you will return.”
Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. We hope you’ll join in with churches around the world as we seek to be gathered up in Jesus.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022
On Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022 Rev. Will White Rev. Will White preached on “The Lord Needs It" from the series “Gathered up in Jesus” based on Luke 19:28-40
April 10, 2022 is the Sixth Sunday in Lent.
Here we are again. We are on the brink of the remembrance of the central event of our faith. Holy Week and Easter shape our understanding of who we are as followers of Jesus Christ more than any other single event. We are, as others have said, Easter people living in a Good Friday world. We are defined by this sacrifice and by this gift of eternity. And it all begins with Palm Sunday..
Gathered Up in Jesus
The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. We hope you’ll join in with churches around the world as we seek to be gathered up in Jesus.
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Palm Sunday Processional
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 10:00 am
We met in the Pender parking lot between the traditional and contemporary services for a time of palm waving, hosanna shouting, singing, and walking together. Kids love a parade!
Our Traditional and Common Ground teams provided music and we were able to enjoy hot cross buns, coffee and fellowship in the Gathering Place after the festivities.
Holy Thursday, Service of Shadows
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Jesus met with his disciples in the “Upper Room” to reveal the mysteries of the Lord’s Supper. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked for them to stay awake as he agonized over the direction to which he had been called. He spoke the truth before the religious elite and Roman rulers alike. Join us for Holy Communion, great music, and singing in a service that ends with a twist, and hope. This will be a joint service featuring our Common Ground and Traditional worship teams.
Jesus met with the disciples in an “Upper Room” to reveal to the mysteries of the Lord’s Supper. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked them to stay awake as he agonized over the direction to which he had been called. He spoke the truth before the religious elite and Roman rulers alike. Join us for Holy Communion, great music and singing, and a service that ends with a twist.
A recommitment to obeying that command is a part of why we gather. We remember Jesus, and we remember his words, and we once again pledge to learn to live by the command. In other words, on this night, we gather and offer ourselves to be gathered up in Jesus by choosing to live by the call to love.
"Tenebrae" is the Latin word meaning "darkness." The service of Tenebrae as practiced in most Protestant Churches is an adaptation of medieval Roman Catholic practices for each of the days of Holy Week dating back to the ninth century. For Protestants, this single service is typically held at night on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. Pender will hold it's Tenebrae service on Maundy/Holy Thursday this year.
For United Methodists and some other Protestants, the story of the suffering and death of Jesus from John’s gospel is divided into 16 readings. After each segment of the story is read, a candle is extinguished. After the fifteenth reading, which confirms that Jesus had died on the cross, the last of the 15 lit candles is extinguished or taken away, and a loud sound (called strepitus in Latin) is made to convey the sense of total loss of God’s presence and the effect of the death of Jesus on the universe. The final story of the burial is read in near darkness.
Worshipers leave in silence to ponder the impact of Christ's death and await the celebration of the coming Resurrection.
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Good Friday
Friday, April 7, 2023
Meditating on the Cross, 6-10am, 5pm-8pm
A prayer walk is an opportunity to quiet our hearts and listen for God’s guidance. We’re providing a wonderful opportunity for this in our church’s sanctuary on Good Friday. In the stillness of either morning or evening, participate in a self-guided worship experience in which you’ll recall the passion of Jesus. Good Friday is a somber time, but it is through the cross that we become one with God through the immeasurable grace of Jesus.
How do you capture this moment in all its horror and glory? How do you communicate the depth of suffering and the height of sacrifice and love that this day represents? The short answer is that you can’t. Not completely. Not in a way that becomes as transformative as we would like. And yet there is so much here that every attempt can bring us something of the day when it is done with sincerity and respect.
An Easter Experience
From last year - Saturday, April 16, 2022
This is a family-friendly event with the little ones in mind. Adults and children are invited to walk to Jerusalem along with Jesus. There will be crafts and fun activities that will help the kids understand Easter.
Join us in The Gathering Place rain or shine! The event will run from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Learn about the Seder, Decorate an Easter Egg, Stories of Jesus, Make a "God's Eye", Veggie Tales: "The Night Before Easter", Decorate the Cross and Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus' Journey to Bethlehem
Holy Saturday
Easter
Easter Sunrise Drama
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Youth Drama, “The Tomb Revisited” Come as our youth lead a fun drama in which they share their belief in the resurrection amidst their doubts. Presented by Pender's Youth Group at 6:45 am.
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Easter Breakfast
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Following Easter sunrise service there will be breakfast in The Gathering Place. All are invited to fellowship together as we experience the joy of the risen Christ.
Easter Traditional Worship
Sunday, April 9, 2023
It’s Easter. In many ways, this day plans itself. It forms itself. There are patterns and rituals and traditions to this day that are unique to you and to your congregation. It doesn’t do to disappoint on this day.
April 9, 2023 is Easter or Resurrection Sunday.
And everything changed in that moment. Moment? Event, perhaps. Everything changed with that event. Easter is a new start, a new creation. We didn’t go back to Eden, but the way to the kin-dom of God was opened on that day.
The problem is that not everyone saw it. You know how it is with amazing things. If you didn’t see it, if you weren’t there, it is hard to capture the experience. You’ve tried to share it, you’ve tried to tell your friends or family about this amazing thing that you saw, this amazing music that you heard, this amazing experience that you had. You describe it as imaginatively as you possibly can. You show them the motions, you talk about what happened to you, you relive the moment in front of them. You try your best. And . . . crickets. Then you shrug and say the only thing you can think to say. The only thing that anyone says faced with that lack of reaction: “I guess you had to be there.”
We Are Witnesses
The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about life and about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Come “between the services” for an Easter brunch. This will be provided by volunteers in The Gathering Place. We can’t wait to see you there.
Easter Contemporary Service
Sunday, April 9, 2023
A recommitment to obeying that command is a part of why we gather. We remember Jesus, and we remember his words, and we once again pledge to learn to live by the command. In other words, on this night, we gather and offer ourselves to be gathered up in Jesus by choosing to live by the call to love.
April 9, 2023 is Easter or Resurrection Sunday.
And everything changed in that moment. Moment? Event, perhaps. Everything changed with that event. Easter is a new start, a new creation. We didn’t go back to Eden, but the way to the kin-dom of God was opened on that day.
The problem is that not everyone saw it. You know how it is with amazing things. If you didn’t see it, if you weren’t there, it is hard to capture the experience. You’ve tried to share it, you’ve tried to tell your friends or family about this amazing thing that you saw, this amazing music that you heard, this amazing experience that you had. You describe it as imaginatively as you possibly can. You show them the motions, you talk about what happened to you, you relive the moment in front of them. You try your best. And . . . crickets. Then you shrug and say the only thing you can think to say. The only thing that anyone says faced with that lack of reaction: “I guess you had to be there.”
We Are Witnesses
The season after Easter is where we consider what it means to walk with Jesus into eternity. But it is not about life after death, or rather not only about life after death. It is very much about life before death, life in the face of death. It is about life and about bearing witness to a life that resembles a kin-dom existence right here and right now. It is this life, this justice and righteousness, this hope and this glory to which we can say with confidence, “We are witnesses.”
All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Lenten Devotion Podcast Episodes:
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 1, March 9, 2022
Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Music, presents a series of hymn-based devotions on Wednesdays during Lent.
The first is Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross by Fanny Crosby, The United Methodist Hymnal Number 301
Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915
Tune: NEAR THE CROSS, Meter: 76.76 with Refrain
Brian conducts the choir and handbells as well as plays a variety of instruments every Sunday at 9:00 am online and in person at Pender UMC, 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 2, March 16, 2022
Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Music, presents a series of hymn-based devotions at noon on Wednesdays during Lent.
The Second Hymn-based Devotion was Ah, Holy Jesus
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
Who was the guilty- Who brought this upon Thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.
Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!
I crucified Thee.
For me, kind Jesus, was Thine incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life’s oblation;
Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.
Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
For our atonement, while he nothing heedeth,
God intercedeth.
Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,
I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,
Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 289
Text: Johann Heermann
Music: Johann Crüger (1640)
Tune: HERZLIEBSTER JESU
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 3, March 23, 2022
The Third hymn-based devotion wass When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 298
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
Tune: HAMBURG, Meter: LM
and
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 299
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Music: Anonymous; arr. by Edward Miller
Tune: ROCKINGHAM, Meter: LM
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 4, March 30, 2022
Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Music, presents a series of hymn-based devotions on Wednesdays during Lent.
The Fourth is Beneath the Cross of Jesus
1. Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat,
and the burden of the day.
2. Upon that cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.
3. I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 297
Brian conducts the choir and handbells as well as plays a variety of instruments every Sunday at 9:00 am online and in person at Pender UMC, 12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 5, April 6, 2022
“Go to Dark Gethsemane” is a Lenten hymn that spotlights scenes from the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life.
It takes us on a journey from the Garden of Gethsemane where we are charged to stand and watch, to the judgment hall and our denial of him, to the cross where we witness his death and his grace, and finally to his glorious resurrection and our redemption. We become part of the drama of Christ’s passion and resurrection.
The poet repeats the phrase “learn of” at the end of each stanza, charging us to apply each scene to our lives. James Montgomery uses repetition to draw attention to what he considers important about each scene and each stanza.
“Learn of Jesus Christ to pray” encourages us to remember the scene of the garden and to go to God in fervent prayer. “Learn of Christ to bear the cross” is a charge to lay down our lives, take up the cross and follow Christ. “Learn of Jesus Christ to die” is a reminder of what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Montgomery, considered one of the most important hymn writers of the English language, wrote this beautiful hymn in 1820. He was born on Nov. 4, 1771, in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of Moravian missionary John Montgomery, and died April 30, 1854, in Sheffield, England.
When Montgomery was 5 years old, his parents moved him to a Moravian settlement at Bracehill, Ireland, near Ballymena in Antrim County. Soon after, his parents accepted a call to the mission field and left him behind in Bracehill. He never saw his parents again. They both died while in the Barbados Islands.
At age 7, Montgomery was enrolled at Fulneck Seminary in Yorkshire, where he would remain for the next nine years. Struggling to meet the expectations of his instructors, he left the school at age 16 and became an apprentice at a chandler’s shop in Mirfield.
After five years, he tired of the work and took an apprenticeship with Joseph Gales, the owner and publisher of the Sheffield Register. For two years he learned about the publishing business, and in 1794, when Gales was forced to flee the country to avoid imprisonment, Montgomery took over the Register and changed its name to the Sheffield Iris.
Montgomery published and managed the Sheffield Iris for 32 years. He used the Iris as a tool to distribute the 360 hymns written throughout his life. His most well-known hymns are “Angels, From the Realms of Glory,” “Go to Dark Gethsemane,” “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,” “Songs of Praise the Angels Sang” and “Stand Up and Bless the Lord.”
Montgomery’s “Go to Dark Gethsemane” is still one of his most widely used hymns, most often sung during Lent or during Holy Week. The first three stanzas are most commonly available in hymnals. The fourth stanza, though often omitted today, has been preserved in The United Methodist Hymnal.
Even though the text is now over 185 years old, it has rarely been altered. Many hymns from this era use language that is no longer common in today’s hymns or speech. Hymnal editors typically remove antiquated language and replace it with modern equivalents, but this hymn has remained essentially intact.
This beautiful somber hymn has stood the test of time. We benefit from the art and poetry of Montgomery still today.
Above essay from https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-go-to-dark-gethsemane-1
Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Holy Week
Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Music, presents a series of hymn-based devotions on Wednesdays during Lent.
The Holy Week selection is Lamb of God by Twila Paris from The Faith We Sing, #2113
Text and music: Twila Paris.
Tune: SWEET LAMB OF GOD, Meter: Irr. with Refrain
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