Welcome to Pender
We're so glad you're here today! Explore this Online Bulletin for this week's resources and announcements.
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January 4, 2026 at 10:00 am
All hymn, music and scripture information is on the screens during the service.
For a copy of this week's bulletin, please attend Sunday worship or view here.
Information
PENDER PRAYER TEAM: Send prayer requests via our website, Connection Card in the bulletin, or contact the Church Office. You can also text your prayer request to (833) 674-0619 or scan the QR code below:
To become a PRAYER WARRIOR, or if you wish to have a loved one who needs ongoing prayer listed in the bulletin, please contact the Church Office.
Pender Faith Promise Missions.
Pender supports 67 missionaries and cross-cultural workers worldwide.
Please lift up our Pender Philippi and Ethiopia Teams; 10 Mission Teams serving in the USA: Laura Bowers (CRU, DMV), Warren & Joy George (Navigators, CA), Rev. Neal & Shirley Hicks (TMS Global, TN), Stephen & Meiyun Hoyle (COM, VA), Stephanie Mberego (Bridges Int'l, DMV), Andrew & Karlayne Powars (CRU, DC), Rev. Ruston & Donna Seaman (Peoples Chapel, WV), Joe & Laura Sullivan (COM, PA), Kathie Virunurm (CRU, DMV), Rick & Debbie Yorgey (Navigators, DC).
Please select "Faith Promise Missions" for online contributions or indicate in the memo line of your check. Pender supports 67 Missions Teams and Cross-cultural Workers worldwide. For more info, please contact Greg or Maya Berry at
Save the Date
- 2026!
- January 3, Bread of Life Baking Day
- January 5, Fun with Music
- January 5, Mary Martha Circle
- January 6, Epiphany
- January 7, AA Meeting
- January 8, Choir Rehearsals
- January 10, In-Person Prayer Shawl Group resumes
- January 17, NoVa Training Day
- March 7, Pender United Women in Faith Prayer Retreat
PENDER NEEDS YOU!
Sign up to help at www.pender.church/signup
Pender Hill School Registration is open. Learn more at https://penderumc.org/pender-hill-school/
DO YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY & LOVE MEETING PEOPLE? Pender needs you! Help is needed during our 10am worship service. If you would like to be a Greeter or an Usher, please contact Glenn Lammi.
REACHING NEW PEOPLE Help your church grow! What does it mean to start thinking of “visitors” as being “guests”? Well, a visitor is someone who knocks on your door at night and you won’t let them in. A guest is someone you welcome! Pender is looking for some good men and women to help project Pender’s presence into the community for the sake of Jesus Christ. We want you to help us plan events and welcome guests! Contact Peter Andrews.
Support our First Responders– Help us restock our First Responders Rest Stop. The following donations are welcome: chips, 16 oz bottled water, energy drinks, vitamin water, snacks, frozen sandwiches, ice cream, candy, and cookies. 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!
Calling all Shepherds! If you like working with children (ages PreK - grade 6) and are willing to help distribute materials and assist children in the classroom, we'd love to have you join our Children's Sunday School team! Help our children feel God's love and the support/encouragement of our Pender family! (Sundays, 10:30 - 11:30am. Sign up for 1 week or 40!) Please contact Jane McKee.
Get Connected
Lectio Divina Prayer Group, Thursdays at 1:30-3:00pm. 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 meditate on the Bible passage. The group is meeting by Zoom. Please contact Carol-Anne Kaye for Zoom information.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL at 10:30am - We meet in person! Any questions? Please speak with Miss Jane McKee!
Impact Youth Group (for all rising 7th-12th graders)
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL meets every Sunday at 11:15am in person in the Youth Room.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING IN PERSON
Sunday Morning, 9:00 am, The Seekers Class meets in Room 220 Contact Stan Kurzeja
Financial Info
As of November 31, 2025:
MTD actual revenue was $$49,053; YTD actual revenue was $$506,148;
MTD actual expenses was $$44,595; YTD actual expenses was $520,037;
MTD net gain was $4,457; YTD net loss was ($13,889).
Epiphany Sunday, 10:00 am on January 4
Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
It occurs on Jan. 6 every year, the 13th day of the Christmas season. The word "epiphany," from the Greek word epiphania, means appearance or manifestation.
The arrival of these visitors was a sign that the incarnation of God in Christ had been made known and was recognized by the heavens to the whole world, so that even Gentile wise men from the East came to pay him homage. This is an observance of great majesty, solemnity and awe.
An even more ancient Christian celebration than Christmas, Epiphany originally focused on the nativity, God’s incarnation (God made flesh) in the birth of Jesus Christ, and Christ’s baptism. After the late fourth century, as Advent developed as a season of baptismal preparation in addition to Lent, Epiphany became associated with baptism. This is why we see images of the three Magi on many older baptismal fonts.
Epiphany Sunday – January 4, 2026 ✨
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, we celebrate Epiphany, marking the revelation of Christ as light for all people. Pastor Bruce Johnson will preach on “Good News for the Nations,” drawing from these scriptures:
This service proclaims God’s light breaking into the world—good news that reaches every nation, culture, and heart.
Special Music in Worship:
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Prelude: The Joy Ringers
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Postlude: Piano–Organ Duo
Holy Communion will be celebrated as we gather at Christ’s table and renew our commitment to follow the Light of the World.
Whether you join us in person or online, we invite you to worship with us as we begin the new year guided by Christ’s light and love.
Epiphany Worship Service
January 4, 2026 at 10:00 am
Sunday School Classes |
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Sunday School for Everyone!Time: Every Sunday |
Children's Sunday SchoolTime: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Youth Sunday School ClassTime: Every Sunday, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Adult Sunday School ClassesTime: Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Next Events
Request a room by clicking here and choosing "Submit Event.
You will get an email when your event is approved.
Lectio Divina
January 1, 2026
Lectio Divina, or “divine reading” is a traditional Christian practice that helps you dive deeply into a...
Bread of Life
January 3, 2026
Join Us for Bread of Life! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and spread some love! What: Bread of Life...
Praying Our Faith
January 4, 2026
Praying Our Faith Pender members and friends from both services meet in 218/220 to pray for the church and to...
Opportunities to Serve
Lend a helping hand to our local heroes by contributing to the Pender Police Rest Stop! We are currently in need of bottled water.
We are collecting a variety of items that our officers greatly appreciate during their shifts. You can drop off your donations at the church office, clearly marked "Rest Stop."
Here’s what our officers are currently enjoying:
- Celsius Energy Drinks to keep them energized
- Drizzilicious Rice Cakes for a light snack
- A variety of chips for that perfect crunch
Additionally, we're always in need of:
- Full-size water bottles (Please note: the 4oz bottles are not utilized)
- Refreshing beverages like seltzers, Gatorade, Propel, Aspire, and other energy drinks
- Individual-sized snacks such as potato chips, jerky, cookies, and nuts
Your contributions make a real difference in the daily routines of our police officers, providing them with the sustenance and morale boost they need to keep our community safe. Drop by with your contributions and show your support!
The Pender Mini Food Pantry is officially open and ready to serve our community! This little structure—built as an Eagle Scout Project by one of Pender’s Boy Scouts—is a beautiful example of service, compassion, and creativity.
At first glance, it looks a lot like a Little Free Library, but instead of books, it’s stocked with nonperishable food for anyone in need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share kindness and nourishment in our neighborhood.
What’s Inside:
As of this writing, the pantry is filled with a wide variety of items, including:
- Canned tuna, chicken, chili, and soup
- Broth, vegetables, pumpkin, and apple sauce
- Shelf-stable milk, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and individual fruit packs
- Jello, pudding cups, mac and cheese servings, and mashed potatoes
- Coffee, oatmeal, ketchup, gravy packets, and cooking oil
It’s truly a community effort—and every contribution helps keep it going.
Anyone is welcome to take what they need or to donate food items to keep the pantry stocked. When you give, please remember our guiding principle:
Give with dignity. Only donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.
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