Welcome to Pender
Sunday Bulletin
March 17, 2024

We're so glad you're here today! Explore this Online Bulletin for this week's resources and announcements. If you're visiting through your web browser, you can download our app for even more features.

9:00 am Traditional Worship

The Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 17, 2024

Prelude:   Heidi Jacobs
Greeting one another in Christ   Glenn Lammi
Gathering Chorus: “Shalom to You” (UMH #666)    
Call to Worship

Create in us clean hearts, O God
And renew a right spirit within us.
Give to us wisdom in our secret heart
That we may be filled with joy and gladness.

  Psalm 51:10, 6 (NRSV)
* Hymn: “Lift High the Cross” The United Methodist Hymnal #159, vs.1-3
* Opening Prayer  
The Church in Ministry (Announcements)  
A Moment for Missions   Maya Berry
Good News from the Prophet: Jeremiah 31:31-34    
Good News from the Psalm: Psalm 51:1-17 (responsive)   UMH #785
Response: “Change My Heart, O God”   The Faith We Sing #2152
Good News from the Epistle: Hebrews 5:5-10    
Good News for Children    
* Good News from the Gospel:John 12:20-33    
* Affirming the Church’s Faith: The Apostles’ Creed   UMH #881
Hymn: "Signs of Glory"   Pastor Bruce
Prayers of the People with The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.

  UMH #895
Tithes and Offerings  
Offertory: "Our God" Words/Music: Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman; Arr. Jay Rouse   Sanctuary Choir
* Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit.  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

  UMH #94
* Prayer of Dedication  
* Closing Hymn: “Since Jesus Came into My Life"   TFWS #2140, vs.1-3
* Sending Forth    
Postlude   Heidi Jacobs
11:15 am Common Ground Contemporary Worship

The Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 17, 2024

*Standing, as able

Greeting   Jane McKee
“Shalom to You” (UMH #666)    
Prayer  
* Amen (Because He Lives) by Matt Maher Pender UMC Praise Band
Announcements  
A Moment for Missions   Maya Berry
Good News from the Prophet: Jeremiah 31:31-34    
Responsive Psalm: Psalm 51:1-17   UMH #785
Good News from the Hebrews 5:5-10    
Good News for Children    
* Good News from the Gospel: John 12:20-33    
Sermon “Signs of Glory”   Pastor Bruce
Prayers of the People  
Offering: “O Give Thanks” by Judith Christie McAllister    
* Sending Blessing  
* Sending Song: At the Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin    

General Conference 2024

After a four-year delay, the 2020 General Conference will take place April 23-May 3, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. More information about this important Conference is at https://penderumc.org/conference/

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.

For the month of March, please lift up our 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 62 Missions Teams and Cross-cultural Workers worldwide. For more info, please contact Greg or Maya Berry at

Save the Date
  • Mondays, Fun With Music continues. The Ponts offer fun music activities for children 0 thru 5 and a parent, grandparent or caregiver.
  • Wednesdays, Open AA Meetings continue
  • Wednesdays during Lent, Time with God drop-in devotions and Holy Communion from 5:00-6:15 pm
  • March 17, Help stuff Easter Eggs with Pender's Youth - for the Holy Saturday Easter Egg Hunt.
  • March 24, Palm/Passion Sunday. One combined service at 10:00 am
  • March 28, Holy Thursday Communion and foot-washing at 7:30 pm
  • March 29, Good Friday, Stations of the Cross, daytime
  • March 29, Good Friday, Drama of The Passion of Jesus, 7:30 pm
  • March 30, Holy Saturday Easter Egg Hunt, please register here.
  • March 31, Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at 6:45 am followed by breakfast.
  • March 31, Easter Sunday one combined service at 10:00 am
  • April 20, Dick Busby Funeral
  • April 21, Women of the Year Tea between the services
  • April 21, Lava Lip Gloss Workshop, 2:00 pm.  Register here.
  • April 23-May 3, General Conference 2024
  • May 5, Graduate Sunday
  • May 18-19, Faith Promise Missions Celebration
  • May 19, Pentecost Sunday
  • June 20-22, Virginia Annual Conference
  • June 24-28, VBS Signup is available now at https://penderumc.org/vbs/
  • July 21-27, Philippi Youth Missions Trip


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 9am and 11:15am worship services. 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: 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, 10:15 - 11am. 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 10:15am - 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 10:15am in person in the Youth Room.

THE COMMON GROUND BAND practices on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30 pm in the sanctuary.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING IN PERSON

Sunday Morning, 10:15 am, The Seekers Class meets in Room 216 Contact Stan Kurzeja.(Class begins at 10:15am.)

Connections Sunday School Class David Kinard facilitates a video/discussion.

Financial Info

As of February 29, 2024:
YTD actual revenue is YTD actual revenue is $ $173,003;
YTD actual expenses are $112,301.

Bridge of Hope Fund:
2023 $37,159
2024 (as of 3/14/24) $122,721
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Total as of 3/14/24 $159,880

We gathered on Sunday, March 17th, for a powerful and transformative service observing the fifth Sunday of Lent. Pastor Bruce Johnson led us in a profound exploration of "Signs of Glory," drawing upon the spiritual depths of Psalm 51:10, Psalm 51:6, Jeremiah 31:31-34, and Psalm 51:1-17.

During this reflective and anticipatory time leading up to Easter, Pastor Johnson's sermon delved into the themes of repentance and renewal. He offered insights into witnessing God's glory in our lives, intertwining the messages of God's forgiveness, the joy of salvation, and the promise of a new covenant with Him.

The service was a significant opportunity for deepening faith and understanding of God's word, marked by a moving journey of spiritual renewal and divine discovery. Whether in person or online, attendees found the service to be a nurturing experience in their Lenten journey.

Read the Bulletin for more information.

All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person.

Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033


Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch the Traditional Service here.

Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, there will be One Combined Service at 10:00 am


Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch the Contemporary Worship here.

The Next Contemporary Worship will be April 7, 2024 at 11:15 am


Sunday School Classes
Sunday School for Everyone!

Time: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: On Zoom and In Person

Children's Sunday School

Time: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: In Person

Youth Sunday School Class

Time: Every Sunday, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Location: In Person

Adult Sunday School Classes

Time: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: In Person

Next Events

Request a room by filling out this form.  You will get an email when your event is approved. Note that you cannot add an event to a room that is already reserved for another meeting.  

Boy Scout Troop 1530

March 18, 2024

Troop meeting for Scouts and adult leaders of Troop 1530, every week except for major holidays.  For the entire...

Register for the Easter Egg Hunt

March 19, 2024

Eggstravaganza Alert for 150 Little Explorers! Get ready for a spectacular Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, where adventure...

Opportunities to Serve

GBE Backpack Meal Program Thanks and Update

The next bags will be available April 7 to be returned by April 21st.

We wanted to thank you all so much for your very active participation in filling the blue bags for GBE. Each time we put them out they are all taken and brought back full! We can't tell you how much we and the counselors and students at GBE appreciate this! The bags will once again be available this weekend..

You might notice that we will no longer be asking for Mac-n-Cheese and Milk. Thanks to WFCM, who has provided a refrigerator to the school, as of last week, they are also providing Mac-n-Cheese and fresh produce and refrigerated items.

In addition to filling the blue bags if you have any plastic grocery bags that you would like to recycle, they have said that would be of great help in distributing the additional WFCM provided items. Thank you again for your continued support. If you have any questions, please contact Jami Flemmons or Ann Hines

Rest Stop

Items can be left in the blue bin or in the church office labeled "Rest Stop".

Items often needed are: 16 oz water bottles (They do not use the 4oz ones) and energy/protein drinks.

They also enjoy individual size bags of potato chips, jerky, cookies and nuts.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)

JDC (Juvenile Detention Center)

Wanted: Volunteers to attend Pender's monthly church service at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center. Our next date is March 24th..

We meet at the jail at 12:30p, and are out by 2:00p.

Our ministry at the jail is growing, and the young people thirst for the water of life because of their circumstances. It is easy fishin' as they already stepped out of their cell to come to church.

It is a showing up thing. That's all you need to do... show up. Contact Arlet if interested.

Sign up at pender.church/signup

More opportunities to serve

Streaming Live Every Sunday at 9:00 and 11:15 am EST.

Join us next week!