May 7, 2023 was the fifth Sunday of Easter.

Since Pender Lead Pastor Will White is on renewal leave, Rev. Dr. Sarah Calvert returned as our Guest Preacher.  Her sermon topic was "A Stone and a Coat" based on Acts 7:54-60.

Sarah is the District Superintendent at Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. Sarah grew up all over as a military kid (itinerant from an early age!), ending up in Fairfax, Va., graduating from Oakton High School. She has a BA in Economics from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg and then became an attorney with her own firm in Fairfax after receiving her law degree from George Mason Law School. After an overwhelming and literal calling from God, Sarah attended Wesley Theological Seminary receiving her Masters of Divinity there and then again a few years later went back for her Doctorate in Church Leadership. Her dissertation work was on clergy peer groups.

She writes: "I currently supervise the 106 churches and 158 clergy in Northern Virginia. My vision is that we "Lead with Love" into the future of the UMC in Virginia. 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 reminds us we can't see the future clearly, but God can - so until we know more we can trust God, be hopeful, and love extravagantly, with an emphasis on that last one - so that is what we will do.

"In 2012 I finished my doctorate in leadership with a project and dissertation on clergy accountability groups. I have studied extensively in Family Systems Theory from the perspective of a congregation as a system of families. I write and develop worship that is 'outside the box', including tactile experiences and dramatic arts to encourage and disciple a congregation. I am, at heart, a teacher, preacher and community builder. I believe love changes everything, and my mission is to be a part of the creation of beloved communities.

"I'm particularly good at: preaching, teaching, discipleship, church planting & growth, church leadership, Is clergy learning & accountability groups, worship planning and development, Family Systems Theory (from a congregational perspective), and as a hobby - the use of performing arts in church life."