For the first Sunday in Advent, the scripture readings included Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37:

Isaiah 64:1-9: This passage is a heartfelt plea for God's intervention. The prophet Isaiah expresses a deep longing for God to reveal His power and presence, as He did in the past. He acknowledges the sins and shortcomings of the people, yet appeals to God's nature as a Father and potter, shaping and molding His people. Isaiah asks for mercy and forgiveness, recognizing the people's total dependence on God's grace.

Mark 13:24-37: This passage contains Jesus' teachings about the end times and His second coming. He describes cosmic disturbances and the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Jesus emphasizes the importance of staying alert and ready, as no one knows the day or hour of His return. He uses the parable of a man leaving his house and putting his servants in charge, each with their own task, and instructs them to stay awake, symbolizing the need for vigilance and preparedness for His return

Both passages focus on anticipation and preparedness: Isaiah anticipates God's intervention and forgiveness, while Mark emphasizes being alert for Jesus' return. They capture the Advent themes of waiting, hope, and preparation for God's actions in the world.:

Pastor Bruce's sermon, focused on the themes of light, darkness, and waiting in anticipation of God's intervention. He began by acknowledging the busyness of the holiday season and the importance of pausing to worship. The sermon drew on cultural references, such as the movie "Christmas Vacation," to illustrate our human attempts to create light and joy, often resulting in frustration and emptiness.

Pastor Bruce then shifted to a more somber reflection on global events, specifically mentioning the Israeli Defense Forces' actions in Gaza and the resurgence of antisemitism. This led to a discussion of Hanukkah, its historical background, and its significance as a symbol of hope amid darkness.

The sermon also included a detailed examination of Isaiah 64:1-9, portraying it as a communal lament expressing deep longing for God's presence and acknowledgment of human unfaithfulness. Pastor Bruce emphasized the importance of recognizing our own darkness and the need for God's light.

In conclusion, Pastor Bruce related these themes to Advent, a time of waiting and preparation for Christ's coming. He encouraged the congregation to seek hope and light in Jesus Christ, rather than in worldly efforts or distractions. The sermon ended with a call to worship and embrace the true hope of the world in Jesus, signified by the lighting of candles and the singing of "Have Thine Own Way, Lord."

The Carillon Ringers presented "The First Noel" as the Prelude. This rendition of the beloved Christmas carol offers a magical and ethereal experience, prioritizing musical expression over technical complexity. The result is an elegant, moving, and beautifully crafted piece

This arrangement was by Sandra Eithun and introduced a simple yet captivating rhythmic motif with chimes, which resonate throughout the piece, breathing new life into this timeless standard.

The hymns were "Come, Thou Almighty King," "Have Thine Own Way, Lord," and "Soon and Very Soon," creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere for the advent season.

The first candle on our Advent Wreath was lit by Cathleen Dockweiler and Carole-Anne Wagner

Maya Berry provided a comprehensive update on the significant contributions of Ruthie and Richie Wiewiora to Pender's Missionaries. As integral members of the global communications team based in Orlando, Florida, the Wiewioras play a pivotal role in supporting missionaries across the globe. Their longstanding involvement with Pender's Faith Promise missions has been a mutually supportive relationship, with the church consistently backing their missionary service.

Their work involves extensive research and implementation of support strategies for missionaries in the field, extending their reach beyond campus ministries through the use of innovative apps and digital platforms for global information dissemination. Notably, Richie has been instrumental in developing a multifaceted app featuring 100 different functions, including real-time translation. This feature is particularly beneficial for enhancing communication about God, ministry, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ, especially during short-term missions, and supports an impressive range of 100 languages. Additionally, the Wiewioras have introduced novel communication tools in their ministry, using symbols to represent key concepts like love, division, forgiveness, and inquiry, effectively initiating conversations about Jesus Christ's unconditional love, our separation from Him, His forgiveness, and personal reflection on faith.

Maya also highlighted a specific prayer request for the Wiewioras, asking for prayers for wisdom as they explore new methods to share the Gospel and support missionaries working with the Crew organization on college campuses. She also expressed her readiness to provide more information about the faith promise missions to those interested, underscoring her commitment to the missionary cause.

In a Children's message, Donna Parker focused on the theme of waiting, as derived from Mark 13. She asked who enjoys waiting, admitting her own impatience, and linked the scripture to waiting for Jesus' return. Donna mentioned that an average person spends three years of their life waiting, using examples like waiting in stores or for school recess. She referenced Dr. Seuss's book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go," which talks about a 'waiting place'.

Donna suggested that while waiting can seem unproductive, it's actually an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities, like reading the Bible or preparing for daily tasks. She emphasized the importance of the Advent season, a time of waiting for Christmas and also for Jesus' return. Parker encouraged children to find joy in this waiting period by understanding the true meaning of Christmas, enjoying festive music and decorations, and engaging in worship, praise, love, service, and sharing God's love with others. She concluded with a prayer, thanking God for the 'waiting place' and asking for the ability to be productive during this time.

We were treated to a serene and uplifting performance by Pender's Joy Ringers with their rendition of "The Holly and the Ivy." This piece, arranged by Sandra Eithun for 4-7 octave handbells, transformed the classic Christmas carol into a glorious musical experience.

The arrangement showcases a delicate, intricate melody, beautifully enhanced by rich harmonies and nuanced dynamics. Unique handbell techniques, including echoes and mallets, along with the optional use of tambourine, orchestra chimes, and chimetree, infuse the piece with a tranquil and introspective ambiance.

The Sanctuary Choir Anthem, an adaptation by Kyle Pederson, is a moving and powerful musical piece that draws upon Scripture to portray a hopeful vision of the future. The lyrics speak of a "New Jerusalem," symbolizing a world reborn, free from tears, hatred, and injustice. This vision is encapsulated in the stirring phrase, "A New Jerusalem arise, a new creation come alive, into the dawning after dark, arise!" The composition skillfully blends diverse musical influences to create a rich tapestry of sound, performed by a choir and accompanied by piano. This anthem is not only a celebration of faith and redemption but also an artistic expression of hope for a transformed and renewed earth.

During Holy Communion, the ambiance at Pender was beautifully enriched by the melodious performance of a recorder trio. The ensemble played a captivating medley of seasonal music that included the timeless classics "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen," "Once in Royal David’s City," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "Good King Wenceslas." Each piece in the medley was carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of the season, weaving together a tapestry of festive melodies that complemented the sacred and reflective atmosphere of Holy Communion. The harmonious blend of these beloved carols by the recorder trio added a layer of warmth and nostalgia, making the communion experience even more memorable for the congregation.