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Alpha Youth

Starting Wednesday, March 11 | 6:30 PM (Dinner Included!) | Grades 6–12

Got questions about faith? You’re not alone.

Alpha Youth is a place where middle and high school students can explore the basics of the Christian faith together — in a relaxed, welcoming space. Each Wednesday kicks off at 6:30 PM with dinner, followed by real conversations about life, God, purpose, and what it all means.

No pressure.
No judgment.
No “perfect answers” required.

Just good food, honest discussion, and a chance to figure things out together.

Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Come as you are and see what you think!

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Posted by MaryO on March 5, 2026 in Pender UMC, Youth

Tags: Alpha Youth, dinner, discussion, Teen Class, Teens

Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 3

04 Mar

Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Music, presents a series of hymn-based devotions at noon on Wednesdays during Lent.

The Third is 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

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Posted by MaryO on March 4, 2026 in Holidays, Lent, Music Ministry, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: Brian Stevenson, Christ, devotion, Greek, HAMBURG, Hebrew, hymn, Isaac Watts, Latin, Lent, Liz Eunji Sellers, Lowell Mason, major, melody, minor, ROCKINGHAM, stanza, video

Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 2

25 Feb

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 is 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

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Posted by MaryO on February 25, 2026 in Holidays, Lent, Music Ministry, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: Ah Holy Jesus, breathing, Brian Stevenson, calmness, Christ, cross, Crucifixion, devotion, HERZLIEBSTER JESU, hymn, Johann Crüger, Johann Heermann, Lent, minor, organ, Peter, poet, Saint Paul Lutheran, sin, spiritual, suffering, video

Women’s Prayer Retreat with Pender United Women in Faith

23 Feb

Please join us on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at Pender United Methodist Church for a powerful women’s retreat enabling you an opportunity to engage in corporate and individual worship and prayer.

The retreat is designed to bring women together for spiritual growth, personal reflection, and fellowship. The retreat Unshakable Faith will offer two powerful sermons, workshops, and a healing and anointment service that addresses, hope, healing, renewal, and overcoming doubt to stand firm in the midst of your trials.

We will meet in the Gathering Place.

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.

Theme: Women of Purpose: Trusting in Jesus

Bible Verses: Philippians 2:1-8

Cost: Free, Open to the public

The main speaker will be Reverend Dr. Hyemin J. Na, Assistant Professor of Worship, Media and Culture and Chapel Elder of Oxnam Chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Reverend Dr. Hyemin Na is Assistant Professor of Worship, Media, and Culture and Chapel Elder of Oxnam Chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary. Professor Na takes decolonial approaches to the study of worship, with research interests in exploring how liturgical practices intersect with media cultures.

Her scholarship has been supported by major grants and fellowships from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Korea Foundation, the Louisville Institute, and Forum for Theological Exploration, among others. Before entering the academy, Reverend Dr. Na served in various ministries as an ordained Elder in the Northern-Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College, Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and PhD from Emory University.

For more info, please contact the church office. 703.278.8023

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Posted by MaryO on February 23, 2026 in Ministries, Pender UMC, Pender Women, Posts of Interest

Tags: Philippians 2:1-8, prayer retreat, Reverend Dr. Hyemin J. Na, Women in Faith

Pender Woman of the Year Tea, February 22

21 Feb

Our “2025 Woman of the Year” has done so much for Pender members of all ages! She has taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years.

Our special nominee has served on Church Council and has often graced us as Lay Leader on a Sunday morning. She continues to be a Conference Delegate, and her outreach now includes being a guest preacher at other churches.

Our nominee is always able to say a prayer upon request with eloquence. She has personally counseled many young women, and attends Bible Study and “Lectio’ Divina” for her own spiritual growth. She is a wonderful role-model of faith and perseverance!

This special woman has lightning fingers when making prayer shawls, and she rings bells with accuracy and teamwork. She continues to bless others, despite her own health issues.

“Well-done, good and faithful servant!

Please stand in appreciation for our amazing “2025 Woman of the Year”, Carol-Anne Kaye.