Learning God’s Truth Together

Grow in God Cluster’s Mission Statement

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by providing Christian growth opportunities for believers and seekers.  Our purpose is to encourage every adult, youth, and child to be involved in learning activities that help them become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Grow in God Ministry

Adult Christian Education happens in a variety of ways, but Sunday school classes and Bible studies are the most frequent methods at Pender.  It takes an entire lifetime (and more) to know God; therefore, a variety of adult learning activities are offered year-round on Sunday mornings as well as during the week.   All classes study scripture with differing topics and study styles.  Study topics vary from the basics of the Christian faith, to a particular book of the Bible, and to Biblical principles for marriage and parenting.  Study styles differ in the amount of pre-class preparation, teacher presentation, or group presentation.  Adults are invited to visit all classes and find the study that meets their needs.  The Grow in God Cluster always welcomes suggestions for new classes.

9:30 a.m.    Sunday School Classes for Adults

 Bethany uses the International SS Lesson series as its curriculum. Lessons alternate on a quarterly basis between the Old and New Testaments.  This class meets in room 200 next to the Fellowship Room.  The teacher is Kay Matthias.

Cornerstone is led by rotating facilitators that guide discussions about Old and New Testament books and topics. Since this is a large class, the members support each other by sharing prayers and praise each week. They meet in rooms 215 & 217.

Genesis to Revelation is a verse-by-verse Bible study that will enable you to understand what the Bible says, what the passage means, and how the Scripture applies to your life today. The study uses Standard Publishing International Lesson Series plus other sources. They meet in rooms 218 & 220. The teacher is Rich Taddeo.

New Directions uses a variety of curriculum resources for topical studies. They usually participate in Pender church-wide studies. Rotating facilitators guide the weekly discussions. This group meets in room 206.

Seekers study Biblically based topics which are discussed in a free format as opposed to lectures.  The study books used are InterVarsity Press publications in the Lifeguide Bible Studies series.  Topics are selected by class members and emphasize strengthening our faith for Christian living. Members are in all stages of faith and Biblical knowledge.  This class periodically has social events in homes and in local restaurants.  They meet in   room 216.  Teachers are Stan and Dottie Kurzeja.

Pender Library Ministry is devoted to serving the needs of the congregation.  The Library seeks to provide materials that are spiritually enriching and edifying in matters of Christian growth and education.  The Library contains a wide variety of materials, including magazines, non-fiction, reference biographies, fiction, video tapes, DVDs, devotionals, commentaries, and children’s books. The Library is located in room 205.  A user friendly, self-checkout procedure is used.  Contact our Librarian, Jeanne Osborne, for further information.

The Nursery Ministry provides a safe, caring environment during Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and other church functions throughout the week for newborns through age 4.

Silent pagers are provided to contact parents in the event of an emergency. Childcare procedures as outlined in our Child Protection Policy are followed.  Parents who utilize the nursery are encouraged to volunteer once per quarter. If you wish to volunteer for a shift in the nursery, please email nursery@penderumc.org.

9:30 a.m. Class Offerings for Children and Youth

Classes for children and youth are structured and provided to children based on their age as of 9/30 or the school grade.

Following the children’s time at the 11 a.m. worship service, Children’s Church is offered for 3 year olds through Kindergarteners. Junior Church is offered for 1^st through 5^th graders.

Special Note: Registration cards are prepared for each child and information about allergies is recorded.

Opportunities to Serve

Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher, helper, or substitute teacher on a quarterly basis.  The Child Protection Policy training must be completed prior to serving in this capacity.

For more information about participating or volunteering in this ministry, Superintendents for Sunday School may be contacted by emailing the church office at church.office@penderumc.org or by calling the church office at 703-278-8023.

Sunday Morning Nursery

The Nursery Program provides a safe, caring environment for newborns through age 4 during Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and other church functions throughout the week.

Silent pagers are provided to contact parents in the event of an emergency. Child care procedures as outlined in our Child Protection Policy are followed.  Parents who utilize the nursery are encouraged to volunteer once per quarter. If you wish to volunteer for a shift in the nursery, please contact the Nursery Coordinator.

Sunday School Classes for ALL ages, kicked off on Sept. 7th at 9:30 am.

Children: 9:30 – 10:40 am

Ages 2-3

Ages 4 & 5 (Kindergarten)

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th & 6th Grades

Youth: 9:30 – 10:40

Jr. High

Sr. High

Adult Classes: 9:30-10:40 a.m.

• Bethany Sunday School Class: Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Job, Ezekiel (Room 200)
• New Directions Sunday School Class: “All In” by Mark Batterson – video and study series (Room 206)
• Seekers Sunday School Class: Old Testament Characters (Room 216)
• Genesis to Revelation Sunday School Class: “Is the Bible True” video series by Focus on the Family (Room 218-220)
• Cornerstone Sunday School Class: Ephesians and Philippians (Room 215-217)

Adult Class: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

• New Sunday School Class: The Good and Beautiful God (begins September 14th) (Room 205 – Library)  A new Sunday School course immediately after the 9:30 am worship service led by Brian and Angie Green will be reading and discussing this book. To sign up or find out more information, please sign up on the Connection Card in the bulletin on Sunday.

Opportunities to Serve

Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher, helper, or substitute teacher on a quarterly basis.  The Child Protection Policy training must be completed prior to serving in this capacity.   Please see the contact information at the bottom of this page for more information.

Contact the Education Ministry Council

For more information about participating or volunteering in this ministry, the individuals listed below may be contacted by e-mailing the church office at church.office@penderumc.org or calling the church office at 703-278-8023.