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Author Archives: MaryO

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About MaryO

Cushing's and kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) patient, founder, owner and webmaster of Cushing's Help and Support, web designer, piano teacher and mom. I am a Cushing's patient who has dealt with Cushing's symptoms since 1983 (or earlier) and the aftereffects of pituitary surgery since 1987. Because I had very little support for my symptoms, diagnosis and surgery, I decided to try to make things a little better for other patients and started a support site called Cushing's Help and Support in 2000. The site has grown to astronomical numbers. This disease isn't as rare as doctors have told us! In 2006, I was also diagnosed with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). My left kidney and adrenal gland were removed. Having an adrenal gland removed complicates my post-Cushing's symptoms. I am not planning to have any more rare and unusual diseases. My entire bio to date can be found here: http://www.cushings-help.com/maryos_story.htm But, enough of that - it's not always about Cushing's, or even Cancer. This one is about Life!

Pender’s Mini Free Pantry

Pender’s Mini Food Pantry: A Small Space with a Big Mission

The Pender Mini Food Pantry is officially open and ready to serve our community! This little structure—built as an Eagle Scout Project by one of Pender’s Boy Scouts—is a beautiful example of service, compassion, and creativity.

At first glance, it looks a lot like a Little Free Library, but instead of books, it’s stocked with nonperishable food for anyone in need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share kindness and nourishment in our neighborhood.

📍 Location:
You’ll find the pantry at 12301 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033—coming from Route 50, it’s the second driveway on the left into Pender, right beside the sidewalk.

🥫 What’s Inside:
As of this writing, the pantry is filled with a wide variety of items, including:

  • Canned tuna, chicken, chili, and soup
  • Broth, vegetables, pumpkin, and apple sauce
  • Shelf-stable milk, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and individual fruit packs
  • Jello, pudding cups, mac and cheese servings, and mashed potatoes
  • Coffee, oatmeal, ketchup, gravy packets, and cooking oil

It’s truly a community effort—and every contribution helps keep it going.

💜 How to Help:
Anyone is welcome to take what they need or to donate food items to keep the pantry stocked. When you give, please remember our guiding principle:

Give with dignity. Donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.

✝️ A Reflection

In Matthew 14:19–20, Jesus blesses a few loaves and fishes and feeds thousands—reminding us that God multiplies our small acts of generosity into abundance for all.

The Pender Mini Food Pantry is one small basket among many, but together, we can feed both body and spirit in the name of Christ.

 
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Posted by on November 29, 2025 in food insecurity, Get Involved!, Pender UMC

 

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Christmas Tradition

This December, you’re invited to slow down and prepare your heart for Christmas in a meaningful way—by walking through the life of Jesus, one chapter at a time.

Starting December 1, we’ll be posting one chapter from the Gospel of Luke each evening at 6:00 PM, on the Pender blog. With exactly 24 chapters, Luke gives us a complete picture of who Jesus is—His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

By Christmas Eve, you’ll have read the entire story of Jesus. And on Christmas morning, you’ll wake up not only ready to celebrate, but truly knowing who we celebrate and why it matters.

Make it a personal devotion, a family tradition, or a quiet moment at the end of your day. Let the story of Christ shape your season.

December 1–24 at 6:00 PM — right here. One chapter. One Savior. A Christmas to remember.

 
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Posted by on November 28, 2025 in Advent, Christmas, Holidays, Posts of Interest

 

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Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

thanksgiving

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
Psalm 100:4:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

 

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Making an Advent Wreath

This Sunday, November 30 marks the First Sunday in Advent. Have you made an Advent wreath for your home or church?

The wreaths often consist of a circle of evergreens with four purple candles and a white one in the center, but it’s fun to  be creative with the use of natural materials.

More about Advent Wreaths from Chuck Knows Church

 

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Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King / Reign of Christ: Pledging Our Highest Allegiance

Pender uses the traditional title Christ the King Sunday.  Others may use newer Reign of Christ Sunday, but the heart of this final day of the Christian year is the same: our allegiance to Jesus the Christ.

Some hear Christ the King and think first of the person of Jesus—His words and works during His earthly ministry and His present authority at the Father’s right hand. Others prefer Reign of Christ because it highlights Christ’s relationship to all creation—how His lordship embraces the world He loves and redeems. In truth, both emphases lead us to the same place: Jesus reigns, and we belong to Him.

Why This Sunday Matters

This is a day to remember that our highest allegiance is to Christ—above nation, tribe, or race. Many voices compete for our loyalty; some may even sound Christian. Today we listen again to Jesus’ voice, measure all other claims by His gospel, and recommit ourselves to His command: love God and love neighbor.

Creeds for a Crowned King

If there is a Sunday tailor-made for a creed or affirmation of faith, this is it. Creeds are fitting any week, but on this day they help us stand together and say, “This is my faith … this is our faith.” Consider:

  • Traditional Creeds: Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed—rooted, familiar, anchoring us in the church’s long witness.
  • Global Voices: Canadian or Korean Creeds—reminding us Christ’s reign spans every culture.
  • Contemporary Words: A Modern Affirmation—the same essentials in language many speak today.
  • Local Testimony: An affirmation written by a confirmation class, youth retreat, or mission team—your context, your voice, lifted to the King.
Worship Ideas that Widen Our Vision
  • Scripture: Daniel 7:9–14; Psalm 93; Colossians 1:15–20; John 18:33–37.
  • Music: Pair regal hymns (“Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”) with songs of justice and mercy that reveal how Christ reigns.
  • Intercessions: Pray for nations, leaders, the persecuted, and local needs—signs that Christ’s rule moves us toward compassionate action.
  • Commitment Moment: Invite people to name one competing allegiance they will lay down this week to follow Jesus more fully.
A Crown Shaped Like a Cross

To confess Christ as King is not triumphalism; it is discipleship. His crown is shaped like a cross, and His power looks like self-giving love. On this Sunday we stake our claim again:

We belong to Christ—
the One who gathers, reconciles, and calls us beloved.
This is our highest allegiance.

May this day broaden our horizons, deepen our unity, and send us into Advent ready to welcome the King whose reign is truth, mercy, and peace.

 
 

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