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!
On December 21 at 1:30PM the Pender UMC Choir traditionally sings for the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, the choir sang at the 8:15 service at Pender so that we could get to Arlington Cemetery in a timely fashion.
One of the songs we traditionally sing at this service – “Under His Wings” – was composed in memory of the victims. It can be heard in the videos below.
Last year was the 25th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing.
December 21: The Fourth Sunday of Advent Do you know the meaning of the Chrismons on the Advent Tree? Find out here: More information
December 21: In the spirit of Advent we are excited to offer devotionals written by the congregants here at Pender church. We hope that in these busy and hectic times, you will return each day, to find peace and Christ in the stories you will find here.Pender Advent Devotions
December 21: Items of the week needed for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries to distribute to the needy in our area:
Cooking Oil
46 oz. bottles of oil, fruit juices, plastic bags and egg cartons are always needed and welcome too!
Donations can be left in the blue grocery cart in the coat rack section.
December 21 The Pender Podcast is available in the iTunes Podcast series. There is no charge to subscribe or listen to past sermons. There are currently 184 sermons available. More information
December 21: New Directions Sunday School Class, “All In” by Mark Batterson. The following is a brief synopsis regarding the study – “Nothing belongs to you — not even you! Discover the radical act of dethroning yourself and enthroning Christ as King of your life!” New members are always welcome!! We meet in Room 206 at 9:30 AM. If any questions, feel free to contact Carol Wilson If any questions, feel free to contact Carol Wilson by email or at (703) 815-1744.
December 21: Sunday School Class: The Truth Project (began September 21) (in the Genesis to Revelation Sunday School Class in Room 218-220) This Focus on the Family’s DVD series, with 26 one-half hour lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett, is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. lesson discusses the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.
December 21: Sunday School Class: The Good and Beautiful God (began September 21) (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.
The fourth candle, lit on the fourth Sunday of advent, is the Angel’s candle.
As we light this flame, we are reminded of the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ’s arrival with “Behold, I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!”
The Angel candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a King’s birth the angels were announcing.
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