For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16
Author Archives: MaryO
Tomorrow at Pender ~ The Second Sunday of Advent ~ December 8, 2019
Please join us this Sunday in worship at our 10:00 am Christmas Cantata
“Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord!
Prepare the way…Rejoice!”
You’re invited to experience the Christmas story through music! The Pender Sanctuary Choir will present their Christmas Cantata, “Night of the Father’s Love”, which tells the story of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth through narrative and song.
Described as “The awe and mystery of God with us,” the Cantata presentation will take place during a combined worship service at 10 a.m.
Also Sunday at 5:00 PM
Christmas bells are ringing! You’re invited to a program of beautiful Christmas music performed by the Pender UMC Handbell Choirs. All of Pender’s handbell choirs will be featured, including children and adults.
Cookies, coffee, and other refreshments will be provided in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the concert.
All are welcome for a night of ringing in Christmas cheer! No RSVP required.
Pender’s Chrismon Tree
Chrismon Tree. Did you know that Pender has a Chrismon Tree in the sanctuary during Advent and at Christmas time?
Do you know what do those symbols mean on the tree? Who made them and why?
Ornaments made from Christian symbols (or Chrismons, a contraction for ‘Christ monograms’) were first developed by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA. Many churches display a Chrismon tree during the Advent and Christmas season decorated with handmade ornaments.
Pender’s ornaments were made by our Prayer Shawl Ministry in 2013 (At that time, it was called Casting God’s Love). This is a sample of what they made using a technique called counted cross stitch:
In the video below, Chuck talks about the Chrismon Tree.
Sunday December 1, 2019 Is the Beginning of Advent
Sunday, December 1, 2019 is the First Sunday in Advent.
The first Candle of the Advent Wreath is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, on December 1 this year. It is called the Prophecy Candle and reminds us that Jesus’ coming was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born. The candle’s purple color represents Christ’s royalty as the King of Kings.
Suggested Bible Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Chuck Knows Church — ADVENT WREATH. Four candles in a circle with a big one in the middle? Yep, take a moment and learn the basics about the advent wreath. And why is the pink candle…pink?
Let Us Give Thanks
While November marks a celebration of thanksgiving in the U.S., finding time to thank God is part of our daily discipline as United Methodists.
This video meditation features a shortened version of a prayer of thanksgiving.
You are encouraged to share or download this video to use in Sunday School classes, before or during worship, or with your friends and family.
News and Views 