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Category Archives: Ministries

Pender’s Chrismon Trees

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.

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Posted by MaryO on December 8, 2025 in Advent, Christmas, Chuck Knows Church, Holidays, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest, Prayer Shawl, Videos

Tags: Advent, Casting God's Love, Chrismon Tree, chrismons, Christmas, Chuck Knows Church, counted cross stitch, Prayer Shawl Ministry, video

Get Ready to Ring in the Joy! This Afternoon at 2:30

15 Nov

Pender’s Carillon and Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, are headed to a local Handbell Festival on November 14–15, joining ten handbell choirs for an unforgettable musical experience led by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug.

Come hear the magic live at the free final concert on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM.

Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of breathtaking music and joyful community—it’s going to be a spectacular sound you won’t want to miss!

Let’s fill the audience with Pender People and cheer on our amazing ringers!

Grace UMC
9750 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

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Posted by MaryO on November 15, 2025 in Ministries, Music, Music Ministry, Pender UMC

Tags: Adult Handbells, concert, handbells, Jason Krug

Veterans Day

11 Nov

The observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, began almost a century ago.

In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Allied nations and Germany declared an armistice – a temporary cessation of hostilities – in World War I. Commemorated as Armistice Day the next year, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to U.S. veterans of all wars.

Now is the perfect time for congregations to engage in ministry with active troops and the families left behind.

Click here for 20 ideas.

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Posted by MaryO on November 11, 2025 in Get Involved!, Holidays, Military Ministry, Ministries, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest, Veterans Day

Tags: holiday, veterans, Veterans Day, video

Glory Way Concert Tonight!

09 Nov

Coming to Pender UMC – Glory Way in Concert! 🎶

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and powerful ministry! The dynamic Gospel group Glory Way is bringing their uplifting harmonies and heartfelt message to Pender United Methodist Church!

With their rich blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel, Glory Way promises a concert experience that will move your spirit and lift your heart. This is more than a performance—it’s a time of worship, inspiration, and joy!

🗓 Date & Time: November 9 at 6 pm
📍 Location: Pender UMC Sanctuary
🎟 Admission: Free! A love offering will be received to support their ministry.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s fill the sanctuary and be BLESSED together by this incredible Gospel ministry! ✨

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Posted by MaryO on November 9, 2025 in Ministries, Music, Music Ministry, Pender UMC

Tags: concert, Glory Way

Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event

27 Oct

Two hours. 20 thousand meals. Lasting impact on the global community. Are you in?

You can have a hands-on effect on world hunger by packaging meals with Rise Against Hunger on November 2 arriving by 3:30-5 pm in Pender UMC’s Gathering Place. These meals are nutrient-dense combinations of protein, grains, vegetables, and vitamins, but their benefits reach far beyond just nutrition!

Meals are sent to disaster recovery areas and school programs internationally, where they have long-term positive consequences surrounding poverty, education, and more.

Bring a willing set of hands for assembly-line packaging. Children are welcome – this is an all ages and abilities event.

Each year, KUMC of Koinonia partners with the organization Rise Against Hunger on the first Sunday of November to pack 20,000 meals that are sent to communities in need around the world. This has been a meaningful and impactful tradition for our congregation.