Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
CHORUS:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song? ChorusCome to Bethlehem and see
Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. ChorusSee Him in a manger laid
Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior’s birth. Chorus
This is a traditional French carol (Les Anges dans nos Campagnes) that was translated into English by Bishop James Chadwick.
This carol commemorates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke, in which shepherds outside Bethlehem encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising the newborn child.
The Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, David Archuleta, and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir get together to sing “Angels We Have Heard On High”
I’ve always liked Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride as a secular Christmas song 🙂 It’s not technically a Christmas song since the words never mention Christmas but it’s often played now so it seems like a way to ease into the season.
Anderson had the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946; he finished the work in February 1948. Lyrics, about a person who would like to ride in a sleigh on a winter’s day with another person, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950.
The orchestral version was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Orchestra. The song was a hit record and has become the equivalent of a signature song for the orchestra.
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.
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.
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!
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