Christmas in Philippi

Share the Joy of Christmas in Philippi! 🎄❤️

Pender United Methodist Church invites you to help make Christmas special for children and families in Philippi, West Virginia.

This Christmas, we want to bless local families by providing Christmas gifts for their children—and we need your help!

On Friday, November 20, 2026, Pender volunteers will arrive in Philippi to help prepare for this special community event at People’s Chapel. Families will be welcomed into a warm, caring space where they can receive prayer, share in fellowship, and wrap their children’s Christmas gifts together.

After wrapping the gifts, families may take them home to place under the tree, bringing a little extra joy to Christmas morning.

Together, we can share Christ’s love, bring hope to families, and make Christmas brighter for children in Philippi.

Thank you for helping Pender UMC spread Christmas joy!

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Posted by MaryO on October 23, 2026 in Christmas, Holidays, Ministries, Missions, Outreach, Pender UMC, Philippi, Posts of Interest

Tags: Christmas, Philippi West Virginia, serve

Christmas Crafts: Nativity Scene Ornaments

22 Oct

Each Thursday from now until December 24, there will be a new Faith-Based Christmas Craft you can make with your family.

Here’s the first one:

Looking for simple Christmas crafts that keep the focus on Jesus? Some of the most meaningful moments of the season happen in small, ordinary activities at home.

Here are 10 easy, low-prep crafts your family can make together this Christmas, each one paired with a Bible verse to help keep the true meaning of the season front and center. They work for a range of ages, so siblings can craft side by side, and most use simple supplies you probably already have at home.

1. Nativity Scene Ornaments

Verse: Luke 2:11

Build a simple stable out of popsicle sticks and decorate it with paper cutouts of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is an easy way to retell the Christmas story with your hands while you talk through it together.

Supplies:

Popsicle sticks (5 to 6 per child)

Brown construction paper or cardstock

Glue sticks or white glue

Child safe scissors

Crayons or markers

Small paper or foam cutouts of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Straw, raffia, or yellow paper strips for hay

Ribbon or yarn for hanging

Optional: star stickers or glitter

Instructions:

1. Glue 4 popsicle sticks into a triangle shape for the stable roof and sides.

2. Glue 1 to 2 more sticks horizontally across the bottom for the base.

3. Attach the stable frame to a piece of brown paper or cardstock.

4. Add the paper cutouts of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph inside the stable.

5. Glue straw or yellow paper under baby Jesus for the manger.

6. Decorate with a star sticker at the top and any extra details.

7. Punch a hole or tape a ribbon loop to the back for hanging.

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Posted by MaryO on October 22, 2026 in Christmas, Holidays, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: Christmas, Craft, family, kids

Laity Sunday, October 18, 2026

17 Oct

Join us for a special Laity Sunday worship service at Pender! Each year, The United Methodist Church sets aside this day to honor the ministry and witness of laypersons in the church and in everyday life.

On this Sunday, our lay members lead every part of the service—sharing their gifts, stories, and leadership as we celebrate the vital role of the laity in the life of the church.

From the early days of American Methodism to today, lay people have been the heart of ministry—serving at work, at home, and in their communities. Come be inspired by their faith in action!

Laity Sunday celebrates the people of God and the Holy Spirit working through each and every one of us. Ministry isn’t limited to pastors or church leaders. Every person has a unique calling and gifts to share in God’s Kingdom.

As we grow in grace, we gather in community, strengthen our faith, and connect with the saving love of Jesus Christ. In John’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6

On this Laity Sunday, we celebrate God’s call to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to Him. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to be chosen and grounded in God’s love—a love that inspires us to shine our light, serve our neighbors, and bless the world through our faith and witness.

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Posted by MaryO on October 17, 2026 in Holidays, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: laity

Answering the Call: Supporting Students at Skyview High School

02 Oct

Last week, Pender UMC received an urgent request from Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM): Could we help provide six backpacks for students with significant needs?

The answer was yes! Through the generosity and caring spirit of our Pender community, the need was met. Arlet Williams recently met with Loris, the Family Liaison Officer at Skyview High School, to help get these much-needed backpacks into the hands of students.

Skyview is a brand-new comprehensive Fairfax County high school designed to prepare students for specialized pathways in aerospace, artificial intelligence, technology, and robotics. The school is also committed to being a relationship-centered community where meaningful connections are built among students, staff, families, and the wider community.

Please keep Skyview High School—its students, families, faculty, and staff—in your prayers. And pray that Pender will continue to recognize opportunities like this one to reach beyond our walls, respond to our neighbors’ needs, and share the love of God and love of neighbor in meaningful and practical ways.

Sometimes sharing God’s love begins with something as simple as a backpack. ❤️

From the October 1, 2026 edition of This Week at Pender newsletter

This Week at Pender is sent out every Thursday at 4:00 pm.

If you don’t already get it, you can sign up here.

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Posted by MaryO on October 2, 2026 in Back to School, Ministries, Outreach, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: backpacks, Skyview High School, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, WFCM

Sunday is World Communion Sunday ~ October 4, 2026

01 Oct

World Communion Sunday offers us an opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith.

The first Sunday of October has become a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church.

On that day, we remember that we are part of the whole body of believers.

Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations. World Communion Sunday can be both a profound worship experience and a time for learning more about our wider community of faith.