Chuck Knows Church | News and Views

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

Sunday November 30 Is the Beginning of Advent

30 Nov

Sunday, November 30, 2025 is the First Sunday in Advent.

The first Candle of the Advent Wreath is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, on November 30 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?

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Posted by MaryO on November 30, 2025 in Advent, Books of The Bible, Chuck Knows Church, Holidays, Posts of Interest, The Holy Bible, Videos

Tags: Advent, Advent wreath, Chuck Knows Church, Jesus, King of Kings, Luke 1:26-28, Pender UMC, Sunday Is the Beginning of Advent, video

Making an Advent Wreath

27 Nov

This Sunday, November 30 marks the First Sunday in Advent. Have you made an Advent wreath for your home or church?

The wreaths often consist of a circle of evergreens with four purple candles and a white one in the center, but it’s fun to be creative with the use of natural materials.

More about Advent Wreaths from Chuck Knows Church

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Posted by MaryO on November 27, 2025 in Advent, Chuck Knows Church, Holidays, Posts of Interest, Videos

Tags: Advent, Advent wreath, candle, Chuck, Chuck Knows Church, church, home, video

Today is National Day of Prayer

01 May

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

Since its inception, this day has continually united Americans from all socio-economic, political, and ethnic backgrounds in prayer while also encouraging personal repentance and righteousness in the culture.

The National Day of Prayer belongs to all Americans and is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens to celebrate our most beloved freedom; the freedom to humbly come before God and seek His guidance in prayer.

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Posted by MaryO on May 1, 2025 in Books of The Bible, Chuck Knows Church, Holidays, Posts of Interest, The Holy Bible, Videos

Tags: Chuck Knows Church, National Day of Prayer, prayer, video

Ash Wednesday 2025

05 Mar

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God.

And Chuck Knows Church says…

Ever seen a little smudge mark on someone’s forehead as they walk out of church? That’s a sign of the cross and it means it’s Ash Wednesday during Lent. Chuck tells you about this important worship service: