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:
Step into a world of giggles and song with “Fun “with Music at Pender! This is not just any music class – it’s a journey through sound and imagination designed especially for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups. Since 2013, Jim and Roberta Pont have been creating a space where tiny toes tap, and little voices echo with joy, crafting a magical musical experience for children from birth to five years old.
Wave ‘hello’ and join us every Monday morning for a delightful 30-minute musical escapade! Our littlest musicians and their families come together at 10 AM to sing, dance, and make friends with tunes. We dive into a treasure trove of stuffed animals and toys, transforming the room into an enchanting stage for our budding performers. With every stuffed lion’s roar or elephant’s trumpet, your child’s imagination will soar!
After the musical fiesta, it’s time for a yummy snack, followed by playtime where kids can explore and make-believe. Meanwhile, moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers can relish a homemade brunch prepared with love – a perfect chance to mingle and share stories.
Our box of wonders is always brimming with surprises! One day it’s a car zooming around, another day it’s a train chugging along. Flip it over and voilà, it’s a drum or even a rumbling thunder to match the beat of our songs. From “The Wheels on the Bus” to sparkling new Bible-based rhymes, we have tunes that will make your little one’s heart dance with every beat!
Last week, our pint-sized percussionists marched on bubble wrap to the rhythm of a march, popping and hopping with glee. And guess what’s next? A tunnel adventure awaits their curious little eyes and eager hands!
So, if you’re a parent with a playful tot between zero to five, and Monday mornings are open, come and make a splash in our sea of melodies at ‘Melody Mornings’. It’s not just fun; it’s a musical hug for the heart and soul. Can’t wait to sing and swing into a new day of joy with you and your little one!
This class meets every Monday starting September 9 at 10 am except for school holidays. Register at 9:30 on September 9.
“Standing on the Promises”
R. Kelso Carter
UM Hymnal, No. 374
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Middle Hymn “Standing on the Promises”, Sunday February 25, 2024 was played by Hetty Jacobs on piano and sung by the Sanctuary Choir and congregation. This was the second Sunday in Lent.
“Standing on the Promises” was the middle hymn at Pender’s 9:00 am Traditional Service on June 18, 2023 It was sung by Pender’s congregation, accompanied on piano by Heidi Jacobs and guitar by Brian Stevenson.
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Opening Hymn “Standing on the Promises” on Sunday November 6, 2022 was played by Liz Eunji Moon on piano, accompanied on guitar by Brian Stevenson and sung the Pender Sanctuary Choir and congregation.
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928) was a man of diverse interests and abilities. A native of Baltimore, Md., Carter was known as an outstanding athlete in his younger days. The Methodist Holiness camp meeting movement had a profound impact on his life and he was ordained into ministry in 1887.
Carter held a number of teaching posts at the Pennsylvania Military Academy including professor of chemistry, natural science, civil engineering and mathematics. Not only did he teach, but he also published text books in his various disciplines and even authored several novels. Other interests included sheep-raising and practicing medicine.
If this were not enough, Carter also edited hymnals. He assisted A.B. Simpson in the compilation of a hymnal for the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hymns of the Christian Life (1891), a collection that contained 68 of his tunes and 52 of his texts.
“Standing on the Promises” was composed in 1886 while Carter was teaching at the military academy. He was a member of the first graduating class in 1867 and had a strong affinity for the school. Author Phil Kerr makes a connection between the music and the military academy in his book, Music in Evangelism, stating that Carter’s military experience was reflected in the martial musical style of the hymn.
Published the year it was written in the collection, Songs of Perfect Love, edited by John K. Sweeny and Carter, the original text had five stanzas. The missing stanza reads:
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
The second line of this stanza has a particular Wesleyan tone with its focus on perfection and cleansing blood. The Rev. Carlton Young, editor of the UM Hymnal, notes: “As in other single-theme evangelical hymns and songs of this period, the biblical source of the hymn is not clear. ‘Stand firm’ from Ephesians 6:14 has often been cited as the theme of the hymn, although the word ‘promise’ tends to be reinforced as well.”
Thus, two passages of Scripture seem to undergird the central premise of this gospel song: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. . . .” (Ephesians 6:14). Several passages relate to the promises of God including 2 Samuel 22:31: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
Dr. Young points out that this hymn was not included in authorized hymnals for Methodists (or in the 1957 hymnal of the Evangelical United Brethren Church) until the current hymnal. He states, “Its place in our hymnal came from its inclusion in a list of hymns determined to be widely used by evangelical United Methodists.”
As is the case of many gospel songs, this song revolves around its refrain. The stanzas, rather than serving to develop a sequential train of thought, are more like the spokes of a bicycle—all serving as an entry point to the refrain from various perspectives. One could reorder the stanzas and not lose any train of thought.
Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck places the hymn in its context: “The hymn has been widely used in the great evangelistic crusades throughout the past century.” It is in this context that its single focus and rousing, martial music may be best suited.
Adapted from https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-stirring-promises-serves-as-popular-crusade-hymn
Pender UMC’s Good Friday service on March 29, 2024 was a profound experience that commenced with attendees entering a darkened sanctuary, enveloped in silence, setting the tone for a night of reflective worship.
The evening included the ethereal beauty of “Quia resplicit,” a mesmerizing soprano aria from J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in D major, BWV 243. The lyrics, taken from the Bible’s Book of Luke, express Mary’s joy and thankfulness as she reflects on the honor of being chosen as the mother of Jesus Christ. This piece, expressing Mary’s joy and humility, was brought to life by the exquisite vocal talents of soprano Andrea Quinones, with Heidi Jacobs providing the instrumental accompaniment.
This performance was a highlight of the evening, showcasing a segment of Bach’s Magnificat, a pivotal work in Baroque choral tradition. The audience was invited to immerse themselves in the nuanced interplay of voice and music, reflecting Bach’s skill in melding scriptural narrative with harmonious sound.
6:45AM Sunrise Service
Breakfast will follow the Sunrise Service at 10 am
10:00AM, Combined Service
Celebrate the pinnacle of the Christian faith with us on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Pender UMC, during our special combined service. Experience the power of resurrection and redemption as Pastor Bruce delivers a compelling message titled “God’s Best Sermon,” drawing from the heart of the Gospel in Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, and Mark 16:1-8.
This extraordinary service will not only explore the profound depths of Christ’s resurrection but will also invite you to partake in the sacred act of Holy Communion, connecting us all in a moment of divine unity and grace. As we reflect on the scripture’s revelations, we’ll journey together through the awe-inspiring narrative of Jesus’ victory over death, illuminating the path of faith, hope, and eternal life.
The crescendo of our Easter celebration will be the triumphant strains of the Hallelujah Chorus, filling the air with joyous praise and worship, symbolizing our collective rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ. This is not just a service; it’s a spiritual journey that promises to uplift, inspire, and renew your faith.
Be part of this glorious Easter celebration at Pender UMC. Let’s come together to honor the resurrection of Jesus, embracing the message of hope and salvation that defines this holy day.
All of Pender’s services are streamed live and in person.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
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