Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
Psalm 100:4:
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving
Making an Advent Wreath
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
Christ the King Sunday
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.
Get Ready to Ring in the Joy! This Afternoon at 2:30
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
How Can *You* Help
One of my neighbors has set up a simple bin outside her house.
She posted this on Facebook:
NEED GROCERIES?
There’s a bin of dry goods (pasta, sauces, tea, tinned fish/meat, ramen, canned soup, crackers, tea, beans, etc.) by my mailbox at ***. There are grocery bags in the bin too, so take as much as you need.
There was a time in my life when I was in your position, so I have an understanding of what you’re going through. I’m sorry, and I wish I could do more.
Take whatever you need – all I ask is that you leave the bin so I can restock as I’m able. I’ll check on it daily.
I’ve also included a list of local, state, and federal resources, but things change every day, so I’m not sure they’re all still good options. It’s a two-page list, so there should be help in there somewhere.
This seems like something most any of us can do.
News and Views 