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Hymn History: ‘It Is Well With My Soul’

The Pender UMC Traditional Service Middle Hymn “It is Well With My Soul” on Sunday November 13, 2022 was played by Liz Eunji Moon on piano, directed by Brian Stevenson and sung the Pender Sanctuary Choir and congregation.

The hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” was written by a successful Christian lawyer called Horatio Spafford.

His only son died at age 4 in 1871. That year, the Great Chicago Fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career.

In 1873 he sent his wife Anna and four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill-fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he had planned to travel to England with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, to help with D. L. Moody’s upcoming evangelistic campaigns. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire.

On November 22 the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel killing 226 people, including all four of Spafford’s daughters: Annie, age 12; Maggie, 7; Bessie, 4; and an 18-month old baby. His wife survived the tragedy.

Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to Spafford that read “Saved alone.”

Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.;Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.

It is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
- Refrain:
  It is well with my soul,
  It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

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Posted by MaryO on February 9, 2024 in Hymn History, hymns, Ministries, Music, Music Ministry, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest, Videos

Tags: Brian Stevenson, congregation, D. L. Moody, history, Horatio Spafford, hymn, It Is Well with My Soul, liz eunji moon, pender sanctuary choir, Pender UMC, Pender UMC Traditional Service, piano, Saved Alone, Ss Ville Du Havre, The Great Chicago Fire, video

Fun with Music

02 Feb

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!

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Posted by MaryO on February 2, 2024 in Ministries, Pender UMC, Videos

Tags: dance, Fun with Music, grandparents, parents, preschool, sing, snack, video

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner

01 Feb

Get ready for a good time at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner extravaganza! Hosted by Pender’s spirited United Methodist Men, this isn’t just any dinner—it’s an evening packed with laughter, games, and, of course, stacks of delicious pancakes!

Imagine the sweet aroma of freshly made pancakes wafting through the air as you step into a space buzzing with excitement and joy. The United Methodist Men have outdone themselves, preparing a feast of fluffy, golden pancakes that are just begging to be drenched in syrup and enjoyed.

But wait, there’s more! After you’ve had your fill of these delightful pancakes, the real fun begins. Test your aim and agility in a thrilling game of Cornhole, or line up for the pancake races, where the challenge is to flip your way to victory without letting your pancake hit the floor. Feel the rush of competition and the laughter of friends and family cheering you on.

For those who fancy a bit of unconventional soccer, Balloon Soccer promises a hilarious twist on the traditional game, where balloons serve as the “soccer balls” in a match filled with unexpected turns and bursts of laughter. And let’s not forget the Marshmallow Toss, where your aim and catching skills will be put to the test in the sweetest way possible.

This Shrove Tuesday, the Pancake Dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of community, joy, and the simple pleasures that bring us together. The United Methodist Men are ready to welcome you to an evening where every pancake flipped and every game played adds to the recipe for an unforgettable night.

Don’t miss out on the fun—come hungry for pancakes and leave with a heart full of happy memories!

Please let us know you’re coming so we have an idea how many pancakes to put on the griddle.

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Posted by MaryO on February 1, 2024 in Holidays, Ministries, Pender Men, Pender UMC, Posts of Interest

Tags: Balloon Soccer, cornhole, games, Marshmallow Toss, Pancake Dinner, pancake races, Pender United Methodist Men, Shrove Tuesday, Syrup

Apportionments — Chuck Knows Church

26 Jan

Apportionments. In the United Methodist Church your gifts to your congregation impacts not only your local church’s ministries, but mission and ministry around the world. Chuck explains a little about apportionments.

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Posted by MaryO on January 26, 2024 in Chuck Knows Church, Videos

Tags: Apportionments, Chuck Knows Church, video

Hymn History: We’ll Understand It Better By and By

26 Jan

We are tossed and driven
on the restless sea of time;
somber skies and howling tempests
oft succeed a bright sunshine;
in that land of perfect day,
when the mists have rolled away,
we will understand it better by and by.

Charles Albert Tindley (July 7, 1851 – July 26, 1933) was an American Methodist minister and gospel music composer.

Often referred to as “The Prince of Preachers”, he educated himself, became a minister and founded one of the largest Methodist congregations serving the African-American community on the East Coast of the United States.

He was one of the eminent preachers of Methodism at the turn of the twentieth century. Hymnologist James Abbington has called Tindley a “pastor, orator, poet, writer, theologian, social activist, ‘father of African American Hymnody,’ ‘progenitor of African American gospel music’ and ‘prince of preachers.'”

The Rev. Carlton Young notes “We’ll Understand It Better By and By” was “one of eight hymns . . . written during a difficult period in Tindley’s life.”

One can imagine Tindley using this song to punctuate his sermons, offering hope to those assembled not only through exegesis of the biblical text, but also through a lyrical sung theology.

From “The Lawrence Welk Show,” Gail, Rod, and Michael are featured in this great Gospel song found in the United Methodist Hymnal (page 525). Join with them in song as they encourage every Christian: “WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY”