What a fantastic concert this was. There will be move videos coming in the following days but this is a great start! This is the grand finale – the Ukrainian National Anthem arranged by Brian Stevenson, director of Music Ministries at Pender UMC.
The Pender Concert Supporting Ukraine on April 23 featured Liz Sellers on piano, Brian on harp, and local professional musicians, including woodwind quintet, drums, organ, guitar, flute, penny whistle, singing and violin.
Concert repertoire included: Harp arrangements by Debussy, Piano trio of Jazz/Baroque, Flute Concertino by Chaminade, Woodwind Quintet with music of Duke Ellington, The Widor Toccata Organ Symphony Movement V and an Irish session!
There was no charge for this concert but there was a free will offering taken to support Ukraine through Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund provides direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
One hundred percent of all Advance contributions go to the designated cause. (The independent charity watchdog, “Charity Watch,” gives UMCOR an “A+” ranking, and includes the UM organization on a highly selective list of charities it recommends when considering how to support the Ukrainian people. Read more)
The United Methodist community in Ukraine, though quite small, is actively engaged in assisting neighbors in need. Global Ministries is in touch with the church’s leadership as well as with church leaders in countries welcoming those who are fleeing from violence in Ukraine.
Click this link and choose UMCOR to send direct aid. In the memo line, put Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery.
Thank you for your support!
Join us each Thursday during Lent for dinner and a discussion based on the sermon from the previous Sunday.
Many have wondered about in Matthew 21:21 – “that if we have faith and don’t doubt, we can move mountains.” Jesus, of course, was not suggesting that His followers use prayer as “magic” and perform in constant “mountain moving” acts. At our Lenten SNC, we will all have a special time for realizing that He was actually making a strong point about the disciples’ (and our) lack of faith. Have we talked to God about the kinds of mountains we face?
Do our military service members and veterans hold a special place in your heart?
We have wonderful news to share – the Pender UMC Visitation Ministry (aka Smiles on Wheels) is up and running! It is a blessing to have their services and we are looking to you, our church community, to let us know of folks who might enjoy a visit from our volunteers. The group of women have been trained by Chris Hanak, and have been busy since the fall bringing smiles and Christ to those who are not able to come to church on a regular basis.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORMS FOR 2013 need to be signed by all those working with children. 
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