The third candle, lit on the third Sunday of advent (this year December 16, 2012) with the first two, is the Shepherds’ candle. We are reminded that God sent the angels to proclaim His arrival to common man and that He still uses ordinary people today to spread the good news of Christ. This candle is pink or rose and represents God’s love and faithfulness.
Suggested Bible reading: Isaiah 52:7 and Luke 2:8-20.
Did you miss the video from Chuck on the Advent Wreath? View it here.
Joy To The World
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King.
Isaac Watts wrote the words to “Joy to the World” in 1719, based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. The hymn originally glorified Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a song celebrating His first coming. Only the second half of Watts’ lyrics are still used today.
The music was adapted and arranged to Watts’ lyrics by Lowell Mason in 1839 from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from Handel. The name “Antioch” is generally used for the hymn tune.
As of the late 20th century, “Joy to the World” was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America.
On Wednesday of this week, the Pender staff took a road trip to Pennsylvania to see Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theater. It was my first time going there – what a neat experience!
We left the church at 7:30am and got to Ronks, PA just in time for lunch. Methodists love to eat! We stopped at an all-you-can-eat restaurant featuring wonderful Amish food. Dienner’s logo was much more sedate than the one next door…
In the same parking lot, RevKev spotted this fine establishment (the small print says “fresh fudge”):
After eating all we could, we headed over to the Sight and Sound theater. From their webpage:
Story, song, and spectacular staging bring each of Sight & Sound Theatres’ epic shows to life. Dozens of professional actors attired in elaborate costumes, meticulously detailed sets towering up to 40 feet high, trained animals, unmatched special effects, and beautifully memorable music inspire 800,000 guests every year.
When we first got to the theater, there was a wonderful quartet of Victorian-era carolers singing for us. It even snowed on them at the end of their segment.
We found our seats and settled in for the show. It really was fantastic, very colorful (except for Jonah!). I liked the feeling of being there, since the theater wrapped around the audience on 3 sides – and had things like fish swimming through the audience and jellyfish floating above.
The boat that looked like a whale was very clever – and the “real” whale was something to behold.
Lots of animals, too –
I would recommend this show to anyone.
After the performance we headed out to eat again even though it was only 4:00. This time we went to Plain and Fancy for an Amish Feast
Click to view full-size
We finally got home about 8:30. I was exhausted but it was a fantastic day.
Jonah and the Whale – Story Summary:
The story of Jonah and the Whale, one of the oddest accounts in the Bible, opens with God speaking to Jonah, son of Amittai, commanding him to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh.
Jonah found this order unbearable. Not only was Nineveh known for its wickedness, but it was also the capital of the Assyrian empire, one of Israel’s fiercest enemies. Jonah, a stubborn fellow, did just the opposite of what he was told. He went down to the seaport of Joppa and booked passage on a ship to Tarshish, heading directly away from Nineveh. The Bible tells us Jonah “ran away from the Lord.”
In response, God sent a violent storm, which threatened to break the ship to pieces. The terrified crew cast lots, determining that Jonah was responsible for the storm. Jonah told them to throw him overboard. First they tried rowing to shore, but the waves got even higher. Afraid of God, the sailors finally tossed Jonah into the sea, and the water immediately grew calm. The crew made a sacrifice to God, swearing vows to him.
Instead of drowning, Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, which God provided. In the belly of the whale, Jonah repented and cried out to God in prayer. He praised God, ending with the eerily prophetic statement, “Salvation comes from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9, NIV)
Jonah was in the giant fish three days. God commanded the whale, and it vomited the reluctant prophet onto dry land. This time Jonah obeyed God. He walked through Nineveh proclaiming that in forty days the city would be destroyed. Surprisingly, the Ninevites believed Jonah’s message and repented, wearing sackcloth and covering themselves in ashes. God had compassion on them and did not destroy them.
Again Jonah questioned God, because Jonah was angry that Israel’s enemies had been spared. When Jonah stopped outside the city to rest, God provided a vine to shelter him from the hot sun. Jonah was happy with the vine, but the next day God provided a worm that ate the vine, making it wither. Growing faint in the sun, Jonah complained again.
God scolded Jonah for being concerned about a vine, but not about Nineveh, which had 120,000 lost people. The story ends with God expressing concern even about the wicked.
Adult Christian Education happens in a variety of ways, but Sunday School classes and Bible studies are the most frequent methods at Pender. It takes an entire lifetime (and more) to know God; therefore, a variety of adult learning activities is offered year-round on Sunday mornings as well as during the week. All classes study scripture with differing topics and study styles. Study topics vary from the basics of the Christian faith, to a particular book of the Bible, and to Biblical principles for marriage and parenting. Study styles differ in the amount of pre-class preparation, teacher presentation, or group presentation. Adults are invited to visit all classes and find the study that meets their needs. The Grow in God Cluster always welcomes suggestions for new classes.
Bethany uses the International SS Lesson series as their curriculum. Lessons alternate on a quarterly basis between the Old and New Testaments. This class meets in room 200 next to the Fellowship Room. The teacher is Kay Matthias.
Cornerstone is led by rotating facilitators who guide discussions about Old and New Testament books and topics. Since this is a large class, the members support each other by sharing prayers and praise each week and enjoying regular socials. They meet in rooms 215 and 217.
Genesis to Revelation is a verse-by-verse Bible study that will enable you to understand what the Bible says, what the passage means, and how the Scripture applies to your life today. The study uses the Standard Publishing International Lesson Series plus other sources. They meet in room 218 & 220. The teacher is Rich Taddeo.
New Directions uses a variety of curriculum resources for topical studies. They usually participate in Pender church-wide studies. Rotating facilitators guide the weekly discussions. This group meets in room 206.
Seekers study Biblically-based topics which are discussed in a free format as opposed to lectures. The study books used are Inter-Varsity Press publications in the Lifeguide Bible Studies series. Topics are selected by class members and emphasize strengthening our faith for Christian living. Members are in all stages of faith and Biblical knowledge. This class periodically has social events in homes and in local restaurants. This class meets in room 216. Teachers are Stan and Dottie Kurzeja.
Work in Progress is open to anyone interested in discussing Biblical and timely topics, meeting new Pender folks, and sharing weekly joys and concerns. They meet in room 218.
Sunday Morning Nursery
The Nursery Program provides a safe, caring environment for newborns through age 4 during Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and other church functions throughout the week.
Silent pagers are provided to contact parents in the event of an emergency. Child care procedures as outlined in our Child Protection Policy are followed. Parents who utilize the nursery are encouraged to volunteer once per quarter. If you wish to volunteer for a shift in the nursery, please contact the Nursery Coordinator.
9:30 am Sunday School Classes for Children
Sunday School classes are structured and provided to children based on their age as of 9/30 or the school grade.
For safety’s sake we don’t list classrooms for children on our web site, but they are clearly marked in the building. We have classes for children from age 2 through Senior High School.
11:00 am Class Offerings for Children
Following the children’s time at the 11 a.m. worship service, Children’s Church is offered for Pre-Kindergarteners through Kindergarteners. Junior Church is offered for 1st graders through 5th graders.
Special Note
Registration cards are prepared for each child and information about allergies is recorded.
Opportunities to Serve
Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher, helper, or substitute teacher on a quarterly basis. The Child Protection Policy training must be completed prior to serving in this capacity. Please see the contact information at the bottom of this page for more information.
Contact the Education Ministry Council
For more information about participating or volunteering in this ministry, the individuals listed below may be contacted by e-mailing the church office at church.office@penderumc.org or calling the church office at 703-278-8023.
Pender UMC Education Brochure Sunday School 2012-2013
We’d love to lighten your load this holiday season and give your children a night of fun!
Your children will have a wonderful time learning about the true meaning of Christmas while moving through different rotations of crafts, snack, music, recreation and bible lessons. They will enjoy a Christmas-themed movie and pizza and fruit for dinner.
Children ages 3 (potty trained) through Grade 6 can sign up online.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer please contact Jami Flemmons.
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