Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week of the church year. At the other end of Holy Week is Easter, the most important day of the church year.

For Christians, this is the big event! And it’s all about the mystery that somehow Jesus Christ makes us one with God.

Sunday, March 24 – Palm Sunday – Why did Jesus have to die?
Jesus was a good man.  He was compassionate and caring.  He helped the poor and needy.  He should have continued to live as our example but they killed him!  Jesus died!  Why did it have to happen?  What difference does it make for me?  Let’s talk about the cross and death this Sunday.

Each year on Palm Sunday, the children of the congregation help to lead worship, as they sing and wave palms while processing around the Sanctuary.  This joyous Sunday morning service recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and marks the beginning of Holy Week.  With our palms and sung ‘Hosannas’ we pray for Christ’s saving power in our lives and in our world today.

Wednesday, March 27: Story time and Easter Egg Hunt.
The event kicks off with story time in the Sanctuary.  Lots of fun for all, including an egg hunt, snacks and you can even take pictures with the Easter Bunny!  (Don’t forget your camera!)  Come rain or shine — no RSVP necessary. More information

Thursday, March 28: Holy Thursday Service
This service commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and through sermon and sacrament. 

The Sanctuary Choir will be presenting special music based on the “Questions of the Passion.”  Through the music, we will focus on the hard questions that were asked of and to Jesus during the last week of His life on earth.  We will also participate in communion as we commemorate the Last Supper.

Friday, March 29: Good Friday Service
“Father, into Your Hands, I commend my Spirit.”  Having said this, Jesus breathed His last. – Luke 23:46

Jesus died for us, for our sins, and for the world.  On Good Friday, we gather with grief and gratitude for a service of worship that remembers and reflects upon the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrificial death and suffering, for our salvation.

The Good Friday service will focus on the “Wondrous Love” of Christ and how that love manifested itself in His sacrifice on the cross.  The service will include special music from the Sanctuary Choir.

Sunday, March 31: Easter – Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead?
Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection.  Surely this isn’t true.  The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty!  How could it be?  Yet, it is necessary!  It is the reason we are here!  Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it.

• Sunrise Service
• Easter Breakfast
• 8:00 am Traditional Service
• 9:30 am Contemporary Service
• 9:30 am Traditional Service
• 11:00 am Traditional Service
• Easter plants are yours to take after the last service

What do you mean by Traditional-Blended or Contemporary worship?

We understand that people have different styles for connecting with God in a meaningful and personal way. Pender offers two styles: Traditional-Blended and Contemporary. You will discover the people who attend these worship services are varied in age.

Traditional-Blended is largely traditional in flavor from a wonderful organ and beautiful hymns, choral, orchestra, children’s or bell music and traditional surroundings in our main sanctuary. Mrs. Theresa Carpenter leads the choir, and several servant volunteers are involved. During these services there is a time for the children on the altar steps at the front, and all children are invited to enjoy!

Contemporary worship is led by our praise band in a rock-and-roll style with many contemporary Christian songs that you might hear on the radio.  Pastor Dan delivers the message, often enhanced with video or drama.  Our contemporary worship services are more casual in nature, so wear your jeans or shorts if you want to, Pastor Dan does!

Come for this Easter’s Traditional Worship to experience special music (Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus) and a special message brought by Pastor Kenny.  Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead? Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection.  Surely this isn’t true.  The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty!  How could it be?  Yet, it is necessary!  It is the reason we are here!  Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it.

Come for this Easter’s Contemporary Worship to experience great rock-style music and a special message brought by Pastor Kevin.  Our contemporary worship service is called “Common Ground” and is offered at 9:30 every Sunday, including Easter! Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead? Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection.  Surely this isn’t true.  The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty!  How could it be?  Yet, it is necessary!  It is the reason we are here!  Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it

All of our worship is Christ-centered, Biblically-minded and relevant to life today. Pender UMC desires that you feel God’s Spirit nurturing you and that in worship you experience the very real presence of Christ with us. May you be blessed by God as you gather with us.

Where do I enter the building?
First, we want you to know that our church has worked hard to create a building with access for all. Whether you find yourself in a wheelchair or carting babies in a buggy, you’ll find automatically opening doors and large entrances.

As you enter the parking lot, you will notice two doors, both under porticos so that you may get out of the rain if it is wet. To enter through the main sanctuary entrance doors, simply look for the semi-circular driveway.

If instead you enter the sliding glass doors entrance, make a left into the hallway to the end where you will notice the welcome area on your left.

What do my children do?
We invite older children (3rd grade and up) to become fully involved in worship. At the back of the sanctuary are “children’s bulletins” and supplies like crayons.

Our younger children have the option of remaining with their family or being cared for by our wonderful nursery and childcare staff. Childcare is available for children ages birth through 2nd grade in the lower level of our building. Ask an Usher to help you find where to take your children!

Where do I park?
We attempt to have plenty of parking on Easter morning for our guests. However, we suggest you plan to arrive early, and if parking is full on our lot, there is parking on the street.

What if I need further information?
Our friendly volunteers and staff will welcome your questions! Please call our church office at 703-278-8023 between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Once at Pender, ask any friendly face for help! We are here to assist you.