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, April 13 – Palm Sunday – Palm Sunday: Give up Pettiness. Luke 6:32-36
Life is to short for the pettiness! Yet we want to spend our lives in the little stuff. Jesus wants to reorder our priorities and give us faith and hope. Let’s see how this Sunday!
Monday, April 14 – Kids’ Easter Event. More information and signup
Thursday, April 17 – Holy Thursday Service. The Sanctuary Choir will present the Lenten Cantata, Colors of Grace, by composer Joseph Martin.
Each of the four main sections is devoted to one of the lessons of Christ, presented alongside the dramatic Passion narrative. The well-crafted music is simple, yet moving. This cantata provides a rich palette of tonal color for expressing the colors of grace.
Communion will be served.
Friday, April 18 – Good Friday Service
Sunday, April 20 – Easter – Wrap Your Arms Around Something Good for Easter. John 21:15-19
During Lent we gave up BAD things. Easter brings us to embrace the hope, forgiveness and possibilities God has for us because of a Risen Jesus! Let’s wrap our arms around the living Christ and all He brings.
- Sunrise Service
- Easter Breakfast
- 8:00 am Traditional Service with Hallelujah Chorus and brass ensemble
- 9:30 am Contemporary Service – Common Ground
- 9:30 am Traditional Service with Hallelujah Chorus and brass ensemble
- 11:00 am Traditional Service with Hallelujah Chorus and brass ensemble
- 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. Rev Kevin Havens 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, RevKev does!
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.
On Sunday, February 17th, there will be a meeting for all the wonderful volunteers and potential servants for our 9:30 Common Ground worship service. If you are currently a volunteer in any capacity, or are considering joining our great group, please plan to attend this brunch, which will start at 10:30 am.
Beginning on Thursday February 21st, we will be meeting for dinner and discussion during the period of Lent. It was a huge success last year and we hope to continue this time of fellowship and learning, in addition to great food, for the duration of Lent. We will be discussing the sermon from the week prior, as a table group, while enjoying home cooked dinners.
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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