
[ Spiritual Fullness in Christ ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ~Colossians 2:6-7
It was on witnessing!
The Way of Witness
For many people, the term evangelism has a bad reputation because of the way it has been abused by mean-spirited preachers and manipulative politicians. Others are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith. Some suggest that faith in Christ is a private affair, not to be shared with others. In spite of our hesitations, the New Testament is clear that we are called to share with others the good news of what God has done in Christ. How do we do that? Join us and find out.
Listen to it again, or for the first time, at http://www.penderumc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=301595&programId=228132
Chuck Knows Church also has information on witnessing.
“Evangelism”. What’s your church’s relationship with the “E-Word”? Do people run when they hear it? Chuck helps the members of Park Grove Community Church learn how not to be scared of evangelism.
What can I expect on a Sunday?
Who are we?
What if I haven’t been to church much?
Getting to know people at Pender?
What can I expect on a Sunday?
We are an “Access for All” church, meaning it is important to us for people with wheelchairs or other challenges to have easy access to doorways, hallways, bathrooms, ramps and elevator, seating (places for wheelchairs), and kid friendly (coloring books, booster steps for toddlers, high chairs).
Hearing aid and large-print hymnals are available during the service. (See one of our ushers.)
Who are we?
Our hearts cry out for more of God. Pender is a “big place” with a “huge heart.” We care about being a community.
In Fairfax, we know it’s possible for us to live a totally anonymous, distant-from-one-another life. At Pender, we desire a different kind of community and life together. We believe Jesus has called us to be a very special community who cares about the world. It’s the essence of what “makes us tick.”
Our mission statement says it this way, we exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ. For us, that takes a very special passion for real community.
What if I haven’t been to church much?
Pender is a warm and inviting place. We actually want to meet you!
Many of our folks started coming to church more recently as adults rather than as children. Some of our people have come all of their life. Some seem to know a lot about the Bible and faith. Others are just beginning that interesting journey.
Getting to Know People at Pender!
We would love to help you “get plugged in” and feel like you know other people. The best way is to jump into a Sunday School class, small group or join the next “Welcome to Pender” or “Coffee with the Pastors” time.
Our “Welcome to Pender” or “Coffee with the Pastors” times are opportunities to get to know the pastors and a few key leaders – as well as other newer folks at Pender. These class times are advertised in the bulletin, and generally held in the Fall and Spring.
Pender has many vibrant small groups who meet together weekly or bi-weekly to support, encourage, pray and be great friends together in faith. We believe everyone needs a place where they are cared for and known more deeply. To help newer people “get into” a group, new groups are starting just about every month.
We are the kind of church where you can earnestly explore, ask questions, and discover new pieces about God throughout your lifetime. None of us “have arrived.” Some can help others; some need the “basics” explained.
The messages are geared towards explaining the Bible and how it applies to real life. And, several of our classes are “for beginners only.”
If you feel like you need help when you arrive, please know that there is a “bulletin” that lists out what pages the songs are on from the hymnal book (song book) in the pew racks.
Also, there is an “offering” time at all of our worship times. Please do not feel obligated to give money, but do know that the money given is used to provide services to the congregation, community and world. You’ll see when other people stand (for singing) and sit (for prayer and listening). And, always feel invited to ask someone about what’s going on. They’ll love being asked!
This community takes Jesus seriously. How can we live our lives faithful to God? How can we know and act upon what the scriptures say? Where is Jesus at work, and how can we glorify Him? How can we love God with everything we’ve got, and also love one another just like Jesus?
We are people on a journey following Jesus to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Bible Verse