[ The Birth of Jesus Foretold ] In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ~Luke 1:26-28
Today’s Bible Verse
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” –Luke 12:6-7
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. (For a more detailed explanation about Christ’s death, listen to the Palm Sunday sermon Why Did Jesus Have to Die?)
The biblical account of Jesus’ death on the cross, or crucifixion, his burial and his resurrection, or raising from the dead, can be found in the following passages of Scripture:
The Good Friday service at Pender UMC 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.
The Paschal greeting is an Easter custom among many churches, including Pender UMC.
Instead of “hello” or its equivalent, one is to greet another person with “Christ is Risen!”, and the response is “He is Risen Indeed!” (Matthew 27:64, Matthew 28:6–7, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:6, Luke 24:34).
The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is very special in the Christian tradition.
The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday. The last three days before Easter are Holy (Maundy) Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively commemorate Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are sometimes referred to as the Easter Triduum (Latin for “Three Days”).
In some countries, Easter lasts two days, with the second called “Easter Monday”. The week beginning with Easter Sunday is called Easter Week or the Octave of Easter, and each day is prefaced with “Easter”, e.g. Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday, etc. Easter Saturday is therefore the Saturday after Easter Sunday. The day before Easter is properly called Holy Saturday.
Eastertide, the season of Easter, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts until the day of Pentecost, seven weeks later.
At Pender UMC on 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.
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 Kev 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, Rev Kev does!
Come for this Easter’s Traditional Worship to experience special music (Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus) and a special message brought by Pastor Kenny. 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.
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!
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.
Join us at 8:15, 9:30 or 11:00 am as we continue our Sermon Series: “Give Up Something Bad for Lent.”
Sermon on April 6th—“Give Up a Bad Habit”
Click here for more information on our upcoming sermons.
Listen to past sermons in the Pender Podcast.
Directions to Pender
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