On December 8, Robert Anton will be doing an Eagle Scout project that consists of building a stage for the youth band, painting in the church and organization of the outreach center.
Donations are greatly appreciated and should be made out to Pender United Methodist Church with “eagle project” on the memo line.
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.)
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.
New Series: JOURNEYING TO BETHLEHEM
Each Christmas is a journey! We make it from wherever we are to the manger. Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem on the First Christmas. What will our journey be like? Are there helps along the way? How do we really prepare to receive the King? Let’s see how we might journey together so that this Christmas we find the true reason for the season – the child Jesus!
Dec. 2 – Mary of Nazareth: Journey of Faith – Luke 1:26-38
Christmas is about miracles, love, giving, family, friends, presents. But the first Christmas didn’t have any of these but a miracle and love. For Mary Christmas was a surprise that required of her a lot of FAITH. How many of us would believe an angel? How could we even know what an angel is and looks like? And the message, a virgin will birth a baby? Now that does take FAITH! Let’s learn from Mary about how FAITH is needed and helps to bring about a holy Christmas for each of us.
Dec. 9 – Joseph of Bethlehem: Journey of Trust – Matt. 1:18-24
The Night Before Christmas says that the dreams were of “sugarplums that danced in their heads.” Don’t know about you but during the rush of Christmas my dreams are more nightmares and not sugarplums. For Joseph I think it was the same. Mary pregnant and it wasn’t his! His life over and dreams crushed! Now he is told “Don’t be afraid!” Trust is the word that Joseph had to learn so that there would be a Christmas. I wonder do we TRUST that Christmas is love, peace and hope? Do we put our trust in the one who does the Impossible at Christmas? Let’s see how we can Trust Christmas!
Dec. 16 – A Christmas Cantata “Night of the Father’s Love” will be sung at both of the traditional services! Come and enjoy this morning of music as we hear the Christmas story told through music! There will be a 50 voice choir, an orchestra and music you will not want to miss!
Dec. 23 – From Nazareth to Bethlehem – Journey to a Manger – Luke 2:1-7
You can’t have Christmas without Bethlehem’s manger. For in it we find the reason for the season-the Christ child! As you have moved from store to store, house to house, party to party have you come to a manger yet? It took Mary and Joseph a long time to make that 90 mile trek, how long will it take us? Let’s talk about where to find Jesus this Christmas. Without him we have nothing but X-mas!
Dec. 30 – Pastor Kevin is preaching
Jan. 6 – Still on the Journey – Matt. 2:1-18
Once Christmas is over is that the end? Or does the journey of Christmas continue as we seek the Christ child all year round? What ways can we seek Him? What will we do when we find Him? WE are ALL still journeying. Let’s begin at the Lord’s table on the first Sunday in a New Year!
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.
“Just in Time for Christmas” by JC Reigns
(RevKev’s Praise Band). RevKev, aka Rev. Kevin Havens is the associate pastor at Pender.
Just In Time For Christmas, is a compilation of traditional Christmas favorites and our newest JC Reigns originals. We are excited to share this project with you as we believe that it has something for everyone.
Stop by the Welcome Center to purchase a new CD for $10.
All proceeds to benefit Western Fairfax Christian Ministries
From another JC Reigns album, “Jesus Christ…All Access”
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