RSS

Tag Archives: scripture

What can I expect on a Sunday?

Three Worship Styles – Learn more about each Worship Time here
- Traditional-Blended Worship @ 8:15 and 11:00 am
- Modern-Contemporary Worship @ 9:30 am
- Sing ‘n Celebrate @ 7 pm monthly
Real People
Lots of Children. Children are welcome during the services or our nursery is located downstairs. We provide infants and toddlers (newborns through age 4) with a safe and caring Christian environment
An Opportunity to Connect with Others
Time to Reflect Upon Jesus in our Lives
Outstanding and Varied Music
A Sense of Having Done Something Important with your Day

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.

Sunday School at Pender

28 Nov

Adult Christian Education happens in a variety of ways, but Sunday School classes and Bible studies are the most frequent methods at Pender. It takes an entire lifetime (and more) to know God; therefore, a variety of adult learning activities is offered year-round on Sunday mornings as well as during the week. All classes study scripture with differing topics and study styles. Study topics vary from the basics of the Christian faith, to a particular book of the Bible, and to Biblical principles for marriage and parenting. Study styles differ in the amount of pre-class preparation, teacher presentation, or group presentation. Adults are invited to visit all classes and find the study that meets their needs. The Grow in God Cluster always welcomes suggestions for new classes.

9:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Bethany uses the International SS Lesson series as their curriculum. Lessons alternate on a quarterly basis between the Old and New Testaments. This class meets in room 200 next to the Fellowship Room. The teacher is Kay Matthias.

Cornerstone is led by rotating facilitators who guide discussions about Old and New Testament books and topics. Since this is a large class, the members support each other by sharing prayers and praise each week and enjoying regular socials. They meet in rooms 215 and 217.

Genesis to Revelation is a verse-by-verse Bible study that will enable you to understand what the Bible says, what the passage means, and how the Scripture applies to your life today. The study uses the Standard Publishing International Lesson Series plus other sources. They meet in room 218 & 220. The teacher is Rich Taddeo.

New Directions uses a variety of curriculum resources for topical studies. They usually participate in Pender church-wide studies. Rotating facilitators guide the weekly discussions. This group meets in room 206.

Seekers study Biblically-based topics which are discussed in a free format as opposed to lectures. The study books used are Inter-Varsity Press publications in the Lifeguide Bible Studies series. Topics are selected by class members and emphasize strengthening our faith for Christian living. Members are in all stages of faith and Biblical knowledge. This class periodically has social events in homes and in local restaurants. This class meets in room 216. Teachers are Stan and Dottie Kurzeja.

11:00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Work in Progress is open to anyone interested in discussing Biblical and timely topics, meeting new Pender folks, and sharing weekly joys and concerns. They meet in room 218.

Sunday Morning Nursery

The Nursery Program provides a safe, caring environment for newborns through age 4 during Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and other church functions throughout the week.

Silent pagers are provided to contact parents in the event of an emergency. Child care procedures as outlined in our Child Protection Policy are followed. Parents who utilize the nursery are encouraged to volunteer once per quarter. If you wish to volunteer for a shift in the nursery, please contact the Nursery Coordinator.

9:30 am Sunday School Classes for Children

Sunday School classes are structured and provided to children based on their age as of 9/30 or the school grade.

For safety’s sake we don’t list classrooms for children on our web site, but they are clearly marked in the building. We have classes for children from age 2 through Senior High School.

11:00 am Class Offerings for Children

Following the children’s time at the 11 a.m. worship service, Children’s Church is offered for Pre-Kindergarteners through Kindergarteners. Junior Church is offered for 1st graders through 5th graders.

Special Note
Registration cards are prepared for each child and information about allergies is recorded.

Opportunities to Serve

Parents are encouraged to volunteer as a Sunday School teacher, helper, or substitute teacher on a quarterly basis. The Child Protection Policy training must be completed prior to serving in this capacity. Please see the contact information at the bottom of this page for more information.

Contact the Education Ministry Council

For more information about participating or volunteering in this ministry, the individuals listed below may be contacted by e-mailing the church office at church.office@penderumc.org or calling the church office at 703-278-8023.

Pender UMC Education Brochure Sunday School 2012-2013

Why Was Jesus baptized?

27 Nov

An excerpt from Adam Hamilton’s new book, The Way:

One day, as John was baptizing in the Jordan, he looked up to see a familiar face. He smiled as Jesus approached, and the two men embraced. These men had known one another their entire lives. They had played together as boys and dreamed together as young men. John was six months older, but he always knew it was his younger cousin who would play the greater role in God’s plans. The two had shared long walks and conversations both in Jerusalem and in the monastery by the Salt Sea. They had stayed up long into the night discussing the Scriptures and the kingdom of God. John’s preaching and baptism at the Jordan would officially set in motion a chain of events that would lead to John’s own death in a matter of months, and to Jesus’ crucifixion just three years later.