Women Connected

The Womens minisTries neWsleTTer aT Pender UmC Volume: 4 Issue Number: 5 Date: August 2012 Let's Go To The Beach! A Summer Devotional Julia Bettencourt
Summer is always a fun time of year. There are just so many things to do when the sun's shining and the weather's good. Going to the beach to me has always been one of those fun summer things to do. The only thing about going to the beach is that you have to be prepared. There are a few things we need to take with us in order to enjoy the beach. Pack your bag and come go along with me! Here's what we'll be putting in our beach bag... 1. Sunscreen. One of the first things we'll need is protection from the sun. There's so much skin damage we can get if we don't protect ourselves. The sad thing is, we don't even know sometimes we've gotten skin damage until later down the road and are diagnosed with some type of skin cancer. It's just like when we as Christians walk in the world and get too close to those worldly attractions and follies. We get burned and get damaged as it were. Sometimes we don't even realize how much we have been damaged by worldliness and those fiery darts of the devil. We could avoid it if we'd just put on some protection. We'll be using that wonderful brand called, "Christian Armour". It's the highest protection there is. Off brands won't do as they don't contain all the right ingredients. Make sure you apply it liberally. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." Ephesians 6:11-18

Womens Retreat

Saturday, September 15
Doors open at 8:30am for registration and a light breakfast. Program begins promptly at 9:30am and concludes at 4:15pm.

Join us for this very special live simulcast!

Each message from Beth Moore focuses on scriptural teaching and a love for Gods Word to become alive and active in each participants heart. WHAT IS LIVING PROOF LIVE? Living Proof Live is a fun-filled Bible study, teaching, and worship experience to enrich your mind, soul, and spirit! Bible teacher Beth Moore brings a fresh Word from God to each Living Proof Live event - no two are the same. As she explores the Bible and how it applies to real life, you will be encouraged by her own experiences as a believer, and you will be inspired to magnify and strengthen your own relationship with God. Registrations are now being accepted Sign up in the Narthex or online at www.penderumc.org. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Registration fee is $10, payable on morning of event. Free childcare is available but preregistration is required. All are welcome invite friends and family!

2. Sand Shovel. One of the most delightful things to do at the beach is digging and playing in the sand. Making sand castles with moats, or for the little ones, just digging in the sand can be just the best of fun. Digging a hole in the sand and just putting your hands deep into it can be the best of sensations. Digging into the Word of God can be the best too. Bible study doesn't have to be dry and boring. Just dig

in! Find some verses that just tingle over your soul like sand does to your fingers when you are digging at the beach. Take those verses and concentrate on them for awhile. Put them in your bucket, pat them down, and dump them out and admire them awhile, just like you'd do a sand castle at the beach. God's Word will just glisten. Dig in and take in all the intricacies God's Word has to offer. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." I Peter 2:2,3 "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. Psalm 119:140 3. Sand Bucket. Let's bring along a bucket or something we can collect our treasures in while we are at the beach. Aren't the shells you can find along the beach just amazing? They are so beautiful and interesting. The treasures found in God's Word are amazing too. There are so many things like the promises and assurances that are wonderful finds to put into our buckets and keep. Here are a few of my favorites to pick up and admire. The treasure of strength... "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 The treasure that Christ is unchanging... "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 The treasure of eternal life... "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 There's so many more treasures in God's Word just waiting for us to pick up and put in our buckets. 4. Beach Ball or Frisbee. Having a little activity at the beach is always fun. Playing with a beach ball or Frisbee can be great. Activity as a Christian can be fun too. The Christian life can be so rewarding when we are actively living it to the fullest. There is so much joy in serving Jesus! We've got to embrace all there is to serving the Lord and put all we can into what we do as Christians. It not only furthers the cause of Christ but it enhances us as individuals. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Romans 12:11 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31 5. Sunglasses. We wouldn't want to go to the beach without our

sunglasses. We not only need them to protect our eyes from the sun's damage, but they also help us to focus. When we don't have them on in the bright sunlight, we tend to squint and not see as clearly. The type of sunglasses we'll be using is the "God's Love" kind. When we look at the world through Christ's eyes we see a lot more clearly and things look a lot more different. Just like the sun doesn't bother us so much when we've got on our sunglasses, things won't even annoy us so much when we are looking through the eyes of God's love. We can focus better and begin to see the souls of the people around us too. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34 So, are you ready for the beach?
Copyright 2001-2010 Julia Bettencourt Scripture References are from the King James Version. www.juliabettencourt.com

UMW Executive Board Meeting

Our next Executive Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 6th at 1:30pm in room 200. All are welcome to attend as we discuss our upcoming events.

Womens Circle Meetings

Bessie Gooding Circle Bessie Gooding Circle will
meeting briefly at lunchtime on the day of the Beth Moore retreat, Saturday, Sept. 15th. The next regular meeting of Bessie Gooding Circle will be on Saturday, Oct. 20th, at 9:30am at Pender. All are welcome to see what the Lord has in store for them as part of a circle of ladies who love the Lord. Come to visit or come to stay. We would love to have you! For information, please contact Kay Creel at KFinlawCreel@verizon.net.

Mary Martha Circle The members of the Mary

Martha Circle love the joy of welcoming women who are interested in experiencing a small group of women who support each other in our faith journeys. We enjoy an opportunity for much needed fellowship with each other over refreshments following a brief business meeting. We also enjoy offering our support to other ministries within the church. In addition, we reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. This summer, some of us volunteered at the new Pender ReGift Thrift Store, and as time allows, some of us will continue to do that. We meet the second Monday of each month, at 7 PM, in Rooms 202-204. Please feel free to contact Carol Wilson for more details at 703-815-1744 or atcarolorguyw@cox.net.

Ruth Circle meets on the second Wednesday of the

month at 9:15 a.m. usually at the church. For more information, please contact Barbe Hefferan at 703-3787048 or email jnbhefferan@verizon.net. Come visit at our next meeting! On August 8th, the women of Ruth Circle met at Penders ReGift Thrift store to do some sorting, organizing, and marking items for sale. Maryann Weber took her day off to come in and help direct us. We worked hard, but took time out to shop for ourselves. We hope we can spread the word about the good buys to be had. After our work was done, we gathered at Amarettas for a sandwich. We had a good time helping out, and think we accomplished quite a lot.

Mark Your Calendar!

Sept 2nd Sing-n-Celebrate (Testimonies & Healing) at 7pm Sept 9th Kick Off Sunday Stay for lunch! Sept 15th UMW Womens Retreat at 8:30am Sept 23rd Financial Peace University Sept 23rd Boutique Kick-off Luncheon at 12:15pm Sept 27th-29th Flea Market & Boutique Oct 7th Sing-n-Celebrate (Celebrating Children) at 7pm Oct 12th-13th The Art of Marriage Weekend

Sing-n-Celebrate Sept 2nd at 7pm

We come to know Christ in so many different ways, in so many different places, and in so many different seasons of our lives, as a young child or an elderly person. Hearing members of the laity of our church share their testimonies emphasizes the diversity in the situations which led to giving our hearts to Jesus. Pastor Kenny will close this service with a time of healing in which the Casting Gods Love Ministry will have gifts for those coming forward. Please plan ahead to be present in our sanctuary at 7 PM on Sunday, Sept. 2, so you wont miss hearing more inspiring stories of faith and the opportunity for the touch of healing, if needed. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!

Susanna Circle is currently hosting the

walking/running club at Chantilly High Schools track every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am-9:30am. Our last club for the summer will take place on August 23rd. If you would like to more information regarding Susanna Circle or the walking/running club, please email Jami at jamiflemmons@verizon.net.

Bible Studies Starting in the Fall

Tuesday Morning Womens Bible Study
Classes are from 9:30 to 11:00 am in rooms 215 & 216. There will most likely be two studies available. Watch the Sunday bulletin or check in with the office for updates.

Kick Off Sunday September 9th

Plan now to stay for lunch after the 11am service! Its our way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of many fun activities and group events.

Pastor Kennys Tuesday Bible Studies

Pastor Kenny's Tuesday studies will start back up again mid-September and are meeting at 2pm and 7pm. Please contact Pastor Kenny for more information.

Wednesday Womens Bible Study

The Joyful in Jesus Small Group and Bible Study for women, meets at Pender on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. This small group meets for fellowship, Bible study, discussion and prayer. Our purpose is to explore the lessons of the Bible and to share insights of how to apply Gods Word to everyday life as we strive to create a community of encouragement and joy through prayer and fellowship. Our group is open and we invite you to join us on October 3rd as we begin an eight-week study of the Gospel of Matthew. We will be using a study guide with weekly assignments. No prior study experience needed, all women are welcome to join. Please contact Mary Wetzler at bigdubbs4@verizon.net with questions or to register, or register through the Pender website Small groups.

UMW Lunch and Boutique Kickoff

Come join us for lunch after the 11 am service on Sunday, September 23. Stay if you can to help set up the boutique, let us feed you lunch and enjoy your company. Wed love to see you there!

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

will change EVERYTHING!! Your money. Your story. Your life. Join us as we host the NEW 9 week and UPDATED Financial Peace Program here at Pender starting on Sunday, September 23rd! Class will meet from 1:00PM to 2:30PM, with a free lunch for class members starting at 12:30PM. Childcare is also provided at no cost to you! Family membership 'kits' include all of the materials you need for the nine week course and a lifetime membership for your family for $89. For more information please call Jessica Durning at 571-331-3773.

Pilgrimage of Faith: A Journey Through Israel/Palestine Hosted by Pastor Kenny Oct. 28th
Nov. 7th 2012. For more information, stop by the Welcome Center and pick up a brochure about this wonderful, life impacting trip. It's not too late to sign up!

Let your words be the genuine picture of your heart. -John Wesley

Oct. 12 and 13 The Art of Marriage at Pender!

What you and your spouse will hear during this 6 session day and half video event is the result of more than three decades of biblical research by a team of men and women who distilled what it takes to have a successful marriage and family. The show will help you to pursue a marriage that really works through stories of other couples own breakthroughs and blunders. We want you to leave the event with encouragement, hope, and practical tools to build and grow your relationship. Marriage is not a science, its an art. Thats why we call this the Art of Marriage event.

Ways to Serve
Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can. -John Wesley Pender ReGift Thrift
Tell your friends about our Pender ReGift Thrift Store ministry! Please lend an hour or two of your time sorting, organizing, arranging, or moving items around the warehouse and thrift store. Hours: 11-7 Mon, Tue, Thur and 10-6 Fri & Sat. If you have volunteered for the Flea Market or Boutique previously, you are already trained! If you are interested in volunteering, or are called to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator, Salesperson, or can assist in Advertising please fill out the Connection Card or contact Dave Cacner directly at dcacner@verizon.net.

Casting Gods Love Ministry

If you know of someone who is going through a difficult time, and you would like to bless them with a prayer shawl created with love and prayers by a member of our Casting God's Love Ministry, please email the Church Office church.office@penderumc.org.

Sunday School Teachers for September

Please contact Tim and Carolyn Fink if you are interested in serving in the Sunday School program this Fall. You can reach them via email at tefink1@verizon.net. Thank you for your service!

Family and Childrens Events The American Heritage Girls

Do you have a girl aged 5 - 18? Come learn more about American Heritage Girls! We are the sister organization to the Boy Scouts, providing girls with a breadth of opportunities in a Christian environment. Visit www.ahgonline.org for more information. AHG Kickoff Meeting: Monday, Sept. 10th, 2012 6:15 7:45pm at Pender. Your girl will have a chance to see what troop meetings are like, learn about our troop, and have fun! Parents will also learn about the troop that night. Please RSVP to Cherie Kronimus at ahg1907@gmail.com or 703-815-6197.

Military Ministry
On Wednesday, Oct 17th, Kay Creel will be volunteering at a local Stand Down event for military service veterans who may be homeless or experiencing difficulties due to disability, low income or lack of employment. In the Narthex in September please look for a list of clothing items that are needed to help our veterans keep warm this winter. Items will be needed by Sunday, Oct. 7th. For information, please contact Kay Creel at KFinlawCreel@verizon.net.

Penders Music Ministry

We welcome all ages and experience levels! There is a choir or bells group for you, so to find out where you fit in and to register, check out our website www.penderumc.org. We look forward to having you and your children participate this year!

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom