Arden United Methodist Church Page

Arden United Methodist Church Page And Sunday School at 10:30 am.

Arden United Methodist Church is a vibrant and growing faith community located five miles southwest of Martinsburg, WV
Please join us for worship
Sundays at 9:30 am.

06/07/2026

“13: He Ain’t Heavy, Brother Andrew” June 7, 2026

Friends of Arden,This week we begin a summer-long sermon series on the apostles. I know a few of us can name all 12 disc...
06/05/2026

Friends of Arden,

This week we begin a summer-long sermon series on the apostles. I know a few of us can name all 12 disciples (I usually get 9 or 10 of them), and we know what some of them did (like Peter, James, John, and Judas). But beyond that, what do we know about the disciples of Jesus, those men who became the apostles (the sent ones)? So, starting this Sunday, we begin a sermon series I call “The 13 Apostles.” Each week, we will consider the lives and the important contributions of these individuals who followed Jesus, made other disciples, performed miracles, and established churches. They paid a high price for following Jesus—all of them were martyred for the cause of Christ. Who were these men and how did God use them to spread the love of God throughout the world? That’s the subject of the series. I believe we will all benefit from getting to know more about them and the work they did for the sake of the gospel. And if you don’t know who that 13th apostle is, come and see (and hear) when we get to him.

My message this week is called “13: He Ain’t Heavy, Brother Andrew.” We examine the role Andrew, the brother of Peter, played in the Gospels. What does his life say to us who seek to follow Jesus in our time?

Coming up soon at Arden UMC:

- This Sunday, June 7, we celebrate Everybody’s Birthday. We have games, prizes, and plenty of birthday food lined up. So, stop by the Family Life Center after worship for a birthday party for everyone. Thanks to Caroline Harsh and the Rebecca Circle for organizing this event.

- VBS is just over a week away! The fun and learning start on June 14 at 5:30 PM as we welcome vacation Bible schoolers to go on a Tropical Trek. We’ll explore the Bible as we investigate a tropical island filled with adventure and challenges. VBS runs from June 14 through 18 and is followed by…

- VBS Celebration Sunday. We will gather in the FLC for a worship service based on the VBS lessons for this year. The children will have a chance to sing the songs they learned as our VBS teachers lead us through the service. NOTE: This is a combined worship service with Trinity Lutheran and Tuscarora Presbyterian. The offering on June 14 will go to the Berkeley County Backpack Program BCBP). We will also receive canned and prepackaged items for BCBP throughout the VBS week and on Sundays in June.

- The “Gentle Ways” fundraiser for the Arden UMC scholarship fund is underway now. Sunday, June 14, is the last day to make your donations. Forms are available on the way into the sanctuary. Please fill out a form, one for each father or father figure you want to honor and place them with your donation in the red envelope. The names and those of the donors will appear in a special bulletin for Father’s Day.

Today is the last day for our administrative assistant, Mary Lou Smith. She is leaving Arden to spend more time caring for her husband, Robin, entertaining the grandchildren, and caring for their farm (which includes a precocious Guinea Hen named Ninja). I think I speak for the Arden family in saying we will miss Mary Lou a whole lot. Over the past four years, she has done superb administrative work ensuring the bulletins and PowerPoint slides were ready for worship each Sunday. Much more than that, she kept the office running, responded to many inquiries by phone and email, kept the minutes of the church council meetings, worked with many church leaders, and perhaps most importantly, kept this pastor on track. She was also a compassionate ear for folks who stopped by the office, sometimes with church business to conduct, and sometimes just to say hi. Mary Lou has endeared herself to us all in many ways. She returns home with our sincere thanks and God’s blessings for her contributions to the life of Arden UMC.

On Sunday, June 14, we will give Mary Lou a proper Arden farewell during the worship service. I hope you will take a moment after the service to express your appreciation for all she has done for the church.

May the grace and peace of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit be with you as you wind up your week and look forward to rest, re-creation, and worship this weekend.

See you in church!

05/24/2026

Overflow - May 25, 2026

The Weekly, May 21, 2026Friends,I don’t like to talk about the weather too much but today is an exception. How about tha...
05/21/2026

The Weekly, May 21, 2026

Friends,

I don’t like to talk about the weather too much but today is an exception. How about that rain! Man, we have needed a good drenching like we are getting today for some time. I’m sure farmers and gardeners have been praying for this for a while. Now we can add prayers of thanks for the rain that will help our trees and plants to grow. And don’t forget the grass. Mine was already needing a trim before this started. So I’m prepared to cut down a “forest” of grass next week when it dries out.

This coming Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples who had gathered in Jerusalem following the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. The Spirit arrived in dramatic fashion, as a sound of wind and as tongues of fire. At that time, 120 disciples were filled with the Spirit and began to praise God. They spilled out onto the streets where people from different countries could understand them in their own languages. Nothing could contain the Spirit that day. The good news is the Spirit remains uncontained; the Spirit still moves and works in the lives of God’s people to the glory of God. My message this week is called “Overflow.” May the Holy Spirit fill you and overflow into the lives of people around you!

Here are some things going on at the Church you need to know about:

- VBS training is TONIGHT at 6 PM. If you are going to be a volunteer at VBS this year, we encourage you to come out for this time to learn about the different roles volunteers will play in running the event. We will also answer any questions you have. Training takes place in the Sanctuary tonight—there is another event in the Family Life Center (FLC).
- The Yard Sale scheduled for this Saturday has been POSTPONED until next week, the 30th. The hours for the 30th remain the same: 7 AM to 2 or 3 PM.
- Youth and Children will lead the worship service on Sunday, May 31. We will be in the FLC starting at 9:30 AM.
- Everybody’s Birthday will be celebrated on Sunday, June 7, after the worship service. Thanks to the Rebecca Circle of the UMW for organizing this event.

May the joy of the Lord be yours today! May you experience the presence of the Risen Jesus in your life. And may the Holy Spirit guide and sustain you as you journey in the ways that lead to life and peace in God.

See you in church!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob

Our children gave us some messages about God’s love today. Thanks, kids, for reminding us God’s love is for everyone! Ni...
05/17/2026

Our children gave us some messages about God’s love today. Thanks, kids, for reminding us God’s love is for everyone! Nice artwork, too!

05/17/2026

“Don’t Look Up” May 17, 2026

The Weekly for May 14, 2026Friends in Christ,“What’s up?” Today is Ascension Day in the Church so our answer can, and sh...
05/15/2026

The Weekly for May 14, 2026

Friends in Christ,

“What’s up?” Today is Ascension Day in the Church so our answer can, and should, be “Jesus!” The Ascension is the moment after the Resurrection when Jesus ascended into heaven. His post-Resurrection work—appearing to the disciples and others—was done. His followers had seen him, touched him, spoken to him [and he to them], even eaten with him, all to persuade them in convincing ways that Jesus really was raised from the dead. What’s more, Jesus told them about the Holy Spirit, who would come upon them soon. So he told them to wait in Jerusalem for this to happen. And then, in an instant, he was taken up into heaven.

The day of the Ascension marks the end of Jesus’ physical presence on earth, but not the end of his ministry. This task is passed on to us, the followers of Jesus—the Church. Empowered by the Spirit, we continue to do the things Jesus did, and even more (see John 14:12). Jesus reigns with Father in heaven, but he has not left us alone. That is the good news of the Ascension, and the good news of God’s abiding presence with us in the Holy Spirit that we will celebrate on Pentecost.

My message this week is a prelude to the events of Pentecost. As the story goes, the disciples watched as Jesus ascended into heaven from Mt. Olivet. Two men, undoubtedly angels, appeared next to them asking an important question: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven” (Acts 1:11)? Good question. What’s the answer? We will take some time to explore this in my sermon “Don’t Look Up.”

We had a busy week last Saturday with Arden Day. A lot of important clean-up work was accomplished by a whole lot of people. Thanks to Tom Drummond, our Trustees Chair, and to the other Trustees for organizing this day. Tom will tell us more about what was done this Sunday as we thank all who helped make the church look a little cleaner.

Here’s more to look forward to at Arden in the next week or so:

- Saturday, May 16, members of the Martinsburg and Martinsburg Area Hub churches will be helping to pack food at Kidz Power Pacs. Located at 796 Foxcroft Avenue in Martinsburg, this charitable group prepares bags of food for needy children in the county. You are invited to take part in this event from 9:30 AM to noon.
- This Sunday, May 17, is Graduate Recognition Sunday. We will give thanks to God for our graduates and pray for them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
- The annual UMM yard sale takes place on Saturday, May 23, from 7 AM to 3 PM. Spaces to sell new and used items are available for rent. Contact John Collis for the details.

The good news of Easter continues. “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!” Jesus lives through the work of the Church, in the lives of his followers. We who bear the image of God are made to reflect his glory into the world around us. We do this through our witness, by what we say and what we do.

Beloved, be kind. Be gracious. Forgive often. Seek forgiveness, for we all fall short at some point. Above all, pray. Pray for the strength to live the life of Jesus in your own life. And may the grace of him who raised Jesus from the grave raise you up as new creations in the likeness of Christ, to be and to do the will of God who is Father, Son, and Spirit. Amen.

Have a blessed rest of your week.

Pastor Bob

Friends in Christ,This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter in the church calendar. That means the season of Eastertide ...
05/08/2026

Friends in Christ,

This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter in the church calendar. That means the season of Eastertide is moving steadily toward the great event of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. During Eastertide, we continue to celebrate the Resurrection. We live in the afterglow of that event. Our hearts are still singing “Up from the grave he arose!” Or, at least we should be. And we still have the words of the Easter greeting on our lips, “He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!” In the church, every Sunday is a little Easter. Let’s remember the joy and give thanks to God!

This week we also give thanks to God for our moms. It is Mother’s Day, an observance that started with a worship service honoring mothers in a little Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. That makes this year the 98th anniversary of Mother’s Day in the U.S. The idea of honoring mothers spread quickly throughout the country. In 1910, the state of West Virginia declared it a holiday. And on May 8, 1914, Congress made it a national observance. We can thank our foremothers in the faith for starting this annual event during which we can all say, “Thank God for mothers.”

My message this week is about the faith of a mother named Hannah. Her story is recounted in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, and it is sadly familiar. Unable to conceive a child, Hannah suffered for years because she wanted to have a son. She prayed and prayed until one day the priest, Eli, noticed her. Eventually, God answered her prayers and Samuel was born. What kept Hannah going through those dark days? Let’s learn together as we consider “A Mother’s Prayer.”

Here are a few things to know as we begin the month of May:

- Graduate recognition day is coming up on May 17. If you are graduating from high school, college, trade school, or a certificate program, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Please contact the church office by Wednesday, May 13, to let us know you are graduating. See this week’s bulletin insert for more information.
- The annual yard sale is coming up on Saturday, May 23. If you would like to reserve a booth, several 12’ x 12’ spaces are available. Contact John Collis if interested.
- The Spiritual Practices survey is open for one more week through until May 15. We’ve had a great response so far. There’s still time to provide your input for this important tool that will help us shape spiritual growth and learning opportunities. You can take the survey online by clicking HERE. Everyone from age 12 on up is invited to take this survey. There are some paper surveys for those who don’t have internet access or are uncomfortable working online.

As a reminder, Arden UMC is part of a hub of six churches in southern Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. We come together to worship God, grow in faith, and meet needs in our community. This month, we join the Downtown Martinsburg hub with two events:
- Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 AM to noon, come and help pack food at Kidz Power Pacs. 796 Foxcroft Ave., Martinsburg, behind Café Del Sol and next to Spice Connection.
- Sunday, May 24, 2:30-4:30 PM, come to a picnic at Ambrose Park Pavilion, 25404 Mall Drive, Martinsburg.
Here’s a good opportunity to do some good in the neighborhood, and to get to know some folks in our connected churches.

May the rest of your week be even more blessed than the first part of your week. May you walk in the light of God’s love, who is with us always.

See you in church!

Peace,
Pastor Bob

05/03/2026

Chosen-May 3, 2026

The Weekly for May 1, 2026Friends,I keep seeing a cardinal outside the back door of my house. He was just here a few min...
05/01/2026

The Weekly for May 1, 2026

Friends,

I keep seeing a cardinal outside the back door of my house. He was just here a few minutes ago as I write this. His red color really stands out against the green background of my lawn and the honeysuckle bushes that lie beyond. Mrs. Cardinal has also been noted in the area, though she seems a bit shy. This is one of the joys of living in the woods, in the beauty of God’s creation.

In our worship service this week, we will celebrate the God who calls us into loving relationship with God and with each other. We are all called by God, as indicated by my message entitled “Chosen.” The Apostle Peter wrote about this and used the image of “living stones” (how about that!) and the construction of a living temple (the Church) to convey the idea that we are all together, all called, all invited to use the gifts and graces God gives us. How does it work? Let’s learn more about it this Sunday in worship.

Here are a few things to know as we begin the month of May:

- This Sunday, May 3, is the last Sunday to get your “Acts of Kindness” memorials turned in. The following Sunday, May 10, is Mother’s Day, and we will have all the tributes listed in a special bulletin insert. Please contact Barby Frankenberry if you need more information.
- Arden Day is Saturday, May 9. You can sign up for a task that needs doing, big or small, this Sunday. Tom Drummond is the POC.
- Graduate recognition day is coming up on May 17. If you are graduating from high school, college, trade school, or a certificate program, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Please contact the church office by Wednesday, May 13, to let us know you are graduating. See this week’s bulletin insert for more information.
- The annual yard sale is coming up on Saturday, May 23. If you would like to reserve a booth, several 12’ x 12’ spaces are available. Contact John Collis if interested.

The Arden UMC Spiritual Practices survey is open this week and next. We invite you to take the survey to share some of the “holy habits,” like prayer, Bible study, and local ministry, so we can get a picture of what sustains the people of Arden in their walk with God. Everyone from age 12 on up is invited to take this survey. From youth to experienced saints, we want your input! The survey will be open through at least May 10. There are some paper surveys for those who don’t have internet access or are uncomfortable working online. You can find the link on the Arden UMC Group FB page.

I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week. May the grace of God that was and is with the Savior, Jesus, be yours this day. May you walk in grace and by the light of God’s love share the good news of God’s acceptance with those who need to hear it most.

See you in church!

Peace,
Pastor Bob

Address

4464 Arden Nollville Road
Martinsburg, WV
25403

Opening Hours

9am - 12pm

Telephone

(304) 267-6165

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