Dear Church Family:

As I write this, I am steadily recovering from a week of Covid. This is not how I planned to spend my birthday.  

My sick week has not been fun, but it has not been a total waste of time. My achy and weary body demanded that I catch up on overdue rest. As I began to feel better, I finished an insightful book about the witness of the early church and started another book about discipleship that I have been intending to get to. I did my laundry. I reviewed Advent devotional options. I watched baseball. I had a long conversation with my daughter. I slept some more. Best of all, I was blessed to worship with my Pender family online, to hear powerful testimonies of faith from Greg and Abe, and to see some of you—young and old—lead the service so capably and faithfully. I only wish I could have been there to receive the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood with you.  

A wise person once referred to “redeeming the time,” as in resetting and reorienting the brief time we have in this life. If left to our own desires and devices, we humans are, as the old hymn puts it, “prone to wander” or even to squander this precious life, as in living only for ourselves and for things that distract us for a while but fall short of the glory of our creation in the image of God. And sometimes through no fault of our own, like the bug. Never do I feel the wander and the squander more than when I am sick and not able to accomplish the things that usually define my life. As a follower of Jesus, moments like this force me to pause and ask, “Am I spending my time—my life—in a way that glorifies God and expresses Christ’s love to others?” Undoubtedly the most important thing I did this past week was spend much more time alone with God in prayer.  

As Christians, we know that our time, like our life, needs redeeming. This past week has also been full of stories about terrorist attacks, a potential plague, AI apocalypse, and contentious political elections, among other things. The world frets about all this, and Christians are tempted to the same. Yet the good news of Jesus that we celebrate in the best and worst of times is the gospel of redemption and reconciliation in Christ, by which we and the whole world are restored to God and to each other in love. For all the world’s troubles, sometimes it takes nothing more than being knocked off our usual routines with the bug to remember what matters most—the true source and end of our life, and the short time entrusted to us to accomplish what matters most—to know and love God and to serve others as Christ has served us. It took Covid to remind me of this.  

In retrospect, my Covid week was not a waste of time, but an opportunity to reset my body and soul, to let the Holy Spirit redeem what at first felt like lost time. Because of the grace of God in this time, I have never been so grateful to be sick. Redeem the time, indeed!

God willing, I expect to be back in worship with you again this coming Sunday. And with a fresh sense of what matters most, and how I am to live a life that is not just full, but joyful and faithful in Christ’s service.

How do we say it? God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

Pastor Bruce

💙 Help Others Find Pender — Share Your Story!

Have you found a church home at Pender? Your story could help someone else find theirs!

When people are looking for a church, they often turn to online reviews to learn what a church is really like. Take a few minutes to share what Pender United Methodist Church means to you—whether it’s the welcoming people, meaningful worship, music, fellowship, or the many ways we serve our community.

Your words may be just what someone needs to take that first step through Pender’s doors.

👉 Share your Pender story and help others find us:

visit.penderumc.org/reviews

Thank you for helping Pender welcome our neighbors! 💙

It’s the second half of the bestselling book the world has ever known.

But this episode will test your knowledge about the 27 books in the New Testament.

Chuck explains in the video below.

• October 8, Choir Rehearsal
• October 9, Becoming a Godly Woman
• October 10, Caring Hands
• October 11, Impact Youth
• October 12, The Pender Office will be closed
• October 12 Fun With Music
• October 12, Mary Martha Circle
• October 13, Handbell Rehearsals
• October 13, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
• October 14, AA Open Meeting
• October 15, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• October 17, Walk to End Hunger
• October 17, Washington Soloists Ensemble Concert 
• October 24, Pender United Women in Faith General Meeting
• October 25, Youth Harvest Festival
• November 1, Fall back (change your clocks back one hour)
• November 5, Joyful Thursday
• November 8, Charge Conference
• November 21, Handbell Concert, 2:30 pm
• November 28, Celebration of Life service for Richard Taddeo at Ox Hill Baptist, 11:30 am
• December 5, Christmas Joy at Pender
• December 6, Fellowship Feast
• December 12, Christmas Concert
• December 19, JDC Christmas Party
• December 24, Christmas Eve, 7:00 pm

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Classes. The children meet in the sanctuary until just after Children's Time. They then leave for Sunday School with their teachers. We are asking for volunteers to periodically relieve the Sunday School teachers so they may attend the full worship service.
• Seeker Adult Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 am.
• Praying Our Faith at 9:00 am.
• The Impact Youth Group at 5:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
  Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle, Second Wednesday of the month
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal

Check here for other meetings.

To submit an event to our calendar please fill in this form:
 https://tockify.com/tkf2/submitEvent/eb89c10e1f3b459eaf46987291312ce5.

You’ll receive an email once your event has been added to the Pender calendar. We’ll also reach out if we have any questions about your submission.

Need help? Contact our webmaster.

🌸 Becoming a Godly Woman | Small-Group Study

What does it mean to become a godly woman—not just on the outside, but from the inside out?

Becoming a Godly Woman is a small-group course designed to help you grow in your relationship with God by exploring the deeper patterns that shape our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Together, we’ll look beyond surface behaviors and discover how God meets us in our struggles, heals our hearts, and transforms us from the inside out. Through conversation, reflection, and faith-filled community, we’ll explore what it means to grow closer to God and allow Him to shape our lives.

📅 Small-Group Details

Fridays, October 2–November 13

10:00–11:45 a.m.

📖 Handbook: $30

💗 Scholarships are available.

If you’d like to learn more or register, please contact the Pender United Methodist Church office.

Come as you are. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your desire to grow.

There is room for you in this journey. ❤️

Items below:

• Drivers Needed
• WFCM News
• Faith in Action
• Answering the Call: Supporting Students at Skyview High School
• WFCM News
• Upcoming Events including Pender United Women in Faith General Meeting, A Youth Harvest Festival, Handbell Concert, A Family Christmas Morning and a Greenbriar Yard Sale
• News from Pender’s Scout Troop 1530
• Medical Equipment
• JDC Christmas Party
• What's So Special About Home?
• Financial News
• United Women in Faith Announces 2027 Reading Program List
• A Bit of Methodist Humor

Drivers Needed

Would you be able to driver some of our Pender family members to worship from time to time? 

We are blessed to have a couple of us who have done this on a regular basis, but now they need help in getting some of our younger brothers and sisters to church. 

Please contact Pastor Bruce if you would like to consider helping with this important ministry.

WFCM Executive Director's Update 

I am happy to share that we were awarded Emergency Food and Emergency Housing grants from Fairfax County Government. These grants will provide $10,000 per month for us to purchase food and $20,000 per month for direct rent/utility assistance for a two-year period, as well as administrative funds to operate these programs. These funds and the county partnership are a key part of ensuring we can meet the needs of community members in western Fairfax County. While we have not received the funds yet, we look forward to this multi-year partnership.

One of the requirements of the Emergency Food grant is to ask community members selecting food in our markets, receiving home delivery, or picking up immediate pre-bagged food if the food offered is healthy, if it meets their needs (including cultural/religious), and if by receiving food at WFCM, they are ablet to use income to meet other needs (such as towards rent or utility bills) while reducing food insecurity. Wanting to keep this process as easy for community members as possible while respecting their dignity and voice, we have started asking individuals selecting food if they agree with these statements (in English, Spanish, Korean, or otherwise translated as needed).

• At WFCM I can get healthy food.
• At WFCM I can get food that meets my needs (including cultural or religious special needs).
• Getting food at WFCM helps me have food I need and use income for other needs.

During our first week of surveying, 97% of community members answered yes to all three questions. Some shared stories. One man said that the need to come to WFCM for food began earlier this year when he and his wife found out she was pregnant with twins. They were expecting and prepared for one child, but carrying two meant that she had to stop working earlier than expected when she was placed on bedrest by her doctor. The cost of two babies, and care for two babies, has kept his wife home while he is working to support the three of them. He said he is proud to do this and thankful for the help that WFCM provides. By getting food and diapers at WFCM, he is able to pay other bills.

This is the difference that WFCM is making for families in our community. Your monetary and food donations enabled us to turn each $1 the county allocated for the Emergency Food grant into $13 during the month of September. Your partnership is the reason that families are able to receive hundreds of dollars worth of food each month (including toiletries and diapers) that last up to two weeks.

Your support is critical and impactful for thousands of community members!

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

School's Out/ Holiday Food

Thank you to the partners who have already signed up to provide Thanksgiving or December food boxes and or funds for fresh food. We have commitments for 960 out of the 1,100 boxes needed for Thanksgiving and 800 of the 900 we need for December. If your congregation wants to support these distributions, please complete the survey below by October 16th.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFB5RXM

What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services



In September, we provided client choice food selection for 729 unduplicated families (212 of those families were served at our Centreville Free Food Market). We served 73 new families. We are grateful for our partnership with DoorDash that enabled us to provide deliveries of groceries to 63 households during the month.

Average weight of a bag of food is 21 lbs.

Food value of 1 lb. of food FY 2027 = $1.92

WFCM provides more than food to our neighbors – they also provide direct financial assistance for rent as well as other support programs to help families become self-sufficient. All of these activities are funding by financial donations.

How YOU can help:

1.  Place needed items into the cart at Pender for weekly delivery to WFCM

2.  Provide a monetary donation through Pender by designating WFCM on your check or on-line giving. 

3.  Order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite H, Chantilly, VA 20151 (Amazon is best for heavy items.)

4.  Donate your time by volunteering in the Food Pantry or another of their many services.

To learn more, click here to link to the WFCM website. www.wfcmva.org​

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Bryan, the Pender coordinator with WFCM. 

🎒 Answering the Call: Supporting Students at Skyview High School

Last week, Pender UMC received an urgent request from Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM): Could we help provide six backpacks for students with significant needs?

The answer was yes! Through the generosity and caring spirit of our Pender community, the need was met. Arlet Williams recently met with Loris, the Family Liaison Officer at Skyview High School, to help get these much-needed backpacks into the hands of students.

Skyview is a brand-new comprehensive Fairfax County high school designed to prepare students for specialized pathways in aerospace, artificial intelligence, technology, and robotics. The school is also committed to being a relationship-centered community where meaningful connections are built among students, staff, families, and the wider community.

Please keep Skyview High School—its students, families, faculty, and staff—in your prayers. And pray that Pender will continue to recognize opportunities like this one to reach beyond our walls, respond to our neighbors’ needs, and share the love of God and love of neighbor in meaningful and practical ways.

Sometimes sharing God’s love begins with something as simple as a backpack. ❤️

Breakfast on Saturday October 17, 2026. The Walk to End Hunger is part of the Centreville Day Parade. 

​

Date: October 17

Breakfast: 8:45-10am

Walk to End Hunger: 10:45-11:30am 

The Fellowship Breakfast will feature a hearty meal including pancakes, eggs, crispy potatoes, and breakfast meat. Families can enjoy having their faces painted while we eat, chat, and hear WFCM updates. ​​The Walk to End Hunger is a one-mile family-friendly walk at the end of the Centreville Day Parade to raise awareness about food insecurity in our communities and ​raise funds for our Free Food Markets in Chantilly and Centreville. To learn more about Centreville Day activities, visit historiccentrevilleva.org. 

​

New this year, WFCM participants will have our own shuttle buses between the breakfast location and Centreville Day. While you may register for the breakfast only or walk only, we encourage you to join us for both. If you are concerned about walking the full mile in the parade, you may take the WFCM shuttle and watch the parade, with minimal walking to and from the shuttle drop-off location.

​

Also new this year, instead of a virtual auction WFCM will offer a raffle for dining gift cards for registered participants. Each Adult/Youth registered participant will receive one raffle ticket. You can purchase additional raffle tickets when signing up for the breakfast and or walk online. All prizes are valued at $100+. Limit one prize per person. Raffle ticket sales are tax deductible less the value of any prize won. Raffle sales end October 14th prior to the breakfast and walk. ​

From Facebook this week and shared with permission:

The cold reminds me to share this each year, but the offer always stands.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, please don’t let yourself or your kids go to bed hungry.

In Fairfax County, text me at 646-620-6317. We can drop off groceries or arrange delivery. My 17-year-old son would love to help, too.

Outside the D.C. area? Text me anyway. We’ll figure something out.

Always confidential. No explanation needed. Just reach out. A friend loveth at all times.

Although the offer mentioned Fairfax County, a woman from NYC responded on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

On Sunday morning (October 4, 2026) all this food was delivered to her home.

Very early conversations have begun about a possible partnership between Pender United Methodist Church and a United Methodist church in Troy, New York, with the goal of working together to help address food insecurity and support people in need in the community.

It’s still in the early stages, but we’re excited to explore how our churches might work together to share resources, build connections, and make a difference in the lives of others.

All thanks to one Facebook post!

Pender United Women in Faith General Meeting October 24 at 9 am

Please come enjoy breakfast and fellowship with sisters in Christ.

We'll plan for Christmas activities and get ideas for our Spring Retreat and fundraisers. We value your input.

All women welcome!

🍂🎃 Youth Harvest Festival at Pender! 🎃🍂

Get ready for an evening of food, fun, and fall festivities! 🍁

Our Harvest Festival will be hosted during our regular Impact Youth time, but all youth are welcome and encouraged to join us! Bring a friend and come ready to have some fun! 👍

📅 Sunday, October 25

⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM

🍽️ Yummy dinner + dessert

🎉 Fun, age-appropriate activities

👫 Friends, fellowship & lots of laughs!

We’re still planning the details, but one thing is certain: it’s going to be a fun night! 🍂

Impact Youth — and all youth — are invited!

Free Handbell Concert!

Come experience the joy and beauty of handbell music on Saturday, November 21, at 2:30 p.m. in the Grace UMC Fellowship Hall in Manassas!

We’re especially excited that Pender’s Joy Ringers and Carillon will be among the 10 handbell choirs coming together for this special concert, directed by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug.

Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music, ringing bells, and joyful fellowship. Admission is free, and you won’t want to miss it! 🔔🎶

• Grace UMC Fellowship Hall
• 9750 Wellington Rd, Manassas, VA 20110

Create • Celebrate • Share

A Family Christmas Morning at Pender UMC, December 5, 10:30 am

🍪 Decorate Christmas Cookies

✨ Celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World

🎄 Make Chrismons & Christmas Ornaments

👼 Create Angels

🎶 Sing Christmas Carols Together

Plus: Homemade treats for sale, prayer shawls for those in need, Christmas music, and a special outdoor Nativity!

🏕️ Adventure, Leadership & Fun — Join Scout Troop 1530!

Pender UMC’s Scout Troop 1530 is welcoming new Scouts and their families!

Scouting gives young people opportunities to get outdoors, try new adventures, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and learn the value of teamwork and community service. Along the way, Scouts make friendships and memories that can last a lifetime.

Youth in 5th through 12th grades are invited to come see what Troop 1530 is all about. The troop meets Monday evenings at 7:00 PM at Pender United Methodist Church. Prospective Scouts and their families are welcome to stop by, meet the troop, and learn more—no commitment necessary.

Whether your child loves camping and the outdoors, wants to learn new skills, or is simply looking for a place to belong and grow, Troop 1530 would love to welcome you!

For questions or additional information, please contact Joseph Lin or Scoutmaster Pat Jones at patjones1962@gmail.com.

Come explore what Scouting has to offer with Pender’s Troop 1530! ⚜️

Free Medical Equipment

Pender has accumulated gently used medical equipment that is free to anyone who needs it.  It is presently stored in the “Go” room (the old library). 

If you know someone who might benefit from this, feel free to direct them to the office and we’ll make sure they can see what is available.

Please join us at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center located at 10650 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA. 22030, on December 19 from 11:30 to 1:00 PM, for our annual Christmas Party with the JDC staff and students.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share the love and joy of the Christmas season with at-risk youth.

We serve pizza, soda, and home made cookies, sing Christmas carols with a live Christian band.

Questions please reach out to Arlet Williams.

Established in 1993, Washington Soloist Ensemble has been an integral part of the Korean diaspora that has represented Korean culture in the United States through music. The group has performed in numerous key events over the years including the Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States. By harmonizing the choral artistry of Korea and the United States, the group’s music resonates with the heart and leaves a lasting impression.

Concert Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

In my Father's house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

John 14:2 

There is a certain feeling that only home can give. It might be the smell of a familiar kitchen, the creak of a floorboard you know by heart, or the way you can finally exhale the moment you walk through the door. Home is where you are known and where you belong. Maybe you have a place like that, or maybe you are still searching for it, carrying a quiet ache for somewhere you truly fit. If your heart longs for home in a way you cannot quite explain, please know you are not alone. That longing is one of the deepest and most human things we carry.

The prodigal son knew this ache well. He demanded his inheritance, walked away from his father, and chased a life that promised everything. But far from home, feeding pigs and starving, he finally came to his senses. He turned toward the one place he thought he had lost forever. And here is the beautiful part: while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, ran to him, and threw his arms around him. There was no lecture, only a robe, a ring, and a celebration. Home was never about the house. It was about the father waiting there with open arms.

Here is the tender truth you can hold onto today: God designed you for home, and ultimately heaven is that home. Every earthly longing for belonging whispers to you about Him. Jesus promised He is preparing a place for us, a home where every tear is wiped away, and we are welcomed forever. Wherever you find yourself, near or far, the Father is watching the road, ready to run toward you. So take a quiet moment today and come home to Him in prayer, honestly and without pretending. Then create a little more warmth for someone else this week. Open the door of your heart to a person who needs a black to belong.

~by Dr. Joe Pettigrew 

Stewardship is about more than weekly donations. It is a demonstration of your trust, gratitude, and commitment to the Lord Almighty. 

Take some quiet time through bible study and heartfelt prayer to discern God’s will in your life. 

During this time, we appreciate your continued generosity in providing your weekly tithes and offerings.

As of August 31, 2026:



MTD actual revenue was $50,450;  YTD actual revenue was $359,903;

MTD actual expenses was $44,029; YTD actual expenses was $404,322;

MTD net gain was $6,420;      YTD net loss was ($44,419).

United Women in Faith Announces 2027 Reading Program List

We are delighted to announce the release of the 2027 Reading Program! It is available at uwfaith.org/read for free download.

This year's Reading Program features a carefully-selected collection of contemporary books on spiritual growth, social action, leadership development, nurturing for community, and education for mission for readers of all ages. Selections include books in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Borrow the 2027 Reading Program books from your local library or purchase them from the bookseller of your choice, as you prefer. If you're looking for a centralized spot to buy most Reading Program books while earning 10% cash back for United Women in Faith, visit bookshop.org/shop/uwfaith.

If you would like to receive invitations to author talks, book discussions, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year, click here to join our Reading Program email list.

Finally, thank you to the wonderful group of 175+ volunteer evaluators and eight Reading Program Committee members who do the behind-the-scenes work to make the 2027 Reading Program possible. Extra special appreciation goes to Reading Program Committee Chair Kelly G. Loeb and Administrative Assistant Robin Johnson.

Here's to another year of reading and growing together!

Pender is an open and welcoming church. We accept and embrace all persons, period. All people are blessed children of God. Pender is a caring and praying church community; we believe as Christians that we are called to follow and practice the ways of Jesus Christ, who is our ever present and living God.

Our mission is to practice and embrace, providing unconditional love and acceptance of all of God's children as He loves and accepts all of us.

We do not discriminate based on age, mental, physical, or intellectual ability, culture, gender, race, religious belief or unbelief, or sexual orientation.