Dear Church Family:

We have had a wonderful response to my invitation for our Pender members and friends to consider participating in a Friends in Christ group. For those who haven’t heard, these groups are designed to help their members in spiritual growth, personal support, and community formation in Christ. As instruments of the Holy Spirit, similar groups (called “Class Meetings”) were essential to the growth of the Methodist renewal movement in 18^th century England and its expansion to America and across the world. They were prominent among American Methodists until the 20^th century and now are being reintroduced again in some places as a powerful tool for transforming our lives and fellowship in this new day of God’s work through Christ’s church. As I have shared with some of you, I have been in such a group for 16 years. The Holy Spirit has used these weekly meetings with brothers and sisters in Christ to change my life in good and needed ways.

If you have not been able to attend our first two introductory sessions to find out more about the purpose and process of Friends in Christ, I will be meeting with all interested persons this Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 in the library. If you did not sign up, but are interested or just curious, you are welcome to join us and have your questions answered. If you cannot be there on Saturday, I would be happy to talk with you some time about this opportunity. Finding out more does not obligate you to join a group. 

You have heard me say it before: I am convinced that God is doing a new work at Pender UMC for a new day of making Jesus’ disciples. Could it be that developing deeper friendships in Christ will help you grow to become a more intentional and fruitful part of that great work?

Pastor Bruce

An Important Message for Parents from Pender UMC ❤️

If your kids are loud, please still come to church.

They’re kids—and we love having them here!

If you’re running late because getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door felt like a battle, please still come. Walk in late. Walk in frazzled. Walk in carrying backpacks, diaper bags, snacks, and all the things. We’ll be happy to see you.

If your toddler won’t sit still, please still come. Wiggles are welcome! We have a nursery and children’s spaces, and there are plenty of people here who understand that little ones have a lot of energy.

If your baby needs to eat, please still come. Feed that baby. Comfort that baby. Do whatever your baby needs. You never need to apologize for caring for your child at church.

If your child asks questions at the least convenient moment, please still come. We love their curiosity, their observations, and those wonderfully unexpected questions.

Children are learning what worship means—and sometimes their questions are part of that learning.

If you feel like you spent the entire service managing your children and heard approximately 12% of the sermon, please still come. We understand. We are a church family. We’ll encourage you, help when we can, and remind you that showing up matters.

If you’re worried your children are distracting the people around you, please still come. Children are not an interruption to church. They are part of the church. Our congregation loves them, and we want them here.

Please don’t wait until your children are older, quieter, calmer, or better at sitting still before bringing them to worship.

Bring them just as they are. Bring yourself just as you are.

There will be wiggles.

There may be noise.

There may be spilled snacks.

There will definitely be questions.

And there will also be joy, laughter, learning, love, and a community that wants your family here.

Come as you are.

Your children belong here.

You belong here.

❤️ At Pender, there is a place for every generation.

Amen. You may say it every day, but do you even know what it means?

And, for those United Methodists old enough to remember, why is it not at the end of hymns any longer?

Chuck explains in the video below.

• September 24, Choir Rehearsal
• September 26, Friends in Christ Interest Meeting
• September 27, Kid's Sunday School
• September 27, Church Council
• September 27, Impact Youth
• September 27, JDC - Juvenile Detention Center
• September 28, Fun With Music
• September 28, Mary Martha Circle
• September 29, Handbell Rehearsals
• September 29, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
• September 30, AA Open Meeting
• October 1, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• October 1, Joyful Thursday
• October 2, Becoming a Godly Woman
• October 10, Caring Hands
• October 17, Walk to End Hunger
• October 17, Washington Soloists Ensemble Concert 
• December 6, Fellowship Feast
• December 12, Christmas Concert

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. ❤️

Sunday, September 27, 2026 

1:30 to 2:30 PM (please arrive at 1:15 PM)

Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center

10650 Page Avenue

Fairfax, VA.

Our God, is a God of Second Chances! 

Please join us this Sunday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM as we lead worship at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center. 

Both the staff and teenagers really look forward to worshiping our Risen Savior together!

No special skills needed, just a heart to sing, read scripture, and pray with the youth and staff.

Find Your Place at Pender This Fall 🍂

There’s a place for you at Pender!

As fall gets underway, many of our favorite Pender activities and ministries are getting started again. Whether you’ve been part of our church family for years or you’re looking for a place to connect for the first time, this is a wonderful season to find your place at Pender.

🎶 Sing with Us

Do you love to sing? Pender Choir rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, under the direction of Jane McKee. All singers—from high school students through seniors—are welcome.

Our Carillon Ringers rehearse Tuesdays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. under the direction of Brian Stevenson. If you enjoy music and would like to try handbells, come join us!

🍽️ Gather Around the Table

Our monthly Fellowship Feasts are returning! Following worship on Sunday, September 20, we'll celebrate with a church barbecue. The main barbecue items will be provided, and everyone is invited to bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share.

It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy some good food together.

❤️ Serve Our Neighbors

Pender is also a place where faith becomes action.

Our Medical Closet provides wheelchairs, walkers, ice machines, canes, and other medical equipment to people who need them—free of charge.

Our Neighborhood Food Pantry offers another simple but meaningful way to care for our neighbors. Like a little free library for food, it allows people to take what they need and leave what they can.

🙏 Grow in Faith

There are many ways to grow spiritually at Pender—from worship and Bible studies to small groups, prayer, music, fellowship, and opportunities to serve.

You don't have to do everything. Just find one place where you can connect, contribute, and grow.

🍁 This Fall, Find Your Place

Maybe your place is in the choir.

Maybe it's ringing a handbell.

Maybe it's sharing a meal around a table.

Maybe it's helping a neighbor.

Maybe it's welcoming someone new.

Or maybe it's simply showi

ng up on Sunday and discovering where God is leading you next.

Whatever gifts, interests, and experiences you bring, there is room for you at Pender.

We hope you'll join us this fall as we worship, serve, learn, laugh, sing, and grow together.

Come find your place at Pender!

Pender United Methodist Church

12401 Alder Woods Drive • Fairfax, VA 22033

penderumc.org

Items below:

• Helping People Return to Church
• Drivers Needed
• WFCM News, including a job offer
• Upcoming Events
• Isn't It Strange?
• Medical Equipment
• What United Methodists Can Do About Suicide
• Financial News
• United Women in Faith Announces 2027 Reading Program List
• A Bit of Humor

For many churches, fall feels like a reset. School is back in session. Summer travel slows down. Choir rehearsals, Bible studies, children’s ministries, and service projects begin filling the calendar again. Families start rebuilding routines, and many people who were in and out during the summer begin thinking about coming back to worship.

Before they do, many of them are asking one question.

Will it feel awkward to return?

This matters more than many churches realize. Most people do not need a stronger pitch. They need to know they can walk back in without feeling embarrassed, singled out, or behind.

Life interrupts church attendance for all kinds of reasons. A family takes a few weekend trips, a parent spends weeks helping an aging parent after a hospital stay, work schedules change, or someone gets out of the habit and is not sure how to start again. Absence does not always mean disinterest. Sometimes it simply means life got crowded.

Send the right message

That is why it helps when churches make returning feel normal. A line like, “Whether you have been away for a few weeks or much longer, we would be glad to see you this Sunday,” gives people room to come back without having to explain themselves. It lowers the pressure and tells them they are welcome now regardless of why they’ve been away.

The same principle applies to fall ministry programming. This time of year often brings a new sermon series, small groups, children’s activities, choir rehearsals, and service opportunities. It is easy for every message to sound urgent. But when every announcement says, “Do not miss this,” people who already feel out of rhythm may hear something else. They may hear that they are already late or feel silent pressure to attend every event.

A better approach is to invite people into what is happening now with phrases like:

“Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series.”

“There is still room for you.”

“We would love to welcome you back this fall.”

Those kinds of messages may seem simple, but they focus on the next step in front of someone, not on everything that person has missed.

Communicate changes and expectations clearly

Think beyond the announcement itself. Returning members and visitors are often paying attention to small things long before worship begins. They notice whether the website is current, service times are easy to find, the children’s check-in process is explained clearly, or anyone speaks to them before they have to ask where to go. Those details matter because uncertainty keeps people home.

If worship times changed over the summer, say so clearly. If children are moving to new classrooms this fall, explain where families should go. If you want guests to stop by a welcome desk or scan a QR code for more information, make that easy to understand before Sunday morning. A short email or social post with a few practical details can remove more hesitation than a long paragraph about how much everyone is missed.

The little things count

One of the most encouraging things a returning member can hear is something specific and genuine. “It was good to see you Sunday” is kind. “It was good to see you Sunday. I hope your son is settling in well at college” or “It was good to see you Sunday. How was your family trip to…” feels even warmer. Specificity tells people they are remembered as individuals, not merely noticed as attendance.

That kind of care does not have to be dramatic. In many churches, it looks like a greeter recognizing a familiar face that has not been around in a while, a Sunday school teacher saving a child’s name tag before class starts, or a volunteer walking a grandparent and two children to the right hallway instead of pointing from a distance. These are small moments. People remember them.

Let them ease back in

It is also wise to keep the next step manageable. Fall calendars fill quickly. Parents are balancing school schedules, homework, sports practices, and work demands. Retirees may be caring for grandchildren. College students are adjusting to a new semester. If someone returns after time away, that person may not be ready to sign up for three new things right away.

Sometimes the best invitation is a small one: Come to worship, stay for coffee, visit one class, meet one ministry leader, etc. A simple next step feels possible. A long list can feel exhausting.

Churches can prepare for this before the first busy Sunday arrives. Take a few minutes with greeters, ushers, and ministry leaders to talk through what a returning family might experience in the first ten minutes after arriving. Ask what might feel confusing, what might feel warm, and what might make someone hesitate. Those conversations can reveal a lot.

Make it personal

When someone does come back, notice it. Do not let that Sunday be the end of the interaction. A short note, a brief text, or a quick phone call early the next week can make a real difference. It does not need to be polished. It just needs to be sincere.

Conclusion



Ultimately, helping people return in the fall is less about a strong program and more about a clear, gracious welcome. When churches remove unnecessary pressure, communicate simply, and offer genuine, personal connection, they make it easier for people to take that next step back into community. Fall may feel like a reset, but for many, it is also a quiet invitation. With a little intentionality, churches can ensure that invitation is one people feel comfortable accepting.

From https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/helping-people-return-to-church-in-the-fall

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 

September is Hunger Action Month. Every year this brings renewed awareness to the challenges of hunger and food insecurity in our community. At WFCM, we re-start the deliveries to stock the Free Food Fridges at 12 Fairfax County Public Schools providing weekend meals for nearly 700 students. We also start working with partners to plan the November and December Holiday/School's Out Food Distributions that will serve hundreds of families (link to sign up is below). We look forward to community members helping us stock our shelves through annual food drives coordinated by our partners including the Fairfax County Government Stuff the Bus food collection on September 19th (donate at the Sully District Government Center to benefit WFCM) and Scouting for Food on November 14th. In addition to attending several community and school fairs, WFCM is preparing for our annual Resource Fair that will be held later this month for families we serve.

As we prepare for Holiday/School's Out Food, and always seek to hear the needs of the families we serve, we surveyed families in August to ask about food preferences. In addition to sharing food preferences, clients shared these comments in the survey: 

•  “Thank you for all you do. It makes life a little less stressful for so many people when we don’t have to worry about how we’re going to afford our next meal.” 




•  “We had a very positive experience with your organization. The food was greatly appreciated, and your kindness, generosity, and care for the community truly make a difference. Thank you for your wonderful support and for helping families in need.”

•  “These resources have been of great help to our family. We are forever grateful for the service and kindness we receive every month from WFCM’s Chantilly Market.”

• “I really appreciate the lady who packs my groceries (after I select them in the market). She is amazing.”

I am grateful to all of our volunteers and partners who ensure families receive the food they need and feel treated well when visiting WFCM. 

In addition to the critical resources of food and financial assistance for housing, last month 15 congregation partners (including hundreds of community members) provided 1,355 backpacks for students at 18 local Fairfax County Public Schools, as requested by school staff to meet their needs. Thank you to everyone who participated! 

If you are looking for additional ways to get involved this month, consider using the ideas on the Hunger Action Month calendar developed by our Deputy Director, Pamela. Click here to download the Hunger Action Month Calendar pdf. You can also save the date and share the flyer for Stuff the Bus by downloading the Stuff the Bus pdf here. 

To sign up to support the Thanksgiving or December Holiday/School's Out Food Distributions, please complete this survey by October 16th. 

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

God bless,
Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

Other WFCM needs:

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. 

On this #ThankfulThursday, we are thankful for our co-worker Ingrid who will be moving into the role of Client Services Specialist. But, now we need to fill her previous role. Interested in joining our team? 

WFCM is hiring for a Client Operations & Programs Coordinator.  

Learn more at https://www.wfcmva.org/careers 

WFCM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

Registration is now closed for
the 3rd Walk to End Hunger and Fellowship

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. ​

Former Pender Associate Pastor Chad Herndon recently shared the poem “Isn’t It Strange” by an unknown author, along with his own reflections on its message and meaning.

We’re grateful that Chad has given Pender permission to share his words with our church community.

We hope this thoughtful poem and Chad’s reflections offer a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the unexpected ways life, faith, and God can touch our hearts.

For those who are new to Pender, Pastor Chad Herndon served as an Associate Pastor at Pender United Methodist Church from July 2004 through July 2007.

During his time at Pender, Chad also helped launch Common Ground, Pender’s contemporary worship service, which began in 2004.

Today, Chad serves as Lead Pastor of New Song United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

We’re grateful for the ways Chad continues to share his faith and ministry with others—and for the lasting impact he had here at Pender.

"Isn’t It Strange”

Isn’t it strange how a twenty dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn’t it strange how two hours seem so long when you’re at church, and so short when you’re at a ball game?

Isn’t it strange that you can’t find a word to say when you’re praying but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn’t it strange how difficult and boring you think it is to read one chapter of the Bible but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?

Isn’t it strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games, but they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in church?

Isn’t it strange how we need to know about an event for church at least two weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events at the last minute?

Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to learn spiritual things to share with others but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?

***********

These aren’t always the types of questions I ponder, but they did prompt a few “ironies” I’ve not been able to ignore of late.

I continue to find that we often find what we’re looking for - negative mind, negative results… it may not always be exact in the vice-versa scenarios, but negative headspace is often the lowest-hanging fruit if we’re not careful. Many have “a problem for every solution!”

Maybe, even if just for today, I’ll try my best to see that glass as a ‘cup of ambition’ vs. having to be half empty or half full. Maybe I’ll hunt for the rainbow before seeing all the puddles to walk through. Maybe I’ll find a way to “get in the balcony” and admire everyone’s new dance moves vs. being mad that my toes keep getting stepped on.

I’ve read a verse along the way that says, “Whatever you do, work at it as if for the Lord.” Somewhere, someone is having a very blessed day. Statistically, someone else is likely having a rough day. Times are tough for many reasons… just know that you are loved, seen, wanted, appreciated, invited, and our world is a better place because you’re in it.

Here’s to making it one day at a time. (And if that gets to be too much, maybe just an hour or even just a few minutes at a time.)

Here’s to a renewed focus and heightened perspective … it makes seeing all of life’s ‘strangest strangenesses’ a little more possible… a little more purposeful… a little more fun.

Here’s to a day that gives more than it takes… one that’s worthy of God’s time (and yours)… one that leaves you better than the morning found you.

Praying for you!

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.

What United Methodists Can Do About Suicide

Suicide is a serious public health issue that touches families, congregations and communities. It can also be difficult to talk about. But talking openly and compassionately about suicide, knowing how to recognize when someone may be at risk and helping people connect with appropriate care can save lives.

The United Methodist Church affirms that every life is sacred and that suicide does not separate a person from the grace and love of God. We are called to respond to people experiencing suicidal thoughts – and to those grieving a suicide loss – with compassion, hope and support rather than judgment or stigma.

If you or someone you know needs help

In the United States and its territories or Canada, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or a mental health or substance use crisis. You can also contact 988 if you are concerned about someone else. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Outside the United States and Canada, Find A Helpline can help you locate verified crisis and emotional support services available in your country.

If someone is in immediate physical danger or has already attempted suicide, contact the emergency medical services available where you are or go to the nearest emergency department.

How can I help someone who may be considering suicide?

You do not need to be a mental health professional to make a difference.

Pay attention. Take comments about hopelessness, unbearable pain, feeling trapped, being a burden or wanting to die seriously. Significant changes in behavior – including withdrawal, extreme mood changes, increased substance use or looking for ways to die – can also be warning signs.

Ask directly. If you are concerned, it is OK to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking someone directly about suicide does not put the idea in their mind. Instead, it can give them permission to talk honestly about what they are experiencing.

Listen without judgment. You do not need to have all the answers. Be present. Take what the person tells you seriously. Avoid minimizing their pain, debating their feelings or suggesting that stronger faith should make those feelings go away.

Help keep them safe. If someone tells you they are considering suicide, stay with them and help them connect with support. When possible and safe to do so, reduce their access to things they could use to harm themselves.

Connect them with qualified help. Help them reach an appropriate crisis service, mental health professional, health care provider or other qualified source of care. In the United States and Canada, you can call or text 988 together. In other countries, use local crisis services or Find A Helpline to identify available support. Continue to check in afterward. Faith, prayer and a supportive community can be important sources of hope and connection, but they are not substitutes for professional care when someone is at risk.

What does The United Methodist Church teach about suicide?

United Methodists believe that life is a sacred gift from God. The church opposes suicide while also recognizing the complex circumstances that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behavior, including depression and other forms of mental illness, substance use, personal or family crises, loss of livelihood, forced migration and displacement, oppression, violence and other forms of suffering.

The United Methodist Church also acknowledges that the church has not always understood or responded well to suicide. Our Social Principles call congregations to educate themselves, develop appropriate protocols for responding to people considering suicide and connect people with experienced counselors or medical professionals.

We affirm that suicide does not bar a person from God’s grace. Those who die by suicide, those who survive suicide attempts and the people who grieve them should never be denied the ministries, care or compassion of the church.

As Romans 8 reminds us, nothing – “neither death nor life … nor anything else in all creation” – can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Help to make your church and community safer

Every person can contribute to a culture in which people feel able to say when they are hurting and ask for help without shame.

We can reduce stigma by talking responsibly about mental health and suicide. We can learn the warning signs. We can take people seriously when they tell us they are struggling. We can encourage professional help-seeking. And we can offer the sustained companionship, connection and hope that faith communities are uniquely equipped to provide.

Faith leaders, lay leaders, seminary students and others who want to learn more are invited to take Suicide Prevention Training for Faith Leaders and Faith Communities, a free, comprehensive video training resource developed by the E. Stanley Jones Foundation in partnership with the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.

Access the free suicide prevention training

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

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.