Back to Church Sunday at Pender — September 20

September 20 is Back to Church Sunday at Pender—and it’s the perfect time to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you!

As we welcome the return of many of Pender’s programs and activities, we’ll celebrate the beginning of a new season with worship, fellowship, food, and fun.

Following worship, we’re kicking off our monthly Fellowship Feasts with a good old-fashioned church barbecue! We’ll provide the main barbecue items, and we’d love for you to help complete the feast by bringing a favorite side dish or dessert to share.

Fellowship Feasts are about more than a meal. They’re a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, welcome new faces, meet someone you may not know yet, and strengthen our Pender family around the table.

Whether you’ve been part of Pender for years, haven’t been here in a while, or are joining us for the very first time, we hope you’ll stay after worship and celebrate with us!

🍽️ Bring a dish to share.

🤝 Bring a friend.

😊 Come ready for fellowship.

Everyone is welcome! We can’t wait to see you at Pender for Back to Church Sunday!

When It Seems Our Prayers Aren't Answered

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your own pleasures.

James 4:3 

Most of us carry a quiet list of prayers that never seemed to land. The job we begged for and never got. The relationship we pleaded to keep, only to watch it slip away. The door we knocked on again and again until our knuckles ached, yet it stayed firmly shut. In those moments, it can feel like God simply was not listening. But looking back now, can you see it? Some of the prayers He did not answer the way you wanted were among His greatest gifts to you.

Consider the apostle Paul. He pleaded with the Lord three times to remove a painful "thorn in his flesh." Yet God gently answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). What looked like a denied request became the very thing that kept Paul humble and dependent on God. The Lord did not ignore him. He simply loved him too much to give him the easy answer. God always sees the full picture when we can only see a single page.

Here is the hope you can hold onto today: God's "no" is never careless. He knows the road ahead, the hidden dangers, and the better plans waiting beyond what we can imagine. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us He has "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Sometimes the kindest thing He can do is close a door we are desperately pushing against. What felt like rejection was actually protection. What felt like silence was His steady, loving hand guiding us somewhere better.

From Morning With Jesus

Did you know that Pender offers online giving?

Giving is one of the central themes in the Bible. Jesus talked more about this subject than heaven, hell or prayer.  Pender now offers online giving as an option to our congregation.

The Web has radically changed the way we shop, conduct our finances, get our news, participate in politics and it’s EVEN changing the way we give. These days, most people appreciate the ability to make a financial contribution even when they’re not able to give in person.

Many people also appreciate the ability to plan their giving and set it up so that they don’t have to think about it every Sunday as they are running out the door to attend worship service.

If you are one of these people, Online Giving is here to simplify your life!

Giving online is safe and secure. Whether you want to submit a single donation, would like to set up scheduled giving or view giving history, you are able to do it all online. Online Giving processes donations directly from your bank account using the ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment method. Pender’s program is like the method many of you are now using to pay bills online and manage your bank accounts. You are completely in control of your giving. The process is easy to follow and the office staff will be available to give hands on assistance if you need it.

Online Giving also helps Pender by helping to ensure consistent donations throughout the year, particularly when winter storms, vacations or illness lowers attendance. Everyone benefits and the ministries we have in serving God are not impaired by periods of shortfall giving.

The following is the link to begin using Pender’s Online Giving function. If this is your first time, you will have to set up an account. It’s a very easy process and should only take a few minutes.

GIVE NOW

Also, as you go through the process and need help, there is a HELP button at the top right side of each page.

Here’s what Chuck has to say about The Offering Plate:

THE OFFERING PLATE. Do you know the history of taking up an offering? Didn’t think so.

Chuck gives you the facts and a few blunders. Stay tuned to the very end for a surprise.

Smile and learn with Chuck.

• September 17, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• September 17, Choir Rehearsal
• September 19, Stuff the Bus
• September 20, New Website Reveal
• September 20, Back to Church Sunday
• September 20, Fellowship Feast/BBQ
• September 20, Kid's Sunday School resumes
• September 20, Impact Youth
• September 21, Fun With Music
• September 21, Mary Martha Circle
• September 22, Handbell Rehearsals
• September 22, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
• September 23, AA Open Meeting
• September 24, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• September 27, Church Council
• October 1, Joyful Thursday
• October 13, Caring Hands
• October 17, Walk to End Hunger
• October 17, Washington Soloists Ensemble Concert 
• 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.

Celebrating New Beginnings in Philippi

On September 11–12, 2026, members of Pender UMC traveled to Philippi, West Virginia, for a very special occasion—the groundbreaking and dedication of new Tiny Houses for Women.

This celebration marked an exciting milestone in a mission Pender had supported through generous giving, fundraising, prayer, and service. These new homes represented more than walls and a roof; they offered hope, dignity, stability, and a fresh start for the women who would call them home.

We kept our Pender travelers, the Philippi community, and the future residents of these Tiny Houses in our prayers as we celebrated this wonderful new chapter!

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
• WFCM News, including a job offer
• Upcoming Events: Rehearsals, Balalaika Concert and more.
• Isn't It Strange?
• Vote for Patrick King, Super Dad
• What United Methodists Can Do About Suicide
• Financial News
• United Women in Faith Announces 2027 Reading Program List

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

The Pender Sanctuary Choir Is Back!

Do you love to sing? Pender's choir is restarting under the direction of Jane McKee, and we would love for you to be part of it!

Join us Tonight, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

All singers are welcome—from high school students through seniors. Whether you are an experienced choir member or simply enjoy singing, there is a place for you!



Come, raise your voice, make new friends, and help us make a joyful noise unto the Lord! 🎶

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. 

The buses are fueled and ready to roll as Stuff the Bus returns for a one-day food drive on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at various Supervisor district offices countywide.

Please consider supporting our local nonprofit food pantries by donating non-perishables or gift cards.

Collection Locations:

Sully Governmental Center

4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, VA 20151-3808

Supporting food pantry: Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

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 open 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. 

Sign up today for the breakfast, walk, or both! 

​

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. ​

​

All walkers must register by Friday September 18th to receive a t-shirt. 

The parade route is officially .92 miles. the walk will not be timed. Children in strollers are welcome. For safety reasons, please no headphones/ear buds, pets, bicycles, or skates. 

WFCM chartered shuttles will depart from Centreville Day at 1:00pm. Further instructions about the location of the breakfast, walk, parking, and shuttles will be provided to registered participants. 

​ All walkers must submit a signed waiver of liability. Please return completed forms to donorsupport@wfcmva.org Note: If you participated in the 2024 or 2025 Walk to End Hunger, a new waiver is not required.

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!

Patrick King, Pender's former Director of Music, is up for a SuperDad award, the chance to be in an Ace Hardware commercial and win $25,000.

He says "I went back to school at 36 and graduated at 45 with all A’s to set an example for my sons while managing a business and full-time job."

What's the most rewarding part about being a dad?

"I get to be a big kid around my boys. Showing up for them at their events and being healthy enough to participate in the simple things they love to do with me such as baseball, basketball and other activities. It’s also very rewarding to see them grow and become men, little by little. As a father, they get my discipline, lectures and dad jokes, but they give me the pleasure of listening and becoming great with every mistake and accomplishment. I’m blessed to have good kids."

Why do you strive to be the best dad you can be?

"I have an obligation to pass on to them wisdom, knowledge and being an example they can follow, respect and be proud of. They didn’t ask to be born, so I take my role very seriously by making sure they become respectable, honorable, humble, God-fearing men one day who others will be able to look up to. I hope others will be able to glean from as they make their contributions to the world and leave a lasting impression upon others."

How would you use the $25,000?

"I’m hoping they can have their own rooms one day, so me and my wife would love to be able to use this money as a much-needed down payment on a house where this can be possible."

Vote for Patrick King to be the next Super Dad while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting Children's Miracle Network® in their mission to provide life-saving care and improve the health of children across the country.

Vote here.

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

Pender members Mary O'Connor and Lucy Brown play sekunda balalaika in this orchestra. 

Washington Balalaika Society

Sunday, September 20, 2026 @ 3:00pm – 5:00pm (EDT)

Harris Pavilion, Manassas, VA, United States

Free

About Washington Balalaika Society

The Washington Balalaika Society is a community orchestra of musicians who perform the music of Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, and many other countries, on traditional folk instruments.



It is the largest orchestra of its kind in America, and has been performing in the Greater Washington, D.C. area for 36 years. WBS supports the Ukrainian people and provides humanitarian support for displaced Ukrainian refugees.

https://www.balalaika.org/

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.