Dear Church Family:

In our newsletter this week, it is evident that Holy Week is nearly upon us. Beginning with Palm-Passion Sunday (March 29), we arrive at the climax to the season of Lent that leads us to the cross and empty tomb of Jesus, the event that changed human history forever and shapes our lives as Jesus' disciples now. Pender UMC has prepared a variety of worship and devotional experiences to help us make ourselves ready to receive the Good News of Jesus' redeeming work with an engaged and receptive faith. 

There are, of course, many ways to prepare and express our faith in Christ the Savior. As I write this, I am listening to Franz Joseph Haydn's "The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross." As the title implies, it is a musical meditation on the final words of Jesus during his hours of redemptive agony and grace: "I am thirsty"; (to the thief) "Today you will be with me in paradise"; (to Mary and John) "Woman, behold your son; man, behold your mother"; (of his tormentors) "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing"; "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"; "Into your hands, I commit my spirit"; "It is finished." Like so much of my favorite music, I picked up a CD of Haydn's classic meditation at a thrift store. Discipleship on a budget! 

Since the days of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, his followers have meditated in many ways on the truth, love, and life-changing power of our Lord's words and actions. In his final words before his death, Jesus reveals the heights of trusting faith in God and the depth of God's saving love for us. In Jesus' embodied words from the cross, we hear God's redeeming Word to us and see the path of our life in the cross of Christ. 

Today, as I hurriedly tend to the many tasks of a busy season in the life of Jesus' church, Haydn's classic meditation reminds me why I work and to what end: to be a disciple and witness of Jesus Christ, and to help others walk in his holy way that leads to true life; to equip the church to be a living and faithful community of Jesus' disciples.  

Through the grace of God and the ministry of Jesus' Church, there are many ways to prepare ourselves to receive the fullness of God's saving gifts in this holy season. Some are written or spoken, others are musical or dramatic, but all may become creative means by which the Holy Spirit immerses us more deeply into the saving mysteries of Jesus' great sacrifice and victory for our salvation. In this season, we give thanks to the Lord for his many gifts to us in Christ and through faithful disciples, and for the greatest gift of his incarnated and sacrificial love that makes us new.

I hope you will take opportunity to participate in our Holy Week and Easter events as you seek to grow in your life of faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the faithful.

Pastor Bruce   

• Today, Lent Continues
• March 26, Choir Rehearsal tonight!
• March 28, Easter Egg Hunt, More information
• March 29, Palm Sunday, More information
• March 29, Holy Week Begins, More information
• March 30, Ruth Circle
• March 30, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
• April 1, AA Meeting
• April 2, Holy Thursday, More information
• April 2, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• April 2, Next Newsletter
• April 3, Good Friday , More information
• April 4, Holy Saturday, More information
• April 5, Easter, More information
• April 6, Fun with Music
• April 7, Handbell Rehearsals
• April 8, Alpha Program Continues
• April 11, Caring Hands/Knitting Group
• May 2, Celebration of Life Service for Mary Kelly
• May 3, Consecration Sunday
• May 9, Chris Atwood Foundation Hopefest
• May 30, Celebration of Life Service for Bill Passauer
• June 20, Vacation Bible School (VBS) Register here.
• July 17-24, Philippi Mission Trip

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Classes. The children will meet in the sanctuary until just after Children's Time. They will 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.
• Youth Sunday School Class at 10:30
• 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
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal

Check here for other meetings.

• March 28, Easter Egg Hunt 10 am to noon 
• Bring the whole family and hop on over for a morning packed with smiles, surprises, and springtime fun! Your little bunnies will love the crafts, games, and egg hunts filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
• It’s the perfect way to celebrate the joy of Easter together — laughter, fellowship, and memories included!
• Grab your baskets, invite some friends, and join us at Pender UMC for a morning your family won’t want to miss!
• Volunteers still needed, starting at 9 am
  
• March 29, Holy Week Begins with Palm/Passion Sunday. 
• Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian year. On this day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed him with palm branches and joyful cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
  
  At Pender UMC, our Palm / Passion Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM with a Palm Procession led by the children, celebrating the joy of Jesus’ arrival. As the service continues, the mood turns more reflective as we hear the Passion story from the Gospel of Matthew, remembering the events that lead to Jesus’ crucifixion.
  
  Through scripture, prayer, and special music, we journey from the celebration of Palm Sunday toward the solemn moments of Good Friday and the hope of Easter.
  
  Holy Week reminds us of the central truth of our faith: Christ’s sacrifice and God’s promise of new life. As it has often been said, we are Easter people living in a Good Friday world.
  
  Come begin this sacred journey with us.
  
• April 2, Holy Thursday includes a Service of Holy Communion and Community in Jesus 7:00pm, Sanctuary.
  
• April 3, Good Friday will begin at 10:30 am with a showing of "The Passion of the Christ" in the Sanctuary
• From 1 pm to 5 will be a Meditation of the Cross in the Sanctuary
  
• At 7 pm will be "The Last Words", the Gospel of the Cross of Jesus, in Drama, Scripture, and Song. In the Sanctuary
  
• April 4, Holy Saturday, Watching and Waiting at 7 pm. On outdoors informal service of Scripture, song and testimonies.
  
• April 5, Easter Sunday
• Sunrise Service with KUMC-Koinonia at 6:30 am, outdoors. Pastor Youngbong Kim will preach and PUMC will lead the service.
  
• Sunrise Breakfast at 7:30 am in the Gathering Place
  
• Easter Worship with special music at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Index to items below:

• Volunteer for the Easter Egg Hunt!
• WFCM News
• Eagle Scout Project
• Help wanted for old photos/memorabilia
• How to add events to the Church Calendar
• Upcoming Events: Easter Egg Hunt, Chris Atwood HopeFest, Vacation Bible School, Philippi and more.
• Financial News
• Ruth Circle News
• Police Rest Stop
• Library/Bible Request
• Medical Closet
• Pender Hill School

WFCM Executive Director's Update 

During the month of February, we surveyed families using our WFCM Free Food Markets to ask about food preferences and other questions about how they feel about the resources we provide and the ways in which they are provided. We received responses from 94 families (13% response rate). Clients responded with 95% agreement that they can choose their appointments, food, and overall have control over their food selection at WFCM. In addition, 89% agreed that the groceries either always last two weeks or sometimes last two weeks but always last at least one week. With respect to the most important food items, eggs and milk remain the highest priority followed by fresh fruit and vegetables, and baking goods (sugar, flour, oil). The highest priority toiletries are feminine pads, laundry detergent, and full-size shampoo and conditioner. We also asked about holiday/school's out food distributions, and the majority of respondents want to continue to pick up food at WFCM in the morning on a Saturday, with chicken being the preferred meat. 

One client shared, "I prefer WFCM over other pantries and food distributors because they are abundant with quality perishables and I can shop for my choices. My doctor ordered I follow Dash Diet to control hypertension so the fresh vegetables and fruit is a blessing. It's like going to a farmers market. Receiving essential toiletries in addition to a choice in the section for personal items is very helpful as well."

Another client shared, "Western Fairfax has helped me a lot during and after the pandemic with food, diapers, and personal items that are a great help to my family, since money has been quite scarce lately due to rising prices. Thank you to all the donors and to this place for everything it does for those of us in need."

"WFCM FOLLOWS THIS QUOTE: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley," shared a third client. 

We also want to hear from you! Each month we send this e-newsletter to let you know how we are using the resources with which you entrust us and other ways to get involved. Please take a few minutes this month to respond to this 5 question survey about the e-newsletter so that we can use your feedback to improve our communication with you. 

On March 6th, we will recognize 39 years since WFCM was founded to serve the community. We thank our founding congregations, current and former board members, staff members, and volunteers, and all those who make it possible for WFCM to continue serving today! Your partnership is critical and impactful as we work with community members, helping people to remain safely housed with food to prepare meals. Thank you!

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

~~~

What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos, Deputy Director

In February, we provided client choice food selection for 703 unduplicated families (217 of those families were served at our Centreville Free Food Market). We served 50 new families. We are grateful for our partnership with DoorDash that enabled us to provide deliveries of groceries to 59 households during the month.

*Average weight of a bag is 21 lbs. 

**Food value 1 lb. of food FY 2026 = $1.90

~~~

Register today for WFCM’s Eighth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. This event includes continental breakfast, lunch, complimentary beverages and snacks on the course, and 18 holes of fun. You may even win a prize in one of the contests!

Show off your golf skills or rely on your foursome for this best ball scramble. Connect with friends, colleagues, Chamber members, and fellow congregants while raising funds to support Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' work in the community.

Not a golfer? Register to join us for a wonderful barbecue lunch and catch up with friends and sponsors.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

A full sponsor list is available at wfcmva.org/golf.

~~

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

• White or Wheat Flour (5lb. bag or less)
• Sugar (1lb. or 2lb. bag)
• Oil (vegetable, canola, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Similac Baby Formula (blue label) 
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, applesauce)
• Tomato Paste
• Refried Beans
• Garbanzo Beans
• Kidney Beans
• Family Size Snacks (crackers, nuts, popcorn, pretzels)

Toiletries and Household Items: 

• Feminine Hygiene Products (pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes
• Shampoo
• Conditioner 
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste 
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors 
• Pull-ups size 4T/5T

As a reminder, we accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 

Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.

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. 

~~~

WFCM's 39th Anniversary

With gratitude to our Founders and Current Partners, 

WFCM is recognizing 39 years of Service on March 6, 2026.

In 1987, volunteers from local churches recognized they could do more together to provide for their neighbors in need in western Fairfax, and twelve churches partnered to create Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Thirty-nine years later, WFCM remains committed to supporting families at risk of hunger and homelessness as an expression of God’s love. With the collaboration and support of local businesses, congregations, organizations, foundations, county government, and individual partners, during the first eight months of this fiscal year, WFCM provided:

• Nearly 900,000 lbs. of groceries for 3,500 unduplicated individuals (1,100 unique families) in our markets
• $175,000 in rent or utility assistance, keeping 200 families (600 people) safely housed
• Weekend meals for more than 700 students weekly

Your generosity and partnership make this possible, ensuring our neighbors have safe housing and food in their refrigerators and cupboards. Thank you!

Does your group meet at Pender—either in person or online?

Help us keep the church calendar accurate! If anything’s changing with your recurring meeting, just shoot an email to webmaster@penderumc.org.

Pender meetings follow the school year, so if your group meets weekly or monthly and wants to continue in the fall, you'll need to reschedule for the 2025–2026 year.

With four other congregations now sharing space at Pender, it’s more important than ever to reserve your room—and release it if you're no longer using it.

Pender members and Pender-sponsored groups (like the Boy Scouts) can click here to add your event. Be sure to include your preferred room number.

Once your event is approved, you’ll get an email confirmation. Just remember: if someone else already booked the room, you'll need to pick another option.

Thanks for helping Pender stay organized!



Help Support an Eagle Scout Service Project

One of the scouts from Pender’s Boy Scout Troop 1530, Abraham Lim, is currently working toward his Eagle Scout rank—the highest achievement in Scouting.

As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Abraham is collecting new toiletries for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) to help support individuals and families in our local community.

Donations will be accepted through March 29.

Items needed include:

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Body wash and soap

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

• Deodorant

• Lotion

• Diapers

• Feminine pads

Every item makes a difference and helps care for neighbors in need. Thank you for supporting Abraham’s project and the important work of WFCM!

Sharing Memories of Pender

We recently received a touching note from someone whose family was deeply connected to Pender many years ago. They shared how much the church meant to them—how the congregation felt like family, and how that sense of warmth and belonging has stayed with them ever since.

Now, their family is walking through a difficult season, as a beloved brother faces a serious diagnosis. In response, his sisters are creating a scrapbook filled with memories of his life, and Pender was an important part of that story.

They are reaching out with a simple and meaningful request:

Do you have photos or memorabilia from Pender in the 1960s or 1970s? This could include pictures, old church programs, logos, or anything that might help tell the story of those years.

If you have items you’d be willing to scan and share, your contribution would be a gift of encouragement, connection, and love.

Thank you for helping us come together as a church family—past and present—to support someone in a meaningful way.

Please email webmaster@penderumc.org or bring your items to the church office.

Thank you!

Snowball Mountain Challenge at Pender UMC

Get ready to turn your next summer VBS into an unforgettable adventure with Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS 2026!

Snowball Mountain Challenge invites kids to an exciting winter sports event where they become Challengers, gearing up for frosty games, snowy surprises, and hands-on lessons about resilience and faith. They will come to realize that with the strength God provides, they can share their gifts, be brave, give their all, pray, and hope.

Your kids will be guided by the energetic Activities Director and the lovable Ollie the Arctic Seal puppet, who is reporting on the events. Challengers aren’t just playing games. Using their Challenge Companion (the Bible), they learn to draw strength from their faith through powerful stories, while connecting the learnings to Bible Stories and Lift Lessons (Key Learnings). With a unique winter theme and solid theology at its core, Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS delivers joy and meaning in equal measure, teaching kids that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NRSV).

Bring your church family together to experience Snowball Mountain Challenge. Your VBS program will be transformed into a mountaintop experience filled with laughter, life lessons, and lasting faith. As children face their challenges and discover their strength in God, you’ll hear them say, “Challenge accepted – with God I am strong.”

Early Bird Registration is $25 per child until May 31. Starting June 1 registration will be $30 per child.

When

Dates: June 20, 2026 - June 20, 2026

Times: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Register for VBS Here.

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

In the weeks ahead, you will hear more about Stewardship and upcoming events relating to Consecration Sunday. 

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 February 28, 2026:



MTD actual revenue was $47,950;  YTD actual revenue was $78,492;

MTD actual expenses was $51,068; YTD actual expenses was $100,006;

MTD net loss was ($3,118);      YTD net loss was ($21,514).

Help Us Help Our Neighbors!

The Ruth Circle is collecting brown paper grocery bags for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, where they’re used to pack food for families in need throughout our community.

If you have extra bags at home, please bring them to church and place them in the brown collection box in the Narthex. Even a few bags make a big difference!

Thank you for helping us turn everyday items into practical acts of care and compassion.

Our First Responders need bottled water!

Lend a helping hand to our local heroes by contributing to the Pender Police Rest Stop! We are collecting a variety of items that our officers greatly appreciate during their shifts. You can drop off your donations at the church office, clearly marked "Rest Stop."

Here’s what our officers are currently enjoying:

• Celsius Energy Drinks to keep them energized
• Drizzilicious Rice Cakes for a light snack
• A variety of chips for that perfect crunch

Additionally, we're always in need of:

• Full-size water bottles (Please note: the 4oz bottles are not utilized)
• Refreshing beverages like seltzers, Gatorade, Propel, Aspire, and other energy drinks
• Individual-sized snacks such as potato chips, jerky, cookies, and nuts

Your contributions make a real difference in the daily routines of our police officers, providing them with the sustenance and morale boost they need to keep our community safe.

Drop by with your contributions and show your support!

The new Coming Soon blog post on the website is updated after new events are added and after each event ends.

Check it out often!

This is a week-long hands-on mission trip for middle to high school teenagers that introduces the youth to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through missional living, confronting issues of social justice, and completion of a hands-on project in Philippi, West Virginia.

Adult volunteers are also needed to assist and support the youth.

This year's trip begins Saturday July 17, 2026

The Pender Medical Closet Back!

Ruth Circle has restarted Pender's Medical Closet—a valuable resource we had years ago, and one that our community needs again! This lending library of medical equipment will provide wheelchairs, walkers, ice machines, canes and other essential items to those who need them, free of charge.

Here’s how you can help:

✅ Donate gently used medical equipment.

✅ Lend equipment you’re not currently using but may need in the future.

✅ Borrow items if you or a loved one has a temporary need.

Drop-off & Pick-up: Donations and borrowed equipment must be brought to and picked up from the church.

Sign-up Sheet: A log is available in the office to track donations and checkouts. Find it on MaryO's door.

For questions, donations, or lending, please call Roberta Pont.

Our goal is to support our church family and community by making these resources available to those in need.

Thank you for helping us bring this important ministry back to life!

Right now we have:

• Two sets of crutches
• Full leg brace
• Nasal Mask
• More Blood Pressure Monitors
• Elastic Braces
• Wrist Brace
• Three rolling walkers
• A cane with built in seat
• A variety of braces for back, knee and wrist
• Rolling walker with basket
• Canes
• Blood Pressure Monitor
• Polar Active Ice Therapy
• Crutches
• Wedge pillow - good for backs and after knee surgery
• Depend women's incontinence underwear, 1 pack of 36, size L (16-20)
• Treadmill (see below)
• Low exercise bike. Contact Roberta for help moving this - there's a truck available.

On Loan:

• Two Wheelchairs
• Electric Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

Hi, Sunday School Families & Friends, 

There are some wonderful family/children's activities happening this year. 

Please come and enjoy! All are welcome -- and invite a friend!

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.