• Today through June 20, sign up for VBS 2025
• Today through June 1 Submit Info for Graduation Sunday
• May 21, AA Meeting
• May 17, Prayer Shawl Meeting
• May 18, Pender Book Lovers Group
• May 25, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• May 31, Bread of Life
• May 31, Chris Atwood Foundation HopeFest 2025
• June 1, Last Day to Submit Info for Graduation Sunday
• June 1, NO Fellowship Feast!
• June 7, United Women in Faith General Meeting
• June 7, A Celebration of Bach
• June 8, Graduation Sunday
• June 8, Light Luncheon for the graduates (potluck)
• June 23 to 27 - VBS 2025 "Road Trip"
• July 18 to 26 - Youth Mission to Philippi, WV
• August 16, Community Day and Welcome Back to School Festival

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 relieve the Sunday School teachers so they may periodically 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, May 19 is the last meeting for the school year
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle, May 21 is the last meeting for the school year
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30

Check here for other meetings.

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 after June 30, 2025, you'll need to reschedule for the 2025–2026 year. You can start booking your dates on Monday, July 28, 2025.

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!

Pender Hill Preschool teachers past and present gathered to wish Sarah Hocker a Happy Retirement.

Need a Pender Magnet for Your Car?

Show your Pender spirit on the road!

We have Pender UMC car magnets available in the church office.

Stop by and pick one up—while supplies last!

Do You Recognize This Cabinet?

If this cabinet looks familiar, you might have a mailbox inside!

It’s located near the elevators, and it could be holding something for you.

Please take a moment to stop by and check—your mail might be waiting!

The United Methodist Women's Ruth Circle would like to extend an invitation to all women to come join us as we will be meeting each month in the Pender Library on the third Wednesday of the month, at 10am.  

Light refreshments will be served. 

We will spend the first 30 minutes in fellowship and then will start a program at 11. We are looking forward to seeing you on May 21st as we also celebrate Mother's day. 

Please contact Roberta Pont for any questions, jimandrobertapont@gmail.com. This will be our last meeting and will start again in September. 

During the months of June, July, and August, we will have lunch on our meeting date at 11:30 at the choosing of our group.  

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!

Pender Book Lovers – May 18 at 4 PM

Calling all mystery fans! Join the Pender Book Lovers Group on Sunday, May 18 at 4:00 PM as we discuss How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristin Perrin.

This clever whodunnit begins in 1965 when Frances Adams receives a chilling fortune-teller’s prediction: she will one day be murdered. Nearly sixty years later, her great-niece Annie arrives at Frances’s country estate—only to find the prophecy has come true. Now Annie must uncover the secrets buried in the seemingly quiet village of Castle Knoll, where everyone has something to hide.

Grab your copy, bring your theories, and join us for an engaging conversation filled with twists, clues, and maybe a red herring or two!

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:

• A variety of braces for back, knee and wrist
• Rolling walker with basket
• Canes
• Blood Pressure Monitor
• Polar Active Ice Therapy
• Crutches

On Loan

• Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

Closing Hymn | “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” | Mother’s Day | May 11, 2025 | Pender UMC

On Mother’s Day, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 11, 2025, the Pender UMC congregation joined together in singing the timeless hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” as the closing hymn of worship.

This powerful expression of God’s enduring love and provision was accompanied by a talented trio of musicians:

Heidi Jacobs – Piano

Kenneth Carr – Percussion

Patrick King – Keyboards

Together with the voices of the congregation, the hymn brought the service to a joyful and worshipful close—celebrating faithfulness across generations and seasons of life.

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Thomas O. Chisholm

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 140

A native of the small Kentucky town of Franklin, Thomas Obediah Chisholm (1866-1960) was born in a log cabin. He lacked formal education. Nevertheless, he became a teacher at age sixteen and the associate editor of his hometown weekly newspaper, the Franklin Advocate, at age twenty-one.

In 1893 Chisholm became a Christian through the ministry of Henry Clay Morrison, the founder of Asbury College and Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Morrison persuaded Chisholm to move to Louisville where he became editor of the Pentecostal Herald. Though he was ordained a Methodist minister in 1903, he served only a single, brief appointment at Scottsville, Kentucky, due to ill health. Chisholm relocated his family to Winona Lake, Indiana, to recover, and then to Vineland, New Jersey, in 1916 where he sold insurance. He retired in 1953 and spent his remaining years in a Methodist retirement community in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

By the time of his retirement, he had written more than 1200 poems, 800 of which were published. They often appeared in religious periodicals such as the Sunday School Times, Moody Monthly, and Alliance Weekly. Many of these were set to music.

Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck provides the background for "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Chisholm had sent a number of his poems to the Rev. William H. Runyan (1870-1957), a musician with the Moody Bible Institute and one of the editors of Hope Publishing Company in Chicago. Runyan wrote of the hymn: "This particular poem held such an appeal that I prayed most earnestly that my tune might carry over its message in a worthy way, and the subsequent history of its use indicates that God answered prayer. It was written in Baldwin, Kansas, in 1923, and was first published in my private song pamphlets."

George Beverly Shea (1909-2013), the famous Canadian-born singer of the Billy Graham Crusades, introduced this hymn to those attending the evangelistic meetings in Great Britain in 1954. It immediately became a favorite.

A phrase in Lamentations 3:22-23 provides a basis for the refrain: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Stanza one emphasizes God’s unchanging nature: " . . . there is no shadow of turning with thee;/thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not." Perhaps James 1:17 provides the scriptural basis for this concept: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

In stanza two, the natural created order, including the cycle of the seasons, bears witness to the faithfulness of God. The final stanza brings the eternal, unchanging God into contact with humanity. We receive from the presence of God "Pardon for sin and a peace that endures." Indeed, William Runyan’s tune was the ideal musical complement to the warmth of the text. The subtle changes in harmony and the solemnity of the melody amplify the text, bringing the climax on the word "faithfulness" perfectly at the end of the refrain.

This hymn appeared in many evangelical hymnals and song collections, but was not chosen for an official Methodist hymnal until the current United Methodist Hymnal (1989), even though the author was a Methodist. It was a very popular hymn of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church and had been included in their hymnals.

According to Carlton Young, "Great is thy faithfulness" was second only to "In the garden" as the most requested hymn for inclusion in The United Methodist Hymnal. A survey conducted in 2000 by Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources, Discipleship Ministries, revealed that "Great is thy faithfulness" remains one of the favorite hymns among United Methodists.

Dr. Hawn is distinguished professor of church music at Perkins School of Theology. He is also director of the seminary's sacred music program.

Read more at https://penderumc.org/pender-blog/hymn-history-great-is-thy-faithfulness/

Seeking Baby Blankets for Baptisms & Baby Boxes!

We are in urgent need of white baby blankets for our little ones being baptized—we only have two left! If you’d like to contribute, we greatly appreciate your support in providing a special keepsake for these precious moments.

Additionally, Jane McKee is collecting baby blankets for the “Baby Boxes” service project led by our Impact Youth group. They will be packing bags filled with essential items for newborns, and we would love to include a handmade blanket in each one as a meaningful touch.

If you have completed baby blankets, please drop them off at Pender’s office, Attn: Jane McKee.

Thank you for helping us bless these little ones and their families!

Join Us for Bread of Life!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and spread some love!

What: Bread of Life – A chance to give back to the community!

When: Saturday, May 31 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: Pender UMC Kitchen

12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033

Why join us?

• We provide all the ingredients. You bring your enthusiasm and a heart full of love!
• Meet new friends while making a real difference.
• Help those in need and feel the joy of giving back.

All are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned chef or just love the smell of fresh bread, there's a spot for you in our kitchen. Together, we can knead some dough and do good!

See you there – let’s make magic happen!

We are very proud of our 2025 ALL of our high school, trade, technical, apprentice, vocational, college, and post-doctoral graduates and plan to honor them during our Worship Service on Sunday, June 8 at 10am.

A slideshow of our graduates will be shown at the beginning of our worship service.

Questions can be directed to Jane McKee or Arlet Williams

Please let us know about your graduate here.

HopeFest Tickets are On-Sale Now!

Tickets are now available for HopeFest 2025 — don’t miss out on this incredible day of food, fun, and fellowship in support of The Chris Atwood Foundation’s mission to save lives and support recovery!

📅 Saturday, May 31st

📍 Pender United Methodist Church, Fairfax, VA

Enjoy BBQ, raffles, live music, games, and more — all while making a difference in the lives of those impacted by substance use disorder.

Get your tickets today and please consider making a donation of $20 at checkout to help us cover the cost of food and supplies. Just make sure to reserve a ticket in advance so we know how much BBQ to have prepared!

Every contribution helps us continue providing hope and vital support to those on their recovery journey. Invite your friends and family — let’s come together for a day filled with hope, recovery, and community!

GET TICKETS NOW

From HopeFest 2024:

A Message from the Finance Committee

Dear Pender,

Thank you for your generous gifts to Pender and its many ministries.

We have recently analyzed the financial data from January and were concerned that our offerings were about a third less than what we projected based on the annual estimate of giving cards that were turned in late last year.

While we realize that everyone has a different pattern of giving, we greatly appreciate those who are able to give on a regular basis so that we can pay our bills.

We would like to offer a gentle reminder for you to please update your offerings for 2025 if you have not already done so.

Thank you for your support of Pender and God’s work here.

The Finance Committee

As of April 30, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $58,026;  YTD actual revenue was $198,604;

MTD actual expenses was $45,352; YTD actual expenses was $205,196;

MTD net gain was $12,674 ;      YTD net loss was ($6,592).

Save the Date! Pender VBS 2025 - Road Trip - is coming June 23 to 27th.

Want to volunteer or need the Zoom link? Contact Jane McKee

Signup here!

Help children discover God’s presence everywhere!

Embark on an exciting journey with Road Trip VBS is based on Joshua 1:9 – "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Discover God's presence everywhere as we explore new places, make new friends, and experience God's goodness together.

Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous puppet Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators' Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God's presence on this unforgettable trip!

Road trips are a great way to build strong relationships and create indelible memories. This makes Road Trip! VBS not only a fun experience for kids but also an opportunity for them to strengthen their faith and bond with others in their community. With engaging activities, interactive games, and meaningful lessons, children will have a blast while they grow in their understanding of God's love and promises for everyone.

Green Light: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Mile Markers:

God is with us on the journey

God is with us when we go off course

God is with us when we’re joyful

God is with us when we’re lonely

God is with us near and far

Bible Stories

Session 1: Abraham and Sarah Follow God (Genesis 12:1-9)

Session 2: The Israelites Take the Scenic Route (Exodus 13:17-12)

Session 3: Mary & Elizabeth’s Family Reunion (Luke 1:39-56)

Session 4: Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Session 5: On the Road with Paul (Acts 18:1-11)

Teens! Think you're too old for VBS? NO Way!

Get ready for an epic summer adventure with Road Trip VBS 2025 this June!

Dive into a whirlwind of exciting activities where you can:

• 🌍 Champion the environment by sewing your own trendy bag.
• 🧶 Crochet cozy baby blankets for new moms in need.
• 🚗 Engineer and race your very own model car.
• 🍪 Whip up some delicious snacks in our baking blast sessions.
• 🔬 Unleash your inner scientist with mind-blowing experiments.
• 📖 Discover the daring deeds of amazing Biblical figures.

Kick off each day with a special mission to mentor the younger VBS adventurers before embarking on your own thrilling journey.

Spots are limited—sign up now to lock in your summer of fun and discovery!

Hi Sunday School Families & Friends, 

There are some wonderful family/children's activities happening ithis year. Please come and enjoy! All are welcome -- and invite a friend!

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries – WFCM - programs are designed to serve as a critical safety net to keep individuals and families in financial crisis housed and fed while providing resources, support, compassion services, and connections to help them work toward financial stability and food security. 

In 1987, Pender UMC along with 11 other local churches saw the need for coordinated aid and formed WFCM. Nearly 40 years later, its primary programs are the Emergency Food Program including two Free Food Markets, 15 satellite site refrigerators, and home delivery and Emergency Housing Financial Services Program (assisting with rent, mortgage, and utility bills) serving an average of 700 families/month, nearly 5,000 individuals/year. WFCM, the anchor community-based organization in Region 4 of Fairfax County, provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in 9 zip codes in western Fairfax County (Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Herndon, and Oak Hill).

The WFCM Mission:

As an expression of God’s love and a demonstration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides food and financial support to those at risk of hunger and homelessness.

If you would like to participate in helping our neighbors, there are several ways 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. 

CURRENT MARKET NEEDS.

Food & Beverages​​​

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Kidney Beans and Garbanzo Beans
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal
• Pasta Sauce (no glass containers please)
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Tomato Paste
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, etc.)
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by our clients with SNAP​​

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste 
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner 
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes 

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.