Dear Church Family:

This week summer ended, and the fall season arrived. The falling leaves and cooler weather are a sure sign. So are the children back at school. 

At Pender UMC, our Bible studies continued throughout the summer but now change has come. After nearly a year, our study of the Gospel of John concluded this week with an open discussion about what participants have gained from our study and fellowship together. 

In our final sessions, I asked the participants to share their takeaways from our Tuesday evening and Thursday morning discussions. Some of their comments include:  

*My faith has been strengthened.  

*I'm praying more often.

*I have benefited from meeting regularly to share our insights, understanding, and lives.

*John raises important questions about our life in Christ, and I have a new desire to follow Jesus and pursue the answers.

*I understand better the importance of "abiding" in Christ (John 15), of staying connected to God.

*Studying the Bible is like being fed on the things of God.

*I have a new appreciation for how God's Word to us is revealed to us through Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

*Life is a gift from God, true life now and eternal life to come.

*As I learn about Jesus' intimate communion with the Heavenly Father with the Holy Spirit, I feel closer to God (John 17 etc.)

*We can count on the Trinity to be with us in every circumstance, and to meet our needs in God's good time.

*The more we mature in faith and discipleship, we will face greater challenges but with a greater courage to stand strong. 

*God uses every occasion to bring about his good and loving will for our salvation and joy.

*The most important thing we do as Christians is to love God and others (John 13:34-35), to "feed Jesus' sheep" (John 21) 

As you can see, we have had a great time together studying John's presentation of the person, life, ministry, and salvation of God in Jesus Christ through the witness of John. As the class participants testify, our weekly fellowship and experience have deepened our understanding of the gospel and changed the way we live as Jesus' disciples.  You can read the entire list on the white board in the library (both sides). Their comments reflect a growing understanding of the gospel and its practical application for our lives. Most important, a growing awareness of the living God at work in our lives and congregation, and our desire to share God's good news with others.

Our study of John has concluded, but our study of the Bible has not. Beginning Tuesday, October 7 (7:00pm) and Thursday (10:00am), we will begin a new study of the book of Acts. Why Acts? When we discussed what we should study next, one of the participants expressed a desire to learn more about what becomes of Jesus' disciples after his resurrection and ascension. Many others agreed. In other words, how did we get from Jesus' mission on earth to the church's ongoing mission and ministry? And what can we learn about our life together as his church at Pender UMC today? The book of Acts tells the story of God's next thing after Jesus earthly ministry, the ministry of the Holy Spirit sent upon Jesus' disciples, to turn them into the church that would become his instrument to carry the good news about Jesus to the whole world. The story is still being lived out today and is relevant to every Christian and congregation. 

The study of God's written word is for every believer, new and experienced, young and old. We all need to be fed on the things of God regularly. If you were not able to participate in our study of John, consider joining us on Tuesday nights or Thursday mornings for a Spirit-led and free-wheeling conversation about our life in Christ and together as his church, centered around the stories and teaching of Holy Scripture. If you have questions, please feel free to talk to me or call me (434-610-1115). Our rule of thumb is, be there when you can, and keep reading when you can't. All are welcome all the time.   

It is never too late to begin a deeper study of God's word.  I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining with brothers and sisters in Christ for warm fellowship and enlightened living. Who knows, before long you may be adding your testimony of growing faith and faithfulness to the testimonies above.

Pastor Bruce  

• September 25, Choir Rehearsal
• September 28, Church Council
• September 28, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• September 29, Fun with Music
• September 30, Handbell Rehearsals
• October 1 AA Meeting
• October 4, Bread of Life
• October 8, Ruth Circle will fill Trunk or Treat bags
• October 11, Black Girl Scientist Teen Girls Fun with Chemistry!
• October 12, Book Lovers Club
• October 17, Philippi Tiny House Celebration
• October 18, KUMC Bazaar and Flea Market
• October 18, Second Annual Walk to End Hunger
• October 24-25, Focus on the Heart Women's Bible Study with Rev. Christine Hanak
• October 25, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• October 26, Charge Conference
• November 2 (tentative), Rise Against Hunger (with KUMC)
• November 9, Glory Way Concert
• November 12, Ruth Circle
• November 15/16, Philippi Christmas in November
• November 23, Community Thanksgiving Service
• December 6, Pender Women Christmas Cookie Exchange
• December 7, Fellowship Feast
• December 13, Christmas Party with Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center

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.

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!

The Music Ministries at Pender are dedicated to using God’s gift of music to joyfully lift praises to His name!

Our primary focus is to enhance our worship experience at Pender through music of all kinds - voice, guitar, piano, organ, handbells, chimes, flutes, clarinets, harp, drums, and more.

Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are Thursday nights from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm

JDC - Juvenile Detention Center

Join us as we joyfully share the Gospel with prayer, song, and word at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center, 10650 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA. Sunday, September 28, 1:30 to 2:30 PM!

Pender United Methodist Church hosts an annual Christmas party for the youth and staff at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center on December 13.

This pizza party is the only Christmas celebration that the youth will participate in for the year.

Volunteers will assist in decorating the multi-purpose room, serving pizza, soda, salad, and cookies; leading the students and staff in singing Christmas carols and gospel music with a live band.

No special skills or abilities needed just a joyful heart.

Celebrate 150 Years of Diplomacy with the 2025 Official White House Ornament

This year’s Official Ornament from the White House Historical Association honors the 150th anniversary of State Dinners at the Executive Mansion—a time-honored tradition of elegance, diplomacy, and American hospitality. From President Ulysses S. Grant’s first state dinner in 1874 to the storied evenings hosted by President Ronald Reagan, these gatherings have shaped relationships and written history by candlelight.

Crafted in the USA with a stunning 24k gold finish on solid brass, this collectible ornament beautifully commemorates a legacy of unity and grace. Whether for your tree, your mantle, or as a timeless gift, it’s more than decoration—it’s a piece of American heritage.

🕊️ Size: 3.25" x 3" x .5"

✨ Finish: 24k gold on solid brass

🏛️ Made in the USA

Own a tribute to 150 years of statecraft, celebration, and shared stories—served with distinction.

United Women in Faith will have a sale table just outside the narthex by the steps/mailboxes on Sundays starting the end of August/early September.

Black Girl Scientist Teen Girls Fun with Chemistry!

Dr. Kameron King (PhD Environmental Chemistry) will help you make some wonderful & exciting new customized scented bath salts using safe & clean ingredients. Open to girls ages 10-18 yrs.

Registration is open.

Growing up and pursuing her career and life’s work in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) arena, our founder, Dr. Kameron J. King rarely saw anyone who looked liked her in the field, which at times was and still is discouraging. Her unique experience not only as a woman, but an African-American woman in STEM has empowered her to encourage others, particularly women of color to carry the confidence, skills, and tools to not only succeed, but to make their mark in these fields!

Dr. Kameron J. King is the founder of BlackGirlScientist, LLC. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia) while working in the ODU Biomass Research Laboratory. From as early as high school working at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to undergraduate/graduate research in algae cultivation, environmental policy, biofuels production and solid waste management, she has dedicated her life’s work in protecting our environment and advancing renewable energy research! She currently works as a Physical Scientist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Her research focuses on mitigating Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are a family of thousands of chemicals used to make water-, grease-, stain-repellent coatings for a vast array of consumer goods and industrial applications.

She received her M.S. in Geography and Environmental Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University, and received her B.S. in Chemistry and Environmental Science and Policy from the College of William and Mary. As her passion for renewable energy continued, she worked with her advisor Dr. Sandeep Kumar on her dissertation topic Integrated processing of municipal solid waste for maximizing carbon recovery and fuel production combining hydrothermal carbonization with anaerobic digestion of the liquid phase for energy recovery and production, as she believes one (wo)man’s trash is ALL of our treasure.

Kameron has worked in private industry, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) (SERDP & ESTCP), and laboratories ranging from Old Dominion University (Biomass Research Laboratory) to Botswana, Africa (University of Botswana), to national laboratories (NREL) with research focusing on the thermal and biological conversion of organic waste, renewable energy, solid waste management, food waste reduction, and mitigation of PFAS. Due to her unique experience as an African-American woman in the STEM arena, her ultimate goal is to give back what has been given to her; by giving back to her community in directing her own laboratory facility for students who may not have had a chance to experience the opportunities that others have; students who have never seen anyone who looks like them in a classroom or in a laboratory, and provide them with the skills, tools, resources and confidence to succeed in science, as BlackGirlScientist fosters these ideals.

Outside of the lab she enjoys/loves traveling the world, kicking butt in tennis, binge watching HGTV/Food Network, working out, crazy shenanigans with her husband :p, laying (yes, laying! lol), Pinteresting, her God time and having an amazing time with her awesome friends and family. She thanks God for the vision He has given her, and the ability to carry it out here on Earth as a #BlackGirlScientist !

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 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
• 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)

On Loan:

• Wheelchair
• Electric Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

Treadmill Donation Opportunity

We may have a treadmill available for donation—perfect for anyone looking to boost their home fitness!

The equipment can be picked up from the donor’s home, and with a few helping hands and a truck (for which Roberta has a connection), moving it is completely doable.

Interested or want to learn more? Contact Roberta Pont for details.

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 July 31, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $43,736; YTD actual revenue was $324,164;

MTD actual expenses was $43,443; YTD actual expenses was $333,914;

MTD net gain was $293; YTD net loss was ($9,749).

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!

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​​​

·    Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)

·    Canned Vegetables (beets, potatoes, spinach, peas, carrots, creamed corn, yams) 

·    Canned Pasta (ravioli, spaghettios, etc.)

·    Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)

·    Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box) 

·    Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)

·    Bagged Rice (white or brown, 1-2 lb. bags)

·    Dried beans (lentil, black, etc.)

·    Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)

·    Canned Beans (kidney, garbanzo)

·    Boxed Cereal 

·    Hot Cereal (oatmeal, grits)

·    Cake Mix or Brownie Mix 

·    Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.) 

·    Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.) (no glass bottles)

·    Shelf stable almond milk (family size)

​

Toiletries

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

·    Toiletries: body wash, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, hair shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products (pads), baby wipes, pull ups size 4t-5t (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.) 

Note: We are low on toilet paper and soap that we aim to provide to every family using our markets, in addition to the toiletries they select (one per person in the family) such as shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. Please consider donating toilet paper and or soap if you are purchasing items for WFCM families this month.

Executive Director's Update 

September is Hunger Action Month. This is a time when Feeding America Partners nationwide work to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in America and inspire action. Orange is the color of hunger and WFCM staff and volunteers will wear orange throughout the month. Please join us by wearing orange on September 9th, Hunger Action Day, and telling others about Hunger Action Month and ways to get involved to end hunger and reduce food insecurity in our community. WFCM's Deputy Director, Pamela, has developed a Hunger Action Month calendar again this year with some of the ways you can get involved. 

One way to support families experiencing food insecurity is to donate food items during Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus countywide food drive on Saturday September 13th. WFCM will be accepting food donations at Walmart Chantilly that day to stock our Free Food Market shelves. 

As the new school year has begun, WFCM's staff is preparing to resume our weekly deliveries providing weekend meals for 700 students. These fresh weekend packs include apples, yogurt, and cheese, along with crackers, shelf-stable milk, tuna or chicken, and mac n cheese. As one parent shared, "A balanced diet leads to happy and healthy kids!" 

I am thankful for the partnership of KUMC and Humanity First as they work with WFCM to provide non-perishable weekend meal packs for an additional 326 students, including 150 students at Daniels Run Elementary who are being provided these weekend packs for the first time this school year!

Thank you for your partnership as we work to #EndHungerHere! 

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

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.