The Common Ground Contemporary Service August 25 at 11:15 am will be in person and live-streamed.

• August 25, Finance Committee Primer on Apportionments to the Virginia Annual Conference and Northern Virginia District
• August 25, JDC, Juvenile Detention Center
• August 29, Pender Hill School Open House
• September 1, Finance Committee Primer on Apportionments to the Virginia Annual Conference and Northern Virginia District
• September 3, Handbell Rehearsals resume
• September 8, One Combined Service at 10 am
• September 8, Back to School lunch
• September 8, Kirk Nave Installation Service as new District Superintendent
• September 9, Fun With Music resumes
• September 9, Book Squad begins
• September 11, Ruth Circle at Roberta Pont's house
• October 3, Girl Scouts resume
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• December 7, Christmas Caroling
• December 14, Breakfast with Santa
• January 12, Poetry Slam

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Class at 10:15 am.
• Youth Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Connections Adult Class meets at 10:15 am
• The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 10:15 am.
• Pray for Pender, 10:15 am
• The Impact Youth Group at 5:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music resumes September 9
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals return September 3
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 7pm
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 10:00 am
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

• Check here for other meetings.

Dear Church Family:

Recently, the Church Council, upon the recommendation of the worship committee, voted for Pender to go to one combined service starting September 15. Our worship thereafter will take place at 10:00 with Sunday school classes and other Sunday activities adjusting according to their preference. Because September 8 was already scheduled to be a combined service, our last day of two services (traditional and Common Ground) will be September 1.  

This change was not made hastily, but with prayerful consideration and much conversation. We believe that going to one service will enable us to strengthen our unity, while making it possible for some persons to attend in person who previously could not. It will also help us to consolidate our resources. The style of worship we are aiming at might best be characterized as “blended,” drawing on the best of traditional and contemporary. We will continue to enjoy the handbells and piano preludes, hymn singing, and recite the creed, while incorporating the newer rhythms and praise emphases familiar to the Common Ground service. I am deeply grateful for the faithful ministries of those who have helped to lead Pender’s worship week by week for years, and for those who will help us make these needed changes at this time.

Obviously, this change will require all of us to adjust. As we deliberated about this, I recalled my early days as a United Methodist where I was introduced to a whole different manner of worship with elements and music previously foreign to me. In time, I came to appreciate a more liturgical form of worship from my upbringing, that included the rich theology and beautiful tunes of new (old) hymns, affirming the church’s faith aloud, and praying together, among other things. Then, within a short period of time, I was introduced to a very different “praise and worship” style, with a whole new set of songs, worship rhythms, and I experienced for myself how this could engage a new generation in the worship of God. In my 28 years as a pastor, I have planned and led services of many kinds, and learned to appreciate the rich variety of Spirit-filled worship that is available to Christians these days. I have enjoyed developing and participating in services with the latest Christian Contemporary Music and introducing congregations to the rich and broad traditions of the church’s liturgical resources. At each step, I have been guided by Jesus’ counsel to his disciples: “Every servant well-trained in God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it.” (Matthew 13:52, The Message). And while I don’t presume to be fully trained in the wisdom of kingdom stewardship, I know that I am a better pastor and a more fully trained servant of God’s kingdom for being able to worship the Lord in many ways and helping others to do the same.  

After the Lord God rescued his chosen people from slavery and instructed them in their God-pleasing way of life, he told Moses, “have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Much later, Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus about our life in Christ, that “in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (2:22 NRSV). Paul is celebrating the truth about the church of Jesus Christ, that it is not a building that the Lord God choses to be his dwelling place, but a people. By grace, we are made into the body of Christ, a suitable dwelling for the living God, which we celebrate in the unity of holy worship. Worship has been called the first work of the church, for in our many expressions of prayer and praise, Jesus’ disciples embody and celebrate our shared life in the triune God who dwells among in his people and inhabits our every act of praise. When we worship the Lord in the fullness of the Spirit, we are all better able to enjoy and share the deep and varied riches of God’s kingdom storehouse.  

Jesus taught his first disciples and us, “The time has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23 NIV). As we enter a new season of worship at Pender UMC, I invite you to join us and to invite a friend, as we explore the riches of worshiping the Heavenly Father of Jesus the Son by the Spirit of truth at work among us. With the church through the ages, we will offer to our Maker and Savior true prayer and praise, in styles old and new, and all to the glory of the triune God who is pleased to live among us and work through us to invite the world to his glorious feast.

I am glad to be serving the risen Lord with you in this new season of grace at Pender, 

Pastor Bruce

All Pender Meetings run by the school year. Recurring meetings (weekly or monthly) taking place after June 30, 2024 will need to be scheduled again for the 2024-2025 school year.

Pender Members and Pender-sponsored groups such as Boy Scouts should go here, scroll to the bottom and click add event. Please list your first-choice of room number. 

You will get an email when your event is approved. Note that you cannot add an event to a room that is already reserved for another meeting.

Planting a Magnolia Tree in Memory of Tom McDonald

Tom was a long-time volunteer at Pender, never hesitating to change a lightbulb high up in the sanctuary.

A magnolia tree was planted in his memory by the choir room door.

The audio is "In the Garden" played on piano by Liz Sellers as the prelude to the Traditional Service on May 8, 2022.

JDC (Juvenile Detention Center)

Wanted: Volunteers to attend Pender's monthly church service at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center. Our next date will be August 25th.

We meet at the jail at 12:30p, and are out by 2:00p.

Our ministry at the jail is growing, and the young people thirst for the water of life because of their circumstances. It is easy fishin' as they already stepped out of their cell to come to church.

It is a showing up thing. That's all you need to do... show up. Contact Arlet if interested.

Back to School Luncheon!

Join us for a delicious potluck luncheon as we kick off the school year with great food and great company!

Date:  September 8, 2024

Time: Noon - 2pm  

Location: Gathering Place, Pender UMC  

12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033  

(703) 278 - 8023

What's Happening?  

We Provide: Mouthwatering BBQ  

You Bring: A dessert or salad to share  

Let’s celebrate the new school year together! See you there!

Pender UMC 

12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033  

(703) 278 - 8023

Calling All Musicians: Join Our Church's Vibrant Music Ministry! 🎶🙌

Are you passionate about music? Do you feel called to share your musical gifts in a community of faith? Pender is seeking talented musicians to join our vibrant Music Ministry team and contribute to our uplifting and spiritually enriching worship services!

What We're Looking For:

• Instrumentalists: Whether you shine on the strings, whisper with the woodwinds, or resonate with the brass, we need your skills to fill our sanctuary with harmonious sounds.
• Vocalists: Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses—lend your voices to help lead our congregation in song and praise.
• Handbell Ringers: We will teach you to play during our services and special events.

Why Join Us?

• Community Impact: Through your music, you can touch the hearts of our congregation and inspire joy and contemplation in our weekly gatherings.
• Spiritual Growth: Participate in a ministry that not only serves others but also nurtures your own faith and connection to the divine.
• Musical Development: Collaborate with experienced musicians and vocalists that will help you hone your craft and explore new musical opportunities.

Get Involved:

• Rehearsals: We meet weekly to practice and prepare, ensuring every service is both spiritually and musically fulfilling.
• Sunday Services: Be a part of our regular worship schedule and special holiday performances that highlight the church calendar.
• Community Outreach: Occasionally, our music ministry participates in local events and services, expanding our impact beyond the church walls.

If you're excited about making a joyful noise unto the Lord and enhancing our worship experiences, we would love to hear from you! Contact our Music Director today to learn more about how you can get involved.

Let your talent soar in a place where music meets ministry, and together, we'll create beautiful worship experiences that resonate with all who attend.

Join us and be a key note in our melody of faith! 🎵✨

Together We Walk To End Hunger is a one-mile family-friendly walk during the Centreville Day Parade to raise awareness of food insecurity in our community and fund solutions. Generously sponsored by Keener Insurance Agency, Inc., 100% of walker registration fees benefit Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) and our Free Food Market operations. 

Date and Time: Saturday, October 19, 2024. Parade line-up begins at 10:45 am with the parade starting at 11:00 am and the walk finishing by approximately 11:30 am.

Walk Details: The parade route is officially 0.92 miles. The walk will not be timed. Children in strollers or wagons are welcome. For safety reasons, please no headphones / ear buds, pets, bicycles, or skates. 

Registration: All walkers must register online by Friday, September 20th to receive official walk swag. Please wear your t-shirt and/or wristband on October 19th. 

• Adult registration, includes commemorative t-shirt: $35 (+$2.42 online payment processing fee)
• Youth, aged 13 - 17, includes adult-sized t-shirt and wristband: $35 (+$2.42 online payment processing fee)
• OR Youth under age 18, includes wristband (no t-shirt): $15 (+$1.21 online payment processing fee)
• Children aged 3 - 12, includes wristband (no t-shirt): $15 (+$1.21 online payment processing fee)
• Children age 2 and younger: Free

​

Swag Pick-Up: You will be emailed with dates and times to pick up your commemorative t-shirt and /or silicone wristbands at WFCM offices in Chantilly. Walk items will not be delivered.

Location: The Centreville Day Parade takes place in Historic Centreville at the intersections for Route 29 and Braddock Road. A street address you can use to locate the event is 5714 Mt. Gilead Road, Centreville 20120. NOTE: streets are closed to vehicles! The parade begins at the very end of Wharton Lane and marches down that road past the Centreville Day stage on Mount Gilead Road and ends on Braddock Road. 

​

Parking: Remote parking is available on Rt 29 near Carrabba's. Free shuttles will take you from parking on Rt 29 to Braddock Road. 

Centreville Day Activities: For more information about Centreville Day activities, please visit https://www.historiccentrevilleva.org/

Waiver required to participate. Return signed waivers to donorsupport@wfcmva.org. 

Saturday!

All are welcome to join us for a discussion to consider “Questions in Faith” that pertain to us all, no matter our station of life or faith. 

We will meet in the library at 10:30 to talk about biblical answers to questions about God, faith, and life that relate to us all. 

If you plan to come, contact me to make arrangement to get you a study book that will be the basis of our discussion. 

Bring your Bible with you and invite a friend.  

Support our First Responders by helping us restock our Rest Stop.

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages beef jerky, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks. They don't currently need chips.

Donations can be dropped off in the Church Office.

Our officers continually let us know how blessed they are to have a safe place here at Pender! In turn, we are safer because of their presence!

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") Current Request for Donations

WFCM has been providing food and services to the community for 37 years! Pender was one of the twelve founding churches that set the path and began the journey.  Becky Bryan is our current liaison with WFCM.  Please contact her with any questions.

In May more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 15% increase over May of 2023. Serving more families means we have a greater opportunity to make an impact with our donations. 

There are multiple ways you can support this community ministry.  The ways we hear of most often are donations of goods or money. Another way to participate is through volunteering of time to work in the Food Pantry.  If you are interested in volunteering, contact the WFCM office or Becky Bryan.

Financial donations to be used to stock the Food Pantry can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM.  In a recent newsletter, WFCM explained that, because of the savings that flow out of bulk purchases, a donation of $100 is used to purchase the equivalent of $600 of food. 

For donations of food and toiletry items, you may leave your gifts in the grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors.  OR, you can order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151.

~~~

The WFCM blue cart is between the two front doors of the church.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels)
• Canned Chicken

• Toiletries: bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, toilet paper, and baby wipes (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)

NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank.

Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

Read this month's WFCM Newsletter.

The WFCM Food Pantry is accepting outside donations at their address below. There is a greater need for food but fewer donations.

You can also help by ordering from Amazon for delivery to WFCM. Rice, beans, canned fruit, diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6), pasta, pasta sauce, etc.



                   WFCM

                   4511 Daly Drive, Suite J

                   Chantilly, VA 20151

Financial contributions are also accepted (cash, check or through our website). Please mark your tax deductible donation "WFCM Food Pantry." This will be recorded on your giving statement.

Thank you for your continuing support of WFCM. In 2021, Pender donated 6,128.74 pounds of food and personal care items to help the needy in the community. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support of WFCM.

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.