Virginia Annual Conference Report | June 22, 2025 – Pender UMC

On Sunday, June 22, Pastor Bruce Johnson welcomed Mark Atwood and David Kinard to share their reflections from the 2025 Virginia Annual Conference, held June 11–14 at The Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA.

The theme of this year’s conference was "A Conference in Three Movements", with a special focus on the “Movement of the Heart”—exploring how God transforms, molds, and equips us to be agents of change in our communities and beyond.

Hear insights, stories, and takeaways from this powerful gathering of United Methodists across Virginia.

Watch the video of these reports here.

• Today through June 27, VBS 2025 "Road Trip"
• June 27, VBS Closing
• June 28, John Wesley's Birthday
• June 29, “Laity of the Congregation” Sunday
• June 29, Church Council
• July 2, AA Meeting
• July 18 to 26, Youth Mission to Philippi, WV
• July 19, Prayer Shawl Meeting online
• July 27, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• August 16, Community Day and Welcome Back to School Festival
• September 13 to 21, Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week
• October 18, Second Annual Walk to End Hunger
• December 6 (tentative), Craft and Christmas Market

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, Resuming September 8, 2025
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals will resume September 9, 2025
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle, will resume in September.
• 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!

A UMNS Commentary by the Rev. Robert J. Williams

As John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, grew older, he frequently commented on his birthday how he was still in good health and this was largely due to the way God had blessed him. Wesley was born on June 17, 1703, while England was still using the Julian calendar. England adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752 and thus Wesley's birth date became June 28. His birthday reflections give us a glimpse into how he viewed his life, health and ministry.

On June 28, 1770, he wrote:

I can hardly believe that I am this entered into the sixty-eighth year of my age! How marvelous are the ways of God! How has he kept me, even from a child! From ten to thirteen or fourteen, I had little but bread to eat, and not great plenty of that. I believe this was so far from hurting me that it laid the foundation to lasting health. When I grew up, in consequence of reading Dr. Cheyne, I chose to eat sparingly and drink water. This was another great means of continuing my health, till I was about seven and twenty...; (He then speaks of various ailments.); Since that time, I have known neither pain nor sickness, and am now healthier than I was forty years ago! This hath God wrought!

He started to set a pattern for indicating his age and his good health. One year later, he wrote:

This day I entered the sixty-ninth year of my age. I am still a wonder to myself. My voice and strength are the same as at nine and twenty. This also hath God wrought.

In 1774, he wrote:

This being my birthday, the first day of my seventy-second year, I was considering. How is this, that I find just the same strength as I did thirty years ago? That my sight is considerably better now and my nerves firmer than there were then? That I have none of the infirmities of old age and have lost several I had in my youth? The grand cause is the good pleasure of God, who doth whatsoever pleaseth him. The chief means are: (1) My constantly rising at four, for about fifty years. (2) My generally preaching at five in the morning, one of the most healthy exercises in the world. (3) My never travelling less, by sea or land, than four thousand five hundred miles in a year.

In the intervening 10 years, he repeated these sentiments numerous times, and even in 1784, he wrote:

Today I entered on my eighty-second year and found myself just as strong to labour, and as fit for any exercise of body or mind, as I was forty years ago. I do not impute this to second causes, but to the sovereign Lord of all...; I am as strong at eighty-one, as I was at twenty-one, but abundantly more healthy, being a stranger to the head-ache, tooth-ache, and other bodily disorders which attended me in my youth. We can only say 'The Lord reigneth' While we live, let us live to him!

In 1788, after praising God "for a thousand spiritual blessings," Wesley listed as questions what may be some of the "inferior means" for achieving such good health into old age.

To my constant exercise and change of air? To my never having lost a night's sleep, sick or well at land or at sea, since I was born? To my having sleep at command, so that whenever I feel myself almost worn out, I call it and it comes, day or night? To my having constantly, for above sixty years, risen at four in the morning? To my constant preaching at five in the morning for above fifty years? To my having had so little pain in my life and so little sorrow or anxious care?

Finally, on June 28, 1790, less than a year before his death, he wrote:

This day I enter into my eighty-eighth year. For above eighty-six years, I found none of the infirmities of old age: my eyes did not wax dim, neither was my natural strength abated. But last August, I found almost a sudden change. My eyes were so dim that no glasses would help me. My strength likewise now quite forsook me and probably will not return in this world. But I feel no pain from head to foot, only it seems nature is exhausted and, humanly speaking, will sink more and more, till 'The weary springs of life stand still at last.'

As this remarkable man aged, he reflected on God's blessings and how his lifestyle contributed to his good health. This is but a brief glimpse into his humanity and can call on us to do likewise on our birthdays.

Editor's Note: This story was first published on June 25, 2012.

*Williams is the top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History in Madison, N.J.

From http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/marking-john-wesleys-birthday-in-his-words

Summer Hymn Sing!

In July and August, we’ll be celebrating the rich tradition of congregational singing during our weekly services.

Have a favorite hymn you’d love to sing? Drop the title in the basket on Vickie’s desk—we’d love to include it!

Slideshow coming next Thursday!

Both Pender and KUMC shared in this year’s VBS from June 23 through the 27th, 9 a.m. to noon.

This year’s VBS was for potty-trained three-year-olds through ninth graders. We embarked on an exciting journey with Road Trip VBS, based on Joshua 1:9 – “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

We discovered God’s presence everywhere as we explored new places, made new friends, and experienced God’s goodness together. It was 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 pup named Scout, kids learned that God is always with them.

Through engaging stories from the Navigators’ Guide (the Bible), Travelers delved into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. With twists, turns, and excitement, they faced new challenges and found strength in God’s presence on this unforgettable trip. Road trips are a great way to build strong relationships and create lasting memories. That’s what made Road Trip VBS not only a fun experience, but also an opportunity for kids to strengthen their faith and bond with others in the community.

With engaging activities, interactive games, and meaningful lessons, children had a blast while growing in their understanding of God’s love and promises for everyone.

Teens! Thought you were too old for VBS? No way!

This past June, teens took part in an epic summer adventure with Road Trip VBS 2025!

They dove into a whirlwind of exciting activities where they:

• Championed the environment by sewing their own trendy bags.
• Crocheted cozy baby blankets for new moms in need.
• Engineered and raced their very own model cars.
• Whipped up delicious snacks in baking blast sessions.
• Unleashed their inner scientists with mind-blowing experiments.
• Discovered the daring deeds of amazing Biblical figures.

Each day kicked off with a special mission to mentor younger VBS adventurers before teens embarked on their own thrilling journey.

We Made a Difference Together at VBS 2025!

Every year, Vacation Bible School at Pender is more than crafts, songs, and stories—it’s also a chance to put faith into action through a meaningful service project. And in 2025, we were thrilled to once again make an impact!

This year, we partnered with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)—a local organization providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hardship right here in our community.

The mission? Collecting full-sized toiletry items that were urgently needed. Each day of VBS, we focused on one essential item:

• Monday, June 23: Baby Wipes
• Tuesday, June 24: Shampoo
• Wednesday, June 25: Toothbrush
• Thursday, June 26: Toothpaste
• Friday, June 27: Hair Conditioner

Whether child, teen, parent, or volunteer—everyone played a part in this blessing.

Together, we shared God’s love in a real and practical way, reminding our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and supported. Every single item made a difference.

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!

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!

Singing at Sunrise – Team Members Needed!

Do you love sharing music, scripture, and encouragement? We’re forming a new outreach team to bring joy and worship to residents of a local assisted living facility—and we’d love for you to be part of it!

🎶 What is Singing at Sunrise?

A monthly 30–40 minute gathering (currently considering the 4th Sunday of each month) featuring favorite hymns, scripture readings, and prayer. We'll have a printed packet of beloved songs available—and we’ll even take requests on the spot!

🧡 What We Need:

We’re looking for supportive people of all kinds—singers, readers, instrumentalists, and those who just want to be present and participate. No rehearsals are planned, though we may have brief prep meetings.

🎹 Instrumentalists Welcome!

Jane McKee expects to accompany but is happy to share that role if someone else would like to play. All instrumentalists—piano, guitar, and more—are welcome!

🗣️ No Solo Speakers Required

This isn’t about having one designated leader. Instead, we hope to form a team where everyone can contribute. When this ministry existed in the past, different members took turns offering brief reflections month to month.

🙌 Let’s Create Something Together

Right now, this ministry is still in the planning stage. Jane and Andy are working to form the core team, and your ideas, energy, and presence could help shape the future of this outreach.

Interested?

Let us know if you'd like to be part of this meaningful and joy-filled ministry.

All are welcome!

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
• Electric Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

Shine, Jesus, Shine | Opening Hymn | March 23, 2025 | Pender UMC

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Pender United Methodist Church opened worship with the uplifting hymn “Shine, Jesus, Shine” by Graham Kendrick, found in The Faith We Sing, No. 2173.

The congregation and choir joined together in joyful praise, led by Worship Leader Jane McKee, with beautiful accompaniment provided by:

🎹 Heidi Jacobs – Piano

🎻 Abe Garver – Cello

🎛️ Patrick King – Keyboards

This beloved hymn of light and renewal set a powerful tone for worship, inviting the presence of Christ to shine through each heart and voice.

The Story Behind the Hymn

Few Christian songs composed just 20 years ago have had such an immediate impact on congregational singing as Graham Kendrick’s “Shine, Jesus, Shine” (also known as “Lord, the light of your love is shining”).

Graham Kendrick (b. 1950), a native of Blisworth, Northamptonshire, England, now resides in Kent. The son of a Baptist pastor, he began writing songs in the early 1970s and today is one of the most prolific British Christian singer-songwriters and worship leaders.

Initially trained as a teacher, he began his career as a singer/songwriter in 1972. He now has over 30 albums and 400 songs to his credit, and his songs are sung throughout the world in many languages.

“Shine, Jesus, Shine” has been a song of hope at noteworthy events such as the 1996 Dunblane memorial service for 16 students and teacher who were tragically killed, and the Tasmania massacre memorial service for the 40 people killed by a lone gunman, also in 1996.

Other large gatherings that used the song include the Billy Graham crusades to the largest ever open-air mass in 1995 in Manila, where Pope John Paul II is said to have “swung his cane in time to the music.”

Mr. Kendrick says of the song’s origin: “Bearing in mind the worldwide popularity of this song, perhaps the most surprising thing about the writing of it is the ordinariness of the circumstances.

“I had been thinking for some time about the holiness of God, and how that as a community of believers and as individuals, His desire is for us to live continually in his presence. My longing for revival in the churches and spiritual awakening in the nation was growing, but also a recognition that we cannot stand in God’s presence without ‘clean hands and a pure heart.’ So I wrote the three verses and ‘road tested’ it in my home church. Though there was clearly merit to the song, it seemed incomplete, so as I was unable at the time to take it any further, I put it back in the file.

“Several months later I was asked to submit new songs for a conference song book, and as I reviewed this three-verse song, I realized that it needed a chorus. I remember standing in my music room with guitar slung round my neck trying different approaches. The line ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ came to mind, and within about half an hour I had finished the chorus, all but some ‘polishing.’ Though I felt an excitement in my spirit at the time, I had no inkling at all that it would become so widely used. There were other songs I rated more highly at the time that most people have never heard of!”

Stanza one focuses on the light “shining in the midst of the darkness” and Christ as the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). This Light “set[s] us free by the truth...” (John 8:32).

Stanza two reflects on coming before the “awesome presence” of Christ, where “the shadows [turn] into your radiance.” Christ’s brightness “consume[s] all my darkness.” The final stanza focuses on how Christ’s brightness may be reflected in our lives as “our faces display your likeness.”

Charles Wesley’s famous hymn, “Love divine, all loves excelling,” is fleetingly paraphrased as Christ’s brightness is “ever changing [us] from glory to glory” as we mirror him. The third stanza concludes with a petition: “May our lives tell your story.”

Mr. Kendrick’s efforts have been recognized in many ways, including a Dove Award (1995) and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Brunel University (2000) in West London.

“Shine, Jesus, Shine” was voted tenth in a 2005 survey of the United Kingdom’s favorite hymns by the BBC’s Songs of Praise program.

Read more at https://penderumc.org/pender-blog/hymn-history-shine-jesus-shine/

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 May 3, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $41,244;  YTD actual revenue was $239,848;

MTD actual expenses was $45,749; YTD actual expenses was $250,945;

MTD net loss was ($4,505);      YTD net loss was ($11,096).

Join us for an evening of fun, food, music, and games as we celebrate the end of summer and kick off the new school year!

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a free community event packed with excitement:

🎸 Live Bands

🍕 Tasty Food

🎯 Outdoor Games

🎨 Kids' Activities

🎈 And so much more!

Whether you're a student gearing up for school or just love a good neighborhood party, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s send summer off with a smile and start the school year with joy!

Come one, come all — we can't wait to see you there! 😄

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.