Dear Church Family:

When I was a sophomore in college, I drove from Nampa ID to Walnut Creek CA to visit my parents during a break from school. One of my enduring memories from that time was watching the nightly news with them and being shocked by how much of it seemed to be fraught with violence and the worse of humanity. I wondered, why all the bad news? Is the world really this bleak, or are the reporters of the news skewed in some way? Looking back, I realize that the news was not getting worse as much as I, for the first time in my life, was starting to pay more attention to the wider world. The world that then and now is plagued by bad news.  

What do you think of when you hear the word, “news”? Does it pique your interest? Does it strike fear into your heart? Do you find yourself drawn to what is presented as newsworthy, or shrink back from the prospect of more bad news? Where do you look for good news?

At Pender UMC, we have started a new and simple practice for our worship. Maybe you have noticed that, in our weekly bulletin, we no longer list all the Scripture readings as “lessons” but as “Good News.” The Good News from the Law…The Good News from the Epistle…etc. Reading the Bible in public or private is not an academic exercise—merely a lesson to be learned—as much as it is a telling of good news, The Good News that God has spoken to our troubled world in Jesus Christ and conveys to us through the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments that witness to him. New Testament or Old, words of comfort or judgment, the Scriptures instruct us in the saving ways of God and invite us to walk by grace and faith in the way of life that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the world that seems plagued by bad news, the Word of God speaks the Good News (Gospel) from heaven that distinguishes between truth and falsehood, gives peace to our troubled minds, and shines light upon our path as witnesses to the living Christ, as those whose lives are being remade to become signs of God’s Good News in the bad news world.  

Of course, we don’t always read the Bible in the same way. Several years ago, I attended a gathering of United Methodist clergy to discuss the divisive topic of human sexuality. The facilitator began by having us go around the circle to answer the question, “What is the good news?” With one exception, every person answered with some variation of, “Jesus Christ is the good news.” With that simple shared affirmation, my heart was reassured that, whatever our differences, we could listen and speak together in pursuit of the Good News of God for our troubled church, for each of us has heard the scriptural news about Jesus that changes everything and that binds us together in a bond of truth and love that is greater than the world’s divisions. When we find ourselves troubled by the news that divides the world and would seem to threaten us, we look first to Jesus, the living Word of God, the one who IS the Good News, God’s Son in flesh and blood.

As we near the end of Lent, we are reaching the climax of the story of Jesus that is the best possible news for our world and our lives. I want to encourage you to find the time to participate in the various Holy Week events we have planned to present essential parts of God’s story for our salvation, the whole Good News that the Father has made known in Jesus the Son and through the scriptures that testify to him. You will find the schedule on our website or in our weekly worship bulletin. In ritual and prayer, in drama and song, in meditation and jubilation, early and late, we will go deeper into the true story of the world that changes the way we live and the way we engage the news cycle of our troubled world. Whatever the news of the day, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the News that changed the world once, and is changing it still, one sinner, one disciple, one telling at a time. 

Pastor Bruce 

• Today through April 19, Lent continues
• Today through June 20, sign up for VBS 2025
• April 5, Bread of Life
• April 5, Parking Lot Cleanup
• April 6, Deadline to donate Easter candy for the Easter Egg Hunt
• April 6, Pack candy bags for the Easter Egg Hunt
• April 6, Fellowship Feast
• April 9, Time with God
• April 9, AA Meeting
• April 12, Easter Egg Hunt
• April 13, Palm/Passion Sunday
• April 17, Holy Thursday Seder Supper
• April 18, Good Friday Stations of the Cross
• April 18, Good Friday Service
• April 19 Holy Saturday
• April 20, Easter Sunrise Service with KUMC
• April 20, Easter Brunch with KUMC, sign up to attend
• April 20, Easter Services
• April 22, Earth Day Community Cleanup
• April 27, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• April 30, Pender Go! Team meeting
• May 10, His Life, Love and Ministry Concert
• May 31, Chris Atwood Foundation HopeFest 2025
• June 7, A Celebration of Bach
• 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
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study.
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle
• Time with God
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30

Check here for other meetings.

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.

Now that we have 5 additional congregations meeting at Pender, it is more important than ever to get your room reserved and on the church calendar.

It is also important to remove it if you are no longer meeting so that other groups can use the space.

Pender Members and Pender-sponsored groups such as Boy Scouts should go here, 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.

Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Handbells and Ensembles, presents a series of hymn-based devotions on Wednesdays during Lent.

The Fifth is Go To Dark Gethsemene

“Go to Dark Gethsemane” is a Lenten hymn that spotlights scenes from the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life.

It takes us on a journey from the Garden of Gethsemane where we are charged to stand and watch, to the judgment hall and our denial of him, to the cross where we witness his death and his grace, and finally to his glorious resurrection and our redemption. We become part of the drama of Christ’s passion and resurrection.

The poet repeats the phrase “learn of” at the end of each stanza, charging us to apply each scene to our lives. James Montgomery uses repetition to draw attention to what he considers important about each scene and each stanza.

“Learn of Jesus Christ to pray” encourages us to remember the scene of the garden and to go to God in fervent prayer. “Learn of Christ to bear the cross” is a charge to lay down our lives, take up the cross and follow Christ. “Learn of Jesus Christ to die” is a reminder of what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Montgomery, considered one of the most important hymn writers of the English language, wrote this beautiful hymn in 1820. He was born on Nov. 4, 1771, in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of Moravian missionary John Montgomery, and died April 30, 1854, in Sheffield, England.

When Montgomery was 5 years old, his parents moved him to a Moravian settlement at Bracehill, Ireland, near Ballymena in Antrim County. Soon after, his parents accepted a call to the mission field and left him behind in Bracehill. He never saw his parents again. They both died while in the Barbados Islands.

At age 7, Montgomery was enrolled at Fulneck Seminary in Yorkshire, where he would remain for the next nine years. Struggling to meet the expectations of his instructors, he left the school at age 16 and became an apprentice at a chandler’s shop in Mirfield.

After five years, he tired of the work and took an apprenticeship with Joseph Gales, the owner and publisher of the Sheffield Register. For two years he learned about the publishing business, and in 1794, when Gales was forced to flee the country to avoid imprisonment, Montgomery took over the Register and changed its name to the Sheffield Iris.

Montgomery published and managed the Sheffield Iris for 32 years. He used the Iris as a tool to distribute the 360 hymns written throughout his life. His most well-known hymns are “Angels, From the Realms of Glory,” “Go to Dark Gethsemane,” “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,” “Songs of Praise the Angels Sang” and “Stand Up and Bless the Lord.”

Montgomery’s “Go to Dark Gethsemane” is still one of his most widely used hymns, most often sung during Lent or during Holy Week. The first three stanzas are most commonly available in hymnals. The fourth stanza, though often omitted today, has been preserved in The United Methodist Hymnal.

Even though the text is now over 185 years old, it has rarely been altered. Many hymns from this era use language that is no longer common in today’s hymns or speech. Hymnal editors typically remove antiquated language and replace it with modern equivalents, but this hymn has remained essentially intact.

This beautiful somber hymn has stood the test of time. We benefit from the art and poetry of Montgomery still today.

Palm/Passion Sunday. April 13. 10am. Pender Sanctuary

Join us as we begin the Holy Week journey to Easter with our Palm Sunday celebration. Come together to reflect on the significance of this day and honor the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem!

Holy Thursday Seder Meal. Thursday. April 17. 7pm. PUMC Gathering Place

Chag Sameach! (Happy Holiday!) We are excited to invite you for a warm and meaningful Passover Seder as we gather to experience the symbolism of this meal celebrating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish and Christian history!

Please note that the Seder Meal will not include a full meal. We have timed it for after the dinner hour.

Good Friday Service. Friday. April 18. 7pm. Pender UMC Sanctuary

We invite you to join us for a meaningful service as we come together to remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for us. The Service will feature a moving combination of drama, scripture, and music, all designed to guide our hearts through the profound story of Christ's love, suffering, and redemption.

Holy Saturday Prayer Vigil. April 19. 7pm. Pender UMC Parking Area.



We warmly invite you to join us for a special service of prayer, song, and scripture to prepare our hearts for the Easter celebration ahead.

Easter Sunday Celebrations! April 20. Pender UMC

Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life we have in Him.

Whether you’re a long-time member or a first-time guest, we would love to welcome you!

        Sunrise Service with Korean UMC – Koinonia! 6am. Pender Parking area. Pastor Bruce will preach.      

        Sunrise Breakfast with KUMC!  Get ready to rise and shine on Easter Sunday at Pender UMC's Gathering Place for a spectacular Sunrise Breakfast!

Join us on April 20, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 AM for a delightful morning filled with the aromas and flavors of a heartwarming breakfast. Our menu features a tempting array of bagels with cream cheese, savory breakfast casseroles, golden French toast, sizzling sausage, and fresh fruit, complemented by freshly brewed coffee and tea.

It’s the perfect way to start your Easter with fellowship and good cheer. Don’t miss out—make sure to sign up for this festive breakfast gathering!

Sign up for the breakfast here.

        Easter Worship! 10am. Pender UMC Sanctuary with handbells, scripture, and special music!

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!

Get ready to join in on the fun as we prepare for an egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt!

On Sunday, April 6th, right after our monthly Fellowship Feast at 11:30 am in Pender's Gathering Place, we'll be packing goodie bags full of surprises for the hoards of kids who will be scouring the grounds on Saturday.

Enjoy delicious food, great company, and a bit of community spirit as we gear up for one of the most joyful events of the year.

Don't miss out on the chance to help make this Easter unforgettable for every child!

Please bring a salad or dessert to share. We will provide homemade soup and bread.

Fresh bread made for Communion Sundays and First Sunday Fellowship Feast luncheons.



Extra loaves are donated next day to the Lamb Center.

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, 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!

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: First Saturday of every month. April 5 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!

Join us this Earth Day for a Community Cleanup Extravaganza! 

When: Tuesday, April 22, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Where: Meet us in the Pender UMC parking lot at 12401 Alder Woods Drive.

Get ready to spruce up our neighborhood and make a positive impact on our environment.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Dress in sturdy shoes and wear clothes suitable for cleaning.
• Don’t forget to bring gloves and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• We’ll provide all the necessary cleanup supplies, including bags.
• Enjoy snacks and water refills on us as we work together to tidy up Fairfax.

Come out, make a difference, and help keep our community beautiful. Your efforts truly matter, and what better way to celebrate Earth Day than by caring for our planet together!

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 February 28, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $42,337; YTD actual revenue was $81,195;

MTD actual expenses was $48,329; YTD actual expenses was $106,234;

MTD net loss was ($5,993); YTD net loss was ($25,039).

On Sunday night, March 23, 2025, the Pender and KUMC Koinonia Youth joined forces for an unforgettable evening of glow-in-the-dark fun and food!

First stop: Monster Golf in Chantilly — where the lights are low, but the energy is high! From monstrous creatures to wild and whimsical mini golf holes, this glow-in-the-dark adventure was anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re a mini golf master or just along for the laughs, this was a night full of fun, friendship, and a few unexpected trick shots!

After the game, we headed over to IHOP to refuel with pancakes, bacon, and late-night laughs!

This video is a slideshow of memories from the night — full of smiles, silly shots, and snapshots of youth community in action.

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!

The WFCM has an urgent request. They have run out of toilet paper to distribute to the 700 clients they serve each month.

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.

~~~

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries - “WFCM”

Update from Becky Bryan, our liaison with WFCM:

From the March WFCM Newsletter:

March 6th is the 38th anniversary of the founding of WFCM by leaders from twelve local congregations who knew that by working together, they could accomplish so much more. We are grateful to these forward-thinking leaders and to the founding congregations that continue to support this work today, providing food and financial assistance to families in western Fairfax County which ensures these families remain safely housed with food in their refrigerators and utilities connected. 

Mark is a senior citizen who receives disability benefits. WFCM has been able to deliver groceries to him through our home delivery program grant with Capital Area Food Bank and DoorDash. He orders the food he needs online, and DoorDash drivers deliver it to him each month. Mark recently told us, “There were so many days that I was without groceries in my refrigerator and cabinets. I don't know what I would do without Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. You have been very responsive and generous to me." 

It takes many partners working together to serve families in our community in need of assistance. During the month of February, I was grateful to meet with Elder Yoo from Korean Central Presbyterian Church to discuss challenges and solutions and to accept a generous donation to support our work. I was also thankful for an opportunity to speak at the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce State of Centreville event along with partners including county government staff and Pastor Wilkins from Mount Olive Baptist Church.

I am grateful for the Fairfax County Food Access Program grant funding that arrived in February to provide funds to purchase food for our markets and Free Food Fridge program (weekend meals for students at 12 FCPS locations). This supplemental grant will enable us to purchase one or two of the most needed/desired food items for our markets each month during calendar year 2025, as well as the yogurt and apples for weekend meals for students for several months. 

With your support, we will continue to meet the needs in our community today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. 

Thank you.

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

The Most needed items in the Free Food Market this month:

·    Flour (Maseca preferred)

·    Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)

·    Vegetable Oil 

·    Pasta Sauce

·    Pasta

·    Brown Rice 

·    Pancake Mix 

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

·    Canned Chicken 

·    Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

·    Toiletries: We have a big need for toilet paper right now. 

We also need bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, feminine hygiene products, 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.)

Financial donations designated WFCM can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM. 

Donations of food and toiletries may be left in the blue grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors.

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.