Pentecost is a Christian holy day that celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit 40 days after Easter. Some Christian denominations consider it the birthday of the Christian church and celebrate it as such.

Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish holiday held 50 days after Passover. One of three major feasts during the Jewish year, it celebrated Thanksgiving for harvested crops. However, Pentecost for Christians means something far different.

Before Jesus was crucified, he told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come after him:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ~John 14:16–18

And 40 days after Jesus was resurrected (10 days after he ascended into heaven), that promise was fulfilled when Peter and the early Church were in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

• May 18-19, Faith Promise Missions Celebration
• May 18 at 5:30, Potluck dinner
• May 19, ONE Service at 10 am
• May 19, Pentecost Sunday
• June 20-22, Virginia Annual Conference
• June 21, Virginia Annual Conference Game Night. Register here.
• June 24-28, VBS. Registration open now at www.penderumc.org/vbs.
• July 19-26, Philippi Youth Missions Trip
• September 8, Back to School picnic
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• December 7, Breakfast with Santa

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 Turning Point Youth Group at 4:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Recorder Consort or Flute Choir rehearsal
• Handbell rehearsals
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at 7pm
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle meets in person the second Wednesday of each month
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study at
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group Learn more here
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

• Check here for other meetings.

The Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC) hosted a post-General Conference webinar on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 7 PM. 

The panel included:

• Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson
• Rev. Lindsey Baynham Freeman, head of the Virginia delegation
• Delegates Rev. Mark Ogren, Marshall Bailey, and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Page

Learn more on the General Conference Page at https://penderumc.org/conference/

Recording of the Post-General Conference webinar below:

The Pender Faith Promise Missions Celebration will begin Saturday May 18 with a Potluck Dinner.

Sunday May 19 at 10AM Services David and Laura Shuping, long-term Pender members will share about their ministries.

The Annual Missions Conference is an opportunity to meet visiting missionaries, hear their stories about what God is doing in the lives of people, and how lives are being changed throughout the world because of Pender's Faith Promise Missions outreach.

What You Need to Know About VBS

Registration closes June 13, 2024.

In the bustling, whimsical world of Hero Hotline Headquarters, superheroes of every shape, size, and superpower come together under the watchful eye of the wise Professor and the legendary Super Meer, a daring Meerkat hero.



Here, in this vibrant hub of heroism, young and old heroes alike answer the call of duty, joining forces to lend their extraordinary talents to Hero Teams across the globe.

Whether it's solving perplexing puzzles, battling dastardly villains, or rescuing those in peril, these superheroes are always ready to save the day with a dash of fun, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of heart.

For ages potty-trained 3s through sixth graders.

More information and registration.

Matthew 5:14-16 King James Version (KJV) says:

"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Hey Pender Family It’s always a joy to see your smiling faces, but we know there’s a whole world of amazing achievements and cool activities happening in your lives outside of Pender too. Why keep all that awesomeness to yourselves when we could be celebrating together right here in our newsletter

Kids’ Corner: Did your little one just make the honor roll, strike up a tune in the school orchestra, master the art of coloring inside the lines, score a touchdown, try a triple axel, or toss their graduation cap in the air? We want to hear all about it!

Adult Achievements: What’s new and exciting in your life? Picked up a paintbrush or a guitar recently? Maybe you’ve just designed the next architectural marvel in London, tied on tap shoes, shared a meal with a homeless person, or knitted your first scarf—no feat is too big or small for our Pender community spotlight.

Share Your Stories: Drop us a note, send in a photo, or even a short blurb about what’s new and exciting in your world. Let’s fill our newsletter with your successes and new ventures. After all, every achievement deserves a shoutout!

Can’t wait to feature your stories and celebrate all the incredible things you’re doing. Let’s make our next newsletter issue the most inspiring one yet.

Linda Konya, Pender's talented artist, drew this picture of Pender's altar for the Missions Celebration, The Hope and Light of Jesus Christ.

Discover the Joy of Board Games and Dungeons & Dragons at Our Virginia Churches!

We are thrilled to share how our Virginia churches are redefining ministry through the joyous use of board games, including the ever-popular Dungeons & Dragons. It’s not just about fun; it’s about fellowship, learning, and coming together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared adventure.

Annual Game Night Returns!

Mark your calendars for the Virginia Annual Conference Game Night on Friday, June 21st. This evening promises to be a memorable one filled with laughter, strategy, and community building. Whether you're a board game aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s a spot at the table just for you.

Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Awaits

This year, we’re excited to offer a special session of Dungeons & Dragons. Join us for a One Shot campaign that's perfect for both veterans of the game and those looking to roll their first die. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into a world of imagination, challenge, and teamwork.

Registration Open Now

Spaces for Dungeons & Dragons are limited, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your spot. It’s first come, first served, so don’t miss out!

Register here: [D&D Registration](https://forms.gle/sDNxvjEV78axXWG79) Come and discover how a simple game night can transform relationships and build a stronger, more connected community. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a table for a night of fun and fellowship!

For questions: Contact Hunter Bryn ( hunterbryn@vaumc.org) or Ahnnalise Stevens-Jennings ( ahnnalise@braddockstreetumc.org)

June 15 and 16, Mary O'Connor, Pender Director of Communications, will play balalaika at Capitol One Hall and Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church. There will be two free outdoor concerts this summer. One at Mason District Park in Annandale and one in Harris Pavilion in Manassas. September 22 there will be a Concert in Support of Ukraine in Culpepper.

Brian Stevenson, Director of Handbells and Ensembles here at Pender, plays a multitude of instruments including bassoon, clarinet, flute, guitar, harp, piano, organ, handbells, recorder and mandolin as well as arranging and directing, harp therapist and luthier.

Brian has completed his studies in piano tuning and repair with a certification from APTN and has just set up a page on NextDoor. If he's tuned your piano, please give him a good review. If you need your piano tuned, give him a call.

Don't Forget to Share Your Stories!

Recent Past Shining Events

HopeFest 2024 Recap!

We just wrapped up an incredible day at HopeFest 2024, a recovery and family-friendly festival packed with food, fun, and fellowship! From yoga in the morning to a petting zoo that had everyone smiling, HopeFest was a hit. Dive into our festival recap to relive the joyous moments or see what you missed!

Morning Yoga with Shelly Young: Kicked off with zen vibes! Yoga mats dotted the lawn as Chris Atwood Foundation Executive Director, Shelly Young, led a soothing session. It was the perfect start to a day filled with positive energy.

Feasting with Smokin' Willy: From 11 AM to 1:30 PM, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of Smokin' Willy’s grilling. Burgers, hot dogs, and more—no one left hungry!

Fun Activities for All Ages:

Kids Games: Face painting, balloon animals, moon bounce and games kept the little ones giggling.

Music: Live bands set the soundtrack for our festival, getting everyone in the groove.

Petting Zoo: From fluffy bunnies to friendly goats, the petting zoo was a crowd pleaser.

Lawn Games: Cornhole, frisbee, and more for some friendly competition.

Raffle Prizes: Lucky winners took home exciting goodies!

Desserts: Sweet treats to top off a fantastic day.

All for a Cause: Every moment of fun helped raise funds to support recovery, connection, and peer support. Thanks to your participation, we're spreading the profound hope of recovery far and wide.

On May 10, several Pender People went Oakton High School to support Ash Dougherty as she worked diligently back stage to produce the stage play "Pippin".

Long time handbell ringer, Caroline Klein, moved to Massachusetts recently. She rang for the last time at Pender during Traditional Worship Sunday morning with the Joy Ringers.

On May 5, 2024, Pender's Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, performed "Fanfare and Intrada" by Jason W. Krug. This dynamic 3-5 octave handbell composition opened with a grand fanfare, where the bells resounded in triumphant bursts, escalating in intensity. The composition includes a contemplative middle section, providing a soothing interlude before revisiting the vigorous rhythm of the opening. This exhilarating piece is truly a musical highlight not to be missed!

Check out the performance on our channel and experience the powerful blend of energy and melody.

May 3, 2024, opening night, a group of 22 Pender People, including Pastor Bruce, and Pastor Kenny, Mary Dale and Laura, went to Herndon High School to support Sean Wittmer in the title role of "Fiddler on the Roof". Pender People were present at other shows, as well. One family loved the show so much that they saw it twice!

A J Rios is the drummer at Pender's Common Ground Contemporary service each Sunday at 11:15.

Check out his talent any Sunday in person or online. He recently shared his love for music and teaching music with Fox 5 News DC.

AJ and Hawkins from Middle C Music School guided the Fox 5 News hosts through creating a one-of-a-kind band using items anyone could find around the house. From paint cans to water xylophones, watch as everyday objects transform into musical instruments, all tuned to play perfect melodies and rhythms.

Meeting Saturdays

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.  

Grief Counseling

Grief is a non-linear journey, and you don't have to go it alone. Pender UMC specializes in grief counseling and support, to help you through life's most difficult moments. Supporting clients in and around Fair Oaks.

Premarital Counseling for Couples

Prepare for a lifetime together by having the important conversations ahead of time, and in a supportive environment. Pender UMC provides premarital counseling for couples in our Fair Oaks office. Get the support, encouragement, and the tools to build a lasting marriage with our help.

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

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages of chips, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks.

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

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)

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 April more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 48% increase over April 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 he church.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

Food & Beverages​​​

• Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Red Beans (low salt preferred)
• Black Beans (low salt preferred)
• Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
• Canned Pasta 
• Pasta Sauce
• Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helpers)
• Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)
• Risotto
• Pancake Mix 
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
• Coffee (ground, no k-cups)

​

Toiletries

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

• Body Wash
• Body Lotion
• Toothpaste 
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner 
• Lotion 
• Toilet Paper
• Large size pull-ups (size 4T/5T for toddlers) 
• Size 6 Diapers 
• Baby Wipes 

​

NOTE:  Only size 6 diapers and large pull-ups are needed at this time thanks to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank.

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.