Dear Church Family:

Today is Maundy Thursday, which Christians all over the world commemorate as the day Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper and gave his disciples the new commandment to love each other as he has loved us. He demonstrated what the commandment to love means by washing the feet of his disciples (slave's work) and then instructing them to do the same for each other. Some churches will remember Jesus' instruction to love by engaging in foot-washing during their Maundy Thursday services today. This day's events are also rooted in the history of God's liberating actions towards His people Israel, that are remembered each year in the Passover celebration. At Pender UMC, we will experience a taste of this living history at our Seder Meal this evening.  

This is the last newsletter article from me for a while. As many of you know, next Wednesday, I will have surgery for prostate cancer. I will be away the following four Sundays while recovering, anticipating a return on May 25. During that time, area pastors will be available for emergency pastoral care. Between April 23-May 10, you can call on Rev. Tony Arnold from Christ Church UMC (571) 408-9375. If you need assistance between May 11-20, you may call Rev. Abi Forrester from Community of Faith UMC.  

I am deeply grateful for the prayers, cards, and gifts that I am receiving from you these days. Standing before the table of the Lord at Time with God last evening, and again in Bible Study today, some of you took initiative to surround me and my family in a circle of healing prayer and love. Maria prayed for me in her native Nigerian tongue. I am overwhelmed by God's goodness expressed through your loving support. Your thoughtful overtures have demonstrated to me personally that the Pender Family is alive and well, and that we are bound together in faith and love as brothers and sisters in Christ.  

For the followers of Jesus, our prayers are not confined to those nearest and dearest to us. On May 1, we are all invited to join Christians and others in a National Day of Prayer. This is a timely opportunity to lift up our community, country, and world before the living Creator and Savior of all. At a time when many of our neighbors are anxious and fretful, and we are tempted to become distracted by the troubles all around us, I encourage you to devote time that day to join with many others to humble yourself and call upon the Lord for the help, grace, truth, and peace that every human community and person needs.  

At the beginning of Bible study this morning, we found ourselves repeating a common but never outworn affirmation of our faith in Christ: "God is good, all the Time! All the time, God is good!" It is a great privilege to be your pastor and brother in Christ and to experience with you the all-the-time goodness of our living and loving God. 

Pastor Bruce    

• Today through April 19, Lent continues
• Today through June 20, sign up for VBS 2025
• April 17, Holy Thursday Seder Supper
• April 18, Good Friday Stations of the Cross
• April 18, Good Friday Service
• April 19 Holy Saturday
• April 19, Prayer Shawl Ministry
• April 20, Easter Sunrise Service with KUMC
• April 20, Easter Brunch with KUMC, sign up to attend
• April 20, Easter Services
• April 21, Memorial Service for Barbara Hefferan
• April 22, Earth Day Community Cleanup
• April 23, AA Meeting
• April 27, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• April 30, Pender Go! Team meeting
• May 3, Bread of Life
• May 4, Fellowship Feast
• May 7, AA Meeting
• May 31, Chris Atwood Foundation HopeFest 2025
• June 7, United Women in Faith General Meeting
• 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
• 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 Holy Week selection is "Lamb of God" by Twila Paris

The Faith We Sing Number 2113

Text: Twila Paris

Music: Twila Paris

Tune: SWEET LAMB OF GOD, Meter: Irr. with Refrain

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. 7:30pm. 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!

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!

The United Methodist Women's Ruth Circle would like to extend an invitation to all women to come join us as we will be meeting each month in the Pender Library on the third Wednesday of the month, at 10am.  

Light refreshments will be served. 

We will spend the first 30 minutes in fellowship and then will start a program at 11. We are looking forward to seeing you on May 21st as we also celebrate Mother's day. 

Please contact Roberta Pont for any questions, jimandrobertapont@gmail.com. This will be our last meeting and will start again in September. During the months of June, July, and August, we will have lunch on our meeting date at 11:30 at the choosing of our group.  

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!

In case you missed it! Easter Egg Hunt Slideshow | April 2025 | Pender UMC & KUMC Koinonia

Hop into the highlights from last Saturday’s unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Pender United Methodist Church and KUMC Koinonia! 🐣💒

This slideshow captures the joy, energy, and sweet moments of a day packed with:

🌟 Awesome Games

Kids and adults alike tested their skills at the cornhole challenge and took their best guess at the estimation table—with prize winners announced every 30 minutes!

🍕 Pizza & Eggs? Yes, Please!

While little bunnies hunted down candy-stuffed eggs indoors, the scent of fresh cheesy pizza (plus chicken nuggets, Korean dumplings, snacks, apples, and Capri Sun) filled the air. Delicious fellowship followed the fun!

🎵 Streaming Music Vibes

Non-stop music kept the party hopping and the mood joyful all afternoon.

🥚 Epic Easter Egg Hunt

Eggs filled with surprises were hidden throughout the church—inside and out—for an egg-citing adventure for all ages!

🎨 Crafts & Laughter

The fun didn't stop with the hunt—kids enjoyed creative crafts, laughter, and community spirit throughout the day.

This event was a beautiful blend of fun, food, and fellowship—a joyful celebration of Easter that brought families together in the most egg-cellent way.

💌 Don’t miss out next time! Invite your friends, bring the whole family, and join us for more festive fun at Pender UMC!

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. May 3 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!

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).

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.