Dear Church Family:

“Ideas have consequences.” Have you ever heard that expression? Philosopher Richard Weaver penned a book by that title in 1948 to raise alarm about the intellectual and moral relativism that he (and others) recognized emerging in the west, including the U.S. Some of you have heard me echo Weaver’s notion in sermons. Christians know (or should know) that what we believe shapes how we live. If I believe untruths, I will be vulnerable to lies and to living a life compromised and corrupted by untruths. If I believe the truth, I will live a truthful life. The Creeds of the church provide us with a compact summary of what Christians from early on and over again have embraced as the essentials of true belief about God, Jesus, creation, humanity, and salvation. Ultimately, believing the truth is about knowing who we can trust with our lives and the world.

Commenting on Weaver’s insight, I once heard Christian commentator Ken Myers say, “Ideas have consequences. Ideas also have antecedents.” That is, before our ideas are formed, we live in ways that impact what we think. The patterns of life we form shape what we believe. The behaviors we are accustomed to form a framework of plausibility about what we imagine to be real. Just as important, how we live is not merely a matter of personal choice or expression, but our first witness to the truth of the gospel in an unbelieving age. 

Jesus taught his disciples to love God with all that we are, with our “heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Beliefs and behavior—mind and “strength” – are both essential to loving God with our whole selves, with heart-felt and soul-deep faith. Christians know that it is vital to believe the truth about what God has made known in Jesus Christ and just as important to live the life God wills for us to live. How we behave will either demonstrate the truthfulness of our beliefs or cast doubt on the believability of our faith. The patterns of life we form will either confirm the truth of the gospel in our living or undermine God’s revealed truth with something less.  

Lent is a good time for Christians to remember that beliefs and life are inseparable. Last Sunday, we concluded looking at the Church’s creedal faith together—What Christians believe, and why it matters. Beginning this Sunday, we will take the next logical step and look at some of the key ingredients for Christian living—What Christians do, and why it matters. That’s a big topic, of course. But, as with beliefs, we will focus on the essentials of Christian living—prayer, the Bible, fellowship, worship (including the sacraments), and service. In John Wesley’s teaching, these are the “means of grace,” the primary ways the Holy Spirit works graciously to form us in the life of Christ, and to make our faith believable as a witness to the relativistic world. To embrace the means of grace in our daily living is how we practice trusting God with our whole lives, and show others that God is trustworthy too.

I hope you will join us in worship this Sunday as we consider the life we are called to live, and the grace-filled help we have as those who believe and trust in Christ for salvation. 

Pastor Bruce

• March 13 through April 19, Lent continues
• March 15, Prayer Shawl Session
• March 16, Concert for Ashby Ponds residents
• March 19, Time with God
• March 19, AA Meeting
• March 23, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• April 5, Bread of Life
• 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 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
• April 20, Easter Services
• 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 Second is Ah, Holy Jesus

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,

That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?

By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,

O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty- Who brought this upon Thee?

Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone Thee.'

Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied Thee!

I crucified Thee.

For me, kind Jesus, was Thine incarnation,

Thy mortal sorrow, and Thy life's oblation;

Thy death of anguish and Thy bitter passion,

For my salvation.

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;

The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;

For our atonement, while he nothing heedeth,

God intercedeth.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay Thee,

I do adore Thee, and will ever pray Thee,

Think on Thy pity and Thy love unswerving,

Not my deserving.

The United Methodist Hymnal Number 289

Text: Johann Heermann

Music: Johann Crüger (1640)

Tune: HERZLIEBSTER JESU

Jane McKee and Pastor Bruce are getting a group together to see the Last Supper movie at Cinemark Fairfax Corner and XD (11900 Palace Way, Fairfax) in the next few days. There will also be a dinner at Silver Diner (12251 Fair Lakes Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22033)

This reimagining unveils untold perspectives, offering a deeply human and spiritual exploration of the moments that shaped history and faith. Through the diverse voices surrounding Him, the story invites audiences to witness a powerful and intimate portrayal of redemption and grace. Embark on an extraordinary cinematic journey where a timeless story comes to life, faith finds new depth, and the power of belief unfolds in a way you’ve never experienced before.

Because Pender is so busy, finding the perfect day and time has been challenging. It's looking like it might be Monday, March 17 at 6:40. If you want more information on this, please contact Jane or Pastor Bruce.

🥚🌸 Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza! 🌸🥚

Event: Pender UMC's Egg-citing Easter Bash

Date: Saturday, April 12 Time: 1:00–3:00 PM Location: Pender UMC Parking Lot & Grounds

Event Highlights:

• Moon Bounce Madness: Jump and hop like a bunny in our giant Pender/KUMC Bounce House!
• Awesome Games: Show off your cornhole skills for a chance to win awesome prizes. Don't miss the estimation table where you can guess and win—winner announcements every half hour!
• Delicious Eats: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked fresh and served up with all the fixings!
• Streaming Music: Groove to continuous streaming music to keep the festive vibes going!
• Epic Easter Egg Hunt: Hunt for eggs loaded with surprises hidden both inside and outside. A thrilling adventure for all ages!

Special Note: Gather your little bunnies for a day filled with crafts, laughter, and hidden treasures. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the Easter season.



Don’t miss this chance for fun and fellowship. Invite your friends and family and join us at Pender UMC for an unforgettable afternoon!

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      

        Sunrise Breakfast! 7am. Pender UMC Gathering Place

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

Thank you for all your donations of warm clothes, shoes, and new socks and underwear for the Lamb Center! 

We made our second delivery recently, and they were very appreciative! 

We will continue taking clothes through March.



Please contact Jane McKee if you have any questions.

Fun With Music Needs Frogs & Ladybugs!

Our Fun With Music group is growing, and we’re hopping with excitement! However, we’re a little short on small stuffed green frogs and ladybugs (around Beanie Baby size), and we’d love your help!

If you happen to have any adorable little frogs or ladybugs that you no longer need, our little musicians would be so grateful for the donation. No need to go out and buy any—just check your toy bins or shelves for any extras looking for a fun new home!

Your generosity will bring big smiles to our little ones as they learn and play through music.

Thank you for helping make music time even more magical!

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 a “Baby Boxes” service project led by our Impact Youth group on March 9th. 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!

Although Pender is not able to sustain our Hypothermia outreach this year, we are still interested in helping other churches that are involved.

Fairfax UMC is hosting the 2025 Hypothermia Shelter March 9th-16th. 



We have several ways you can share love and care for our guests! 

We need groups/individuals to volunteer to help in the early mornings (5-7 AM) making coffee and serving breakfast casseroles,  afternoon set up (4-5 PM or earlier) before guests arrive, sponsoring/preparing and serving of evening meals (5:30-7 PM), or to provide breakfast items - see opportunities below to sign up. 

Whatever the weather, we plan to provide a loving, warm, and safe environment for our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your help and support!



Contact Christie Johnson, christie.johnson92@gmail.com with any questions

Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B48A4A72FA0F85-54509055-fairfax#/

The Rest Stop could use some snacks, M& M’s and flavored waters.

It needs frozen items to munch on but since they are frozen it's hard to have them donated.

Please drop items off in the office so they can be given to our hard-working officers.

Thank you!

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!

Save the Date for HopeFest 2025!

Mark your calendars for a day of food, fun, and fellowship at HopeFest 2025!

Join us on Saturday, May 31st, at Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, VA, for an unforgettable celebration filled with BBQ, raffles, live music, and games – all in support of The Chris Atwood Foundation’s mission of saving lives and supporting recovery.

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to invite your

From HopeFest 2024:

Ashby Ponds people - if you go to this concert, please be sure to say hello to Tom and Mary O'Connor.

Mary will be on the right side of the stage - one of two people holding up an instrument when the announcer calls for "sekundas".

Tom will be applauding wildly.

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 January 31, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was MTD/YTD actual revenue was $38,858;

MTD/YTD actual expenses was $57,904;

MTD/YTD net loss was ($19,046)

Bridge of Hope Fund:

2023 $37,159

2024 (as of 12/31/24) $132,201

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 form coming soon!

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)

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.