• October 5, Bread of Life Ministry begins
• October 6, World Communion Sunday
• October 6, Fellowship Feast begins
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• October 26, United Women of Faith General Membership Breakfast
• October 27, JDC, Juvenile Detention Center
• October 27, Church Council
• November 3, All Saints Sunday
• November 10, Charge Conference
• December 7, Christmas Caroling
• December 14, Breakfast with Santa
• January 12, Poetry Slam

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 Time TBD
• Connections Adult Class Time TBD
• The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 am.
• Pray for Pender
• The Impact Youth Group at 5:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
• Book Squad!
• 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
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

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.

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.

Dear Church Family:

As I write this, ballistic missiles from Iran are raining down on Israel. This follows Israel’s targeted actions last week to destroy the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon after a year of warfare with Hamas in the Gaza strip. 

Much closer to home, major parts of the southeast and mid-Atlantic are discovering the extent of loss from devastating flooding following Hurricane Helene that has wiped away entire towns and destroyed over 160 lives (elsewhere in This Week at Pender you can find out how you can help Pender to bring emergency assistance to those in need). Now in an overnight development that could impact us all, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has gone on strike, potentially interrupting commerce across the nation by disrupting the supply chain for everything from bananas to automobiles.  

The news of this day is bleak. But this is not a new story. Too often, what’s new in our world is not what we would wish for ourselves or anyone else.  

And yet, the followers of Jesus Christ do not despair, for our hope is not in this present age, nor in our human ability to manage the world’s troubles or even control our own lives. Rather, as the old hymn confidently declares, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand...” (UMH Hymnal #368). One of the great benefits of being a Christian is to discover the faith, hope, and love of Christ in our day to day living in the troubled world.  

Every week, in our Pender staff meetings, we are blessed by the biblical reflections, testimonies, and prayers of our staff members, who faithfully wrestle with God’s word for their lives as disciples of Jesus, and then share their insights and questions with each other in the circle of our fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are not already aware of it, our staff is a diverse group of people including some from the far corners of the world. Their presence and testimonies are a living witness to the power of the Gospel to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and, despite our differences, to bind us together into Christ’s one body the Church. The light and power that we receive in our Christ-centered fellowship enables us all not just to do our jobs, but to witness to the grace of the triune God amid the world’s darkness and fear.  

This Tuesday at staff meeting, Sunny Xue, our church treasurer, shared with us from Joshua 3. After being side-tracked for forty years due to their unfaithfulness, the Israelites finally stood poised to cross the swollen Jordan River at the command of God and by Joshua’s leadership. With miraculous assistance, they would follow the Ark of the Covenant, the visible embodiment of God’s presence with them. Yet on the other side of the river lay unwelcoming nations and hostile armies. Sunny reminded us that, as they stood at the river’s edge on the cusp of God’s future for them, Joshua instructed the people: “Follow [the Ark], so that you may know the way you should go, for you have never been this way before” (3:4). The rest of Joshua records how Israel’s occupation of the promised land came at great cost and as a daily challenge to the people’s faithful obedience to Yahweh. But as they followed the Lord’s presence and word, they were able to see beyond their fears to trust the One who promised to lead them in the way they should go and into the future of his making. And by God’s merciful leading, along the way the Israelites became a living sign of God’s faithfulness to his own and of his goodness to all people and all creation.

Speaking personally, and for us all, Sunny reminded us that there are many times in our lives when we don’t know God’s purposes nor where the Lord is leading us. Now as then, the Lord’s command is to obey his word and seek the presence of his Spirit that we might follow his Son in humble confidence into his new and bright future. And, as another staff member put it, all this so that we too might become “salt and light” in our world as the Israelites did in theirs. Most timely of all, our conversation around the Scriptures reminded us that as Jesus’ followers, God will use even our suffering to prepare us to be a part of Christ’s saving work, by teaching us to rely more on God’s grace and provision and less on our own strength and wisdom. Even when traveling in ways and places we have never been, those who follow the living Lord together with trusting hearts and loyal wills, always discover the way they should go, shine God’s light upon their neighbors, and pray for the needs of those near and far. 

In the worst of times, the disciples of Jesus have an unending and ever-renewed hope in Christ the Solid Rock, and we find joy in helping others find it too.  

As many in our world search desperately for a word of hope and a power greater than our own, to bring peace, to rescue and comfort the suffering, and to provide for the needy, the disciples of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus know where our true peace and hope come from. And with that confidence, and by God’s unending grace, we will follow the Lord together wherever he leads us so that we too may live as God’s light in our world and offer God’s saving hope for human lives and our community.      

Let us pray for our world in these days, act to bring Christ’s light, and give thanks to God who is ever faithful and good, and saving his own and the world even in the worst of times. 

Pastor Bruce

Hurricane Flood Relief

The United Methodist Church in keeping with our Wesleyan heritage of embodying the gospel in acts of charity, is quickly responding to the great human need following the flooding in North Carolina and elsewhere. The Virginia Conference is encouraging every congregation to contribute to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) that is already on the ground to bring relief to the suffering.  

Next Sunday, October 13, we will receive a special offering in worship for UMCOR. Please make out your check to Pender UMC and mark it for “Flood Relief.” If you are donating online, you may go to Pender’s Giving page and mark your donation for UMCOR.  

Thank you for helping Pender to respond to human need with Christ-like compassion.

On the fourth Sunday of the month, October 27, people in the Pender community lead a one hour worship service at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). This worship service supports teenagers (7th to 12th grade) and the staff.

Worship service is from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. Volunteers are asked to meet at JDC at 1:15 PM. You do not need to have any special skills, just a willing heart and spirit to share the gospel with teens and young adults.

Sunday from 5-7:30 pm the Impact Youth group will be baking Kairos Cookies to bring hope and encouragement to people in prison.

Charlie and Vickie Caroll will join the youth, sharing powerful stories about how these simple acts of kindness can transform lives and bring light to those who need it most.



Homemade cookies are a tangible expression of Christian love and an indication of God's concern for a group of people who seldom encounter either in the course of their daily lives. Your loving sacrifice will provide "bread" that shines the Light of God's Grace into the darkest corners of a prison unit.

May God bless you for the gift of baking!

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, Starting Saturday, October 5th! 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!

Calling All Musicians: Join Our Church's Vibrant Music Ministry! 🎶🙌

Are you passionate about music? Do you feel called to share your musical gifts in a community of faith? Pender is seeking talented musicians to join our vibrant Music Ministry team and contribute to our uplifting and spiritually enriching worship services!

What We're Looking For:

• Instrumentalists: Whether you shine on the strings, whisper with the woodwinds, or resonate with the brass, we need your skills to fill our sanctuary with harmonious sounds.
• Vocalists: Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses—lend your voices to help lead our congregation in song and praise.
• Handbell Ringers: We will teach you to play during our services and special events.

Why Join Us?

• Community Impact: Through your music, you can touch the hearts of our congregation and inspire joy and contemplation in our weekly gatherings.
• Spiritual Growth: Participate in a ministry that not only serves others but also nurtures your own faith and connection to the divine.
• Musical Development: Collaborate with experienced musicians and vocalists that will help you hone your craft and explore new musical opportunities.

Get Involved:

• Rehearsals: We meet weekly to practice and prepare, ensuring every service is both spiritually and musically fulfilling.
• Sunday Services: Be a part of our regular worship schedule and special holiday performances that highlight the church calendar.
• Community Outreach: Occasionally, our music ministry participates in local events and services, expanding our impact beyond the church walls.

If you're excited about making a joyful noise unto the Lord and enhancing our worship experiences, we would love to hear from you! Contact our Music Director today to learn more about how you can get involved.

Let your talent soar in a place where music meets ministry, and together, we'll create beautiful worship experiences that resonate with all who attend.

Join us and be a key note in our melody of faith! 🎵✨

Blessing Box

Pender has a Blessing Box at the end of the driveway near the lower parking lot which could always use donations. When you’re near Pender, please pay it forward and share a few groceries with those in need. There is no lock on it- it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Take what you need.

Leave what you can.

Little becomes much

In the Master’s hand.”

Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

No clothing, note cards, calendars, plastic utensils, glass items, expired food, fresh, or frozen food items.

Some ideas:

Rice

Dry beans (red, black, pink, pinto, black recipes)

Pasta

Canned spaghetti sauce (traditional)

Canned tomato sauce

Canned diced or whole tomatoes 

Canned tomato paste

Flour

Sugar

Yeast packets 

Baking powder

Baking soda

Oil

Salt

Pepper

Soy sauce

Taco seasoning mix

Canned tuna

Canned mackerel 

Canned chicken 

Canned salmon 

Spam

Canned luncheon meat

Canned fruit (packed in juice)

Canned jalapeños

Canned adobo peppers

Oatmeal

Grits

Yellow or white cornmeal

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

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages of chips, beef jerky, 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

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.

~~~

The WFCM blue cart is between the two front doors of the church.

Most needed items in the Free Food Market this month:

• Flour (Maseca preferred)
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil 
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix 
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels) 
• Canned Chicken 
• Toiletries: bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, 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.)

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.

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.