Dear Church Family:

Everywhere I go these days, many people seem anxious. Change is happening all around us, and widespread change-for good or ill-is always disruptive to human lives and communities. Some of the anxiety is, of course, driven by a contentious political environment exacerbated by an equally polarized media. Under such circumstances, it is sometimes hard to distinguish between good change and bad. Some people make a living off of fomenting anxiety and division, even while promising an elusive remedy.  

Though we may all feel the stress and uncertainty of change, most of us prefer to avoid it.  So do I.  Behavorial scientists tell us that stress is not good for the mind or body. But you don't have to have an advanced degree to know that trying to rest with too much of the world's trouble on your mind is not a recipe for a good night's sleep. 

Of course, I am not a helpless bystander or victim in this anxious world. I have strong opinions about many things, and unless proven otherwise, I think I'm right. And if you give me half a chance to express my opinions, I may be quick to tell you about them, whether you want to know or not. I suspect I'm not alone. 

Encountering different ideas is part of being an adult in a diverse and divided world. Yet, as Richard Weaver wrote in 1948, "Ideas have consequences." Not all ideas are worthy of our allegiance. Thinking clearly about things that matter is essential to a healthy life and faith, and a thriving culture and church. Truth matters, and not all things are true. And the more anxious the times, the more important it is that Christians be able to distinguish between truth and falsehood in order to embrace the truth.  

The danger is that, in times such as these, we are tempted to move from merely rejecting bad ideas to demonizing the people who hold them. And if I lose sight of that distinction, I make myself susceptible to the dynamics of the polarized and dehumanizing world. I create an "other" out of the neighbor I am called to love. And history proves over and again that dehumanizing other people is the first step down a dangerous and deadly road.  

Even as Christians seek to avoid the sins of a divisive age, we know that we do not have the luxury of opting out of the troubled world. We are people devoted to the saving truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ, and we know that God's truth is not for us alone. God is a God in mission to reclaim and restore the rebellious and anxious world.  We profess that Jesus Christ is the "grace and truth" of God revealed in human history for our salvation (John 1:14). He is the truth that God has made known in our fearful and fractious world to reconcile us to God and to each other (John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus is the truth who has changed our lives, and God intends the truth about Jesus to be shared with all and not kept a secret. To be a disciple of Jesus is to know that true unity in diversity is possible only in Christ, and that the church is called and equipped to be the living proof that such unity is possible through the love of Christ and available to all who receive him in faith. Jesus calls his disciples out of the world's rebellion to transform us and send us back into our anxious age as witnesses to his redeeming truth and reconciling love (Acts 1:8). It is incumbent upon us then to share the good news about him with others even though we know that not all will receive the truth he brings. The witness we give will be made clear in how we live together in love as his church, and how we speak the truth in love before the watching world (Ephesians 4:15).

As you know, on Saturday, August 23, the disciples of Jesus at Pender UMC are invited to a Day of Discernment (9:00-3:00 in the Gathering Place). We will read, listen, discuss and pray, with the aim of discerning and naming the leading of the Holy Spirit among us in a new season of our congregational life. As we do, we remember that whatever vision, priorities and goals emerge from this work of Spirit-discernment, our enduring task will be to give a faithful witness to Jesus, gracious Savior and true Lord, in our anxious time and place. The truth is, it has been that way from the moment the Holy Spirit first fell upon the church at Pentecost. 

As we prepare for the Day of Discernment, I invite you to take time to turn off the TV and devices that so easily distract and disturb us, and spend time alone with God. By prayerfully devoting time to the Scriptural Word, let the Lord of the church quiet your troubled spirit and refocus your mind on the witness to his truth that we are privileged to give. Then plan to join with other disciples at Pender as we unite in one spirit to discern the will and leading of the Holy Spirit as Jesus' witnesses in our corner of the world. We can be sure that whatever changes the Triune God brings will only be for our benefit so that we may extend in faithful and fruitful ways his life-changing mercies to the world Christ loves and died to save.

Pastor Bruce   

• August 16, Community Day and Welcome Back to School Festival
• August 17, Backpack Blessings
• August 23, A Day of Discernment
• August 24, Church Council
• August 24, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• August 28, Choir Rehearsals Resume
• September 6, Bread of Life
• September 6, Korean Soloist Ensemble Peace Concert with orchestra
• September 7, Fellowship Feast
• September 8, Fun with Music Resumes
• September 9, Handbell Rehearsals Resume
• September 13 to 21, Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week
• September 13, Women's Prayer Retreat
• September 14, Youth Sunday
• September 14, Book Lovers Club
• September 15, PenderGO! Team
• September 18, Deadline to register for WFCM Walk to End Hunger & Fellowship Breakfast
• September 19-20, Lay Servant Ministry Training event
• October 11, Black Girl Scientist Teen Girls Fun with Chemistry!
• October 18, Second Annual Walk to End Hunger
• October 24-25, Focus on the Heart Women's Bible Study with Rev. Christine Hanak
• October 25, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• November 2 (tentative), Rise Against Hunger (with KUMC)
• November 9, Glory Way Concert
• December 6, Pender Women Christmas Cookie Exchange

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 periodically relieve the Sunday School teachers so they may 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, Resuming September 8, 2025
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals will resume September 9, 2025
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle, will resume in September
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal on summer break will resume August 28

Check here for other meetings.

Does your group meet at Pender—either in person or online?

Help us keep the church calendar accurate! If anything’s changing with your recurring meeting, just shoot an email to webmaster@penderumc.org.

Pender meetings follow the school year, so if your group meets weekly or monthly and wants to continue in the fall, you'll need to reschedule for the 2025–2026 year.

With four other congregations now sharing space at Pender, it’s more important than ever to reserve your room—and release it if you're no longer using it.

Pender members and Pender-sponsored groups (like the Boy Scouts) can click here to add your event. Be sure to include your preferred room number.

Once your event is approved, you’ll get an email confirmation. Just remember: if someone else already booked the room, you'll need to pick another option.

Thanks for helping Pender stay organized!

Can you help?

Ruth Wheeler is home and happy, but also weak and receiving hospice care. 

She and her daughter Elizabeth (Delao) are seeking church members and friends who can sit with her from time to time as Elizabeth returns to work. 

If you may be able to help them in this important time, and would like to find out more, you can call the church office to notify Vicki (703-278-8023) or call Elizabeth directly (252-588-2322).  

Join us for an evening of fun, food, music, and games as we celebrate the end of summer with KUMC Koinonia and kick off the new school year!

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a free community event packed with excitement:

🎸 Live Bands

🍕 Tasty Food

🎯 Outdoor Games

🎨 Kids' Activities

🎈 And so much more!

Whether you're a student gearing up for school or just love a good neighborhood party, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s send summer off with a smile and start the school year with joy!

Come one, come all — we can't wait to see you there! 😄

🌿 A Day of Discernment – Seeking God’s Vision for Pender

Exciting news! Church leaders have announced a Day of Discernment scheduled for Saturday, August 23, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Gathering Place.

This special day is a time for the entire Pender family—members and friends alike—to come together in prayer, reflection, and conversation as we seek God’s direction for our church in this season.

Together, we’ll explore scripture, reflect on Pender’s faithful history, and prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit is leading us now in Jesus’ disciple-making mission. This isn’t just about brainstorming ideas—it’s about discerning God’s purposes and priorities for our congregation and identifying clear steps to align our ministries with His will.

Let’s prepare our hearts by recommitting ourselves to Christ and praying for a renewed vision of what God desires for Pender. Where there is a clear and godly vision—and hearts ready to follow—Jesus' church will surely thrive.

📅 Save the date: August 23

📍 Location: The Gathering Place

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Join us as we seek, listen, and step forward in faith—together.

Please let us know you'll attend!

As a new school year begins, we're kicking things off with special Backpack Blessings!

Whether you're a student, teacher, professor, administrator, or staff member, bring your backpack, briefcase, or tote bag to be blessed for the year ahead.



Let’s surround this school year with hope, prayer, and positivity!

Celebrate 150 Years of Diplomacy with the 2025 Official White House Ornament

This year’s Official Ornament from the White House Historical Association honors the 150th anniversary of State Dinners at the Executive Mansion—a time-honored tradition of elegance, diplomacy, and American hospitality. From President Ulysses S. Grant’s first state dinner in 1874 to the storied evenings hosted by President Ronald Reagan, these gatherings have shaped relationships and written history by candlelight.

Crafted in the USA with a stunning 24k gold finish on solid brass, this collectible ornament beautifully commemorates a legacy of unity and grace. Whether for your tree, your mantle, or as a timeless gift, it’s more than decoration—it’s a piece of American heritage.

🕊️ Size: 3.25" x 3" x .5"

✨ Finish: 24k gold on solid brass

🏛️ Made in the USA

Own a tribute to 150 years of statecraft, celebration, and shared stories—served with distinction.

United Women in Faith will have a sale table just outside the narthex by the steps/mailboxes on Sundays starting the end of August/early September.

LAY SERVANT MINISTRY TRAINING

Northern Virginia’s next Lay Servant Ministry Training event will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 19-20 at Sudley UMC.

Registration Fee: $35

Classes will be canceled unless they receive a minimum of 5.

Registrants are expected to spend 2 hours before class reading the recommended book.



Please note that we have moved this event to the fall. NEW dates are September 19-20!

Register

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. — Dinner Church and Orientation (Heavy hors d’oeuvres)

7:00-9:00 p.m. — Session #1

SATURDAY

8-8:30 a.m. — Breakfast Church

8:30 – 10:30 a.m. — Session #2

10:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. — Session #3

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch (provided)

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. — Session #4

3:30 – 3:45 p.m. — Closing Blessing and presentation of certificates

Classes Offered

(Click to find the description of each class)

Register

Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course

Instructor: Nick Abate, Sudley UMC

* (required for any certification)

This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.

Required Reading: Lay Servant Ministries

Summer Hymn Sing!

In August, we’re celebrating the rich tradition of congregational singing during our weekly services.

Have a favorite hymn you’d love to sing? Drop the title in the basket on Vicki’s desk—we’d love to include it!

WFCM Walk to End Hunger & Fellowship Breakfast

Registration is now open for this year's Walk & Fellowship Breakfast on Saturday October 18, 2025 during Centreville Day.

Sign up today for breakfast, the walk, or both! All registered participants will be invited to participate in a Virtual Silent Auction October 6-9. 

The Fellowship Breakfast will feature a hearty breakfast including pancakes, eggs, crispy potatoes, and breakfast meat and family-friendly activities. 

The Walk to End Hunger is a one-mile family-friendly walk at the end of the Centreville Day Parade to raise awareness about food insecurity in our communities and raise funds for our Free Food Markets in Chantilly and Centreville. 

Date: Saturday October 18th

Breakfast: 8:30am - 10:00am

Walk to End Hunger: 10:45am - 11:30am 

Walk Details: The parade route is officially .92 miles. The walk will not be timed. Children in strollers or wagons are welcome. For safety reasons, please no headphones/ear buds, pets, bicycles, or skates. Further locations about the location of the walk, parking, and shuttles will be provided to registered walkers.

All walkers must register by Thursday September 18th to receive a t-shirt. Please wear your Walk to End Hunger 2025 t-shirt during the walk.

All walkers must submit a signed waiver of liability

Together We Walk To End Hunger

Pender UMC and KUMC-Koinonia Philippi West Virginia Missions Trip Saturday, July 19 – Saturday, July 26, 2025

It was time for our exciting, wonderful youth mission trip to Philippi, West Virginia! This trip provided an array of activities with youth and adults working together. We assisted people in the community who needed a helping hand. Thank you for your willingness to reach out to others!

We met in the Pender parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday to pack all our belongings in the vehicles. Everyone was on time! It took approximately four hours to get to Philippi. There was limited internet service, but we encouraged everyone to let their family know when we arrived. We made two to three stops along the way for bathroom breaks and snacks. Some chose to bring spending money or extra snacks to eat as we traveled.

Purpose and Goal of the Mission Experience: The goal was to spark interest in our youth and adults to be involved in mission work from a Christian Discipleship perspective—in our community and around the world—faithfully loving and serving like Jesus, bringing help and hope to others.

Accommodations:

We stayed in the Community Center on Chestnut Ridge in Philippi. There were separate quarters for females and males, with bunk beds for all. We provided our own breakfast and lunch, but Bonnie, in the Community Center, provided our dinner. Each evening, we gathered to share our thoughts from the day, hear a scripture message, and make plans for the next day.

Youth and adults had time each evening for games and/or quiet time before bed. We also took at least one trip for ice cream at the super yummy Dairy King in town!

Work Site Behavior:

We worked about six hours each day, starting just after breakfast. Bonnie assigned us tasks in the community, depending on the skills we brought and the needs in the area. There were opportunities for short breaks as well as lunch. Everyone brought a water bottle—it could be hot work! We worked with people who came from poor areas and were respectful of their environment.

Smiles, positive attitudes, and helpful spirits brought joy and hope to their community!

Need a Pender Magnet for Your Car?

Show your Pender spirit on the road!

We have Pender UMC car magnets available in the church office.

Stop by and pick one up—while supplies last!

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!

Right now we have:

• A variety of braces for back, knee and wrist
• Rolling walker with basket
• Canes
• Blood Pressure Monitor
• Polar Active Ice Therapy
• Crutches
• NEW! Wedge pillow - good for backs and after knee surgery
• Treadmill (see below)

On Loan:

• Wheelchair
• Electric Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

Treadmill Donation Opportunity

We may have a treadmill available for donation—perfect for anyone looking to boost their home fitness!

The equipment can be picked up from the donor’s home, and with a few helping hands and a truck (for which Roberta has a connection), moving it is completely doable.

Interested or want to learn more? Contact Roberta Pont for details.

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 June 30, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $40,580;  YTD actual revenue was $280,428;

MTD actual expenses was $39,526; YTD actual expenses was $290,471;

MTD net gain was $1,054 ;      YTD net loss was ($10,042).

Let’s Stay Connected!

At Pender, we’re here to support you and your family—whether we’re gathering in person or connecting online.

If you're active on social media, we’d love for you to follow us, share our posts, and help spread the word about all the great things happening at Pender!

Which social media platforms do you use most?

Please let us know by voting on our website!

Your input helps us reach and engage our community more effectively.

Hi, Sunday School Families & Friends, 

There are some wonderful family/children's activities happening this year. 

Please come and enjoy! All are welcome -- and invite a friend!

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries – WFCM - programs are designed to serve as a critical safety net to keep individuals and families in financial crisis housed and fed while providing resources, support, compassion services, and connections to help them work toward financial stability and food security. 

In 1987, Pender UMC along with 11 other local churches saw the need for coordinated aid and formed WFCM. Nearly 40 years later, its primary programs are the Emergency Food Program including two Free Food Markets, 15 satellite site refrigerators, and home delivery and Emergency Housing Financial Services Program (assisting with rent, mortgage, and utility bills) serving an average of 700 families/month, nearly 5,000 individuals/year. WFCM, the anchor community-based organization in Region 4 of Fairfax County, provides food and financial support to families at risk of hunger and homelessness in 9 zip codes in western Fairfax County (Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Herndon, and Oak Hill).

The WFCM Mission:

As an expression of God’s love and a demonstration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries provides food and financial support to those at risk of hunger and homelessness.

If you would like to participate in helping our neighbors, there are several ways you can help: 

1. Place needed items into the cart at Pender for weekly delivery to WFCM
2. Provide a monetary donation through Pender by designating WFCM on your check or on-line giving. 
3. Order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite H, Chantilly, VA 20151 (Amazon is best for heavy items.)
4. Donate your time by volunteering in the Food Pantry or another of their many services.

To learn more, click here to link to the WFCM website. www.wfcmva.org​

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Bryan, the Pender coordinator with WFCM. 

CURRENT MARKET NEEDS.

Food & Beverages​​​

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (beets, potatoes, mixed vegetables)
• Pancake Mix
• Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
• Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Canned Fruit (peaches, applesauce, pineapples)
• Kidney Beans
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.) (no glass bottles)
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries

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

• body wash
• lotion
• deodorant
• mouthwash
• hair conditioner
• feminine hygiene products (pads), and baby wipes (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

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.