Dear Church Family:

Today, 2 children were shot and killed and 17 others wounded at a Catholic school by a disturbed young person in Minneapolis who then took his own life.  

The national guard from multiple states is on the streets of our nation's capital to assist police in quelling a chronic epidemic of violence, much of it among youth.

Millions of undocumented residents of American cities and towns fear being deported while millions more bemoan the conditions that allowed them illegal entrance into the country.

War rages on in Ukraine and Gaza with civilians caught in the crossfire, despite the efforts of world leaders to restore peace.

Every day brings powerful reminders of our troubled world and the sobering truth of our human inability to solve the problems that humans have created.

Yet in the midst of the troubles, there is good news: day by day, Jesus is building his Church. The Son of God who took all the evil of our world upon himself on the cross to redeem us, is also the risen Lord and Head of the Church who is constantly creating a people to be his visible witnesses everywhere in the weary world. And those he calls to himself and equips to be his witnesses are not insulated from the world's misery but are sent to be the living sign of God's remedy for human sin and destruction. And—more good news—even the gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus is building (Matt. 16:18).  

But what is it that makes the church so different from the troubled world? How are we to witness to the life-giving Jesus in our death-haunted world?

We have all heard it said that Christians are Jesus' "hands and feet," who are called to do good deeds in his name. But the Church—what Paul called Jesus' "body" on earth—is much more than that also. The mission the risen Jesus gave his followers was to be his disciples who make disciples of others (Matt. 28:16-20). In John 3, Jesus taught that following him begins when we receive a New Birth, by water and the Holy Spirit. Our new life in Christ means dying to our old way of life and being raised with Christ to a life of his making and willing (Galatians 2:20). Baptism is the sign. Ours is a baptized life that we share together. When we are given this new life by faith in Jesus Christ, then the Head of the Church joins us to every other member of the body he is growing one disciple at a time. Our shared life is marked by worship of the triune God, Christ-centered learning, prayerful communion, an uncommon fellowship of love, and sacrificial service to all. In all these ways and more, we are being formed to be the body of Christ that not only acts as Jesus' hands and feet, but by the whole of our life becomes a living and faithful witness to who Jesus is and the salvation he has accomplished for the whole world.  As the Church under Jesus' Headship, our first prayer is not, "Tell us what to do" but "Teach us who we are."

As the early Church experienced, it takes more than Jesus' mighty acts of salvation and sincere human hearts to make the Church a living witness to him in the broken world. It takes the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower and guide the disciples (Acts 2ff.) The work of the Holy Spirit in us is manifold and life-giving. The Spirit awakens us and convicts us of our need for a Savior. The Spirit gives to us the New Birth in Christ, binds us together as Jesus' body, and leads us in his holy way. The one the Church professes to be the third person of the Trinity is the one Jesus called the Spirit of Truth, who is the first and true witness to Jesus and the Father's greatest gift to the Church of his disciples (See John 14-16, Luke 11:13).  

The Holy Spirit is the difference between a vital church and a dying religion. Yes, our witness is sometimes given in improving the world as we are able. But if that's where our focus lies, we will become like many weary and despairing, more of a reflection of the troubled world than a sign of God's solution. Our first and continuing need as Jesus' disciples is not to get busy doing what seems best to us, but rather to pray daily, "Come, Holy Spirit."  

Unlike the world, Christians know that we cannot save ourselves nor the disordered world enslaved to sin. Our confidence is in the triune God who has given us new life in Jesus Christ and who by the Holy Spirit at work forming us to become like him through a shared life and witness. Jesus' commission and our highest aim is in every way to bear witness to Christ the Head of the body who is also the true answer and solution to the world's problems.  

I am happy to report that, at our recent Day of Discernment, the first and overriding focus was to seek and welcome the Holy Spirit to lead Pender in the way of Jesus Christ in this time and place. In coming newsletter articles, I will speak more about the specific takeaways from that day.  

God is doing a new and good work to form us more fully and faithfully to be Jesus' witnesses for our time. I am eternally grateful to be a part of the Spirit's work with you, 

Pastor Bruce

Please pray for the family and loved ones of

Ruth Wheeler

a beloved long-time member of

Pender United Methodist Church

Celebration of Life

will be held Saturday

August 30, 2025 at 3 pm

with a reception to follow.

Ruth Chickering Wheeler

October 18, 1926 – August 21, 2025

Ruth Joyce Chickering Wheeler was born October 18, 1926 to Edith (Gile) and Arthur Chickering in Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. She died on August 21, 2025 peacefully at her home.

Services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 3PM at Pender United Methodist Church, 12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA. Reception to follow.

Ruth grew up on Pembroke Street, Pembroke, NH. She is a graduate of Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, NH and Wheelock College in Boston, MA.

After graduation Ruth taught kindergarten in Laconia, NH and through earning a fellowship in Washington, DC from Wheelock College she met and married Arthur Adrian Wheeler, August 15, 1953 in Pembroke and made a home in Fairfax, VA. There they began their family; Anna, Lawrence and Elizabeth Wheeler, and Jonathan Chickering.

In the early 1960’s Ruth and friend Angela Riedel started Pender Hill School at the little Pender United Methodist Church at the corner of West Ox Road and Route 50. She was director from 1962-1997 and she taught preschool there at Pender Hill Preschool throughout those years until her retirement in 1999.

Ruth was a very active member at Pender United Methodist Church for over 70 years. She taught Sunday School, worked in the nursery, was a long-standing member of the United Methodist Women’s Fellowship, working on Methodist Men dinners, the Bazaars, Boutiques, Flea Markets and basically anywhere she was needed.

She was an active member of the PTA at Navy School when her children were in attendance there. Everywhere she went she worked sharing her love of children. Her smile and willingness to be involved encouraged those around her to join in the fun. In her later years she was often seen at Senior Citizen dances around the Northern Virginia area. She loved Ballroom dances best but was up for trying any dance being played. She will definitely be dancing in heaven joining husbands, Arthur Wheeler and Earl McKay and beloved friend Paul Hirt.

Ruth leaves behind her children Anna Sue (Wheeler) and Alan Gibbs (Concord, NH), Lawrence Wheeler (Culpepper, VA), Elizabeth (Wheeler) and Ignacio De La O (Danville and Fairfax, VA), Jonathan and Lindsay Chickering (Nokesville, VA). Grandchildren: Christopher Gibbs (New Durham, NH), Jeremy Gibbs (Sanbornton, NH); Deana Sietz (Seattle, WA); Carlos De La O (Raleigh, NC) and Daniela De La O (San Angelo, TX); Cali, Tanner and Kyler Chickering (Nokesville, VA). Great Grandchildren: Michael, Josh, Austin, Caleb and Kendyll Gibbs; a multitude of nieces and nephews, friends and well loved “step and adopted” family.

From https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fairfax-va/ruth-wheeler-12496174

Please note: The video link below is unlistedders take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

• August 28, Choir Rehearsals Resume
• August 30, 3, pm, Celebration of Life Service for Ruth Wheeler
• September 3, AA Meeting
• 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
• September 28, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• 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
• October 26, Charge Conference
• November 2 (tentative), Rise Against Hunger (with KUMC)
• November 9, Glory Way Concert
• November 23, Community Thanksgiving Service
• December 6, Pender Women Christmas Cookie Exchange
• December 13, Christmas Party with Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center

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
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal

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!

KUMC Koinonia and Pender hosted an evening of fun, food, music, and games as we celebrated the end of summer and kicked off the new school year! Friends, families, and neighbors gathered for a free community event packed with excitement:

* Live Bands

* Tasty Food

* Outdoor Games

* Kids' Activities

* And so much more!

Whether students were gearing up for school or neighbors simply enjoyed a great community party, there was truly something for everyone. We sent summer off with a smile and started the school year with joy!

Thank you to everyone who came—what a wonderful way to come together!

Join Us for Bread of Life September 6!

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, 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!

The Music Ministries at Pender are dedicated to using God’s gift of music to joyfully lift praises to His name!

Our primary focus is to enhance our worship experience at Pender through music of all kinds - voice, guitar, piano, organ, handbells, chimes, flutes, clarinets, harp, drums, and more.

Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are Thursday nights (tonight!) from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm

We provide homemade soups and fresh home made bread. 

Please bring a salad or dessert to share on September 7, 2025

Step into a world of giggles and song with “Fun “with Music at Pender! This is not just any music class – it's a journey through sound and imagination designed especially for preschoolers and their favorite grown-ups.

Since 2013, Jim and Roberta Pont have been creating a space where tiny toes tap, and little voices echo with joy, crafting a magical musical experience for children from birth to five years old. Wave 'hello' and join us every Monday morning for a delightful 30-minute musical escapade! Our littlest musicians and their families come together at 10 AM to sing, dance, and make friends with tunes.

We dive into a treasure trove of stuffed animals and toys, transforming the room into an enchanting stage for our budding performers. With every stuffed lion's roar or elephant's trumpet, your child's imagination will soar! After the musical fiesta, it's time for a yummy snack, followed by playtime where kids can explore and make-believe.

Meanwhile, moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers can relish a homemade brunch prepared with love – a perfect chance to mingle and share stories. Our box of wonders is always brimming with surprises! One day it's a car zooming around, another day it's a train chugging along. Flip it over and voilà, it's a drum or even a rumbling thunder to match the beat of our songs.

From 'The Wheels on the Bus' to sparkling new Bible-based rhymes, we have tunes that will make your little one's heart dance with every beat! Last week, our pint-sized percussionists marched on bubble wrap to the rhythm of a march, popping and hopping with glee. And guess what's next? A tunnel adventure awaits their curious little eyes and eager hands!

So, if you're a parent with a playful tot between zero to five, and Monday mornings are open, come and make a splash in our sea of melodies at 'Melody Mornings'. It's not just fun; it's a musical hug for the heart and soul.

Can't wait to sing and swing into a new day of joy with you and your little one! This class meets every Monday except for school holidays.

Roberta also uses the oven between 9:30am and 10:30am. This is to bake the casserole for the Moms.

Our program will start on September 8, Monday.  Registration on that Monday will start at 9:30 am. Those who have registered in the past do not have to register again unless their email has changed. 

The program will start at 10am as usual. The registration fee will be $35.00 per semester per family.  

Handbells are not just for children and teens! We have adult handbell groups for beginner to advanced ringers.  The difficulty level of handbell music is rated from Level 1 (easy) to Level 6 (most difficult). Each of the groups rings monthly in worship between September and June and participates in the annual Christmas handbell concert.

The groups also like to participate in the various festivals that are held by the regional handbell guild (Handbell Musicians of America – Area 3). Our rehearsals are full of laughing and ringing (sometimes more laughing than ringing!) You do not have to know how to read music to learn how to ring handbells!

Carillon Ringers group is for ringers who ring Level 2 and Level 3 music.

Carillon Ringers rehearse at 6:30pm Tuesdays. The handbells will play during worship about once every month. Brian will make out the usual schedule at the beginning of rehearsals starting on September 9th.

Joy Ringers group is for advanced ringers who ring Level 4 and Level 5 music.

Joy Ringers rehearse at 7:30pm Tuesdays. 

The handbells will play during worship about once every month. Brian will make out the usual schedule at the beginning of rehearsals starting on September 9th.

JDC - Juvenile Detention Center

Join us as we joyfully share the Gospel with prayer, song, and word at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center, 10650 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA. Sunday, August 24th, 1:30 to 2:30 PM!

PRAISES

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

Pender provided 20 backpacks to Providence elementary school in support of Western Fairfax Christian ministries backpack blessings program.

In the picture you have Maya, Greg and Joanna Berry, Carol-Anne Kaye, David and Pam Kinard and Becky Bryant.

Carol-Anne, senior lay leader, provided our prayer and blessings over the backpacks.

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

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 July 31, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $43,736; YTD actual revenue was $324,164;

MTD actual expenses was $43,443; YTD actual expenses was $333,914;

MTD net gain was $293; YTD net loss was ($9,749).

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.