Sunday is Trinity Sunday

Trinity Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost, reminding us of the three different ways we experience the one God whom we worship.

We worship God the Creator; we worship Jesus who experienced the life of a human; and we worship the way that God works within us – the Holy Spirit.

Join Pender in celebrating this special Sunday.

• Today through June 20, sign up for VBS 2025
• June 18, AA Meeting
• June 21, Washington Korean Ensemble Concert
• June 22, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center/
• June 23 to 27 - VBS 2025 "Road Trip"
• June 29, “Laity of the Congregation” Sunday
• June 29, Church Council
• July 18 to 26 - Youth Mission to Philippi, WV
• August 16, Community Day and Welcome Back to School Festival
• December 6 (tentative), Craft and Christmas Market

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, 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 at 6:30

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 after June 30, 2025, you'll need to reschedule for the 2025–2026 year. You can start booking your dates on Monday, July 28, 2025.

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!

On June 7, 2025, the Pender UMC Choir, under the direction of Patrick King, presented a moving performance of “Credo” from Crucifixus—part of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor. The piece was beautifully accompanied by Heidi Jacobs on piano.

Bach’s Mass in B Minor is his only complete setting of the Latin Ordinarium Missae. In this monumental work, Bach created a symmetrical and unified structure, with the Credo (the profession of faith) placed at the center—and within it, the Crucifixus, forming the very heart of the piece.

Composed and compiled primarily between 1748–1749, this masterpiece stands as one of Bach’s final and most profound expressions of faith and artistry.

Thanks to Daks Quiñones for sharing this video!

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!

Do You Recognize This Cabinet?

If this cabinet looks familiar, you might have a mailbox inside!

It’s located near the elevators, and it could be holding something for you.

Please take a moment to stop by and check—your mail might be waiting!

There also may be a yummy surprise inside.

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Pender’s Impact Youth continued their mission to bless our neighbors by expanding the vegetable garden for The Lamb Center—a daytime drop-in shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, Virginia.

In this phase of the project, our youth planted:

🍅 Tomatoes

🥒 Cucumbers

🌶️ Peppers

🌿 Basil, Dill, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme & Cilantro

🌼 Marigolds (for pollinators!)

This slideshow captures joyful moments from the day as our young people got their hands dirty for a great cause. Their dedication is a powerful reminder of how small acts of service can sow seeds of hope and nourishment for our community. 😁

🎶 Background music: In the Garden – performed by Heidi Jacobs as the prelude for the August 15, 2024 Traditional Service.

🙏 Special thanks to our adult helpers: Mark Atwood, Brian McCall, Jane McKee, and Arlet Williams.

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 Washington Korean Ensemble will perform at Pender June 21 at 4:00 pm with reception following.

Thanks to KUMC, on Sunday there will be half-price tickets available again!

Captivating choral performances in the Washington Metropolitan Area for over 30 years.

Established in 1993, the Washington Korean Ensemble (formerly Washington Soloist Ensemble) has been an integral part of the Korean diaspora that has represented Korean culture in the United States through music.

The group has performed in numerous key events over the years including the Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States.

By harmonizing the choral artistry of Korea and the United States, the group’s music resonates with the heart and leaves a lasting impression.

Singing at Sunrise – Team Members Needed!

Do you love sharing music, scripture, and encouragement? We’re forming a new outreach team to bring joy and worship to residents of a local assisted living facility—and we’d love for you to be part of it!

🎶 What is Singing at Sunrise?

A monthly 30–40 minute gathering (currently considering the 4th Sunday of each month) featuring favorite hymns, scripture readings, and prayer. We'll have a printed packet of beloved songs available—and we’ll even take requests on the spot!

🧡 What We Need:

We’re looking for supportive people of all kinds—singers, readers, instrumentalists, and those who just want to be present and participate. No rehearsals are planned, though we may have brief prep meetings.

🎹 Instrumentalists Welcome!

Jane McKee expects to accompany but is happy to share that role if someone else would like to play. All instrumentalists—piano, guitar, and more—are welcome!

🗣️ No Solo Speakers Required

This isn’t about having one designated leader. Instead, we hope to form a team where everyone can contribute. When this ministry existed in the past, different members took turns offering brief reflections month to month.

🙌 Let’s Create Something Together

Right now, this ministry is still in the planning stage. Jane and Andy are working to form the core team, and your ideas, energy, and presence could help shape the future of this outreach.

Interested?

Let us know if you'd like to be part of this meaningful and joy-filled ministry.

All are welcome!

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

On Loan

• Wheelchair
• Electric Wheelchair
• Rolling Walker

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, Pender 's congregation lifted their voices in the stirring hymn O Spirit of the Living God (UMH #539), celebrating the movement of the Holy Spirit among us.

🎹 Accompaniment:

* Heidi Jacobs – Piano

* Patrick King – Keyboards

* Abe Garver – Cello

🎤 And yes—if you listen closely, you can hear Pastor Bruce Johnson singing bass through his mic!

This timeless hymn reminds us of the Spirit's renewing power in our lives and in the life of the Church. Come, Holy Spirit!

The Story Behind the Hymn

Henry Hallam Tweedy (1868-1953) hailed from the northeast, born in Binghamton, N.Y. He was granted degrees from Phillips Andover Academy, Yale University, Union Theological Seminary and the University of Berlin.

A Congregational pastor, he served churches in New York and Connecticut, and later taught practical theology from 1909-1937 at Yale Divinity School.

He co-authored several books, including Training the Devotional Life (1919) and Religious Training in School and Home (1917). His most important contribution, however, was as editor of the hymnal Christian Worship and Praise (1939).

In addition to editing a hymnal, Tweedy published a practical volume, The Minister and His Hymnal, and won several hymn contests sponsored by the Homiletic Review and the Hymn Society of America.

Hymnologist Albert Bailey notes that Tweedy’s “courses led him to study with his students various hymnals in common use and to appraise hymns for their religion, their poetry, and their value in public services of worship.” Out of this Tweedy began to compose his own hymn texts.

The United Methodist Hymnal contains one of Tweedy’s three main hymn texts in use today, the other two being “Eternal God, Whose Power Upholds” (1928), winner of the Hymn Society of America’s missionary hymn competition, and “O Gracious Father of Mankind” (1925).

Methodist hymnologist Guy McCutchan quotes Tweedy, who said he composed “O Spirit of the Living God” because “some of the old Pentecostal hymns were to me unsatisfactory, and I was eager to interpret the symbolism of the story in Acts in a way that modern men could understand and sincerely mean.”

The hymn was first published in the Methodist Hymnal (1935) after Halford E. Luccock, the author’s friend, sent it to the hymnal committee.

The text is an exposition of Acts 2, a passage focused on Pentecost. Stanza one is a petition for “light and fire,” primary images of the Spirit at Pentecost, to “descend upon the church once more.” The petitions continue as the author asks the Spirit to “make [the church] truly thine,” “Fill [the church] with love and joy and power, with righteousness and peace.”

Stanza two begins with an imperative verb, “Blow, wind of God!”—a request for wisdom “until our minds are free from mists of error.” The second half of the hymn petitions the Spirit to “Burn, winged fire!”—a request for inspiration of “lips with flaming love and zeal, to preach. . . . ”

Stanza three continues with imperative petitions: “Teach us to utter living words of truth”—a request for insight that will lead to an ecumenical vision when all shall “blend their creeds in one, and earth shall form one family. . . . ”

The final stanza answers the question, “So what?”

The composer makes these petitions so that “we know the power of Christ who came this world to save. . . . ” If these petitions are fulfilled, “true holiness” will make “thy children whole” and we will be “perfected by thee . . . [to] reach creation’s glorious goal!”

Interestingly, the language of Christian perfection indicates a Wesleyan direction for the culmination of the hymn.

The Rev. Carlton Young, editor the UM Hymnal, notes: “This is one of a few social gospel hymns written in the 1930s that has survived.” It follows in the mold established by Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918) and expressed so beautifully in hymns like Congregationalist Washington Gladden’s “O Master Let me Walk with Thee” (1879) and the Methodist Frank Mason North’s “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” (1903).

One additional note—Tweedy is credited with a quotation that often appears in association with his name: “Fear is the father of courage and the mother of safety.”

Dr. Hawn is professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology, SMU.

Read more at https://penderumc.org/pender-blog/hymn-history-o-spirit-of-the-living-god/

On Sunday, June 8, 2025—Pentecost Sunday—Pender United Methodist Church joyfully recognized our 2025 graduates during worship.

After the service, we celebrated their achievements with a special graduation lunch surrounded by family, friends, and the church community.

This slideshow captures meaningful moments from that joyful gathering.

🎶 Background music: Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar—a timeless tribute to the accomplishments and bright futures of our graduates.

Congratulations to all our grads—we’re proud of you! 🎓❤️

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 April 30, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $58,026;  YTD actual revenue was $198,604;

MTD actual expenses was $45,352; YTD actual expenses was $205,196;

MTD net gain was $12,674 ;      YTD net loss was ($6,592).

Save the Date! Pender VBS 2025 - Road Trip - is coming June 23 to 27th.

Want to volunteer or need the Zoom link? Contact Jane McKee

Signup here!

Help children discover God’s presence everywhere!

Embark on an exciting journey with Road Trip VBS is based on Joshua 1:9 – "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Discover God's presence everywhere as we explore new places, make new friends, and experience God's goodness together.

Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous puppet Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators' Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God's presence on this unforgettable trip!

Road trips are a great way to build strong relationships and create indelible memories. This makes Road Trip! VBS not only a fun experience for kids but also an opportunity for them to strengthen their faith and bond with others in their community. With engaging activities, interactive games, and meaningful lessons, children will have a blast while they grow in their understanding of God's love and promises for everyone.

Green Light: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Mile Markers:

God is with us on the journey

God is with us when we go off course

God is with us when we’re joyful

God is with us when we’re lonely

God is with us near and far

Bible Stories

Session 1: Abraham and Sarah Follow God (Genesis 12:1-9)

Session 2: The Israelites Take the Scenic Route (Exodus 13:17-12)

Session 3: Mary & Elizabeth’s Family Reunion (Luke 1:39-56)

Session 4: Jesus Visits Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Session 5: On the Road with Paul (Acts 18:1-11)

Teens! Think you're too old for VBS? NO Way!

Get ready for an epic summer adventure with Road Trip VBS 2025 this June!

Dive into a whirlwind of exciting activities where you can:

• 🌍 Champion the environment by sewing your own trendy bag.
• 🧶 Crochet cozy baby blankets for new moms in need.
• 🚗 Engineer and race your very own model car.
• 🍪 Whip up some delicious snacks in our baking blast sessions.
• 🔬 Unleash your inner scientist with mind-blowing experiments.
• 📖 Discover the daring deeds of amazing Biblical figures.

Kick off each day with a special mission to mentor the younger VBS adventurers before embarking on your own thrilling journey.

Spots are limited—sign up now to lock in your summer of fun and discovery!

VBS Service Project: Blessing Our Neighbors through WFCM

For 2025, we’re excited to support Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)—a local organization that serves homeless individuals and families and those in need right here in our community.

WFCM is in urgent need of full-sized toiletry items, and we’ll be collecting a different one each day of VBS:

• Tuesday, June 24: Shampoo
• Wednesday, June 25: Toothpaste
• Thursday, June 26: Body Wash
• Friday, June 27: Baby Wipes

Let’s come together and show God’s love in a tangible way. Anything we collect is a blessing!

Thank you for helping our VBS kids make a real impact.

Join us for an evening of fun, food, music, and games as we celebrate the end of summer 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! 😄

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 - 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​​​

• Flour
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil
• Kidney Beans and Garbanzo Beans
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal
• Pasta Sauce (no glass containers please)
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Tomato Paste
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
• Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, nuts, seeds, etc.)
• Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

​

Toiletries

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

• Body Wash
• Toothpaste 
• Hair Shampoo
• Hair Conditioner 
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes 

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.