• Today, Choir Rehearsal!
• November 1, Bread of Life Baking Day
• November 2, Rise Against Hunger (with KUMC)
• November 3, Fun with Music
• November 4, Handbell Rehearsals
• November 5, AA Meeting
• November 9, Glory Way Concert
• November 12, Ruth Circle
• November 14, Support our Handbell Ringers
• November 15/16, Philippi Christmas in November
• November 23, Samaritan's Purse boxes due
• November 23, Consecration Sunday Fellowship Lunch
• November 23, Community Thanksgiving Service
• December 6, Pender Women Christmas Cookie Exchange
• December 7, Fellowship Feast
• December 13, Christmas Party with Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center
• December 24, Music, Candlelight and Communion
• December 25, Christmas Day Celebration

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
  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

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!

From this year's Trunk or Treat:

🎃 Slideshow from Pender’s Annual Trunk or Treat – October 25, 2025 🍬

Trunk or Treat was once again a festive fall favorite at Pender United Methodist Church!

This joyful community event was co-hosted by volunteers from Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia (와싱톤 사귐의 교회) and Pender UMC, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon filled with laughter, creativity, and plenty of sweet treats.

🚗 Trunk or Treat: Costumes were on full display as kids and adults collected candy from creatively decorated car trunks.

🎯 Estimation Station: Everyone tested their guessing skills with fun challenges and prizes.

🍎 Other Fun Activities: Fresh-made apple cider, “very-mini” golf, parking-lot bowling, ring toss, balloon animals, and much more!

🏕️ Special Feature: Pender’s Boy Scout Troop 1530 set up a tent and campsite—complete with skeletons!

It was a fantastic afternoon overflowing with family, friendship, and fall vibes. From creative costumes to delicious treats, this was truly an event not to be missed.

👀 How many dinosaurs can you spot?

Thanks to photographers Pete and Jane.

Two hours. 20 thousand meals. Lasting impact on the global community. Are you in?

You can have a hands-on effect on world hunger by packaging meals with Rise Against Hunger on November 2 arriving by 3:30-5 pm in Pender UMC's Fellowship Hall. These meals are nutrient-dense combinations of protein, grains, vegetables, and vitamins, but their benefits reach far beyond just nutrition!

Meals are sent to disaster recovery areas and school programs internationally, where they have long-term positive consequences surrounding poverty, education, and more.

Bring a willing set of hands for assembly-line packaging. Children are welcome - this is an all ages and abilities event.

Each year, KUMC of Koinonia partners with the organization Rise Against Hunger on the first Sunday of November to pack 20,000 meals that are sent to communities in need around the world. This has been a meaningful and impactful tradition for our congregation.

Coming Soon to Pender UMC – Glory Way in Concert!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and powerful ministry! The dynamic Gospel group Glory Way is bringing their uplifting harmonies and heartfelt message to Pender United Methodist Church!

With their rich blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel, Glory Way promises a concert experience that will move your spirit and lift your heart.

This is more than a performance—it’s a time of worship, inspiration, and joy!

Admission: Free! A love offering will be received to support their ministry.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s fill the sanctuary and be BLESSED together by this incredible Gospel ministry! 

Support our handbell ringers!

The Carillon and Joy Ringers under the direction of Brian Stevenson will be attending a local Handbell Festival November 15 and 16.

The final concert will be on November 15 at 2:30 pm

It would mean a lot to the Pender ringers if there were Pender People in the audience.

The Handbell Festival Final Concert featuring several local handbells choirs will be at:
 

Grace United Methodist Church
9750 Wellington Rd.
Manassas, VA 20110

Share Christ's love throughout the world by participating in Operation Christmas Child!

Pack a box: Pack a shoe box or two with your family, bible study or small group. Look for information at the OCC display near the front doors. Filled boxes are due to Pender on November 23rd.

How to pack a shoebox. Watch and find out how to prayerfully pack an Operation Christmas Child shoebox for a boy or girl in need. It's easy to do and each gift-filled box is a Gospel opportunity.

Also...

Pray: Pray that God will direct each person packing shoe boxes to put in just the right items for the child who will receive the box. Pray also that the children will receive Christ as their Lord and Savior - the best gift of all.

Provide shipping: Donations for shipping are needed as each box costs $10 to ship. Checks should be made out to Pender UMC, with OCC in the memo. Donations may also be made online at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Pender United Methodist Church hosts an annual Christmas party for the youth and staff at Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center on December 13.

This pizza party is the only Christmas celebration that the youth will participate in for the year.

Volunteers will assist in decorating the multi-purpose room, serving pizza, soda, salad, and cookies; leading the students and staff in singing Christmas carols and gospel music with a live band.

No special skills or abilities needed just a joyful heart.

On sale now! 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 has a sale table just outside the narthex by the steps/mailboxes on Sundays now.

Important! When paying for White House Ornaments with the above QR code, please be sure to find "WH Ornament($28) Pender UWF" on the dropdown list.

Help finish the new Pender Place tiny house at Philippi, WV with items from the New Vision Boys Village Registry.

Pastor Ruston Seaman has provided this convenient Amazon link so you can help out.

New Vision Boys Village Registry

Thank you for your support!

Now Accepting Winter Coats

We are now accepting lightly used and new winter coats. We are mainly asking for male or unisex items at this time. We do not accept children's clothes.

Thank you for your generosity! For more information, please contact Katie Glick, katieglick@thelambcenter.org

You can drop the coats off at Pender for delivery to the Lamb Center.

In a kingdom torn by fear and corruption, a shepherd boy is called to stand against a giant and the darkness behind him. With nothing but faith, courage, and a sling, he defies an empire and awakens the heart of a nation.

From the quiet hills of Bethlehem to the roar of the battlefield, his journey will shape kings, test hearts, and reveal that the greatest strength is found in trust, not power.

If you want to go with a Pender group on December 19, please contact Jane McKee.

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
• Wedge pillow - good for backs and after knee surgery
• Depend women's incontinence underwear, 1 pack of 36, size L (16-20)
• Treadmill (see below)
• Low exercise bike. Contact Roberta for help moving this - there's a truck available.

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 September 30, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $53,160;  YTD actual revenue was $419,691;

MTD actual expenses was $48,653; YTD actual expenses was $428,829;

MTD net profit was $4,507;      YTD net loss was ($9,138).

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. 

~~~

What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos, Deputy Director

In September we provided client choice food selection for 738 unduplicated families; including those ordering groceries online for delivery (48 families) and those selecting food in the Free Food Markets in Chantilly (468 families) and Centreville (222 families). Families generally come to get groceries every 30 days (with availability on specific days/times due to their work schedules), so some families came twice in September (such as Sept 2nd and 30th). This is the reason the number of appointments provided (768) is higher than the number of unduplicated families served.

To better serve clients, on Monday September 29th, we began offering new appointment hours at our Centreville Free Food Market. After analysis, and with feedback from a recent client survey, we determined that Monday evening appointments are preferred as compared to Thursday day appointments to serve more clients who work during the day. Our new schedule for weekly appointments will include evening appointments Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Centreville. Appointments in Chantilly will continue to include Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. We appreciate the flexibility of our staff members and volunteers who have adjusted their schedules to make it possible for WFCM to offer evening appointments an additional evening each week at the Centreville location.

We are excited to share that as of October 1st, Greater DC Diaper Bank is permitting WFCM to increase from 50 diapers per month to 75 diapers per baby/toddler per month. We are grateful for this support of the families we serve!

*Average weight of a bag is 21 lbs.

**Food value 1 lb. of food FY 2026 = $1.90

Thank you to Fairfax County Government and the generous community members who donated during Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus on Saturday September 13th.

We received 2,197.9 lbs. of food and toiletries valued at $4,176!

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

• Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
• Canned Vegetables (beets, potatoes, spinach, peas, yams)
• Canned Pasta (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)
• Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
• Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box)
• Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Sugar (1lb. or 2lb. bag)
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Chicken/Beef/Bone Broth
• Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
• Canned Beans (kidney, garbanzo)
• Boxed Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Hot Cereal (oatmeal, grits)
• Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.) (no glass bottles)
• Shelf stable almond milk (family size)

• Toiletries: body wash, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, hair shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products (pads), baby wipes, pull ups size 4t-5t
• (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.)

Executive Director's Update 

We were happy to participate in the Fairfax County Government proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month, along with several other food providers from across the county. On the following Saturday, September 13th, WFCM participated in Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus. We were grateful to receive 2197.9 lbs. of food and toiletries valued at $4,176. Thank you to all who stopped by the Chantilly Walmart to drop off donations!

We ended the month by holding our annual Client Resource Fair coordinated by Deputy Director, Pamela Montesinos. One hundred and twenty (120) families attended the fair and received information from several WFCM partners regarding health services, financial literacy services, and family safety. We provided fresh produce including onions, cucumbers, and watermelon, along with a nacho/chili snack (and recipe), and gift cards for sandwiches from Chick-fil-A (donated by our local Chick-fil-A).

Starting this past Monday, September 29th, we modified our appointment hours at the Centreville Free Food Market to better serve families (read more in the What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services section below). With this change to offer more evening appointments, and an upcoming flu vaccine clinic in coordination with Walgreens, we are responding to feedback from the families we serve to provide greater access to food and health services. Our focus is to ensure families have their basic needs met in ways that work for them so they can thrive. A client recently included this statement in the comment section of a WFCM survey, "Your help changes lives and matters a lot."

Thank you for your partnership in this important work to end hunger, reduce food insecurity, and keep families safely housed. The services we provide together "matter a lot" for families in our community.

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

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.