• September 29, Phonics Fun
• September 30, Book Squad!
• October 3, Girl Scouts resume
• October 5, Bread of Life Ministry begins
• October 6, Fellowship Feast begins
• October 19, Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
• October 20, Consecration Sunday
• October 26, United Women of Faith General Membership Breakfast
• October 27, JDC, Juvenile Detention Center
• October 27, Church Council
• November 3, All Saints Sunday
• November 10, Charge Conference
• December 7, Christmas Caroling
• December 14, Breakfast with Santa
• January 12, Poetry Slam

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Classes. The children will meet in the sanctuary until just after Children's Time. They will then leave for Sunday School with their teachers. We are asking for volunteers to relieve the Sunday School teachers so they may periodically attend the full worship service.
• Youth Sunday School Class Time TBD
• Connections Adult Class Time TBD
• The Seeker Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 am.
• Pray for Pender, Time TBD
• The Impact Youth Group at 5:00 pm
• Monday
• Fun with Music
• Book Squad!
• Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals (NONE Tuesday October 1)
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal at 6:30
• Praise Band Rehearsal at 7:30

Check here for other meetings.

All Pender Meetings run by the school year. Recurring meetings (weekly or monthly) taking place after June 30, 2024 will need to be scheduled again for the 2024-2025 school year.

Pender Members and Pender-sponsored groups such as Boy Scouts should go here, click add event. Please list your first-choice of room number. 

You will get an email when your event is approved. Note that you cannot add an event to a room that is already reserved for another meeting.

Dear Pender Family:

Our study of the Gospel of John is off to a robust start with 17 people attending so far. If you would like to join us, we meet every Tuesday at 7:00pm and every Thursday at 10:00am. It is very gratifying to see the hunger of many in our church community, as the old Anglican prayer puts it, “to read, learn, mark, and inwardly digest” the Scriptures that are God’s written word to us, and to do so with each other. John Wesley counseled the early Methodists to “search the Scriptures” as an essential aspect of living our lives in Christ. To this pastor, searching the scriptures together is a sure sign of spiritual vitality in a time of change and discernment in the body of Christ here at Pender.

One of the first Bible verses I memorized as a child was Proverbs 3:5-6. In the old King James it reads, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” As I have travelled on this path of discipleship in many places and in the company of many disciples, I have discovered that the wisdom contained in those verses is as timely and powerful as ever. Often, when reciting this verse, I have had to acknowledge my temptation to trust my own understanding and chart my own path. In other words, I had to turn the verse into the prayer of my needy heart for more faithful trust and Holy Spirit direction.   

How easy it is to trust our own ways and rely only on our own understanding! In a world alienated from our creator, it comes naturally to us human beings. Until, that is, we are given the new nature in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), a nature that desires above all else the things of God, delights in his fellowship and hungers for his word, and seeks his path of life. Another of my favorite Bible verses expresses the prayer of my sometimes weak and ever needy heart: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (Psalm 25:3-4). In this season of our world, Christians everywhere are having to relearn our basic and unending need: to seek God’s wisdom, to discern his way, and in everything to trust the Lord who has come to us with saving grace, and now leads his people into the fullness of his new creation life, personally and as his body the Church.  

Here at Pender, many are praying for God’s holy wisdom, divine direction, and revealed path for our life and ministry together as a church devoted to fulfilling our part in the mission of Jesus Christ. And as we search the Scriptures and offer our needs and hopes to God in prayer, we are learning once again to trust the Lord for our present and our future, with all our heart and understanding. And we are rediscovering our true hope, that the triune God of grace and love is ever trustworthy to provide for his beloved and faithful people.    

The Lord is surely moving among us and working to bring to pass his holy way at our beloved church. Are you trusting him with all your heart and seeking his direction for your life and our path? Are you searching the scriptures and praying like it? 

How good it is to serve the risen Lord Jesus with the disciples at Pender UMC.

Pastor Bruce

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

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

"Phonics Fun" How to empower your child's reading skills with a SIMPLE approach to phonics. FREE WORKSHOP!

Pender UMC

12401 Alder Woods Dr.

Fairfax, VA 22033

Sunday September 22 at 3:00 PM

Please register- limit of 50 participants

Taught by a retired First Grade teacher

* Tricks to enable decoding of words

* Explanations of phonetic "mysteries"

* Practical and fun applications

Calling All Young Readers (Grades K - 3) Join the Book Squad!

Does your child love books, snacks and fun activities? Then they'll love the Book Squad!

What to Expect:

• Exciting Books: Explore new stories and adventures each week!
• Yummy Snacks: Enjoy delicious treats while we read.
• Fun Activities: Games, crafts, and more to bring the stories to life!
• Note: We will close in conjunction with FCPS schools

Why? Reading is fundamental to learning. It helps children learn about the world, develop critical thinking skills, and improve their imagination and creativity!

Presented to you by teachers (Miss Vicki, Miss Saundra, Miss Jane)

Please let us know your child(ren) will be there.

Join Us for Bread of Life!

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and spread some love!

What: Bread of Life – A chance to give back to the community!

When: First Saturday of every month, Starting October 5th! 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: Pender UMC Kitchen

12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033

Why join us?

• We provide all the ingredients. You bring your enthusiasm and a heart full of love!
• Meet new friends while making a real difference.
• Help those in need and feel the joy of giving back.

All are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned chef or just love the smell of fresh bread, there's a spot for you in our kitchen. Together, we can knead some dough and do good!

See you there – let’s make magic happen!

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

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

What We're Looking For:

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

Why Join Us?

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

Get Involved:

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

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

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

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

Blessing Box

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

“Take what you need.

Leave what you can.

Little becomes much

In the Master’s hand.”

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

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

Some ideas:

Rice

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

Pasta

Canned spaghetti sauce (traditional)

Canned tomato sauce

Canned diced or whole tomatoes 

Canned tomato paste

Flour

Sugar

Yeast packets 

Baking powder

Baking soda

Oil

Salt

Pepper

Soy sauce

Taco seasoning mix

Canned tuna

Canned mackerel 

Canned chicken 

Canned salmon 

Spam

Canned luncheon meat

Canned fruit (packed in juice)

Canned jalapeños

Canned adobo peppers

Oatmeal

Grits

Yellow or white cornmeal

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

The following donations are currently needed: individual packages of chips, beef jerky, 16 oz bottled water and energy drinks.

Donations can be dropped off in the Church Office.

Our officers continually let us know how blessed they are to have a safe place here at Pender! In turn, we are safer because of their presence!

Hi Sunday School Families & Friends, 

There are some wonderful family/children's activities happening ithis year. Please come and enjoy! All are welcome -- and invite a friend!

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries ("WFCM") Current Request for Donations

WFCM has been providing food and services to the community for 37 years! Pender was one of the twelve founding churches that set the path and began the journey.  Becky Bryan is our current liaison with WFCM.  Please contact her with any questions.

In May more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 15% increase over May of 2023. Serving more families means we have a greater opportunity to make an impact with our donations. 

There are multiple ways you can support this community ministry.  The ways we hear of most often are donations of goods or money. Another way to participate is through volunteering of time to work in the Food Pantry.  If you are interested in volunteering, contact the WFCM office or Becky Bryan.

Financial donations to be used to stock the Food Pantry can be made to Pender to be forwarded to WFCM.  In a recent newsletter, WFCM explained that, because of the savings that flow out of bulk purchases, a donation of $100 is used to purchase the equivalent of $600 of food. 

For donations of food and toiletry items, you may leave your gifts in the grocery cart located by Pender’s front doors.  OR, you can order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA 20151.

~~~

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

Most needed items in the Free Food Market this month:

• Flour (Maseca preferred)
• Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
• Vegetable Oil 
• Pasta Sauce
• Pasta
• Cereal (low sugar preferred)
• Pancake Mix 
• Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels) 
• Canned Chicken 
• Toiletries: bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, toilet paper, and baby wipes (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)

Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

Please no:

* Expired food

* Glass jars

* Egg Cartons

Read this month's WFCM Newsletter.

The WFCM Food Pantry is accepting outside donations at their address below. There is a greater need for food but fewer donations.

You can also help by ordering from Amazon for delivery to WFCM. Rice, beans, canned fruit, diapers (Sizes 4, 5, 6), pasta, pasta sauce, etc.



                   WFCM

                   4511 Daly Drive, Suite J

                   Chantilly, VA 20151

Financial contributions are also accepted (cash, check or through our website). Please mark your tax deductible donation "WFCM Food Pantry." This will be recorded on your giving statement.

Thank you for your continuing support of WFCM. In 2021, Pender donated 6,128.74 pounds of food and personal care items to help the needy in the community. Thank you for your ongoing and generous support of WFCM.

Pender is an open and welcoming church. We accept and embrace all persons, period. All people are blessed children of God. Pender is a caring and praying church community; we believe as Christians that we are called to follow and practice the ways of Jesus Christ, who is our ever present and living God.

Our mission is to practice and embrace, providing unconditional love and acceptance of all of God's children as He loves and accepts all of us.

We do not discriminate based on age, mental, physical, or intellectual ability, culture, gender, race, religious belief or unbelief, or sexual orientation.