In 2025, Methodist churches will celebrate World Communion Sunday on Sunday, October 5th, which is the first Sunday in October. This day is a special occasion for Methodists to recognize global Christian unity through the sacrament of communion and to support a special offering that provides scholarships for students of color and funds ethnic in-service training programs.  

What is World Communion Sunday?

• It is a day dedicated to celebrating the oneness of the Church across all cultures and nations. 
• Churches observe communion, symbolizing the diverse community of believers gathered around Christ's table. 

The Special Offering

• The World Communion Sunday offering is a crucial part of the observance for United Methodists. 
• The funds collected support several key programs: 
• World Communion Scholarships: These scholarships support the education of students in the U.S. and other countries. 
• Ethnic Scholarship Program: This program specifically helps ethnic students further their education. 
• Ethnic In-Service Training Program: This initiative provides training to equip leaders within various ethnic communities in the Church. 

More information here.

Dear Church Family:

When I arrived at Pender UMC a little over two years ago, I inquired about our youth ministry. I was told that not many years ago we had a large youth group composed of "Pender kids," the children or grandchildren of our church members. But that is no longer the case. Instead, in our children's and youth ministries, our leaders were working diligently to reach, welcome, and disciple young people who have little or no other connection to the congregation.  

Some lament this situation. We often hear the cry, What happened to our children?  

But those who are engaged in our ministries with children and youth feel differently. We are discovering that in his mercy God is bringing to us a new generation of children. They may or may not have a Christian upbringing, but each of them needs Christ and the ministry of the Church, his Body. And, in the divine providence of God, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit at work among us, the Lord is entrusting to our care and spiritual nurture these precious children to make them into disciples of Jesus Christ and children of God.  

This new ministry is exciting--thank you, Lord! But it is also a daunting task, and beyond our capacity to carry out alone. Each of these children come to us as individuals with unique family histories and sometimes troubles. Our children and youth leaders meet, talk, and pray often about how to "offer them Christ" in a way that will engage them but not overwhelm them. We seek ministry help wherever we can find it, but we are also fully aware that our hope is not in human wisdom or skill or effort, but in the sure knowledge that the God who made them and loves them perfectly is the same God who has brought them to us, and is now inviting us to partner with the Holy Spirit to welcome and incorporate them into the kingdom of God, with much grace and faith. Because this is God's work in us and for these children, we are humbled to receive and disciple them and empowered by the Spirit to do our part.   

The results of God's work through us slowly unfolds before our eyes. This past Sunday, eight young people and four adults crowded into the kitchen to make cookies for homeless men at the Lamb's Center. Our theme verse for the evening was taken from the words of Jesus talking about the final judgment by God the King: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40). When I asked the kids who Jesus was speaking about, one girl spoke up and said, "the poor." In that knowledge, we baked cookies together not just for our enjoyment or appetites, but in some small way to care for those loved by King Jesus, and to learn to be his followers.  

Jesus taught his disciples, "The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers" (Matthew 9:37, Luke 10:2). Yesterday at a clergy event, my former District Superintendent and I talked over lunch about what we see God doing in our churches and the world. She said to me what I have also seen at Pender: "This generation is hungry for the truth."  Little by little, God is raising up a new generation of disciples who make disciples to our hungry world; disciples who teach the truth and model service to King Jesus by loving others. It is happening in many places and here at Pender UMC. Through new, existing, and revitalized ministries, the Lord is drawing us to others and others to us, children and adults, so that we might introduce them to Christ, welcome them into the fellowship of his love, and help them discover their place in the harvest field of his saving grace to all the world.   

I believe there is a new generation of Pender kids emerging, not through biology, but through the grace of God and the discipling ministries of his church.  It is an exciting time to be a worker in the Lord's harvest field, to see how God is doing a new thing among us to make us a part of his ongoing harvest work in our needy world. We are grateful for our children and youth workers who labor in the harvest fields in our own building and beyond. For the rest of us, it is incumbent upon us to pray for more workers as the Lord of the harvest entrusts to Pender UMC the next generation of kids and adults who are hungry to be fed on the word of truth and who need above all to discover their true lives in following the risen Lord Jesus.  

I am grateful to be partnering with you in this God-sized and life-changing work.   

Pastor Bruce 

• October 2, Choir Rehearsal
• October 4, Bread of Life Baking Day
• October 5, World Communion Day
• October 6, Fun with Music
• October 7, Handbell Rehearsals
• October 8, AA Meeting
• October 8, Ruth Circle will fill Trunk or Treat bags
• October 11, Black Girl Scientist Teen Girls Fun with Chemistry!
• October 12, Book Lovers Club
• October 17, Philippi Tiny House Celebration
• October 18, KUMC Bazaar and Flea Market
• 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
• October 26, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• November 2 (tentative), Rise Against Hunger (with KUMC)
• November 9, Glory Way Concert
• November 12, Ruth Circle
• November 15/16, Philippi Christmas in November
• 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

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!

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 from 6:30pm to 7:30 pm

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.

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.

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.

Black Girl Scientist Teen Girls Fun with Chemistry!

Dr. Kameron King (PhD Environmental Chemistry) will help you make some wonderful & exciting new customized scented bath salts using safe & clean ingredients. Open to girls ages 10-18 yrs.

Registration is open.

Growing up and pursuing her career and life’s work in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) arena, our founder, Dr. Kameron J. King rarely saw anyone who looked liked her in the field, which at times was and still is discouraging. Her unique experience not only as a woman, but an African-American woman in STEM has empowered her to encourage others, particularly women of color to carry the confidence, skills, and tools to not only succeed, but to make their mark in these fields!

Dr. Kameron J. King is the founder of BlackGirlScientist, LLC. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia) while working in the ODU Biomass Research Laboratory. From as early as high school working at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to undergraduate/graduate research in algae cultivation, environmental policy, biofuels production and solid waste management, she has dedicated her life’s work in protecting our environment and advancing renewable energy research! She currently works as a Physical Scientist for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Her research focuses on mitigating Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are a family of thousands of chemicals used to make water-, grease-, stain-repellent coatings for a vast array of consumer goods and industrial applications.

She received her M.S. in Geography and Environmental Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University, and received her B.S. in Chemistry and Environmental Science and Policy from the College of William and Mary. As her passion for renewable energy continued, she worked with her advisor Dr. Sandeep Kumar on her dissertation topic Integrated processing of municipal solid waste for maximizing carbon recovery and fuel production combining hydrothermal carbonization with anaerobic digestion of the liquid phase for energy recovery and production, as she believes one (wo)man’s trash is ALL of our treasure.

Kameron has worked in private industry, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) (SERDP & ESTCP), and laboratories ranging from Old Dominion University (Biomass Research Laboratory) to Botswana, Africa (University of Botswana), to national laboratories (NREL) with research focusing on the thermal and biological conversion of organic waste, renewable energy, solid waste management, food waste reduction, and mitigation of PFAS. Due to her unique experience as an African-American woman in the STEM arena, her ultimate goal is to give back what has been given to her; by giving back to her community in directing her own laboratory facility for students who may not have had a chance to experience the opportunities that others have; students who have never seen anyone who looks like them in a classroom or in a laboratory, and provide them with the skills, tools, resources and confidence to succeed in science, as BlackGirlScientist fosters these ideals.

Outside of the lab she enjoys/loves traveling the world, kicking butt in tennis, binge watching HGTV/Food Network, working out, crazy shenanigans with her husband :p, laying (yes, laying! lol), Pinteresting, her God time and having an amazing time with her awesome friends and family. She thanks God for the vision He has given her, and the ability to carry it out here on Earth as a #BlackGirlScientist !

The Blouse

A moment shared by Development Director Wendy Baird

Recently, in the laundry, a guest handed me a neatly folded blouse. With a smile she said, “I really love this top, but I think it shrunk, and I can’t wear it anymore. I want to donate it back so someone else can enjoy it.”

Her simple act of generosity moved me. Rather than holding on to something she could no longer use, her first instinct was to give back—to think of someone else who might find joy in it.

In that moment, I saw God at work, shaping a heart of compassion. Her example reminded me to look beyond myself and to continually seek ways to bless the communities I am part of—especially here at The Lamb Center, where faith is strengthened daily as God draws people together in love, even in the midst of hardship.

Together, The Lamb Center's donors, volunteers, staff, and friends are impacting lives on a day-to-day basis. Thank you for partnering with The Lamb Center as we live out the compassionate heart of Christ by serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness!!

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)

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 August 31, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $42,367;  YTD actual revenue was $366,531;

MTD actual expenses was $46,262; YTD actual expenses was $380,176;

MTD net loss was ($3,895) ;  YTD net loss was ($13,645).

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

Walk to End Hunger & Fellowship Breakfast.

This year's Walk & Fellowship Breakfast will take place on Saturday October 18, 2025 during Centreville Day.

Sign up today for breakfast, the walk, or both! All registered participants by October 3rd will be invited to participate in a Virtual Silent Auction held October 6-9. After September 21st, you can still register for the walk and or breakfast, but a t-shirt will not be included. 

​

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 Sunday September 21st 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,

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.