Dear Church Family:

By now, many of you know that Pender UMC has had significant technology problems recently after one of our servers died. As a result, our phones were not working for a time, our WiFi has been out, and we have had to find a workaround in order to use our printer. For the first time in 29 years, the past two Sundays I have preached from hand-written notes. 

We anticipate that our new server will be installed within two weeks. In the meantime, we are being as adaptable and patient as possible. Thank you for being understanding and patient with us.  

If you are like me, you may feel that our modern technology is less a part of life's great joys than an occupational necessity. Our technologies promise to improve the quality of our lives as humans. But do they live up to the promise? We are even now being reminded that as we willingly make ourselves dependent on our machines, we feel pretty helpless when they fail. What would happen if the power grid in this country went out for months due to widespread failure or a hostile attack?    

The technology on which we depend is a mixed blessing. I am typing this article on a computer and will soon send it digitally to Mary's computer where she will transpose it onto our website and to you by email so that you can read it wherever you happen to be on your preferred device. That's a good thing and I'm grateful for it. But does anyone really believe that children are better off spending time on their phones for hours each day rather than being outdoors and learning to relate to flesh and blood human beings? Are we really surprised that there is an epidemic of loneliness in this age of "social media"? Are the means of communication that dominate our lives really helping us to create healthy communities where we can live and love each with our many differences? 

Someone has observed: our technology has outpaced our wisdom. As Christians, we profess that God is all-wise, and that Jesus embodies God's wisdom. This doesn't mean all technology is evil and should be abandoned altogether. But we must not fall into the trap of thinking that we can unthinkingly embrace whatever new technology is marketed to us without attendant risks. As one wise person put it, there is such a thing as "technological momentum." For example, once the interstate highway system was built, people no longer traveled the back roads filled with the wonders of creation and diverse people and cultures. If we only drive on the interstates for efficiency's sake, after a while we don't know what we are missing. Making ourselves dependent upon every new technology is no guarantee of human improvement, and it may dull our senses to the divine realities of creation and redemption that too many in our world are missing. 

As I have shared with you, one of my daily joys is a half hour walk through the paths and ponds hidden in the greenbelts dividing the subdivisions near my house. But it is more than a walk in the woods. In this busy time and place, that daily sojourn has become a spiritual necessity. It gives me time to turn off, disconnect, reroute and be silent, so that I may become reattuned to the non-technological world and reorient myself to the goodness of creation and the abundance of the Creator. Those daily walks remind me that my true and lasting dependence is not on human ingenuity, but on the triune God who is before and after all things, and who is with us to redeem and remake us to live in the New Creation of His making.   

In the age of AI, with all of its promise and uncertainties, it is imperative that Christians seek and exercise God's wisdom for using our technologies; to refuse to allow them to dominate our lives and corrupt our sense of place before God and each other in the world; and to think wisely about how we can use them as tools without trusting them to save us or give us life. If sometimes that means having the system collapse in mid-sentence, I will take that as God's grace. 

On Sundays this summer, I am preaching on the stories of Abraham and Sarah, to help us consider how God works to create, sustain, and lead His people in new ways for His holy purposes in a new time and place. This Sunday the text will be Genesis 12:10-20, with the theme of, "Trouble on the Way to the Promised Land." I hope you can join us in person or, yes, online. 

It is good to be traveling with the disciples at Pender UMC,

Pastor Bruce   

• July 18 to 26, Youth Mission to Philippi, WV
• July 19, Prayer Shawl Meeting online
• July 23, Memorial Service for Donald Croll
• July 23, AA Meeting
• July 27, JDC/Juvenile Detention Center
• August 10, Book Lovers Club
• August 16, Community Day and Welcome Back to School Festival
• August 23, Pender United Women in Faith: Peach Picking
• September 13 to 21, Walk, Bike & Roll to Worship Week
• September 13, Women's Prayer Retreat
• 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
• December 6 (tentative), Craft and Christmas Market

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Classes are on summer break until August 17. 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, will resume in September
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal on summer break

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. 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 July 4, 2025, historic rain levels led to catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. As of July 9, at least 110 people have died, including 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in Hunt, Texas.

In response, UMCOR has awarded a solidarity grant to the Rio Texas Annual Conference to support their relief efforts.

This grant will provide immediate relief to those impacted through Early Response Team deployment, debris removal, distribution of relief supplies and more.

In mid-June, severe flooding impacted Ohio and Marion counties in West Virginia, leading to the deaths of eight people.

In response, UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to the West Virginia Annual Conference to support its relief efforts.

Continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones and for all who have been impacted by these devastating disasters.

In the past week we have all been following the tragic news that resulted from flash flooding in central Texas, killing over one hundred people with even more unaccounted for. 

The deaths included children, counselors, and the director of Camp Mystic, a Christian girl's summer camp. As we keep the families and rescue workers in prayer, we also desire to help in tangible ways. 

The United Methodist Church, through the ministry of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is already on the scene bringing needed help. A grant has been awarded to the Rio Texas Conference that will facilitate UM Emergency Response Teams to assist with relief efforts and debris removal. 

If you would like to help support UMCOR's efforts to assist in this ongoing process, you may make out your check to Pender UMC and put "flood relief" in the note space. 

All monies received will go directly to this effort.

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

Summer Hymn Sing!

In July and August, we’re celebrating the rich tradition of congregational singing during our weekly services.

Have a favorite hymn you’d love to sing? Drop the title in the basket on Vicki’s desk—we’d love to include it!

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

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!

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!

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
• 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 June 30, 2025:

MTD actual revenue was $40,580;  YTD actual revenue was $280,428;

MTD actual expenses was $39,526; YTD actual expenses was $290,471;

MTD net gain was $1,054 ;      YTD net loss was ($10,042).

Join us for an evening of fun, food, music, and games as we celebrate the end of summer with KUMC Koinonia 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 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.