"Joy in Waiting” on December 14, 2025, The Third Sunday of Advent

Join us at Pender UMC for a joyful and hope-filled worship service as Pastor Bruce Johnson preaches on “Joy in Waiting” The message will draw from Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, and Matthew 11:2-11, inviting us to reflect on the identity and presence of Christ in our lives and in the world.

As part of our Advent celebration, Ted and Teresa Rothschild will light the Third Advent Candle: Christ Our Joy.

Come worship with us as we continue the journey toward Christmas with expectation, joy, and faith.

Whether in person or online, those who join will be renewed by God’s Word, music, and the warmth of Christian community.

Come as you are, and be inspired to take your next faithful step and you'll be encouraged by Scripture, worship, and the promise-keeping nature of our God.

Services are also posted in our sermon archive.

Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033


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Pender Worship Service
December 14, 2025 at 10:00 am


Latest Sermon

“A Bright Future”

November 30, 2025
by Pastor Bruce Johnson

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the First Sunday in Advent, we began the season of anticipation and hope. Pastor Bruce Johnson preached on “A Bright Future,” drawing from Isaiah 2:1–5, Romans 13:11–14, and Matthew 24:36–44—three powerful texts that...

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Opportunities to Serve

Lend a helping hand to our local heroes by contributing to the Pender Police Rest Stop! We are currently in need of bottled water.

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 Mini Food Pantry is officially open and ready to serve our community! This little structure—built as an Eagle Scout Project by one of Pender’s Boy Scouts—is a beautiful example of service, compassion, and creativity.

At first glance, it looks a lot like a Little Free Library, but instead of books, it’s stocked with nonperishable food for anyone in need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share kindness and nourishment in our neighborhood.

What’s Inside:
As of this writing, the pantry is filled with a wide variety of items, including:

  • Canned tuna, chicken, chili, and soup
  • Broth, vegetables, pumpkin, and apple sauce
  • Shelf-stable milk, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and individual fruit packs
  • Jello, pudding cups, mac and cheese servings, and mashed potatoes
  • Coffee, oatmeal, ketchup, gravy packets, and cooking oil

It’s truly a community effort—and every contribution helps keep it going.

Anyone is welcome to take what they need or to donate food items to keep the pantry stocked. When you give, please remember our guiding principle:
Give with dignity. Only donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.