The Third Sunday in Lent | "Searching the Scriptures" | March 23, 2025
Join us on March 23, 2025, for the third Sunday of Lent at Pender UMC, when Pastor Bruce Johnson will deliver a sermon titled "Searching the Scriptures."
This message, part of the series "What Christians Do, and Why it Matters," draws on the enduring wisdom of the scriptures, highlighting passages from Deuteronomy 8:1-3 and 2 Peter 1:19-21, along with 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Explore how the teachings and truths of the Bible remain relevant and transformative in our lives today.
This Sunday promises to be a profound journey through the scriptures, enriching your understanding and strengthening your faith.
Join us in person or stream online for a spiritually enriching experience!
Pender UMC is at 12410 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033
At Pender, you're welcome just as you are! There's no dress code - ;whether you prefer jeans and a t-shirt or a dress and suit, you'll fit right in.
Join us this Second Sunday of Lent as Pastor Bruce began a brand-new sermon series: "What Christians Do, and Why It Matters." This week, we dove into Prayerful Living—what it means to cultivate a life of prayer and why it is essential to our faith.
On the fourth Sunday of the month, 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.
Questions can be directed to Arlet Williams, (703) 474-2661 or
The blue bin in the lobby at Pender is your opportunity to share kindness and hope with those in need. We’re collecting new and lightly-used clothing to support the Lamb Center, a daytime drop-in shelter serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, Virginia.
At the Lamb Center, the love of Christ inspires every action. Together, we can make a tangible difference by sharing our blessings and supporting our neighbors in need. Together, we can bring warmth, dignity, and hope to our community. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!
Flour (Maseca preferred) Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags) Vegetable Oil Pasta Sauce Pasta Brown Rice Pancake Mix Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.) Canned Chicken Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)
Toiletries: We have a big need for toilet paper right now. We also need bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, feminine hygiene products, 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.)
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)
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 April more than 700 families were provided groceries from the Food Pantries, a 48% increase over April 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.