On Sunday, March 22, 2026 — the Fifth Sunday of Lent, join us for worship at Pender United Methodist Church as Pastor Bruce Johnson shares a powerful message titled “Deep Prayer” (Psalm 130).
As we move deeper into the season of Lent, we are invited into a deeper life of prayer—one that rises not from comfort, but from longing, struggle, and hope. Psalm 130 begins with the cry, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord,” reminding us that even in our lowest moments, God hears and responds with mercy and steadfast love.
Scriptures for the Day: Ezekiel 37:1–14
John 11:1–45
From the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel to the raising of Lazarus in John’s Gospel, these readings proclaim God’s power to bring life out of death and hope out of despair. They remind us that deep prayer connects us to the God who restores, renews, and calls us into new life.
Join us in person or online as we continue our Lenten journey, seeking God in the depths and trusting in the promise of resurrection.
Watch live or catch the replay on our YouTube channel.
Sunday School Classes |
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Sunday School for Everyone!Time: Every Sunday |
Children's Sunday SchoolTime: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Youth Sunday School ClassTime: Every Sunday, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Adult Sunday School ClassesTime: Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
One of the scouts from Pender’s Boy Scout Troop 1530 is currently working toward his Eagle Scout rank—the highest achievement in Scouting.
As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Abraham is collecting new toiletries for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) to help support individuals and families in our local community.
Donations will be accepted through March 29.
Items needed include:
Every item makes a difference and helps care for neighbors in need. Thank you for supporting Abraham’s project and the important work of WFCM!
You can drop off donated items for the Eagle Scout Project in the brown collection box just inside Pender’s front entrance.
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:
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.
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Pender UMC's Egg-citing Easter Bash, March 28
Special Note: Gather your little bunnies for a day filled with crafts, laughter, and hidden treasures. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the Easter season.
Don’t miss this chance for fun and fellowship. Invite your friends and family and join us at Pender UMC for an unforgettable afternoon!
Starting Wednesday, March 11 | 6:30 PM (Dinner Included!) | Grades 6–12
Got questions about faith? You’re not alone.
Alpha Youth is a place where middle and high school students can explore the basics of the Christian faith together — in a relaxed, welcoming space. Each Wednesday kicks off at 6:30 PM with dinner, followed by real conversations about life, God, purpose, and what it all means.
No pressure.
No judgment.
No “perfect answers” required.
Just good food, honest discussion, and a chance to figure things out together.
Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Come as you are and see what you think!
This is a week-long hands-on mission trip for middle to high school teenagers that introduces the youth to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through missional living, confronting issues of social justice, and completion of a hands-on project in Philippi, West Virginia.
Adult volunteers are also needed to assist and support the youth.
This year's trip begins Saturday July 17, 2026
Get ready to turn your next summer VBS into an unforgettable adventure with Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS 2026!
Snowball Mountain Challenge invites kids to an exciting winter sports event where they become Challengers, gearing up for frosty games, snowy surprises, and hands-on lessons about resilience and faith. They will come to realize that with the strength God provides, they can share their gifts, be brave, give their all, pray, and hope.
Your kids will be guided daily by the energetic Activities Director and the lovable Ollie the Arctic Seal puppet, who is reporting on the events. Challengers aren’t just playing games. Using their Challenge Companion (the Bible), they learn to draw strength from their faith through powerful stories, while connecting the learnings to Bible Stories and Lift Lessons (Key Learnings). With a unique winter theme and solid theology at its core, Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS delivers joy and meaning in equal measure, teaching kids that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NRSV).
Bring your church family together to experience Snowball Mountain Challenge. Your VBS program will be transformed into a mountaintop experience filled with laughter, life lessons, and lasting faith. As children face their challenges and discover their strength in God, you’ll hear them say, “Challenge accepted – with God I am strong.”
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