Shrove Tuesday

On Shrove Tuesday, we gathered for a fun-filled evening of delicious pancakes, savory sausage, and exciting games as Pender UMC and KUMC Koinonia came together to celebrate!

Friends, families, and pancake lovers joined in for a night filled with*food, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether it was the stacks of fluffy pancakes, the fun and games, or simply enjoying great company, there was something for everyone!

Thank you to all who joined us in this sweet and joyful celebration—we loved sharing this special tradition with you!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, March 5, 7:30PM

Join us for an inperson only service blending contemporary visual and musical elements with traditional and familiar ones. Receiving the ashes is an ancient practice that began to occur just a few hundred years after Christ’s death and resurrection. You’ll have the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross on your forehead with ashes from the burnt palm fronds from last Palm Sunday. Come participate in the mystery of our faith.

Ash Wednesday is an inside-out act of worship. We come and confess and are reminded of both our sinfulness and our mortality. And yet we are given a visible mark in the imposition of ashes, a way of letting the world know that we are people of faith.

Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. We hope you’ll join in with churches around the world as we seek to be gathered up in Jesus.

The First Sunday in Lent | "The Resurrection & Life Everlasting"

The First Sunday in Lent | "The Resurrection & Life Everlasting" | March 9, 2025

On March 9, 2025, the First Sunday in Lent, Pastor Bruce Johnson will conclude the powerful sermon series: "What Christians Believe, and Why it Matters"

This final message will explore the hope and promise found in the words of the Apostles’ Creed: "...the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen."

As we begin the Lenten season, this sermon invites us to reflect on the gift of eternal life through Christ’s resurrection and what it means for our faith today.

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday—don’t forget to set your clocks forward!

Join us for worship, reflection, and renewal as we walk the journey of Lent together.

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.

Services are also posted in our sermon archive.

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

Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch the Sunday service here.

The Second Sunday in Lent

The Second Sunday in Lent | "Prayerful Living" | March 16, 2025

Join us this Second Sunday of Lent as Pastor Bruce begins a brand-new sermon series: "What Christians Do, and Why It Matters." This week, we dive into Prayerful Living—what it means to cultivate a life of prayer and why it is essential to our faith.

Scripture References:
- Acts 2:37-42 – The response of the early believers
- Ephesians 2:15-19 – Unity in Christ through faith
- Matthew 6:5-15 – Jesus' teaching on prayer

Discover how prayer shapes our relationship with God and strengthens our walk as followers of Christ.

Join us for worship and reflection!

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.

Services are also posted in our sermon archive.

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

Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch the Sunday service here.

Time with God

Time with God: A Midweek Lenten Reflection, Wednesdays | March 19 – Through Lent | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Join us for "Time with God", a peaceful, in-person drop-in gathering designed to help you deepen your Lenten journey.

What to Expect:

• Printed materials with Scripture, commentary, and prayer suggestions
• Quiet reflection in the presence of God
• Time for personal or guided prayer
• Opportunity to partake in the sacrament

Take a break from the busyness of life and spend intentional time with God in the sacred space of our sanctuary. Whether you come for a few moments or the full hour, this is a chance to listen, pray, and prepare your heart for the season of Lent.

No registration needed – just come as you are.

The Third Sunday in Lent

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.

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.

Services are also posted in our sermon archive.

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

Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch the Sunday service here.

Time with God

Time with God: A Midweek Lenten Reflection, Wednesdays | March 26 – Through Lent | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Join us for "Time with God", a peaceful, in-person drop-in gathering designed to help you deepen your Lenten journey.

What to Expect:

• Printed materials with Scripture, commentary, and prayer suggestions
• Quiet reflection in the presence of God
• Time for personal or guided prayer
• Opportunity to partake in the sacrament

Take a break from the busyness of life and spend intentional time with God in the sacred space of our sanctuary. Whether you come for a few moments or the full hour, this is a chance to listen, pray, and prepare your heart for the season of Lent.

No registration needed – just come as you are.

Easter Egg Hunt, April 12

Event: Pender UMC's Egg-citing Easter Bash

Date: Saturday, April 12 Time: 1:00–3:00 PM Location: Pender UMC Parking Lot & Grounds

Event Highlights:

• Moon Bounce Madness: Jump and hop like a bunny in our giant Pender/KUMC Bounce House!
• Awesome Games: Show off your cornhole skills for a chance to win awesome prizes. Don't miss the estimation table where you can guess and win—winner announcements every half hour!
• Delicious Eats: Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers, cooked fresh and served up with all the fixings!
• Streaming Music: Groove to continuous streaming music to keep the festive vibes going!
• Epic Easter Egg Hunt: Hunt for eggs loaded with surprises hidden both inside and outside. A thrilling adventure for all ages!

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!

Palm/Passion Sunday

Sunday Palm/Passion Sunday. One service at 10:00 am April 13, 2025

This is the day that the Lord has made. For us. Because of us. It could be argued that out of all these high and holy days, this one is the most … human. “Well, of course,” you might think. This week is a divine and human encounter; in fact, we might argue it is THE divine and human encounter. This is true; but hear me out. This day, this slash day, this Palm/Passion Day is the most human day of this whole event.

"This is the Day" is the first sermon in the Holy Week series titled "In Awe of Grace". Every day is a holy day if you live into the truth of the ever-present God. Every moment is a moment rich with possibility and hope; every relationship is a potential insight into the activity of the Spirit; every conversation is a living word of grace and peace. “Best of all,” John Wesley supposedly said as his last words, “God is with us.” Amen. Yet there are times and seasons that seem even more holy. There are moments that reverberate with the living presence of the living God, and our only proper response is to fall to our knees in awe of grace. These eight days are one of those times. Some argue they are the preeminent days when history, our history, and our understanding of self and God and life itself all changed. From Palm Sunday through Easter, the world is remade, a new creation, and we are blessed to be a part of it, blessed to receive a gift beyond words, which is nothing less than eternity itself.

We look forward to seeing you!

All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person. Masks are currently optional.

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

The days leading up to Easter often have an understandably somber feel to them, particularly as we contemplate Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. It’s easy to forget that the week begins with a joyful event: the Triumphal Entry!

Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem just a few days before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

The “palm” in Palm Sunday refers to the palm branches waved by the adoring Jerusalem crowds who welcomed Jesus and proclaimed him King. The event is commonly referred to as the Triumphal Entry. Here’s the account from Matthew 21:1-11:

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

From Chuck Knows Church — Palm Sunday. Have you ever waved a palm branch in a worship service? If so, do you know why? Chuckle along and learn about Palm Sunday with Chuck

Holy Thursday Seder

Holy Thursday Seder with KUMC Koinonia at 7:00 pm

Chag Sameach! (Happy Holiday!) We are excited to invite you for a warm and meaningful Passover Seder as we gather to experience the symbolism of this meal celebrating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish and Christian history! Please note that the Seder Meal will not include a full meal. We have timed it for after the dinner hour.

Please call the church office (703-278-8023) to find out more and reserve your place or fill out the form below.

Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, commemorates the events that occurred in the Upper Room

Good Friday Stations of the Cross, 10:00 am

A contemporary expression of the traditional Stations of the Cross Prayer Walk to enhance your experience of the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice on Good Friday.

Please enter in silence, walk and pray in silence, and depart in silence. Our prayer walk recalls Jesus’ passion. Visit each of the four “Stations of the Cross” in order (left to right). You may pause to pray at anytime using the kneeling rail or seats in our sanctuary. Stations of the Cross is a devotional practice which originated in the early centuries of Christianity.

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

Good Friday Service

Good Friday, The Passion of Jesus in Gospel, Drama, Song and Special Music at 7:00 pm.

We invite you to join us for a meaningful service as we come together to remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for us. The Service will feature a moving combination of drama, scripture, and music, all designed to guide our hearts through the profound story of Christ's love, suffering, and redemption.

Holy Saturday Prayer Vigil

We warmly invite you to join us for a special service of prayer, song, and scripture to prepare our hearts for the Easter celebration ahead.

Resurrection Celebration, Easter Sunday, April 20

Sunrise Service with Korean UMC – Koinonia! 6am. Pender Parking area

Breakfast will follow the Sunrise Service

Please call the church office (703-278-8023) to find out more and reserve your place at the Easter Sunday Sunrise Breakfast or fill out the form below.

Resurrection Worship on Easter Sunday, April 20

10:00AM, Worship Service This resurrection celebration features music from our Sanctuary Choir and the Pender Praise Team directed by Patrick King.

Celebrate the pinnacle of the Christian faith with us on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Pender UMC, during our special combined service. Experience the power of resurrection and redemption.

This extraordinary service will not only explore the profound depths of Christ's resurrection but will also invite you to partake in the sacred act of Holy Communion, connecting us all in a moment of divine unity and grace. As we reflect on the scripture's revelations, we'll journey together through the awe-inspiring narrative of Jesus' victory over death, illuminating the path of faith, hope, and eternal life.

Be part of this glorious Easter celebration at Pender UMC.  Let's come together to honor the resurrection of Jesus, embracing the message of hope and salvation that defines this holy day.

Read the Bulletin for more information.

All of Pender's services are streamed live and in person.

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