Welcome to Pender
We're so glad you're here today! Explore this Online Bulletin for this week's resources and announcements.
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March 29, 2026 at 10:00 am
All hymn, music and scripture information is on the screens during the service.
For a copy of this week's bulletin, please attend Sunday worship or view here.
Information
PENDER PRAYER TEAM: Send prayer requests via our website, Connection Card in the bulletin, or contact the Church Office. You can also text your prayer request to (833) 674-0619 or scan the QR code below:
To become a PRAYER WARRIOR, or if you wish to have a loved one who needs ongoing prayer listed in the bulletin, please contact the Church Office.
Pender Faith Promise Missions.
Pender supports 67 missionaries and cross-cultural workers worldwide.
Please lift up our Pender Philippi and Ethiopia Teams; 10 Mission Teams serving in the USA: Laura Bowers (CRU, DMV), Warren & Joy George (Navigators, CA), Rev. Neal & Shirley Hicks (TMS Global, TN), Stephen & Meiyun Hoyle (COM, VA), Stephanie Mberego (Bridges Int'l, DMV), Andrew & Karlayne Powars (CRU, DC), Rev. Ruston & Donna Seaman (Peoples Chapel, WV), Joe & Laura Sullivan (COM, PA), Kathie Virunurm (CRU, DMV), Rick & Debbie Yorgey (Navigators, DC).
Please select "Faith Promise Missions" for online contributions or indicate in the memo line of your check. Pender supports 67 Missions Teams and Cross-cultural Workers worldwide. For more info, please contact Greg or Maya Berry at
Save the DateToday, Lent Continues
- March 23, Fun with Music
- March 23, Ruth Circle
- March 24, Handbell Rehearsals
- March 24, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
- March 25, AA Meeting
- March 25, Alpha Program Continues
- March 26, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
- March 26, Next Newsletter
- March 26, Choir Rehearsal
- March 28, Easter Egg Hunt, More information
- March 29, Palm Sunday, More information
- March 29, Holy Week Begins, More information
- April 2, Holy Thursday, More information
- April 3, Good Friday, More information
- April 4, Holy Saturday, More information
- April 5, Easter, More information
- April 11, Caring Hands/Knitting Group
- May 2, Celebration of Life Service for Mary Kelly
- May 3, Consecration Sunday
- May 9, Chris Atwood Foundation Hopefest
- May 30, Celebration of Life Service for Bill Passauer
- June 20, Vacation Bible School (VBS) Register here.
- July 17-24, Philippi Mission Trip
PENDER NEEDS YOU!
Sign up to help at www.pender.church/signup
Pender Hill School Registration is open. Learn more at https://penderumc.org/pender-hill-school/
DO YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY & LOVE MEETING PEOPLE? Pender needs you! Help is needed during our 10am worship service. If you would like to be a Greeter or an Usher, please contact Glenn Lammi.
REACHING NEW PEOPLE Help your church grow! What does it mean to start thinking of “visitors” as being “guests”? Well, a visitor is someone who knocks on your door at night and you won’t let them in. A guest is someone you welcome! Pender is looking for some good men and women to help project Pender’s presence into the community for the sake of Jesus Christ. We want you to help us plan events and welcome guests! Contact Peter Andrews.
Support our First Responders– Help us restock our First Responders Rest Stop. The following donations are welcome: chips, 16 oz bottled water, energy drinks, vitamin water, snacks, frozen sandwiches, ice cream, candy, and cookies. Donations can be dropped off in the Church Office. Our officers continually let us know how blessed they are to have a safe place here at Pender! In turn, we are safer because of their presence!
Calling all Shepherds! If you like working with children (ages PreK - grade 6) and are willing to help distribute materials and assist children in the classroom, we'd love to have you join our Children's Sunday School team! Help our children feel God's love and the support/encouragement of our Pender family! (Sundays, 10:30 - 11:30am. Sign up for 1 week or 40!) Please contact Jane McKee.
Get Connected
Lectio Divina Prayer Group, Thursdays at 1:30-3:00pm. Lectio Divina, or “divine reading” is a traditional Christian practice that helps you dive deeply into a passage of scripture and see how God speaks to you. The group reads a Bible passage, reflects on the passage, responds to what God’s word is saying to us and meditate on the Bible passage. The group is meeting by Zoom. Please contact Carol-Anne Kaye for Zoom information.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL at 10:30am - We meet in person! Any questions? Please speak with Miss Jane McKee!
Impact Youth Group (for all rising 7th-12th graders)
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL meets every Sunday at 11:15am in person in the Youth Room.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING IN PERSON
Sunday Morning, 9:00 am, The Seekers Class meets in Room 220 Contact Stan Kurzeja
Financial Info
As of January 31, 2026:
MTD / YTD actual revenue was $30,542;
MTD / YTD actual expenses was $48,938;
MTD / YTD net loss was ($18,396).
“From Palms to Passion:
March 29, 2026 at 10 am
On Sunday, March 29, 2026 — Palm/Passion Sunday, join us at Pender United Methodist Church for a powerful and reflective service titled “From Palms to Passion.”
On this sacred day, we begin with the joy of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, waving palms and shouting “Hosanna!”—and journey toward the solemn events of the Passion. This service invites us to walk the full path of Holy Week, holding together celebration and sacrifice, praise and sorrow.
Scriptures for the Day:
Isaiah 50:4–9a
Philippians 2:5–11
Matthew 27:11–54
Through these readings, we witness Christ’s humility, obedience, and deep love—a love that carries Him to the cross for the sake of the world. As we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, we are called to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus not only in moments of joy, but also in moments of surrender and sacrifice.
Come and experience this meaningful transition into Holy Week through worship, Scripture, and reflection.
Pender United Methodist Church
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA
Join us in person or worship with us online. The service will be available live and as a 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 |
Next Events
Request a room by clicking here and choosing "Submit Event.
You will get an email when your event is approved.
Pastor Bruce Bible Study
March 26, 2026
New Study to begin on a topic of importance to us all. As Christians we know that God has acted in Jesus Christ to...
Lectio Divina
March 26, 2026
Lectio Divina, or “divine reading” is a traditional Christian practice that helps you dive deeply into a...
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
March 26, 2026
The Music Ministries at Pender are dedicated to using God’s gift of music to joyfully lift praises to His...
Opportunities to Serve
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:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Diapers
- Feminine pads
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:
- 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.
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.”
Register now.
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