On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, the Pender congregation was sent out into the week with the powerful and uplifting song “How Great Is Our God” by Chris Tomlin.
As worship came to a close, Jane McKee and Arlet Williams served as song leaders, guiding the congregation in singing this beloved contemporary worship song. AJ Rios accompanied the congregation.
The words of How Great Is Our God offered a fitting way to conclude our time together. After worshiping, listening to Scripture, and reflecting on God's Word, we were reminded to carry that faith with us beyond the church doors.
The song invites us to proclaim God's greatness—not only when we gather for worship, but wherever we go throughout the week. It reminds us that God is worthy of our praise, and His presence goes with us as we leave worship and return to our daily lives.
A Song to Carry With Us
A sending song is more than a conclusion to worship. It is an invitation to go into the world with faith, hope, and confidence in God's presence.
As the Pender congregation sang How Great Is Our God, we were reminded to keep praising God in the ordinary moments of life and to share His love with those we encounter.
We invite you to listen to this joyful sending song from Pender's worship service and join us in proclaiming:
Music: “How Great Is Our God” — Chris Tomlin
Song Leaders: Jane McKee and Arlet Williams
Accompanist: AJ Rios
Date: August 16, 2026
Occasion: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Pender United Methodist Church
12401 Alder Woods Drive
Fairfax, VA 22033
How Great Is Our God – Laity Sunday | June 29, 2025 | Pender UMC
As part of our Laity Sunday celebration, the Pender UMC congregation joined in singing “How Great Is Our God” on June 29, 2025.
This moment of heartfelt worship was led by Patrick King, Jane Yoo, and Kaitlyn Yoon, inviting all present to lift their voices in praise of God’s greatness.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this special service honoring the ministry of laypersons in the life of the church!
Few worship songs have impacted the global church like “How Great Is Our God.” Written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash, this powerful anthem first appeared on Tomlin’s 2004 album Arriving, where it quickly resonated with worshipers and climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.
Its simple, reverent lyrics and soaring melody have helped it become a modern classic—one sung in sanctuaries, stadiums, living rooms, and even around campfires. The song's message of God's unmatched greatness is both timeless and accessible, which has contributed to its widespread use in worship settings across the globe.
In fact, by November 2014, “How Great Is Our God” ranked as the fifth most popular worship song according to CCLI’s Top 25 Worship Songs chart. It also held the No. 1 spot on Christian Music Weekly's Top 20 Worship Songs Chart, reflecting its widespread influence.
Recognition followed. The song received Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year at the 2006 GMA Dove Awards, and won Worship Song of the Year again in 2008.
In 2009, gospel and jazz keyboardist Ben Tankard released a smooth instrumental version of the song on his chart-topping album Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, bringing its beauty to a new genre and audience.
Perhaps most memorable was Passion 2012, where Tomlin introduced the world to “How Great Is Our God: World Edition.” This moving version featured the lyrics sung in multiple languages, including Hindi, Zulu, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin—a powerful reminder that God’s greatness transcends every border and tongue. It became the opening track on Chris Tomlin: The Essential Collection, further anchoring the song’s place in worship history.
Whether performed by full bands or sung a cappella by small choirs, “How Great Is Our God” continues to inspire awe, unite believers, and point hearts heavenward.
