Location
Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive
Fairfax, VA 22033
We are just off Route 50
About a mile west
of Fair Oaks Mall
What to Expect
Parking
Happily, our parking lot isn't complicated. There is one path to the main entrance. Handicapped parking is available directly in front of the church.
After you've parked you will notice two doors, both under porticos so that you may get out of the rain if it is wet. To enter through the main sanctuary entrance doors, simply look for the semi-circular driveway. After you're inside, turn left.
Access for All
We are an “Access for All” church, meaning it is important to us for people with wheelchairs or other challenges to have easy access to doorways, hallways, bathrooms, ramps and elevator, seating (places for wheelchairs), and kid friendly (coloring books, booster steps for toddlers, high chairs).
Hearing aid and large-print hymnals are available during the service. (See one of our ushers.)
Arrival Time
Many people arrive a little ahead of our service times to grab some coffee and snacks in our Gathering Place.
Worship Styles
Pender is blessed to have many talented musicians. Each week we rotate through different groups who help bring us to a place of worship. Our blended worship is at 10:00 am each Sunday.
Got kids?
Children are welcome in every worship service. Traditional worship at 9:00 am features a special children's message. Children's church, childcare and a nursery are available if you wish! Sunday School is at 10:00 am. Throughout the week there are lots of other activities for children through the Music Ministry and Children's Ministry.
Nursery
Events on the calendar which feature a nursery or childcare have an icon similar to the one above. Our nursery is located downstairs. We provide infants and toddlers (newborns through age 4) with a safe, secure and caring Christian environment.
What to Wear
From flip-flops to suits, we have it all. Be relaxed or dress up, we're just happy to see you.
Teaching Style
Each service and Sunday school class shares a Biblically-focused message. We love to learn.
Getting to Know Others
Pender is a warm and inviting place. We want to meet you!
We would love to help you "get plugged in" and feel like you know other people. The best way is to jump into a Sunday School class, small group, Bible Study or join the next "Welcome to Pender" or "Coffee with the Pastor" time.
Fellowship
Join us for snacks and coffee after worship on Sundays..
Snow!
What if the weather is bad? If the Federal GOVERNMENT is closed for non-essential personnel, the church building will be closed. In addition, if there are severe weather conditions or a power outage, the church building will be closed. For more info, click on the snow icon (above).
Already convinced?
Great! Our church is for here you and your family. We’d love to host you for an upcoming service. Share your information so we can better prepare for your visit.
More Questions?
Our friendly volunteers and staff will welcome your questions! Call Pender at 703.278.8023 (M-Th, 10am-5pm)
Children
Calling all children! We care so much for each child that walks through the door.
Children's Church meets at about 9:30 am during our traditional service. After the Children's Message, they will be dismissed for Children's Church.
Sunday School for all ages begins at 10:00.
Spring/Summer Events
Lots of things are happening this spring and summer! A new Connections small group, Vacation Bible School, a pickleball team and Pender Hikers will be back! We're ready to spend extra time outside, make a difference in the community and have a lot of fun.
Youth
This year, we've set out to create a mentorship program to build up our youth. Learn more about the program and how you or someone you know could get involved.
Serve on Sundays
Giving back is so important. The Audio/Visual team can always use more help, your child can be an acolyte, you can be a reader, or sing in the choir. Find a place to serve today!
Creative Media Ministry
Have an artistic bent and a passion to create? There are new internships and volunteer opportunities listed for our Creative Media Ministry. That includes Audio Visual opportunities and working on our website.
Summer Missions
We are supporting 142 local and international missionaries who need lots of prayer and support. Sign up to send letters, sponsor a team, or learn about joining a trip team. See all God is doing across the pond!
Faith Promise Missions Committee meeting
August 15, 2026
Monthly every 3rd Saturday
We're thrilled you're here! You're invited to visit us for a worship service or event, or listen to a sermon online to get to know us. We’d love to learn more about you, where you are in your walk with Jesus, and how we can welcome you into the Pender Church family. Our Vision Statement: By following Jesus and reaching out to others, we seek God's transformation of ourselves and our world. We are an “Access for All” church, meaning it is important to us for people with wheelchairs or other challenges to have easy access to doorways, hallways, bathrooms, ramps and elevator, seating (places for wheelchairs), and kid-friendly (coloring books, booster steps for toddlers, high chairs). It is our desire to create disciple making communities. We do this through reaching people, teaching them to love and serve Jesus, and sending them to reach, teach, and send others. Our hearts cry out for more of God. Pender is a “big place” with a “huge heart.” We care about being a community. In Fairfax, we know it’s possible for us to live a totally anonymous, distant-from-one-another life. At Pender, we desire a different kind of community and life together. We believe Jesus has called us to be a very special community who cares about the world. It’s the essence of what “makes us tick.” Our mission statement says it this way, we exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ. For us, that takes a very special passion for real community. Our goal is that all children and youth will know and experience the love of God, and then extend that love to others. Follow: We want those who are teaching and spending time with children at Pender to be followers of Jesus, who then teach children how to also be followers. Reach: Our desire is for God to reach your child in a unique and meaningful way. This may come through some of our various Children’s Ministry events and activities, or through the loving community of Pender. Transform: Ultimately, a relationship with Jesus changes lives. Living in the love that God has for us is a true gift and often times transforms the way in which we live. During COVID this class was on hiatus but has resumed again At 10:00 am, Pender offers a traditional/blended worship service. The service includes traditional hymns and music as well as some more contemporary worship and praise music. Pender has an outstanding worship leader and a rock-style worship band. You'll find worship to be more interactive and energetic, and you'll hear messages that are relevant to everyday life. You’ll find a variety of musical groups participating in these worship services, ranging from children, youth and adults to vocal, flute, recorder and handbell choirs. On special occasions, we bring in an orchestra At Pender’s traditional/blended service, you get the best of both worlds! We celebrate the traditions of our faith at these services with the scriptures, the creeds of the church, the symbols of our faith and a word from the Bible that applies spiritual principles to everyday life. Holy Communion is shared the first Sunday of every month. Come and join us for worship every Sunday in the main sanctuary at Pender. Sunday Worship | August 16, 2026 Join us for worship at Pender United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as we gather for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. This week, Pastor Bruce Johnson will preach “Seeing with Eyes of Grace,” based on Genesis 45:1–15. The passage tells the powerful story of Joseph’s encounter with his brothers after years of separation and hardship. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph now has the opportunity to respond with anger and revenge. Instead, he chooses forgiveness and reconciliation. Through Joseph’s story, we are invited to consider what it means to look at others—and even our own difficult circumstances—with eyes of grace. How might God help us move beyond hurt, anger, and past failures toward forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation? We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful time of worship, Scripture, music, and reflection. Whether you are a longtime member of Pender or joining us for the first time, you are welcome here! Support Our Local Police Officers One of the ways Pender shares Christ's love with our community is by caring for the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Our Pender Police Rest Stop provides local police officers with a welcoming place to grab a snack, enjoy a cold drink, and take a brief break during their shifts. It's a simple gesture of appreciation that lets them know their community is grateful for their dedication and service. We Need Your Help! Right now, we're especially in need of full-size bottled water. We're also collecting some of our officers' favorite snacks and beverages, including: Pender Hikers Are Back on the Trail! Do you enjoy hiking, walking, or simply spending time in God’s beautiful creation? The Pender Hikers are getting ready to head out again—this time along the scenic trails of Greenbriar! All are welcome—whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll and good company. Bring your friends, your family, and even your pets—dogs, bikes, and well-behaved cats are welcome too! It’s a wonderful way to connect with others, get some fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of nature together.Welcome
What to Expect
Hearing aid and large-print hymnals are available during the service. (See one of our ushers.)
What We Believe
For Your Kids and Youth
Newcomers Class
Special Needs
Pender United Methodist Church has made a commitment to be an Accessible Congregation, as part of the National Organization on Disability campaign of the same name. We proudly display their logo -- a wheelchair user surrounded by a heart -- to show that as a congregation, we strive to provide physical access and also open our hearts and minds to people with all types of disabilities. Some of the ways we do this include:Worship Style: Traditional/Blended
We hope to see you soon!
August 16, 2026
Twelfth Sunday After PentecostOpportunities to Serve
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