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 more traditional worship is at 9:00 am and our contemporary service is at 11:15 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 before worship begins at 9:00 am or between services.
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).
More Questions?
Our friendly volunteers and staff will welcome your questions! Call Pender at 703.278.8023 (M-F, 8am-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 Events
Lots of things are happening this spring! A new Connections small group plus we're ready to spend extra time inside, 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.
Spring 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!
Last Day to Submit Info for Graduation Sunday
May 29, 2022
We are very proud of our 2022 graduates and plan to honor them during our Traditional Worship Service on Sunday, June 5...
Traditional Service
May 29, 2022
Sunday, May 29, 2022 On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Lay Leader, Ken Ferris will preach on "After the Rain" based on Psalm...
Sunday School for All Ages
May 29, 2022
More information: Cornerstone Adult Class Time: Every Sunday, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location: In Person and On...
Welcome
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.
Who to Expect
- Two Worship Styles - Learn more about each Worship Time here
- Traditional Worship at 9:00 am
- Common Ground Worship at 11:15 am
- Real People
- Lots of Children. Children are welcome during the services or our nursery is located downstairs. We provide infants and toddlers (newborns through age 4) with a safe and caring Christian environment
- An Opportunity to Connect with Others
- Time to Reflect Upon Jesus in our Lives
- Outstanding and Varied Music
- A Sense of Having Done Something Important with your Day
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.)
What We Believe
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.
For Your Kids and Youth
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.
Newcomers Class
During COVID this class has been on hiatus but will resume soon
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:
- Automatic doors at the front entrance (for security reasons, these doors are functional during certain times only, including worship and meeting times)
- Large-print hymnals available upon request
- Hearing assistance devices available during worship
- Pews with space available to accommodate wheelchairs
Worship Styles: Contemporary
Not everyone is cut out for the same worship style.
Common Ground is Pender United Methodist Church's contemporary worship experience led by our 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.
Young children are more than welcome! We have a play area within our worship space set aside just for them, or they can enjoy our awesome Sunday school program. We also have paid staff nursery care available for our littlest ones.
You will leave feeling closer to Jesus, challenged and more prepared to serve Him, and warmed by a relationship in a genuine community of Christ-followers. We hope to see you soon!
Worship Styles: Traditional/Blended
At 9:00 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.
You’ll find a variety of musical groups participating in these worship services, ranging from children, youth and adults to vocal, flute and bell 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.
We hope to see you soon!
Sunday, May 29, 2022
On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Lay Leader, Ken Ferris will preach on "After the Rain" based on Psalm 28:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Based upon the Rob Bell "Nooma" Christian podcast series, join Ken Ferris as he follows through on the Nooma episode "Rain". Drawing upon a precious personal memory, Ken will suggest a different "after the rain" response to God when we face challenges and difficulties in life. During the troubled times we encounter, responding to God's care with this fresh perspective has the potential to change us and enhance our relationship with our Heavenly Father!
May 29, 2022 is the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Join us live at Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA US 22033
Next Traditional Service May 29 at 9:00 am
Next Contemporary Worship May 29 at 11:15 am
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Care and Connect Team
A team has been created at Pender called “Care and Connect”
This team is involved in assisting Rev. White with routine pastoral care during busy seasons, help provide care when the Pastor is out for educational leave or vacation, and will also engage in periodic efforts to reach out to inactive members as well as support for members having surgery.
CAN YOU HELP?
We are looking for VBS teachers to share in a fun teaching experience beginning June 20th-24th, 9:00 am-12:00 noon. The theme: "A Great Big Beautiful World!"
Please contact Minister Howard Finley for more information.
Greeters
Greeters are our front line ministers of welcome. Greeters usually provide the first official point of contact with the congregation. Your role as a greeter is critically important to set the tone of welcoming in the congregation. As you serve in this ministry, keep these guidelines in mind
More information at Serve at Pender
Every Sunday morning find coffee, snacks and fellowship in the Gathering Place.
To be a helper, you can volunteer to set up coffee and snacks on Sunday mornings, clean up after the final Sunday service.
Music Ministry
Help Wanted! Common Ground
Have you always wanted to play or sing in a worship band? Common Ground is looking for a few good men and women. Contact Uriah Moore, common ground worship leader.
The Music Ministry at Pender is dedicated to using God’s gift of music to joyfully lift praises to His name!
Our primary focus is to enhance our worship experience at Pender through music of all kinds - voice, guitar, piano, organ, handbells, chimes, flutes, clarinets, harp, drums, recorder, and more.
We have groups of all ages, sizes and abilities, and our goal is to involve every person who wishes to glorify God through music. No musical ability required!
More information Here: Music Ministry
JDC (Juvenile Detention Center)
Join us in worship with the young men and women at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center.
You may feel like your individual participation doesn’t matter, but it does! Over and over again, the staff tells us how we make a difference in the young men’s and women’s lives and the lives of the staff!
It is always on the 4th Sunday of the month at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm.
The Safety Committee
Our current needs:
- One person to sit in the office carefully observing the camera displays. That person would stay for a second hour, either before or after, to participate in either the traditional or contemporary service.
- Two Greeters, one outside each of the church's two entrances, performing a friendly greeting service, while keeping a watchful eye on folks approaching. Those Greeters come into church and participate in the service after it starts.
Sunday School Teachers/VBS
Sunday School on Sunday mornings, at 10:15 and 10:30 am, we offer Sunday school for children 2 years old through adult. Summer teachers needed from mid-June through August.
Minister Howard is also looking for volunteers for VBS (Vacation Bible School).
Technical and Creative Team
We work together for sound, lights, recording, computer graphics, and motion video. We need to grow our AV team!
Have you ever wondered how Pender Church produces our online live streaming services? Who runs the soundboard, slideshow, and camera, and what are their responsibilities?
If you are curious or interested in volunteering to help with the online production of our church services, please attend an AV rehearsal on Thursday night at 6:00 pm Teens are welcome!
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