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.
Summer 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.
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!
Carillon Ringers
October 3, 2023
Handbells are not just for children and teens! We have adult handbell groups for beginner to advanced...
Joy Ringers
October 3, 2023
Handbells are not just for children and teens! We have adult handbell groups for beginner to advanced...
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!
On Sunday, October 1, 2023 Guest Preacher Beth Dougherty preached on "It Was the Best of Times" based on 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Psalm 66:16.
Although today is World Communion Sunday, we will celebrate when Pastor Bruce returns next Sunday.
Sunday will be the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
Read the Sunday Bulletin for more information.
We look forward to seeing you!
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
Do you need Closed Captioning/Subtitles?
You do not need to be a Facebook member to watch Traditional Worship here.
The Next Traditional Service will be October 8 at 9:00 am
The Next Contemporary Worship will be October 8 at 11:15 am
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Opportunities to Serve
WFCM Food Pantry Donations
All donations of food and toiletries are welcomed and needed. Leave items in the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries blue cart outside Pender's main door.
Item of the Week: Rice (through 10/5/2023)
JDC (Juvenile Detention Center)
Wanted: Volunteers to attend Pender's monthly church service at the Fairfax Juvenile Detention Center. Our next date is October 22. We meet at the jail at 1:15p, and are out by 2:35p. Our ministry at the jail is growing, and the young people thirst for the water of life because of their circumstances. It is easy fishin' as they already stepped out of their cell to come to church. It is a showing up thing. That's all you need to do... show up. Contact Arlet if interested.
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 to feel God's love and the support/encouragement of our Pender family! (Sundays, 10:15 - 11am. Sign up for 1 week or 40!) Please contact Jane McKee.
Candy and Snacks Needed
There are two bins in the narthex for the congregation to supply individually wrapped candy and snacks for the fall festival on October 21.
Fun with Music Donations
Jim and Roberta Pont will be offering Fun With Music again starting October 2. They could use a few more toys for children ages 0 to 5.
Also any children's books also for ages 0 to 5 that would be in good condition to give to the children on their birthday month. During their birthday month we sing Happy Birthday and the children get to pick a book to take home.
Please bring toys and books to Pender. Roberta has left a bin marked Fun With Music in the church office. Any questions? Please feel free to call or email Roberta Pont.
More opportunities to serve
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