Community Thanksgiving Gathering at Pender United Methodist Church

Before the holiday rush began, we gathered with our ecumenical friends to give thanks for our many blessings.

This cherished annual tradition brought together churches from across our community to worship, give thanks, and celebrate God’s goodness.

This year, Pender United Methodist Church was honored to host the service, with Rev. Jerry Bryant from Chantilly Baptist Church preaching an inspiring message titled “The Stewardship of Thanksgiving” (Habakkuk 3:17–19).

Order of Worship Highlights

• Opening Prayer: Pastor Keon Huh
• Singing Our Praises: “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”
• Epistle Lesson: Philippians 4:4–7 – Pastor Elijah Mwitanti
• Choral Anthem: “A Simple Thanksgiving” (arr. Joseph Martin) – Community Church Choir, Patrick King, Director
• Gospel Lesson: John 6:25–35 – Pastor Sung Lee
• Hymn of Response: “Give Thanks” (The Faith We Sing #2036)
• Offering: For Western Fairfax Christian Ministries – Harmonie Taddeo
• Choral Offertory: “Gratitude” (B. Lake, D. Bowe, B. Hastings; arr. D. Wise) – Community Church Choir
• Prayer of Dedication: Pastor Brenda Hafer
• Holy Communion
• Solo: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – Tammy Chipman
• Prayer after Communion: Pastor Youngbong Kim
• Hymn of Discipleship: “Now Thank We All Our God” (UMH #102)
• Dismissal with Blessing: Pastor Bruce Johnson
• Postlude: “Fantasia on Thanksgiving Themes” – Piano/Organ duet by Jane McKee and Mary O’Connor

Participating Churches

• Chantilly Baptist
• Christ Presbyterian
• King of Kings Lutheran
• Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia (와싱톤 사귐의 교회)
• Ox Hill Baptist
• Pender United Methodist

Together, we lifted our voices in gratitude and unity—celebrating faith, friendship, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thank you for joining us for this Community Thanksgiving Service. How good it is that, from our many traditions and backgrounds, we worship and fellowship together as members of the one Body of Christ.