Both Pender and KUMC shared in this year’s VBS from June 23 through the 27th, 9 a.m. to noon.

This year’s VBS was for potty-trained three-year-olds through ninth graders. We embarked on an exciting journey with Road Trip VBS, based on Joshua 1:9 – “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

We discovered God’s presence everywhere as we explored new places, made new friends, and experienced God’s goodness together. It was a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous pup named Scout, kids learned that God is always with them.

Through engaging stories from the Navigators’ Guide (the Bible), Travelers delved into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. With twists, turns, and excitement, they faced new challenges and found strength in God’s presence on this unforgettable trip. Road trips are a great way to build strong relationships and create lasting memories. That’s what made Road Trip VBS not only a fun experience, but also an opportunity for kids to strengthen their faith and bond with others in the community.

With engaging activities, interactive games, and meaningful lessons, children had a blast while growing in their understanding of God’s love and promises for everyone.

Teens! Thought you were too old for VBS? No way!

This past June, teens took part in an epic summer adventure with Road Trip VBS 2025! They dove into a whirlwind of exciting activities where they:

• Championed the environment by sewing their own trendy bags.
• Crocheted cozy baby blankets for new moms in need.
• Engineered and raced their very own model cars.
• Whipped up delicious snacks in baking blast sessions.
• Unleashed their inner scientists with mind-blowing experiments.
• Discovered the daring deeds of amazing Biblical figures.

Each day kicked off with a special mission to mentor younger VBS adventurers before teens embarked on their own thrilling journey.

We Made a Difference Together at VBS 2025!

Every year, Vacation Bible School at Pender is more than crafts, songs, and stories—it’s also a chance to put faith into action through a meaningful service project. And in 2025, we were thrilled to once again make an impact!

This year, we partnered with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM)—a local organization providing vital support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or hardship right here in our community.

The mission? Collecting full-sized toiletry items that were urgently needed. Each day of VBS, we focused on one essential item:

• Monday, June 23: Baby Wipes
• Tuesday, June 24: Shampoo
• Wednesday, June 25: Toothbrush
• Thursday, June 26: Toothpaste
• Friday, June 27: Hair Conditioner

Whether child, teen, parent, or volunteer—everyone played a part in this blessing. Together, we shared God’s love in a real and practical way, reminding our neighbors that they are seen, valued, and supported. Every single item made a difference.

Can you help?