What is Trunk or Treat?
Rather than going door to door, children go from car trunk to car trunk.
A trunk or treat is a very gentle and kind and child-friendly way celebrate Halloween.
Similar to tailgating at sporting events, the family-friendly “trunk or treating” events are being adopted by communities as well as churches, according to The Associated Press.
The festivities are from 2 pm through 4 pm today at Pender UMC.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed September Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month is a national campaign to raise awareness and inspire people to take action for those facing food insecurity. NCS and our food access partners will present a one-day Stuff the Bus food drive on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Fastran buses, along with Fairfax County Fire Department trucks, will be at several sites from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for this Hunger Action Month event to combat hunger. Please consider donating non-perishable food items and gift cards at the below locations:
Since launching in 2011, Stuff the Bus has collected more than 240 tons of food to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Fairfax County. Statistics show the need for food is great, and demand is increasing. In Fairfax County 27% of people are food insecure, meaning that they have limited or uncertain availability to the food needed to live their fullest lives.
For more details and a list of most-requested items, visit Stuff the Bus.
Calling All Musicians: Join Pender’s Vibrant Music Ministry!
Are you passionate about music? Do you feel called to share your musical gifts in a community of faith? Pender is seeking talented musicians to join our vibrant Music Ministry team and contribute to our uplifting and spiritually enriching worship services!
What We’re Looking For:
Why Be a Part of the Pender Music Ministry?
Get Involved:
If you’re excited about making a joyful noise unto the Lord and enhancing our worship experiences, we would love to hear from you! Contact our Patrick King, our Music Director today to learn more about how you can get involved.
Let your talent soar in a place where music meets ministry, and together, we’ll create beautiful worship experiences that resonate with all who attend. Join us and be a key note in our melody of faith!
As followers of Christ, we are called to be good stewards of God’s creation. One powerful way to live out that calling is by making conscious choices that reduce our environmental impact—starting with how we use electricity.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, electricity production is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. In fact, about <b67% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. These emissions contribute directly to climate change and environmental degradation.
Thankfully, there are practical steps we can take to reduce our personal and collective impact. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society encourages us to consider the following actions:
One of the simplest ways to save electricity is by switching to CFL (compact fluorescent light) or LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. These bulbs use a fraction of the electricity of traditional incandescent ones and last much longer. Every small change adds up—and this is a great place to start!
When it’s time to replace your refrigerator, washing machine, or other home appliances, consider investing in Energy Star-certified models. They’re designed to use less electricity and water, saving both energy and money over time.
Sometimes all it takes to save energy is opening the curtains. Letting natural light into your home or workspace can reduce the need to use electric lighting during daylight hours. It’s a simple habit that promotes both energy conservation and a more cheerful atmosphere.
Air conditioning is another major energy consumer. Consider adjusting your thermostat, using fans, and ventilating with outdoor air when possible. Small steps like these reduce strain on the power grid and limit your environmental footprint.
If you’re in a position to do so, explore solar panels, wind power, or green energy options from your utility provider. Renewable energy helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and supports a more sustainable future.
The vehicles we drive are another major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Carpooling, using public transportation, biking, or driving low-emission or electric vehicles can significantly cut down on our carbon output. Plus, sharing a ride often builds community and connection!
Our food choices matter too. Eating locally grown produce and goods reduces the need for long-distance shipping, which burns large quantities of fuel. Supporting local farmers is also a great way to care for your community and promote sustainable agriculture.
As people of faith, we are uniquely positioned to lead by example. Small, mindful changes to how we live can have a profound impact—on the planet and on future generations. By embracing practices that conserve energy and reduce emissions, we honor the God who created this beautiful world and commanded us to care for it.
Let’s be a church—and a people—that lives out our faith in every action, including how we power our homes, travel, and care for the earth.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
Ready to take the next step? Start with just one small change today. Your light—quite literally—can help brighten the world.
Join us this Earth Day for a Community Cleanup Extravaganza! Get ready to spruce up our neighborhood and make a positive impact on our environment.
Here’s what you need to know:
Come out, make a difference, and help keep our community beautiful. Your efforts truly matter, and what better way to celebrate Earth Day than by caring for our planet together!
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