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Category Archives: Pender UMC

Pender’s Mini Free Pantry

Pender’s Mini Food Pantry: A Small Space with a Big Mission

The Pender Mini Food Pantry is officially open and ready to serve our community! This little structure—built as an Eagle Scout Project by one of Pender’s Boy Scouts—is a beautiful example of service, compassion, and creativity.

At first glance, it looks a lot like a Little Free Library, but instead of books, it’s stocked with nonperishable food for anyone in need. It’s a simple yet powerful way to share kindness and nourishment in our neighborhood.

📍 Location:
You’ll find the pantry at 12301 Alder Woods Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033—coming from Route 50, it’s the second driveway on the left into Pender, right beside the sidewalk.

🥫 What’s Inside:
As of this writing, the pantry is filled with a wide variety of items, including:

  • Canned tuna, chicken, chili, and soup
  • Broth, vegetables, pumpkin, and apple sauce
  • Shelf-stable milk, peach slices, mandarin oranges, and individual fruit packs
  • Jello, pudding cups, mac and cheese servings, and mashed potatoes
  • Coffee, oatmeal, ketchup, gravy packets, and cooking oil

It’s truly a community effort—and every contribution helps keep it going.

💜 How to Help:
Anyone is welcome to take what they need or to donate food items to keep the pantry stocked. When you give, please remember our guiding principle:

Give with dignity. Donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.

✝️ A Reflection

In Matthew 14:19–20, Jesus blesses a few loaves and fishes and feeds thousands—reminding us that God multiplies our small acts of generosity into abundance for all.

The Pender Mini Food Pantry is one small basket among many, but together, we can feed both body and spirit in the name of Christ.

 
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Posted by on November 29, 2025 in food insecurity, Get Involved!, Pender UMC

 

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Christ the King Sunday

Christ the King / Reign of Christ: Pledging Our Highest Allegiance

Pender uses the traditional title Christ the King Sunday.  Others may use newer Reign of Christ Sunday, but the heart of this final day of the Christian year is the same: our allegiance to Jesus the Christ.

Some hear Christ the King and think first of the person of Jesus—His words and works during His earthly ministry and His present authority at the Father’s right hand. Others prefer Reign of Christ because it highlights Christ’s relationship to all creation—how His lordship embraces the world He loves and redeems. In truth, both emphases lead us to the same place: Jesus reigns, and we belong to Him.

Why This Sunday Matters

This is a day to remember that our highest allegiance is to Christ—above nation, tribe, or race. Many voices compete for our loyalty; some may even sound Christian. Today we listen again to Jesus’ voice, measure all other claims by His gospel, and recommit ourselves to His command: love God and love neighbor.

Creeds for a Crowned King

If there is a Sunday tailor-made for a creed or affirmation of faith, this is it. Creeds are fitting any week, but on this day they help us stand together and say, “This is my faith … this is our faith.” Consider:

  • Traditional Creeds: Apostles’ Creed or Nicene Creed—rooted, familiar, anchoring us in the church’s long witness.
  • Global Voices: Canadian or Korean Creeds—reminding us Christ’s reign spans every culture.
  • Contemporary Words: A Modern Affirmation—the same essentials in language many speak today.
  • Local Testimony: An affirmation written by a confirmation class, youth retreat, or mission team—your context, your voice, lifted to the King.
Worship Ideas that Widen Our Vision
  • Scripture: Daniel 7:9–14; Psalm 93; Colossians 1:15–20; John 18:33–37.
  • Music: Pair regal hymns (“Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”) with songs of justice and mercy that reveal how Christ reigns.
  • Intercessions: Pray for nations, leaders, the persecuted, and local needs—signs that Christ’s rule moves us toward compassionate action.
  • Commitment Moment: Invite people to name one competing allegiance they will lay down this week to follow Jesus more fully.
A Crown Shaped Like a Cross

To confess Christ as King is not triumphalism; it is discipleship. His crown is shaped like a cross, and His power looks like self-giving love. On this Sunday we stake our claim again:

We belong to Christ—
the One who gathers, reconciles, and calls us beloved.
This is our highest allegiance.

May this day broaden our horizons, deepen our unity, and send us into Advent ready to welcome the King whose reign is truth, mercy, and peace.

 
 

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Get Ready to Ring in the Joy! This Afternoon at 2:30

Pender’s Carillon and Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, are headed to a local Handbell Festival on November 14–15, joining ten handbell choirs for an unforgettable musical experience led by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug.

Come hear the magic live at the free final concert on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM.

Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of breathtaking music and joyful community—it’s going to be a spectacular sound you won’t want to miss!

Let’s fill the audience with Pender People and cheer on our amazing ringers!

Grace UMC
9750 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

 
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Posted by on November 15, 2025 in Ministries, Music, Music Ministry, Pender UMC

 

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Veterans Day

honoring-heroes

The observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, began almost a century ago.

In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Allied nations and Germany declared an armistice – a temporary cessation of hostilities – in World War I. Commemorated as Armistice Day the next year, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to U.S. veterans of all wars.

Now is the perfect time for congregations to engage in ministry with active troops and the families left behind.

Click here for 20 ideas.

 

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Glory Way Concert Tonight!

Coming to Pender UMC – Glory Way in Concert! 🎶

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and powerful ministry! The dynamic Gospel group Glory Way is bringing their uplifting harmonies and heartfelt message to Pender United Methodist Church!

With their rich blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel, Glory Way promises a concert experience that will move your spirit and lift your heart. This is more than a performance—it’s a time of worship, inspiration, and joy!

🗓 Date & Time: November 9 at 6 pm
📍 Location: Pender UMC Sanctuary
🎟 Admission: Free! A love offering will be received to support their ministry.

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s fill the sanctuary and be BLESSED together by this incredible Gospel ministry! ✨

 
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Posted by on November 9, 2025 in Ministries, Music, Music Ministry, Pender UMC

 

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