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Tag Archives: Pender Hill School

Celebration of Life for Ruth Wheeler

Please pray for the family and loved ones of
Ruth Wheeler
a beloved long-time member of
Pender United Methodist Church

Celebration of Life
will be held Saturday
August 30, 2025 at 3 pm
with a reception to follow.

Ruth Chickering Wheeler
October 18, 1926 – August 21, 2025

Ruth Joyce Chickering Wheeler was born October 18, 1926 to Edith (Gile) and Arthur Chickering in Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. She died on August 21, 2025 peacefully at her home.

Services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 3PM at Pender United Methodist Church, 12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA. Reception to follow.

Ruth grew up on Pembroke Street, Pembroke, NH. She is a graduate of Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, NH and Wheelock College in Boston, MA.

After graduation Ruth taught kindergarten in Laconia, NH and through earning a fellowship in Washington, DC from Wheelock College she met and married Arthur Adrian Wheeler, August 15, 1953 in Pembroke and made a home in Fairfax, VA. There they began their family; Anna, Lawrence and Elizabeth Wheeler, and Jonathan Chickering.

In the early 1960’s Ruth and friend Angela Riedel started Pender Hill School at the little Pender United Methodist Church at the corner of West Ox Road and Route 50. She was director from 1962-1997 and she taught preschool there at Pender Hill Preschool throughout those years until her retirement in 1999.

Ruth was a very active member at Pender United Methodist Church for over 70 years. She taught Sunday School, worked in the nursery, was a long-standing member of the United Methodist Women’s Fellowship, working on Methodist Men dinners, the Bazaars, Boutiques, Flea Markets and basically anywhere she was needed.

She was an active member of the PTA at Navy School when her children were in attendance there. Everywhere she went she worked sharing her love of children. Her smile and willingness to be involved encouraged those around her to join in the fun. In her later years she was often seen at Senior Citizen dances around the Northern Virginia area. She loved Ballroom dances best but was up for trying any dance being played. She will definitely be dancing in heaven joining husbands, Arthur Wheeler and Earl McKay and beloved friend Paul Hirt.

Ruth leaves behind her children Anna Sue (Wheeler) and Alan Gibbs (Concord, NH), Lawrence Wheeler (Culpepper, VA), Elizabeth (Wheeler) and Ignacio De La O (Danville and Fairfax, VA), Jonathan and Lindsay Chickering (Nokesville, VA). Grandchildren: Christopher Gibbs (New Durham, NH), Jeremy Gibbs (Sanbornton, NH); Deana Sietz (Seattle, WA); Carlos De La O (Raleigh, NC) and Daniela De La O (San Angelo, TX); Cali, Tanner and Kyler Chickering (Nokesville, VA). Great Grandchildren: Michael, Josh, Austin, Caleb and Kendyll Gibbs; a multitude of nieces and nephews, friends and well loved “step and adopted” family.

DONATIONS

Pender United Methodist Church12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22033
Pender Hill United Methodist Preschool12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22033

From https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fairfax-va/ruth-wheeler-12496174

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Posted by MaryO on August 27, 2025 in Pender UMC

Tags: Celebration of Life, memorial, Pender Hill School

Santa’s Ride Toy Collection

27 Nov

Pender Hill School is collecting toys for the Santa’s Ride program again this year. We are excited to work with the Fairfax County Police Motor Squad to collect new toys and books for children in local hospitals.

Items can be donated in the marked bins in the Church Lobby and the downstairs Preschool hallway until Sunday, December 12.

Please contact Ann Hines or Sarah Hocker with any questions.

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Posted by MaryO on November 27, 2021 in Get Involved!, Missions, Outreach, Pender UMC

Tags: Pender Hill School, Santa's Ride, toy collection

Activities for Children at Pender UMC

15 Mar

Our goal is that all children 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.

We have activities for children during COVID!

Every Sunday

There are two Children’s Sunday School Classes meeting on Zoom at 10:00 am.

Contact the webmaster for the links.

Children’s Church– During the 9 :00 and 11:15 am services we have a children’s message within each service specifically for kids!

Every weekday

The Pender Hill School is open.

More information here: https://www.penderumc.org/pender-hill-school/

Every Friday

Fun with Music. Music and fellowship for children (ages 0-5) and their parents and/or guardians. Contact the webmaster for more information.

March 21, 2021

The final How to Draw Session.

David Raich has been offering How To Draw lessons for children from Pre-K through 6th Grade.

Join us for the final class at 1pm on Sunday, March 21! Sign up at How to Draw Class

April 3, Easter Egg-stravaganza

The youth are hosting the Easter Egg-stravaganza for the church this year! It’s going to be a day where the youth are serving our community by hosting a fun event for the kiddos!

Check in starts at 12:45pm and the event runs from 1pm-2:30pm.

Starting after Easter

Children’s in-person Chime Group led by Brian Stevenson.

April 19, 2021

Children’s Storytime with Miss Ann and Mr Jim from 1-2 pm. In the parking lot.

May 17, 2021

Children’s Storytime with Miss Ann and Mr Jim from 1-2 pm. In the parking lot.

June 21-25, 2021
VBS (Vacation Bible School) Mystery Island

More information coming soon!

In case you missed it:

Our second “Pender Talk” webinar was February 24, 2021. Dr. K. Drew Baker told us about the difficulties children are facing during this pandemic.

He shared how to help children now, as well as how to help them get ready to go back to school face to face.

When we are COVID-free, Pender offers numerous activities for children of all ages:

Sunday worship (All ages!) – At Pender children are encouraged and invited to participate in worship at church.

Sunday School (newborn- 6^thgrade) – on Sunday morning, at 10:15, we offer Sunday school for children 2 years old through 6^thgrade. They are in classes with friends that are around the same age as them so they can learn more about God’s love together. We are currently using Orange Curriculum which is amazing! Their goal is to connect the church and family together to deepen the faith of children!

Sunday Morning Nursery– Babies up to 2 years old are welcome in the nursery during the 9:00 and the 11:15 am service. The nursery provides a warm and loving environment for the children. We also have a pager system to ensure safety and communication with parents. We also have the nursery open during other worship services that Pender offers.

Children’s Church– During the 9 :00 service we have a children’s message within the service specifically for kids! After this time of learning, children 2 years old through second grade are welcome to go downstairs for Children’s church.

Jesus Loves You (JLU) (4th – 6th graders) – On the second Sunday of every month JLU meets and has a time of fellowship, learning, and fun together! They meet from 5-7pm and learn more about God together.

Other Children’s Ministry experiences at Pender:

Children’s Choirs and Bell groups

Scouting at Pender

Summer camps info

Pender offers various camps throughout the summer for children.of varying ages.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

(2 years old -6^thgrade)

Pender Hill Preschool

(18 months – 5 years)

Family Events:

Pender is dedicated to having family events throughout the year where the whole family can come and experience God’s love and fellowship with others together.

Some of our annual events include:

Movie Nights – Throughout the Year

Cabin Fever Party – February

Easter Event – April

Pender Rocks the Block – September

A Night in Bethlehem – December

SAFETY

All teachers are required to submit to a thorough background check and complete Child Protection Training. In addition, all teacher helpers must attend training.