Pender United Methodist Church

Pender has been my family for over 10 years. Pastor Bruce is a wonderful, caring person whose sermons are thoughtful and Bible based. The people in the church love and support each other. I love that they begin services with the opportunity to reach out and share the peace and love of Jesus with others in the congregation! I appreciate that they hold not just their own congregation but the community and world issues in prayer. I am thankful to begin the week with my Pender family!

In response to A F's concerns, I have to note that Pender UMC existed at its present location for several decades before the residential area immediately surrounding it was developed. (The church bell stopped being rung Sunday mornings due to the residential additions.) While any sort of change can be objectionable, in this case, all residents of the surrounding neighborhood, including original owners, knew before purchasing that a church was their immediate neighbor, and that churches have occasionally been known to serve those who could be considered "undesirables." So while the church likely did not consult with its neighbors about what it does on its own property, I think the objection regarding a church providing food to those in need says more about the objector than the church. Coincidentally, the church also serves as a rest stop for the Fairfax County Police Department while filing reports, etc, so there are usually a few police cars up in the church parking lot at any given time in terms of those "undesirables" the food pantry may attract. (And the church as a whole isn't entirely my personal cup of tea, but this is a pretty offensive complaint. Particularly because, again, every single resident moved in knowing a church was there, seeing as how the church pre-dates the residential development.) I've agreed at times about the plentiful eyesore signs (though I note that none of us can exactly give our own residential next door neighbors a bad rating when their political lawn signs, or for that matter holiday decorations, are an eyesore or don't suit our fancy), though my understanding is that the excessive signage (when we're talking multiple yard-style signs) is the undertaking of a single, and former, member, not the church itself, though obviously they're responsible for what's left on their own property. But they were often removed by the church, then put back up by someone acting independently.

As a long-time resident of the Penderwoods Community, I am deeply disappointed by Pender United Methodist Church's recent decisions and actions. The church's unilateral establishment of a free food dispensary in our neighborhood has brought about significant issues that were entirely unforeseen and unwelcome by local families. Let me be clear: the introduction of this dispensary has not only attracted individuals in desperate circumstances but has also sparked concerns about safety and increased criminal activity. Many of these individuals are not from our community and their presence has made us feel less secure in our own neighborhood. It's unsettling to witness strangers congregating around the church grounds, often behaving erratically, which has now become a daily reality for us. What baffles me even more is the complete lack of consultation with residents before implementing such a program. Pender United Methodist Church, whose leadership does not reside in Penderwoods, made this decision without seeking our input or considering the potential consequences for our daily lives. This demonstrates a profound disregard for community cohesion and respect. Furthermore, the church's excessive signage further exacerbates the situation. The numerous, large signs cluttering the church's front area are not just an eyesore but also a constant reminder of their desperate attempts to advertise events and draw attention to themselves. It's a blatant display of their priorities, which clearly do not align with the aesthetic and tranquility of our neighborhood. In conclusion, Pender United Methodist Church has not only disrupted the peace of Penderwoods Community but has also failed to engage with residents in a meaningful way. Their actions have caused significant distress and safety concerns among local families, highlighting a serious disconnect between their intentions and the actual impact on our lives. I urge the church leadership to reconsider their approach and genuinely involve the community in decisions that affect us all.

I have been attending Pender for 46 years. I love it here. Pastor Bruce is a loving pastor and disciple maker. Why don't you come join us? People are friendly and welcoming. God is here.

Been attending this Church since 2006 and became members soon thereafter. A very welcoming Church with great people.