An acolyte is a person who assists the presiding minister/pastor in worship and carries out certain duties, including candle lighting; carrying the processional cross; holding or getting items the pastor needs at baptisms, Holy Communion, and other worship acts. Acolytes may be children, youth, and adults.

Contact Donna Parker for more information.

We work together for sound, lights, recording, computer graphics, and motion video.

Contact Sean Niehoff for more information.

Want to present a short message to children during the 11am services?

Contact Donna Parker for more information.

At Pender, we provide infants and toddlers (newborns through age 3) with a safe and caring Christian environment.

Our nursery staff of paid workers and volunteers are available during the 9:30 & 11:00 Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and many other church-sponsored activities.

The staff provides light snacks for the children.  We use a silent pager system to maintain contact with parents.  Nursing mothers are always welcome in the nursery.

For more information contact the Pender Church Office at (703) 278-8023.  

For some church-sponsored events, we will also provide childcare for children who are too old for our nursery, Kindergarten age through age 12.

A second adult is required for all our children's events.  See the Child Protection Policy for more information.

See the Music Ministry page.

See the Church Council page.

Set up coffee and snacks on Sunday mornings, clean up after the final Sunday service.

The band plays on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for common ground. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings.

Contact Sean Niehoff for more information.

During the worship service "lay persons as well as other clergy may assist the pastor in giving the bread and cup."  (The United Methodist Book of Worship)

Laypeople may distribute the consecrated elements in the congregation and extend them to members who are unavoidably absent.... An elder or deacon should offer appropriate training, preparation, and supervision for this important task."

Greeters are our front line ministers of welcome. Greeters usually provide the first official point of contact with the congregation. Your role as a greeter is critically important to set the tone of welcoming in the congregation. As you serve in this ministry, keep these guidelines in mind.

Remember to:
• Welcome each person who enters the worship area.
• Identify newcomers, ask their names, quickly answer their questions, and introduce them to an usher.
• Leave the doorway to assist people when necessary.
• Shake hands and smile; these are always appropriate greetings that say “welcome.”
• Arrive early at your assigned door and stay there until after worship begins to assist those arriving late.

Try to avoid:
• Getting caught up in lengthy conversations with people.
• Interrogating newcomers or keeping them too long at the doors, especially if your conversation keeps others outside.
• Leaving people hanging while waiting for an answer or assistance with a problem.
• Kissing and hugging; some people (regulars and newcomers alike) feel awkward about being touched in such a personal way by an acquaintance.
• Leaving your assignment unattended, especially close to the start of worship when newcomers are likely to arrive.

There is always something to do in the church office - no experience needed!

At Pender, we provide infants and toddlers (newborns through age 3) with a safe and caring Christian environment.

Our nursery staff of paid workers and volunteers are available during the 9:30 & 11:00 Sunday worship services, Sunday School, and many other church-sponsored activities.

The staff provides light snacks for the children.  We use a silent pager system to maintain contact with parents.  Nursing mothers are always welcome in the nursery.

For more information contact the Pender Church Office at (703) 278-8023.  

For some church-sponsored events, we will also provide childcare for children who are too old for our nursery, Kindergarten age through age 12.

See our Pender Partners page for more information

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Pender is a church committed to the power of prayer. Our "prayer chain" is a group of church members constantly in prayer for the needs of our congregation.

To make your prayer needs known, you may fill out the form below to alert to our group of prayer warriors.

A bi-annual fun block party for the whole neighborhood family.  This typically includes food, music, games, live entertainment, "Minute to Win It" games, face painting, balloon sculpting and more.

A second adult is required for all our children's events.  See the Child Protection Policy for more information.

Sunday School on Sunday mornings, during the 9:30 service, we offer Sunday school for children 2 years old through adult. 

Summer Sunday School Teacher sign up

Ushers are our front line ministers of welcome. Ushers serve as the hosts for worship. Your role as an usher is critically important to set the tone of welcoming in the congregation. As you serve in this ministry, keep these guidelines in mind.

Remember to:
• Remain available to meet people as they enter the worship space and then assist them throughout the service.
• Identify newcomers, ask their names, answer their questions and help them with items to make them comfortable.
• Offer to escort people to restrooms, childcare facilities, and other areas of the church they need to find.
• Offer assistance with finding seats; ask members to make way for guests.
• Assist with preparing the worship area and help keep it looking presentable.

Try to avoid:
• Leaving the entrances or the congregation completely unattended at any time before or during the service.
• Hovering over newcomers or smothering them with too much attention and information.
• Merely pointing people in the right direction and assuming they can get where they want to go in an unfamiliar building.
• Asking newcomers to move once they have been seated.
• Getting distracted with tasks and forgetting to interact with people.

Distribute bulletins on Sunday mornings, help people find seats, collect the offering, generally be welcoming.

More information as summer approaches.

The worship team is multi-faceted and creative. The team is made up of many people: pastors, musicians, ushers, worship support, sanctuary care, actors/actresses, set design team, communion servants, acolyte trainers, and audio-visual personnel.