Category Archives: Local Events

Under His Wings

Posted by MaryO on
Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial Cairn

On December 21 at 1:30PM, the Pender UMC Choir traditionally sang for the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery.

One of the songs we sang at this service – “Under His Wings” – was composed in memory of the victims.  It can be heard in the videos below.

On June 20, 2022, a Memorial Concert was held for long-time choir member, Diane Martini. The Pender Sanctuary Choir and the former Master Chorale of Washington sang several of Diane’s favorites, including Under His Wings.

 

A few years ago was the 25th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. A C-Span video of the anniversary event

http://www.c-span.org/video/?316910-1/pan-flight-103-25th-anniversary-memorial-service

Another video from the anniversary year:

For full remarks about the anniversary service, including speaker’s notes, please see https://www.victimsofpanamflight103.org/events/2013/arlington

Here’s a timeline of the terrible event on December 21, 1988:

Extraordinary Response Pan Am 103

Join the Fun — Support Mrs. O’Connor and Pender’s Handbell Ringers!

Posted by MaryO on

On November 14–15, Pender’s Carillon and Joy Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, will attend a local Handbell Festival alongside ten other handbell choirs for an unforgettable weekend of music.

🎵 Mrs. O’Connor will be performing in the final concert, and you’re invited to come hear the magic live at the free final concert on Saturday, November 15 at 2:30 PM!

✨ This festival, led by renowned composer and conductor Jason Krug, will fill the room with incredible energy and sound — imagine dozens of ringers creating beautiful harmonies together!

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of breathtaking music, joyful community, and plenty of smiles. Let’s fill the audience with O’Connor Studio families and cheer on these amazing musicians! 💛

It’s going to be a spectacular experience you won’t want to miss!

Grace UMC
9750 Wellington Road
Manassas, VA 20110

Washington Folk Festival 2025

Posted by MaryO on

 

MaryO will be playing sekunda with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra!

The Washington Folk Festival returns this year after a one-year hiatus on October 19, 12pm to 9:00pm, with a contra dance from 7:30-9:00pm. Now a one-day event, expect a jam-packed roster full of dancing, storytelling, and music ranging from American to International styles: bluegrass to Celtic, Klezmer to Americana, blues to Zydeco, we cover folk music from around the world! Five stages, hundreds of performers, food trucks, a picnic area, and it’s all free!

Come see such acts as Furia Flamenca, Dede and the Do-Rights, Karpouzi Trio, Urban Artistry, the Sweater Set, Rick Franklin, The Irish Inn Mates, Morris dancers, Mrs. Toretsky’s Nightmare, Slaveya, the Washington Balalaika Orchestra, The Chromatics, Mutual Agreement, The Poor Ellen Smith Band, Trio Sefardi, Little Red and the Renegades, Jillian Matundan, and many more!

Spanish Ballroom 4:00-4:45

Members of the community-based Washington Balalaika Society play a wide variety of music from around the world on authentic folk instruments.

Glen Echo Park
7300 Macarthur Blvd
Glen Echo, MD 20812 United States + Google Map

More information at https://christmasinfairfax.com/event/washington-folk-festival-2025/

 

More Music Opportunities

Posted by MaryO on

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:

  • Instrumentalists: Whether you shine on the strings, whisper with the woodwinds, or resonate with the brass, we need your skills to fill our sanctuary with harmonious sounds.
  • Vocalists: Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses—lend your voices to help lead our congregation in song and praise.
  • Handbells: We will teach you to play during our services and special events.

Why Be a Part of the Pender Music Ministry?

  • Community Impact: Through your music, you can touch the hearts of our congregation and inspire joy and contemplation in our weekly gatherings.
  • Spiritual Growth: Participate in a ministry that not only serves others but also nurtures your own faith and connection to the divine.
  • Musical Development: Collaborate with experienced musicians and vocalists that will help you hone your craft and explore new musical opportunities.

Get Involved:

  • Rehearsals: We meet weekly to practice and prepare, ensuring every service is both spiritually and musically fulfilling.
  • Sunday Services: Be a part of our regular worship schedule and special holiday performances that highlight the church calendar.
  • Community Outreach: Occasionally, our music ministry participates in local events and services, expanding our impact beyond the church walls.

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!

Trunk or Treat!

Posted by MaryO on

Pender’s Annual Trunk or Treat is returning bigger and better than ever!

Get ready for some fall fun! Join us for the Pender Fall Festival  on October 19, from 2-4 pm in the church parking lot.

Here’s what’s in store:

Trunk or Treat – Wear your costumes and collect tons of candy!  (Hint – adults can dress up, too)
S’mores Station– Snack on ooey-gooey s’mores!
Karaoke Station – Show off your singing skills with your favorite tunes!
Estimation Station – Test your guessing skills and see how close you get!

Bring your family, friends, and all your fall vibes for an afternoon of fun! You won’t want to miss it!

This will be a lot of fun for everyone.

Christmas Cantata

Posted by MaryO on

 

The PUMC Sanctuary Choir (including MrsO!) and Orchestra provided a Christmas Cantata during traditional worship service on December 18 at 9:00.

The music included: Bethlehem Christmas Sanctus Joy Has Dawned Tell Out My Soul (Soprano—Laura Connors; Baritone-Brian Stevenson) I Saw Three Ships And selections by the Orchestra.

The Cantata was live-streamed and individual pieces will be posted soon..

 

 

 

Pender UMC
12401 Alder Woods Drive
Fairfax, VA US 22033

Registration is Open for The Music Experience!

Posted by MaryO on

The Music Experience is a weekly 45 minute session for third through sixth grade children. Children can perform, read, compose, and experience music, no prior music knowledge necessary.

Cost is $25 for the first child and $15 for additional family members.  POC: Jane McKee and Mary O’Connor.

Miss Jane has a BME in Music Education and has taught music and directed choirs for all ages. She sings, rings bells, plays piano and flute, and plays autoharp in the Pender Praise Band.

Miss Jane is presently a teacher for FCPS schools.  She is looking forward to meeting you in our Music Experience!

Miss Mary has a BA in Music Education and has taught piano lessons for many years as well as directed handbell/chime choirs for children. She plays piano, sings, rings handbells, and plays in a recorder quartet. She has sung bass in a woman’s Barbershop Chorus.

Miss Mary is currently a private piano teacher and she’s very excited to meet you in our Music Experience!

Practice sessions will be held in the choir room and sanctuary.

Register your child here or use the QR code below: