“The Beginning of Happiness” (Psalm 32)
Pastor Bruce Johnson
The First Sunday of Lent, February 22, 2026 at 10 am

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 — the First Sunday of Lent, join us at Pender United Methodist Church as Pastor Bruce Johnson begins our Lenten journey with a message titled: “The Beginning of Happiness” (Psalm 32)

As we enter this sacred season of reflection and repentance, we explore a surprising truth: real happiness does not begin with perfection — it begins with honesty, confession, and grace.

Scriptures for the Day:
Genesis 2:15–17
Genesis 3:1–7
Romans 5:12–19
Matthew 4:1–11
Psalm 32

From the story of the first temptation in the Garden, to Jesus’ testing in the wilderness, to Paul’s reflection on sin and grace, these readings remind us that Lent starts with a clear-eyed look at human brokenness — and the deeper joy that comes when we return to God.

Psalm 32 declares, “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven.” In a season often marked by solemnity, we discover that repentance is not about shame, but about freedom — and that forgiveness is where true happiness begins. Join us in person or online as we take our first steps into Lent, seeking renewal, courage, and the grace that restores us.

Watch live or catch the replay here on our YouTube channel.

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Sunday School Classes
Sunday School for Everyone!

Time: Every Sunday
Location: On Zoom and In Person
Children's Sunday School

Time: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: In Person
Youth Sunday School Class

Time: Every Sunday, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: In Person
Adult Sunday School Classes

Time: Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: In Person

Opportunities to Serve

Lend a helping hand to our local heroes by contributing to the Pender Police Rest Stop! We are currently in need of bottled water.

We are collecting a variety of items that our officers greatly appreciate during their shifts. You can drop off your donations at the church office, clearly marked "Rest Stop."

Here’s what our officers are currently enjoying:

  • Celsius Energy Drinks to keep them energized
  • Drizzilicious Rice Cakes for a light snack
  • A variety of chips for that perfect crunch

Additionally, we're always in need of:

  • Full-size water bottles (Please note: the 4oz bottles are not utilized)
  • Refreshing beverages like seltzers, Gatorade, Propel, Aspire, and other energy drinks
  • Individual-sized snacks such as potato chips, jerky, cookies, and nuts

Your contributions make a real difference in the daily routines of our police officers, providing them with the sustenance and morale boost they need to keep our community safe. Drop by with your contributions and show your support!


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.

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.

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. Only donate items you’d feel comfortable using yourself.

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Next Events

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Pender UMC's Egg-citing Easter Bash, March 28

Special Note: Gather your little bunnies for a day filled with crafts, laughter, and hidden treasures. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the Easter season.

Don’t miss this chance for fun and fellowship. Invite your friends and family and join us at Pender UMC for an unforgettable afternoon!

Alpha Youth!

Unpack the basics of the Christian faith together. No pressure. No judgement. Just open conversation over some good food. That’s it. Come along, see what you think.

Adults, we need you!

  • Facilitator.
  • Assistant.
  • Meal prep.
  • Prayer leader.

This is a week-long hands-on mission trip for middle to high school teenagers that introduces the youth to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through missional living, confronting issues of social justice, and completion of a hands-on project in Philippi, West Virginia.

Adult volunteers are also needed to assist and support the youth.

This year's trip begins Saturday July 17, 2026

Get ready to turn your next summer VBS into an unforgettable adventure with Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS 2026! 

Snowball Mountain Challenge invites kids to an exciting winter sports event where they become Challengers, gearing up for frosty games, snowy surprises, and hands-on lessons about resilience and faith. They will come to realize that with the strength God provides, they can share their gifts, be brave, give their all, pray, and hope.

Your kids will be guided daily by the energetic Activities Director and the lovable Ollie the Arctic Seal puppet, who is reporting on the events. Challengers aren’t just playing games. Using their Challenge Companion (the Bible), they learn to draw strength from their faith through powerful stories, while connecting the learnings to Bible Stories and Lift Lessons (Key Learnings). With a unique winter theme and solid theology at its core, Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS delivers joy and meaning in equal measure, teaching kids that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NRSV).

Bring your church family together to experience Snowball Mountain Challenge. Your VBS program will be transformed into a mountaintop experience filled with laughter, life lessons, and lasting faith. As children face their challenges and discover their strength in God, you’ll hear them say, “Challenge accepted – with God I am strong.”