The Scandalous Gospel
February 1, 2026
by Pastor Bruce Johnson
On Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pastor Bruce Johnson proclaimed a message titled “The Scandalous Gospel.”
“The Transforming Vision,” Pastor Bruce Johnson
February 15, 2026 at 10 am
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Pender United Methodist Church celebrates Transfiguration Sunday, the radiant culmination of the season of Epiphany, just before we enter the reflective journey of Lent.
Join us as Pastor Bruce Johnson preaches “The Transforming Vision.”
Scriptures for the Day:
- Good News from the Law: Exodus 24:12–18
- Good News from the Epistle: 2 Peter 1:16–21
- Good News from the Gospel: Matthew 17:1–9
Transfiguration means a complete change of form into a more beautiful and glorious state. On this holy day, we remember the breathtaking moment when Jesus was revealed in dazzling light before the disciples — a glimpse of divine glory that was both awe-inspiring and overwhelming.
Just as the Israelites waited in uncertainty while Moses ascended the fiery, cloud-covered Mount Sinai, the disciples stood in fear and wonder as Christ was revealed in radiant splendor. The Transfiguration reminds us that God’s glory often surprises us, stretches our understanding, and calls us to trust in moments of transition.
In this powerful story, we see not just a change in appearance, but a revelation of who Jesus truly is — the eternal, divine Son whose glory transforms everything it touches.
As we prepare to move from Epiphany into Lent, this service invites us to consider how God’s transforming light is at work in our own lives.
Join us in person or online for worship as we seek a vision that changes us from the inside out.
Latest Sermon
Sunday School Classes |
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Sunday School for Everyone!Time: Every Sunday |
Children's Sunday SchoolTime: Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
Youth Sunday School ClassTime: Every Sunday, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Adult Sunday School ClassesTime: Every Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
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.
Next Events
Request a room by clicking here and choosing "Submit Event.
You will get an email when your event is approved.
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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.”
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