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“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.
At 10:00 am, Pender offers a traditional/blended worship service. The service includes traditional music as well as praise music. You’ll find a variety of musical groups participating in these worship services, ranging from children, youth and adults, to vocal, flute, recorder and bell choirs.
At Pender’s traditional/blended service, you get the best of both worlds! We celebrate the traditions of our faith at these services with the scriptures, the creeds of the church, the symbols of our faith and a word from the Bible that applies spiritual principles to everyday life.
Holy Communion is shared the first Sunday of every month. Come and join us for worship every Sunday in the main sanctuary at Pender.