Lent at Pender

DURING THE FORTY DAYS OF LENT Christians have a special opportunity to engage in “acts of piety” and “deeds of mercy”. These acts do not help us earn God’s favor, but do cause us to focus on our faith in Christ. Thereby, we grow spiritually.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16-17

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is the traditional day of celebration before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent is the 40-day season leading up to Easter, a time historically marked by prayer, reflection, and fasting.

The word “shrove” comes from the old practice in which Christians confessed their sins and were “shriven, or absolved, in preparation for Lent. In Anglo-Saxon times, a bell was rung to call people to confession. This bell became known as the “Pancake Bell,” a tradition that continues in some places today.

Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date changes each year, occurring sometime between February 3 and March 9. In 2025, Shrove Tuesday will be on February 17.

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to use up rich ingredients such as eggs and fats before the Lenten fast began—and pancakes were the perfect solution. Pancakes are thin, flat cakes made from batter and cooked in a frying pan. In the English tradition, they are served immediately and often topped with lemon juice and sugar or golden syrup.

Today, Pancake Day remains a joyful reminder of our spiritual preparation for Lent, bringing together faith, tradition, and fellowship around the table.

Want to know more about Shrove Tuesday?

Ever wonder why there's almost always a pancake dinner at church some time before Easter? Well, stick with Chuck because no matter if you call it - Shrove or Fat Tuesday - you'll be learning about it with a smile.

From 2025:

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 18, 7:00PM

Join us for a service blending contemporary visual and musical elements with traditional and familiar ones. Receiving the ashes is an ancient practice that began to occur just a few hundred years after Christ’s death and resurrection. You’ll have the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross on your forehead with ashes from the burnt palm fronds from last Palm Sunday. Come participate in the mystery of our faith.

Ash Wednesday is an inside-out act of worship. We come and confess and are reminded of both our sinfulness and our mortality. And yet we are given a visible mark in the imposition of ashes, a way of letting the world know that we are people of faith.

Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The season of Lent is essential for those who truly seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Because a part of what we learn in this time of self-examination is that we are what might be most in need of transformation. We might find that what might need to grow in faith and discipleship is the church and that the transformation of the world begins with building bridges and gathering up rather than with condemnation. We hope you’ll join in with churches around the world as we seek to be gathered up in Jesus.

“Lent Begins With A Warning,” Pastor Bruce Johnson
Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7 pm

Begin the holy season of Lent with worship, prayer, and reflection as we gather for our annual Ash Wednesday service at Pender UMC.

Pastor Bruce Johnson shares a meditation titled “Lent Begins with a Warning,” inviting us to honestly examine our hearts and return to God’s grace and mercy.

Scripture Readings:
Joel 2:1–2, 12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:2
Matthew 6:1–6
Matthew 6:16–21

This service includes the Imposition of Ashes, a sacred reminder of our mortality, repentance, and hope in the Gospel. Ashes — traditionally made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms — are marked on the forehead in the sign of the cross with the words:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

During the imposition of ashes we will sing:
• Just As I Am
• Lord, I Want to Be a Christian
• Change My Heart, O God

Whether you are beginning Lent for the first time or continuing a lifelong journey of faith, we invite you to worship, pray, and prepare your heart for the season ahead.

Lenten Hymn and Devotion, Week 1

Brian Stevenson, Pender UMC Director of Handbells and Ensembles, presents a series of hymn-based devotions on Wednesdays during Lent.

The first is Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross by Fanny Crosby

Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain:

In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.

The United Methodist Hymnal Number 301

Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915

Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915

Tune: NEAR THE CROSS, Meter: 76.76 with Refrain

The Pender UMC Traditional Service Middle Hymn "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" on Sunday January 29, 2023 was played by Liz Eunji Moon on piano, accompanied on guitar by Brian Stevenson, a student cellist  and sung the Pender Sanctuary Choir and congregation.

The First Sunday in Lent

“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.

The Second Sunday in Lent

Coming Soon

The Third Sunday in Lent

Coming Soon

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Coming Soon

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Coming Soon

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

Bring the whole family and hop on over for a morning packed with smiles, surprises, and springtime fun! Your little bunnies will love the crafts, games, and egg hunts filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate the joy of Easter together — laughter, fellowship, and memories included!

Grab your baskets, invite some friends, and join us at Pender UMC for a morning your family won’t want to miss!

Palm Sunday

More coming Soon

Holy Thursday

Coming Soon

Good Friday

Holy Saturday

Coming Soon

Easter

Coming Soon