“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 shared 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 included 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 sang:
• 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.