Sunday, November 26, 2023 Pender celebrated Christ the King Sunday Service, a day dedicated to sovereignty and scripture. Pastor Bruce Johnson led the congregation with a thought-provoking sermon titled "Witnesses Unaware."

The congregation delved deep into spirituality, starting with a lesson from Ephesians 1:15-23. This scripture highlighted the boundless hope found in Christ's call.

Following this, a Gospel lesson from Matthew 25:31-46 provided a stirring exploration of the Son of Man's majestic narrative. This lesson challenged and inspired believers to live with a purpose that aligns with the kingdom of God.

The service was an enlightening journey through faith, culminating in the acknowledgment of Christ's eternal kingship.

David Kinard from Pender’s Finance Committee shared an inspiring update about Pender's stewardship and fundraising efforts. Get ready for the "Bridge to Hope" campaign, aimed at replenishing Pender's savings and navigating through current challenges towards a hopeful future for the church.

The campaign has already made incredible progress, with nearly $100,000 pledged even before its official start! Watch as David reveals the plans for the campaign, including the use of giving cards with QR codes for easy donations, and how you can be a part of this uplifting journey.

Mark your calendars for the official kickoff event on December 12th! Discover how Pender is uniting in faith and community spirit to reach a significant goal of $250,000 over the next three months. Let's come together to build a bridge to hope and witness the power of collective generosity.

Pastor Bruce’s sermon for Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Christian calendar year, emphasized Jesus Christ's role as Prophet, Priest, and King.

It discussed the struggle in acknowledging Christ's lordship in an age focused on personal autonomy. Pastor Bruce reflected on scriptural references, including Ezekiel's prophecy and the Gospel lesson about serving the poor as a natural response of the saved.

An anecdote from a trip to India highlights the importance of being a witness for Christ through actions. Pastor Bruce then connected this with Paul's words to the Ephesians, emphasizing the need for divine wisdom and revelation to be faithful witnesses.

The pastor discussed contemporary challenges, including artificial intelligence, and the need for Christians to discern and witness faithfully. The sermon concluded with a reflection on the church's mission to offer Christ as the unrivaled King, emphasizing the importance of prayer and humility in seeking God's strength and wisdom.

The Sanctuary Choir graced the Offertory with a breathtaking rendition of 'For the Beauty of the Earth' by Kochner, arranged by Keveren. Under the masterful direction of Patrick King and accompanied by the exquisite piano skills of Heidi Jacobs, this performance is a feast for the ears and the soul.

Pender's choir and congregation sang awe-inspiring hymns like 'Holy God, We Praise Thy Name', 'Crown Him with Many Crowns', 'He Is Lord', and 'The Church’s One Foundation', this musical celebration elevates worship to a transcendent experience. Join us on this spiritual voyage and let these hymns uplift your soul!