As the year drew to a close and the festive spirit still lingered in the air, Pender United Methodist Church invited its congregation to a special, unified service on Sunday, December 31, 2023, celebrating the First Sunday after Christmas.

This unique gathering was led by Pastor Bruce Johnson, who delved into the theme "Children of God," with a sermon drawing from the poignant passages of Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 2:22-40. These scriptures offered a profound exploration of our spiritual lineage and divine adoption through faith.

The service was musically enriched by the melodious voices of the Pender Sanctuary Choir and the vibrant sounds of the Praise Band. Together, they led the congregation in a harmonious celebration that promised to uplift the spirit and resonate with the joyous tones of Christmas.  The hymns were Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies;  Lord I Lift Your Name on High; He Is Exalted and Shine, Jesus, Shine.

This was not just a service; it was an experience—a harmonious blending of word and music, a reflective pause to contemplate our place as beloved children of God, and a communal space to connect and share in the warmth of faith. The congregation joined together as they bid farewell to the year with hearts full of song and souls refreshed by the Word.