Amen. You may say it every day, but do you even know what it means?
And, for those United Methodists old enough to remember, why is it not at the end of hymns any longer? Chuck explains.
Tag Archives: Christianity
Tomorrow is Pentecost
From a historical perspective, Christianity didn’t start with Jesus’ birth, his death or even his storied ascension to heaven. It started with Pentecost — the day the “Holy Spirit” entered a room holding Jesus’ apostles and entered each of them, an event which — as my minister uncle tells me — “makes the church the church.”
Although Pentecost is chock full of religious significance, it is a holiday not widely celebrated. Sort of the opposite of Hanukkah, which is widely celebrated but not religiously important. My uncle says Pentecost is a bigger deal in liturgical churches, which follow a formal, standardized order of events (like Catholics). “Non-liturgical” refers to churches whose services are unscripted (like Baptists).
Back Story: At his Last Supper, Jesus legendarily instructed his 12 disciples to go out into the world to minister and heal the sick on their own. It was at that point that they became “apostles.” Fifty days after Jesus’ death, as the story goes, the Holy Spirit (part of the Holy Trinitity — God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit ) descended onto the apostles, making them speak in foreign tongues. This “Pentecostal” experience allowed the apostles direct communication with God, which signaled a major shift in the religious landscape and laid the foundation for what would become Christianity. You’ll notice that the disciples are always depicted in artwork as regular-looking men while the apostles are depicted with halos around their heads. (Several other apostles came later — namely the famous Paul who is credited with writing much of the New Testament.)
Although all the original 12 apostles are important, some get top billing. Here’s why:
- Peter (also called Simon Peter) established the first church in Antioch and is regarded as the founding pope of the Catholic church. Instrumental in the spread of early Christianity, Peter was said to have walked on water, witnessed the “Transfiguration of Jesus” and denied Jesus (for which he repented and was forgiven.) The Gospel of Mark is ascribed to Peter, as Mark was Peter’s disciple and interpreter.
- John also is said to have witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus and went on to pen the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John and Book of Revelation. He died at age 94, having outlived the other apostles — all of whom, according to legend/history/whatever, were martyred. John is often described as “Jesus’ favorite” and depicted as the disciple sitting to Jesus’ right at the Last Supper.
- Thomas (“Doubting Thomas”) is best known for questioning Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it. According to the Bible, Thomas saw Jesus himself several days later and proclaimed “My Lord and my God,” to which Jesus famously responded: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:28.)
via Pentecost is this Sunday. What the heck is Pentecost?.
Weather Update: Worship Online This Sunday (January 25)
Due to the weather, all in-person worship services and Sunday activities are canceled this Sunday, January 25, 2025, the Third Sunday after Epiphany.
We will record a worship service and share it online at 10:00 AM, and we invite you to join us from the comfort and safety of home via YouTube or our Facebook page.
Pastor Bruce Johnson will preach on “The Fabric of Our Unity,” offering a message of hope and connection as we worship together—apart, yet united.
If you are able, we invite you to continue supporting the ministry of Pender through online giving at penderumc.org or by mailing your offering. Most importantly, please take care of yourself and one another.
Stay safe, stay warm, and know that you are held in prayer.
We look forward to worshiping together online this Sunday.
“The Fabric of Our Unity”,
January 25, 2026 at 10 am
Online Only
Due to inclement weather, we invite you to join us online for worship this Sunday as Pastor Bruce Johnson preaches “The Fabric of Our Unity.”
In this timely message, we will reflect on how God calls us together—even when we are physically apart—and how faith, grace, and love weave us into one community in Christ. Scripture reminds us that unity is not about sameness, but about being bound together by God’s purpose and call.
Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 1:10–18
Matthew 4:12–23
Though weather may keep us at home, we remain connected through worship, prayer, and the Word. Join us online as we gather virtually to seek God’s guidance and celebrate the unity we share as the body of Christ.
Watch live online and participate from wherever you are—warm, safe, and together in spirit.
Hymn History: Since Jesus Came into My Heart
The Pender UMC Traditional Service Final Hymn “Since Jesus Came into My Heart”, Sunday March 17, 2024 was played by Hetty Jacobs on piano and sung by the Sanctuary Choir and congregation. This was the fifth Sunday in Lent.
Rufus Henry McDaniel, ordained in 1873, turned his profound grief into a timeless hymn after losing his son Herschel in 1913. In 1914, he crafted “Since Jesus Came into My Heart,” a gospel hymn that beautifully encapsulates the transformative journey of faith, resonating with personal salvation experiences. McDaniel’s choice of repeating the impactful phrase “since Jesus came into my heart” throughout the hymn emphasizes the deep-seated change brought by faith.
Scriptural Foundation:
The hymn’s message is deeply rooted in scripture, particularly in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse perfectly encapsulates the transformative journey that McDaniel illustrates through his hymn.
Experiencing Transformation:
Each verse of the hymn narrates the significant shift from a life of wandering to one of purpose and direction, akin to the lost son’s return in Luke 15:24. This parable and the hymn alike celebrate the restoration and new life found in coming home to the Father through Jesus Christ.
Joy in Salvation:
The hymn exudes a joy that resonates with 1 Peter 1:8-9, which speaks of “an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” McDaniel’s lyrics mirror this joy, reflecting the profound inner peace and satisfaction that accompany salvation.
Navigating Life’s Journey:
In “Since Jesus Came into My Heart,” there’s a clear narrative of moving from life’s aimless wandering to walking a path illuminated by Christ’s love, reminiscent of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The hymn emphasizes the guidance and clarity Jesus brings to our lives.
Eternal Perspective:
The hymn concludes with a forward-looking view, expressing hope and assurance in the eternal life promised in John 14:2-3, where Jesus assures, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.” McDaniel’s lyrics affirm the believer’s hope of dwelling with Christ forever.
“Since Jesus Came into My Heart” is not just a hymn but a profound testament to the enduring power of faith and the unifying journey of believers. It continues to inspire and resonate within the global Christian community, proving the timeless nature of McDaniel’s heartfelt composition.
In sum, “Since Jesus Came into My Heart” is a vibrant declaration of the radical change and boundless joy that come with a life surrendered to Christ, offering a blueprint for the Christian walk that is guided by faith, illuminated by divine love, and anchored in eternal hope.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, we thank You for the profound changes You instigate in our lives. Like the joyful declarations in “Since Jesus Came into My Heart,” we too celebrate the new life, direction, and hope You have gifted us. May our lives continue to reflect the transformative power of Your love and grace. Amen.
Abraham Lincoln on Methodists
In response to your address, allow me to attest the accuracy of it’s historical statements; indorse the sentiments it expresses; and thank you, in the nation’s name, for the sure promise it gives.
Nobly sustained as the government has been by all the churches, I would utter nothing which might, in the least, appear invidious against any. Yet, without this, it may fairly be said that the Methodist Episcopal Church, not less devoted than the best, is, by it’s greater numbers, the most important of all. It is no fault in others that the Methodist Church sends more soldiers to the field, more nurse to the hospital, and more prayers to Heaven than any. God bless the Methodist Church—bless all the churches—and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches.
May 18, 1864 A. LINCOLN
From Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 7.Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865.
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- A Traveler’s Guide to the Heritage Landmarks of The United Methodist Church (pendernews.org)
- Methodism and Ulysses Grant’s Final Victory (juicyecumenism.com)
