There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons.
2017 Holiday Season
In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
Saturday, December 09, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing • Gordon Young
Praise
The First Noel • O Come, O Come Emmanuel • Joy to the World/Our God Saves
Prayer
Brandon Von Dorpowski
Baptism
Andrea Lauren Saunders with Nathaniel Gibbs
Children’s Story
What Child Is This? • Raymond Haan
Worship in Music
I Hear the Prophet Callin' • Pepper Choplin
Sermon
"In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
There's a Song in the Air • 120
More In This Series
"In the Presence of a King, Don’t Ask for Small Gifts"
www.newperceptions.tv
- Gift #1
- Galatians 4:4-5
- Steps to Christ: "He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. . . . When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity [us commoners] to Himself [the Royal] by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself." (14, 72)
- Carl Cosaert: "Adoption was a legally binding agreement that guaranteed a number of privileges: (1) the adopted son became the true son of his adoptive father; (2) the father agreed to provide all the necessities of food and clothing; (3) the adopted son could not be repudiated; (4) the adopted son could not be reduced to slavery; (5) the natural parents were never allowed to reclaim the adopted son; (6) and adoption mandated the right of inheritance." (Galatians: A Fiery Response to a Struggling Church 88)
- Gift #2
- Galatians 4:6-7
- John Witvliet: "Here are two missions, two gifts, two experiences of grace: God sent his Son, and then God sent the Spirit of his Son. The first gift arrived in Bethlehem. The second arrives deep within the souls of believers. The first Christmas gift came then and there. The second comes again and again in the here and now. Indeed, every single time anyone anywhere professes 'Jesus is Lord,' we can be grateful for the work of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3)." (Christianity Today December 2017 p58)
- Gregory Boyd: "My life is Christ—nothing else really matters" is essentially "My life is the Holy Spirit—nothing else really matters."
- Ellen White: "When the Spirit was poured out from on high, the church was flooded with light, but Christ was that Light; the church was filled with joy, but Christ was the subject of that joy. When the Spirit is poured upon His people in this day, Christ's name will be upon every tongue, His love will fill every soul; and when the heart embraces Jesus, it will embrace God; for all the fullness of God dwells in Christ." (Ye Shall Receive Power 332)
- Desire of Ages: "The whole treasury of heaven is open to those [the Father] seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." (57)
- Brennan Manning: "Everything has been given to us by the Father in Jesus. All we need now is to experience what we already possess." (Lion and Lamb 154)
- Every new morning—ask for Him: "Baptize me today, Lord Jesus, that I might be filled with Your Spirit. AMEN."
- www.steps-to-personal-revival.info
When you get the One, you get them Both.
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
Toy Collection for Christmas Care--Sabbath, December 13
On Sabbath, December 13, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. Each year we partner with "Christmas Care" in providing gifts to 300+ families in our community who are not able to purchase their own. This is yet another way that Pioneer can participate in the 2nd part of our PIONEER strategic plan of Interacting and partnering with those in our community.
Annual Seniors Christmas Banquet
The annual Christmas Banquet for Seniors (ages 55+) is taking place on December 14 in the Village SDA Church fellowship hall at 1:00 PM. Pioneer members wishing to attend please call the church office to sign up at 269.471.6565 by Monday, December 8.
Belong: Angel Tree
Thank you for choosing a tag from our Angel Trees! Please remember to text “BLESS” to 269-281-2345 to let us know who you selected. This helps us stay organized and coordinate gift collection if you won’t be dropping off your unwrapped gift during one of our services on Sabbath, December 13.
Christmas Extravaganza
This Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 4:00 PM, join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season! Featured performances will include the University Singers, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, along with talented students from the Piano Studios of Chi Yong Yun and String Ensembles from the Studio of Carla Trynchuk. In the spirit of giving, our Christmas Extravaganza will also feature a brief segment and opportunity to support our talented music students through the music student scholarships. Celebrate the spirit of the season through uplifting music, including selections from The Christmas Song, Christmas Dinner, and Sleigh Ride, capturing the spirit and joy of the season. Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 7:30 PM Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 4:00 PM (repeat performance). Tickets and information can be found at howard.andrews.edu
Offering for December 6, 2025
Pioneer Operating Budget
In my younger years, my fascination with mathematics, particularly with the concept of multiplication, was immense. I was especially excited learning the principles of multiplication because it was one of the fastest ways to reach a higher total. Multiplication is a mathematical process that adds a number to itself repeatedly a specific number of times.
This mathematical principle later found an analogy in my spiritual journey. I realized that the growth of God's kingdom often resonates better with multiplication than addition.
For example, it is better to have five people each doing one ministry and teaching others to do the same, rather than for one person doing five ministries by himself. This is the essence of “disciplers” — disciples who train other disciples. Another way to step into the realm of such multiplication is through generous offerings to God.
When we present our offerings to God, He multiplies them, extending the blessings to many. We need not dwell on the mathematics of our giving or attempt to rationalize the outcomes. Merely giving in faith is sufficient. Reflect on the promise, “He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting” (Desire of Ages, p. 371).
Let’s see how God multiplies the gifts we give to Him.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
New RMES Accreditation
Ruth Murdoch Elementary School is happy to announce that we have been officially granted accreditation by the Global Accreditor: The Middle States Association. This is in addition to accreditation by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the Adventist Accrediting Association.
Andrews Academy Invites You to the Feast of Lights Concert
Andrews Academy will be presenting the 52nd annual Feast of Lights program on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The community is invited to attend this spectacular night of music, Scripture and drama honoring the King of Kings. It is an evening of lights, bells, instruments, choral singing, congregational singing, shepherds, a Nativity scene, and the retelling of a glorious Christmas story. Chorale and Orchestra will end the program with the Hallelujah chorus. The church sidewalks will be arrayed in Christmas lighting. The program will speak to your hearts of His wondrous love. All are invited to attend this free program held at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University.
Journey to Bethlehem - Live Nativity Walk in Eau Claire
Walk into the advent story... Share in the expectation... Experience God's Glory... Journey to Bethlehem - Come join take this FREE 1 hour walking journey through the Advent Story on December 14 from 5-8 PM. Meet shepherds, the wisemen, Roman soldiers, a Biblical marketplace, Mary and Joseph and discover why Christ came to this earth. Groups Leave from the Student Activity Center located at 6295 W Main St, Eau Claire, MI 49111. Tours leave every 10 minutes between 5 & 8 PM, December 14. No Reservations required, ALS interpreter available, please contact us in advance. Wheelchair accessible journey on paved sidewalk. Questions? Call or text 269-405-5026 or email us at Eauclairecritters@gmail.com.
Belong: Soup for Students
Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up