Resources

Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight 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

Opening Music

"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow"  •  Louis Bourgeois / attr. Henry Purcell
Kenneth Logan, organ

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor

"Blessing": A Hymn Cycle

"Holy, Holy, Holy"—SDAH 73, st. 4  •  "Come, Thou Fount"—SDAH 334, st. 1, 3  •  "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"—100, st. 1, 3 then refrain only once  •  "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us"—SDAH 545 st. 1, 3  •  "The Lord Bless and Keep You"—SDAH 669
Kaija Perry, soprano, Andrews University student; Daniel Soochkoff-Cerna, viola, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Congregational Prayer

José Bourget & Christine Ramirez, Pioneer Members

Pioneer Life

Taurus Montgomery

Baby Dedication

Ayla Andressa Monteiro Soares presented by Alex Soares and Lenisa Soares with John Glass, Associate Pastor

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Jean Michel; Prayer: Asher

Scripture Reading

Jonathan Raveloharimisy, Pioneer Member

Worship in Music

"Bless This House"  •  May Brahe
Charles Reid, tenor

Message

"Marriage: The Pope and Same Sex Marriage"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Connect Card/Prayer

 

Closing Hymn

"There Is a Fountain"  •  336

Closing Remarks/Benediction

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Bless the Lord, O My Soul"  •  Charles Wood
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

 

Opening Music

"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow"  •  Louis Bourgeois / attr. Henry Purcell
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Praise

"Ancient of Days"
Vivian Raimundo, Shane Pierre, Rachel Rajarathinam, vocals; Jake Knowlton, piano; Jeremy Ahn, acoustic guitar; Solomon Kim, cajon

 

Pioneer Life

Taurus Montgomery, Harbor of Hope

Congregational Prayer

José Bourget & Christine Ramirez, Pioneer Members

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Jean Michel; Prayer: Asher

Praise

"Divine Exchange"

Scripture Reading

Genesis 1:27-28, 31 NIV

Praise

"There Is A Cloud"

Message

"Marriage: The Pope and Same Sex Marriage"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

 

Connect Card/Prayer

 

Closing Hymn

"There Is a Fountain"  •  336

Closing Remarks/Blessing

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

 

Offering for April 18, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

The Bible makes this interesting analogy: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). Today, we are sitting in church because someone sharpened you and shared the gospel story. This is so true in the life of Riley. Anthony (the writer of this appeal) had driven for approximately an hour on a cold fall day to fulfill a stewardship weekend appointment he had with a small congregation. The service went well.

He preached on the topic, “It’s a matter of the heart.” After the hymn of consecration and the benediction, during the transition time before potluck, he chose to mingle and talk to people. He chose to start with brother Riley, who was sitting at the media booth. After introducing himself, he asked Riley if he was the one responsible for streaming. Anthony had brought with him a recorded instructional video on how to complete the newly designed tithe and offering envelope.

They didn’t get very far into that part of the conversation before Riley began to share with him how he started to attend the church. He identified three people who showed unwavering love and acceptance to him. He eventually got baptized.

Riley’s testimony reminds us of the words of Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness” (KJV). Let’s remember the job we have as a local church to sharpen each other. As we give to help our local church programs, may we experience and show God’s unrelenting love.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.