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 May 2, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

In 1987, Northwest Airlines Flight 225 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 155 lives. Miraculously, a four-year-old girl named Cecelia was the sole survivor. Investigations revealed that during the plane's descent, Cecelia's mother, Paula Chican, unbuckled her own seatbelt, knelt in front of her daughter, and wrapped her arms and body around Cecelia to shield her from the impact. This selfless act of maternal love protected Cecelia, demonstrating the profound lengths to which a parent's love can go.

Oh my, the love of a mother, this is what God is telling us today, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15,
NIV). The local church should be a place where people feel that kind of love.

John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day next week, let’s return our tithes and offerings with grateful hearts knowing that Christ’s love is even greater than the love of a mother. Let’s worship God today, and may we love Christ
deeply as we appreciate our mothers.

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.