Though painful and disruptive, loss is an inevitable part of life. The AU family has experienced recent losses, and many are still feeling the emotional impact. Grief is a long process. During this period of mourning, you may notice changes in appetite, sleep, mood or concentration—these are normal grief responses. Be gentle with yourself and others, and take time to care for your well-being. Healing takes time, and support is available if your struggle feels overwhelming. Remember, connection remains important even after the memorials have passed. Call 269-471-3470 for your support. Matt. 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Marriage
The Pope and Same Sex Marriage
Resources
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, April 24, 2021
More In This Series
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
With This in Mind...
Church Offices Closed
Church offices will be closed for the Columbus Day Holiday on Monday October 13.
Graduate and Young Professionals Sabbath School
We are launching our Graduate/Young Professional Sabbath School on October 18th. The class will be held in the Student Center's leadership lab. If you have any questions contact Chaplain Jacob Gibbs.
Andrews Academy Alumni Weekend October 17 & 18
Andrews Academy invites you to ALUMNI WEEKEND, October 17-19, 2025. Come and reunite with your AA family. Remember the defining moments of your past and reconnect with old friends. We look forward to seeing all of you once again at our Alumni Reunion! (All are invited, this year’s honored classes end in 5 and 0).
AA Freshman Class Fundraiser
Please, support the AA Freshman class by ordering pupusas and more by October 17th. Pupusas freeze well! Order for future dinners!!!
Annual Hayride
The Family Life Committee invites our church family to the Annual Hayride at Five Pines Ministries. Come enjoy hayrides through the woods, a bonfire with s'mores, warm food, and even warmer fellowship. Sunday, October 12, 5-7 PM, 6597 Smith Rd in Berrien Center. Join us for this fun, autumn tradition!
Announcing Honduras mission trip
Do you love serving children? If so please prayerfully consider joining the Pioneer Youth Mission team of college students and church members. We will be serving at the Hogar de Niños in Honduras from January 2-12, 2026. Question, contact Scott Schalk or Glenn Russell at glenn@andrews.edu
Help Pack 7,000 Bags for Christmas Behind Bars
On Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9 am in Johnson Gym, 400 people will have the opportunity to help pack 7,000 bags for our Christmas Behind Bars event. Join us for this fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly event sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Church and Andrews University. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/H9pHrvudPiex8yns5 (Your presence and invitation to others helps to support our strategic initiatives for PIONEER.)
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons.
Offering for October 11, 2025
Michigan Radio Ministries
In the parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus talks about a person who was poor spiritually because he invested in the wrong things in life. Despite his worldly affluence, he is deemed spiritually impoverished because he hoards wealth for self-gratification, while neglecting to invest in God’s kingdom.
Jesus concludes the parable with a warning, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:13-21, NKJV). So, the key is to be rich toward God? How do we do that? It means treasuring what He treasures: our relationship with Him and others, love and compassion for hurting human beings, and a heart that seeks to do good and be generous.
Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Timothy 6:18, urging believers "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." This is not just about charitable acts or monetary donations, but rather about an attitude of generosity that permeates all aspects of our lives, reflecting God's own generosity towards us.
Remember, we are most like God when we are generous with our money and our actions. What has God given you to invest in others?
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries