Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.
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
Wilson Retirement
Andrews Academy’s Graduation Weekend Events
Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 21, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 22, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 23, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 24, 11:00 at PMC.
Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church
You are invited to a Hymnsing on 23 May, 4:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal. For further information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.
Offering for May 16, 2026
Pioneer Operating Budget
Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1
Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).
As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).
As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Something in Common Sabbath School
Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!
- May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
- May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
- June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
- June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails