A DIY Guide

A DIY Guide to Become the Healthiest University in the World (When Well-being Means More Than Being Well)

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

Saturday, September 28, 2019
Program: 
Opening Music
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart! • Kenneth Logan
Introit
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart • Patrick Hawes
Songs of Praise
Hymns of Holistic Wellness: A Hymn Cycle—O for a Thousand Tongues (st. 1, 3, 5-6 of No. 250), It Is Well With My Soul (No. 530), Praise to the Lord (No. 1), The Blood, Above All
Prayer
José Bourget
Children's Story
Deck Yourself, My Soul, With Gladness • Johannes Brahms
Worship in Music
O Be Joyful • Philip Stopford
Homily
“A DIY Guide How to Become the Healthiest University in the World (When Well-being Means More Than Being Well)”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Pioneer Operating Budget
Hymn of Commitment
I’d Rather Have Jesus • 327
Benediction
Closing Music
Alleluia • Théodore Dubois

“A DIY Guide How to Become the Healthiest University in the World (When Well-being Means More than Being Well)”
www.newperceptions.tv

» Forbes 

• “What Would You Pay for Extra Years of Perfect Health?” (www.forbes.com/sitesdavidrae/2018/06/19/perfect-health/#43ad19312ee2)
 

» Harvard University 75 years longitudinal study

• “The conclusion? According to Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one thing surpasses all the rest in terms of importance ‘The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” (www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/want-a-life-of-fulfillment-a-75-year-harvard-study-says-to-prioritize-this-one-t.html)

• Waldinger: “It's not just the number of friends you have, and it's not whether or not you're in a committed relationship. It's the quality of your close relationships that matters.”

• Harvard psychiatrist George Vaillant re two foundational elements to the study: “One is love. The other is finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away.”
 

» 3 John 1-2—a prayer for Mens, Corpus, Spiritus

• English study of retirees: “Spirituality and religion appear to . . . bring [1] a sense of personal meaning; [2] control beyond one's own resources; [3] comfort; and [4] intimacy with a higher power; and they are life transforming, leading people to replace old values with new. . . The findings suggest that older adults who derive a sense of meaning in life from religion tend to have higher levels of life  satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism.” (www.academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/59/3/P123/563604)

• Canadian study of college students: “Canadian college students who are involved in campus ministries visited the doctor less. They also scored higher on tests of psychological well-being [PWB], and coped with stress more effectively.” (www.verywellmind.com/how-spirituality-can-benefit-mental-and-physical health-3144807)

 

» A DIY guide—5 strategies to grow spiritually (University of Northern Iowa)

• Be . Spiritual truths often come in the form of a still small voice that is difficult to hear above the chaos and confusion of a frantic lifestyle. Set aside time for solitude and meditation. [Go to www.pmchurch.org/projects/newwaytopray]

• Be to the spiritual. Spiritual experiences often come in unexpected forms and packages.

• Be and curious. An attitude of active searching increases your options and your potential for spiritual centering. Meditation may very well allow you to experience tranquility and peace.

• Be to pain and grief. Pain helps us focus on the widest questions of our being. It's a deepener. A life without pain leads to a sparse, shallow existence. Allow yourself to feel your pain fully, then ask, “What is it trying to teach me?”

• Be . Play is a pleasurable, freeing experience. It breeds spontaneous enthusiasm and celebration. When you make music, laugh, sing however you play—listen for sounds of the Spirit. (www.studentwellness.uni.edu/spirituality)

 

» 1 John 4:19, 10—L-O-V-E

Steps to Christ: “Such love is without a parallel. . . . The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! . . . The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a mother's yearning sympathy for her wayward child.” (15)

• The love story of Robert and Muriel McQuilken

 

“O Love that will not let me go”

 

Katherine Smith Celebration of Life

We are saddened to share that Katherine Smith, 95, passed away on August 8, 2025, in Mesa, AZ, from complications of Alzheimer's. A former Associate Dean of Women and Pioneer Memorial Church co-Head Elder, she was a fixture in the Berrien Springs community for over 50 years. An informal Celebration of Life will be held at the Pioneer Memorial Church Commons on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5-7 PM. Please join us as we share fond memories and  fellowship together while enjoying a light supper. Share your favorite memory with Susie at livrefou@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Neighbor to Neighbor at https://www.n2nhelps.com.

Pioneer Children's Activity Bags

We are grateful that so many families enjoy using the children's activity bags during services. To help maintain this ministry and manage costs, please return the bags and all items inside after each use. We also ask that the contents be handled with care so they remain in good condition for others to enjoy. Thank you for helping us keep this resource available and welcoming for all our children.

Andrews Academy - Penny Arcade

Andrews Academy invites all seventh and eighth graders to Penny Arcade, Saturday night Nov. 8, 2025. This is a fun evening of games, activities & food; all for just pennies. Get to know Andrews Academy students better as you and your seventh & eighth grade friends enjoy Penny Arcade from 7 - 9 PM. Due to costs, we can only open this to 7th & 8th graders & Andrews Academy students, this is not open to siblings and families.  Parents can drop your child off at 7:45 PM and pick them up at 9 pm. If you have any questions please contact the school at 269-471-3138

Adopt-a-Student

Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org

Something in Common Sabbath School

Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025.  Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.

Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration

The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/

RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase

The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!

Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang

Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.

Pizza and Parables

Pizza & Parables, Where faith meets flavor! Every Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, high school students are invited for pizza, Bible study, and friends. Come hungry for both food and the Word! Meet in the Pioneer Youth Chapel.

Free 4D Ultrasound

The Lake Michigan College Sonography Program at the Benton Harbor campus is offering a free 4D Ultrasound for pregnant volunteers. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in October and November. Volunteers must be between 21 and 35 weeks at time of scan. This free opportunity helps to support the LMC sonography students.

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