Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
Everyone Is Called
Splitting the Gold
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
Opening Music
"Jesus Calls Us" • William Jude / Emma Lou Diemer
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Hymn of Praise
"Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun"
Congregational Prayer
Timetta Wilson, Pioneer Elder
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Denise Curnutt; Prayer: Laural
Interview
José Bourget, Lead Chaplain with Stacy Hatfield and Philip DeLeon, Associate Dean of Student Involvement Leadership and Activities
Worship in Music
"On Eagle's Wings" • Mark Hayes
Charles Reid, tenor, Associate Professor; Kenneth Logan, piano, Minister of Music
Message
"Everyone Is Called: Splitting the Gold (Lessons from the Olympiad)"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Faculty/Staff Dedication
Litany of Dedication and Prayer
Christon Arthur, Provost
Closing Instructions
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"Jesus Calls Us" • William Jude / Emma Lou Diemer
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Hymn of Praise
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing"
Congregational Prayer
Timetta Wilson, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"On Eagle's Wings" • Mark Hayes
Charles Reid, tenor, Associate Professor; Kenneth Logan, piano, Minister of Music
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Denise Curnutt; Prayer: Laural
Interview
José Bourget, Lead Chaplain with Stacy Hatfield, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Philip DeLeon
Praise
"Jesus Calls Us" • "Softly and Tenderly"
Message
"Everyone Is Called: Splitting the Gold (Lessons from the Olympiad)"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Litany of Dedication and Prayer
Andrea Luxton, President
Closing Instructions
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
VBS at Niles Westside Church
Offering for June 28, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries