Speaker

Kenneth Denslow

Offering

Saturday, August 06, 2022

OPENING MUSIC

“Cantilena” • Josef Rheinberger

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

Ben Martin, Associate Pastor

HYMN OF PRAISE

“The Lord Is My Light” • 515. st. 1, 3-4

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

“Lead Me, Lord” • 691

PIONEER LIFE

Baptism of Sarah Arika by Rodlie Ortiz

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”  •  African-American Spiritual

CHILDREN’S STORY

“Be Thou My Vision” • Traditional Irish Melody
Story: Ben Martin, Associate Pastor

SCRIPTURE READING

Julie Clayburn, Pioneer Member
Nehemiah 6:15-16 NKJV

MESSAGE

“Never Give Up the Dream”
Kenneth Denslow, President, Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists;
Vice Chair, Andrews University Board of Trustees

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee” • 574

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan

 

OPENING MUSIC

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” • Kenneth Logan

PROCESSIONAL

“Lift High the Cross” • Donald Busarow

HYMN OF PRAISE

“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” • 27

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

Jochebed Ade-Oshifogun, Associate Professor of Nursing

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Psalm 34:7—Hymn Celebration”Iván Rachath, MA, piano

SCRIPTURE READING

Nehemiah 6:15–16, NKJV
Twyla Smith, Assistant Professor of Social Work

HYMN OF MEDITATION

“Be Thou My Vision” • 547

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

Andrea Luxton, President

MESSAGE

“Never Give Up the Dream”
Kenneth Denslow, President, Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists;
Vice Chair, Andrews University Board of Trustees

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ” • 377

BENEDICTION

Roy E. Gane, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages

RECESSIONAL

“Dialogue” • Gilbert Martin

CLOSING MUSIC

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan

 

Wilson Retirement

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.

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.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

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