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.
Worshiping Jesus
A Page from the Angels' Playbook
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, December 03, 2022
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
from “A Rhapsody on Christmas Carols” Claude Smith
CALL TO WORSHIP & PRAYER
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
“CAROLS OF THE SEASON”
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” • 122, st. 1, 3
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” • 132, st. 1, 2
“Silent Night” • 143, st. 1, 4
“Joy to the World” • 125
CALL FOR PRAYER
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
PRAYER HYMN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” • 132, st. 1
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Maia Hamstra, University Student
*Nehemiah Sitler, University Student
OFFERTORY
“The First Noel” • trad. carol / Julie Giroux
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
SCRIPTURE READING
Revelation 5:11-12 NIV
Angelia Watulingas, AU Graduate Student
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
[“What Child Is This?”] • Alfred Reed
HOMILY
“Worshiping Jesus: A Page from the Angels’ Playbook”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
CONNECT CARD & PRAYER
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
”Angels We Have Heard on High” • 142
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
”Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” • Gordon Young
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