One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.
Worshiping Jesus
The Most Glorious Worship of All
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 24, 2022
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
”IN DULCI JUBILO • Walther, Piutti, Lang
CHRISTMAS CALL & INVOCATION
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
CHRISTMAS CALL
PASTOR: Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning.
PEOPLE: Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright, but hear the angel’s warning.
PASTOR: This Child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be.
PEOPLE: The power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making.
PASTOR: With joy let us worship Christ our Lord!
“CAROLS OF THE SEASON”: A HYMN CYCLE
”Good Christians, Now Rejoice” • 136, st. 1-2
“Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child” • 133
”O Little Town of Bethlehem” • 135, st. 1 & 3
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” • 119, st. 1-3
FAMILY PRAYER
Jenifer Daley and Grace Greenfield (mother)
PRAYER HYMN
”Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” • st. 1 of 140
CHRISTMAS THANK YOU
Richard Parke, Media Ministries Director
ONE FAMILY’S STORY
Yailin Contreras with Ana and Diego
OFFERTORY
“What Child Is This?” • trad. English
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORY
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
“’Twas the Birthday of a King” / “O Little Town of Bethlehem” • Neidlinger, Redner / Logan
CHRISTMAS HOMILY
”Worshiping Jesus: The Most Glorious Worship of All”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
APPEAL
“On This Christmas Night” • Mary Kay Beall
BENEDICTION
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
CLOSING MUSIC
”Gloria” • anon.
“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” • Allan Greenway
Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy
Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet
Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets; or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.
Offering for August 23, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Some think that asking for offerings needs to be a polished “sales pitch” to convince people to give or give more. There are two types of givers. One group says, “they give until it hurts!” and the other group says, “every time they give, it hurts!”
The apostle Paul says we should give “not out of necessity or grudgingly. For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV). The Bible is clear about not making people feel guilty or obligated to give. Otherwise, they will give with an attitude that is not pleasing to God.
So how does one become a cheerful giver? The Bible tells us that our offerings must be given willingly and freely. This springs from the principle of love for Christ. As our love for God grows with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will want to share His love with other people so they, too, can learn of God’s love. This should prompt us to be giving a “love” offering or a “free will” offering that is not “urged” or “begged.”
When we do this, God will fill our hearts until they’re completely free of earthliness and blend with the divine. He removes selfish motives. Let’s give cheerfully, gladly, willingly, while being thankful that we advance God's kingdom in the world.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Something in Common Sabbath School
Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram
We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11. We meet in PMC Board Room.
Calling All Families: Sabbath Delight Challenge
Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH to 269-281-2345.
Looking for a Prayer Group to Join?
Join us for the Midweek House of Prayer, held online every Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. Come and see how your contributions can benefit everyone in the group! The Zoom link is https://andrews.zoom.us/j/9889172131.
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
There will not be a fellowship dinner during the months of July and August, 2025.