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.
AU Summer 2024 Baccalaureate
Saturday, August 03, 2024
OPENING MUSIC
“’O Rest in the Lord’, ‘Be Not Afraid’” (Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF PRAISE
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” • 191, st. 1, 3, 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
“Be Still, My Soul” • 461, st. 2
Erhard Gallos, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
“Offertory” • Simon Luke Brown
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“Stand Fast in the Freedom of Christ” • Kenneth Logan
SCRIPTURE READING
Jonah 1:16 to Jonah 2:2 NKJV
Ildiko Gyeresi, Pioneer Elder
HYMN OF PREPARATION
“We Have Heard a Joyful Sound” • 340
MESSAGE
“A Big Fish Story”
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“So Send I You” • 578
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan
OPENING MUSIC & PROCESSIONAL
“O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing” • Healey Willan
“Lift High the Cross” • Donald Busarow
WELCOME & HYMN OF PRAISE
“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” • 27
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Kevin Ferreira, Flight Instructor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“Stand Fast in the Freedom of Christ” • Kenneth Logan
OFFERTORY
“Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” • Kenneth Logan
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Chaplain
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” • Thomas Trenney
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:1-8 NKJV
Aimee Vitangcol Regoso, University Registrar
HYMN OF MEDITATION
“Be Thou My Vision” • 547
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
BACCALAUREATE SERMON
“Graduation Day”
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
HYMN OF COMMISSIONING
“Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ” • 377
BENEDICTION
Alyssa Palmer, Asst. VP for Campus & Student Life
RECESSIONAL
“Dialogue” • Gilbert Martin
CLOSING MUSIC
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan
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.