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.
A Citizen's Guide to the Powers That Be
Saturday, January 18, 2025
OPENING MUSIC
"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow" • Johann Walther, attr. Henry Purcell
WELCOME & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
THE LORD'S LIGHT AND LEADING —A HYMN CYCLE
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise" • 21, st. 1, 2, 4
"The Lord Is My Light" • 515, st. 1, 3
"Lead On, O King Eternal" • 619
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" • chorus only of 290
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"How Firm a Foundation" • Craig Courtney
CALL FOR OFFERING
Ron Knott, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
"Wake Up! For Night Is Flying" • Wayne Wold
CHILDREN'S STORY
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 4:5-20 NRSV
Guerline Deshammes, Pioneer Member
HYMN OF PREPARATION
"'We Would See Jesus'" • 494, st. 1
MESSAGE
"A Citizen's Guide to the Powers That Be"
Bill Knott, Associate Director, GC Public Affairs and Religious Liberty
HYMN OF RESPONSE
"Come, We That Love the Lord" • 422, st. 1, 2, 4
CLOSING MUSIC
"How Firm a Foundation" • Janet Linker
OPENING MUSIC
"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow" • Johann Walther, attr. Henry Purcell
WELCOME & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
"HYMNS OF PRAISE"
"The Lord Is My Light" • 515, st. 1, 3
"Lead On, O King Eternal" • 619
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" • chorus only of 290
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"How Firm a Foundation" • Craig Courtney
CALL FOR OFFERING
Ron Knott, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
"Wake Up! For Night Is Flying" • Wayne Wold
CHILDREN'S STORY
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
PRAISE
"Heaven's Jubilee / I'll Fly Away"
"We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials"
"He Touched Me"
SCRIPTURE READING
Acts 4:5-20 NRSV
MESSAGE
"A Citizen's Guide to the Powers That Be"
Bill Knott, Associate Director, GC Public Affairs and Religious Liberty
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Come, We That Love the Lord" • 422, st. 1, 2, 4
CLOSING MUSIC
"How Firm a Foundation" • Janet Linker
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