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.
To Preach the Gospel
Saturday, February 08, 2025
OPENING MUSIC
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" • J. Rosamond Johnson
WELCOME & PRAYER
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CHORAL INTROIT
"The Light of the World is Jesus" • Philip Paul Bliss
HYMN OF PRAISE
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" • 191, st. 1, 3, 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" • 624, st. 1
Juliette Horton, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
"There Is a Balm in Gilead" • African-American Spiritual / Kenneth Logan
CHILDREN'S STORY
Asher Steely, 6th Grader, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School & Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MORE+ CONFERENCE
Bryan and Becky von Dorpowski, Co-Head Elders
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" • T. Trenney
SCRIPTURE READING
Revelation 14: 6-7 NIV
Wanda Poole Ferguson, Pioneer Member
HYMN OF PREPARATION
"Give Me Jesus" • 305, st. 1, 2
MESSAGE
"To Preach the Gospel"
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace" • words 588, mel. 227
CLOSING MUSIC
"Partita on DETROIT": Hymn & Variation • David Hurd
OPENING MUSIC
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" • J. Rosamond Johnson
WELCOME & PRAYER
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CHORAL INTROIT
"The Light of the World is Jesus" • Philip Paul Bliss
HYMN OF PRAISE
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" • 191, st. 1, 3, 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" • 624, st. 1
Juliette Horton, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
"There Is a Balm in Gilead" • African-American Spiritual / Kenneth Logan
CHILDREN'S STORY
Asher Steely, 6th Grader, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School & Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MORE+ CONFERENCE
Bryan and Becky von Dorpowski, Co-Head Elders
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" • T. Trenney
PRAISE
Revelation 14: 6-7 NIV
"Power Of Your Love" • "My Worship" "Been So Good" • "Jesus Paid It All"
MESSAGE
"To Preach the Gospel"
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace" • words 588, mel. 227
CLOSING MUSIC
"Partita on DETROIT": Hymn & Variation • David Hurd
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