There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons.
2 B Friends
2 B Friends: GROW Into All the World
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, January 26, 2013
More In This Series
“2 B Friends: GROW Into all the World”
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□ Acts 14
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F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free: “Whatever his physical disabilities were,
Paul had an extraordinarily tough and resilient constitution and remarkable staying-power: ‘often knocked down but never knocked out’ (as his words in 2 Corinthians 4:9 have been paraphrased).” (171)
- Acts of the Apostles: “What was their surprise when in the midst of their lamentations the apostle suddenly lifted up his head and rose to his feet with the praise of God upon his lips. To the believers this unexpected restoration of God’s servant was regarded as a miracle of divine power and seemed to set the signet of Heaven upon their change of belief. They rejoiced with inexpressible gladness and praised God with renewed faith.” (184)
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F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free: “Whatever his physical disabilities were,
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□ Acts 14:21
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“When they had preached the gospel to that city made many disciples, they
returned.”
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We think that the Gospel Commission is one action—when in fact it is : “preach
the gospel” and “.”
- No wonder they call “The Great Commission” “The Great .”
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We think that the Gospel Commission is one action—when in fact it is : “preach
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Matthew 28:18-20
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Jesus’ command—“Go and make disciples of all the nations”—uses the very same
Greek word (matheteuo) as Acts does in describing what Paul and Barnabas did—they
“made many disciples.”
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Clearly what Jesus commands us to do He us to do:
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- Disciples new disciples is the heart of the Great Commission.
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Jesus’ command—“Go and make disciples of all the nations”—uses the very same
- Jesus’ Four Disciple-Making Ingredients (David Buehring, The Jesus Blueprint: Rediscovering His Original Plan for Changing the World)
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“When they had preached the gospel to that city made many disciples, they
#1—A Commitment to
o Disciple-making in the third millennium by definition challenges postmodern and declares that Truth is embodied in one Being who is the only credible Master to follow.
#2—A Context of
o David Buehring: “Disciple-making takes place in the context of .” (55)
#3—A Culture of
o David Buehring: “Following Jesus actually means Jesus.” (56) o David Buehring: “Obedience begins when we do what the Scriptures say and continues as we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the midst of everyday life. Sometimes, obedience requires us to hurdle our own and step outside of our . There are times when we’ll miss it and we’ll need to humbly acknowledge it, while learning for next time. When we get it right and lives are impacted—wow, talk about growing and being encouraged!” (57)
#4—A Charge to
o A. W. Tozer: “Only a disciple can make a .”
o David Buehring: “Jesus intended for the kingdom of God to be advanced through disciples disciples.” (59)
To join a GROW Group please go to www.pmchurch.org/growgroup
“Following Jesus actually means following Jesus.”
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
Toy Collection for Christmas Care--Sabbath, December 13
On Sabbath, December 13, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. Each year we partner with "Christmas Care" in providing gifts to 300+ families in our community who are not able to purchase their own. This is yet another way that Pioneer can participate in the 2nd part of our PIONEER strategic plan of Interacting and partnering with those in our community.
Annual Seniors Christmas Banquet
The annual Christmas Banquet for Seniors (ages 55+) is taking place on December 14 in the Village SDA Church fellowship hall at 1:00 PM. Pioneer members wishing to attend please call the church office to sign up at 269.471.6565 by Monday, December 8.
Belong: Angel Tree
Thank you for choosing a tag from our Angel Trees! Please remember to text “BLESS” to 269-281-2345 to let us know who you selected. This helps us stay organized and coordinate gift collection if you won’t be dropping off your unwrapped gift during one of our services on Sabbath, December 13.
Christmas Extravaganza
This Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 4:00 PM, join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season! Featured performances will include the University Singers, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, along with talented students from the Piano Studios of Chi Yong Yun and String Ensembles from the Studio of Carla Trynchuk. In the spirit of giving, our Christmas Extravaganza will also feature a brief segment and opportunity to support our talented music students through the music student scholarships. Celebrate the spirit of the season through uplifting music, including selections from The Christmas Song, Christmas Dinner, and Sleigh Ride, capturing the spirit and joy of the season. Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 7:30 PM Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 4:00 PM (repeat performance). Tickets and information can be found at howard.andrews.edu
Offering for December 6, 2025
Pioneer Operating Budget
In my younger years, my fascination with mathematics, particularly with the concept of multiplication, was immense. I was especially excited learning the principles of multiplication because it was one of the fastest ways to reach a higher total. Multiplication is a mathematical process that adds a number to itself repeatedly a specific number of times.
This mathematical principle later found an analogy in my spiritual journey. I realized that the growth of God's kingdom often resonates better with multiplication than addition.
For example, it is better to have five people each doing one ministry and teaching others to do the same, rather than for one person doing five ministries by himself. This is the essence of “disciplers” — disciples who train other disciples. Another way to step into the realm of such multiplication is through generous offerings to God.
When we present our offerings to God, He multiplies them, extending the blessings to many. We need not dwell on the mathematics of our giving or attempt to rationalize the outcomes. Merely giving in faith is sufficient. Reflect on the promise, “He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting” (Desire of Ages, p. 371).
Let’s see how God multiplies the gifts we give to Him.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
New RMES Accreditation
Ruth Murdoch Elementary School is happy to announce that we have been officially granted accreditation by the Global Accreditor: The Middle States Association. This is in addition to accreditation by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the Adventist Accrediting Association.
Andrews Academy Invites You to the Feast of Lights Concert
Andrews Academy will be presenting the 52nd annual Feast of Lights program on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The community is invited to attend this spectacular night of music, Scripture and drama honoring the King of Kings. It is an evening of lights, bells, instruments, choral singing, congregational singing, shepherds, a Nativity scene, and the retelling of a glorious Christmas story. Chorale and Orchestra will end the program with the Hallelujah chorus. The church sidewalks will be arrayed in Christmas lighting. The program will speak to your hearts of His wondrous love. All are invited to attend this free program held at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University.
Journey to Bethlehem - Live Nativity Walk in Eau Claire
Walk into the advent story... Share in the expectation... Experience God's Glory... Journey to Bethlehem - Come join take this FREE 1 hour walking journey through the Advent Story on December 14 from 5-8 PM. Meet shepherds, the wisemen, Roman soldiers, a Biblical marketplace, Mary and Joseph and discover why Christ came to this earth. Groups Leave from the Student Activity Center located at 6295 W Main St, Eau Claire, MI 49111. Tours leave every 10 minutes between 5 & 8 PM, December 14. No Reservations required, ALS interpreter available, please contact us in advance. Wheelchair accessible journey on paved sidewalk. Questions? Call or text 269-405-5026 or email us at Eauclairecritters@gmail.com.
Belong: Soup for Students
Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up