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September 11 and Its Aftermath

The Thanksgiving Phoenix: From Ashes a Grateful Heart, Part 1

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Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight 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

A discovery of joy: out of the trials of life a phoenix of gratitude can indeed yet rise.
Saturday, November 17, 2001

More In This Series

09/01/2001
Hometown Blues
How could those who knew Jesus so well, and saw His miracles, not believe He was the long awaited Messiah? Why is faith so elusive? Do you sometimes doubt? Is there an antidote?
09/08/2001
A Holy Ghost Anointing
This isn't about the latest televangelist scandal. Nor is it a charismatic twist to the usual hum-drum of religion. "When the Messiah Is Your Mentor"-you really do need to take seriously his own confession that he himself lived a Holy Ghost anointed life-and that he calls his disciples to do the same. You can't anoint yourself. Where then shall we turn, we who follow the Christ?
09/15/2001
God's 911 Call in Our 9-11 Crisis
A 911 tribute. What can be learned from this tragedy? Can God transform the shards of doubt and fear into a mosaic of promise?
09/29/2001
In Remembrance of Our Hero Celebrating Calvary in the Light of NYC
Gripping stories related to September 11 point us to an even greater Hero. If your life were to end today, as many did on September 11, would you be secure in your relationship to Christ? A communion celebration.
10/20/2001
Jesus Loves New York
What it means to be mentored by Christ. Reports from Andrews University students who accompanied Pastor Dwight to NYC to minister to hurting people.
10/27/2001
New York & Beyond: Raw Terror, Raw Faith
Did Jesus predict an epidemic of fear just prior to His return? As an antidote to terror, Jesus offers this generation a three-fold prescription for raw faith.
11/24/2001
The Thanksgiving Phoenix: From Ashes a Grateful Heart, Part 2
An ancient dungeon-bound prisoner once scribbled words out of which a phoenix of hope arose, "Come before winter!"
12/01/2001
The Christmas Phoenix: Out of the Ashes a Hopeful Heart, Part 1
Suffering is universal. Which does not mean that good is not also universal. How God can bring something very good out of something very bad?
12/08/2001
The Christmas Phoenix: Out of the Ashes a Hopeful Heart, Part 2
In a world filled with violence, an eye-for-an-eye and tooth-for-a-tooth kind of world, is peace a mirage that teases but never really materializes? What is the peace that God promises?
All Sermons
Adventist Seniors of Michiana August 10 Meeting
Andrews Grove Pavilion

 Calling all seniors aged 55+ to the annual Adventist Seniors of Michiana Corn Roast to be held Sunday, August 10 at 1 PM in the Andrews Grove Pavilion. Bring a dish to share, enjoy the corn provided, and learn who will be our new officers for next year.  Early registration for the 2025-2026 membership year will be available. Despite inflation dues remain at $20 per person.  Call Cheryl Doss with any questions 269-277-0767.

Offering for August 2, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

Birthdays were always a special and happy occasion in our home. When it is one of the sibling’s birthdays, we give all our kids gifts to enjoy, not just the celebrant. But when it was our birthday, our children would draw pictures and color them expressing their creativity and love for us. They didn’t have the money to purchase gifts or nice Hallmark cards. Yet when they presented them to us, we cherished those handmade cards more than all the commercial cards produced by Hallmark. Why? Because they were our children’s expression of love from the heart.

It’s hard not to express this love without giving a gift. Likewise, every offering gift should be measured by the unfathomable Gift of heaven. The greatest offering one could make would then appear as nothing in comparison. “How vain the endeavor to measure with mathematical rules, time, money, and love against a love and sacrifice that is measureless and incomputable!" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.4, p.119). If we can catch a glimpse of just how much God loves us, we would faint. All self-interest and selfish motives will disappear, we will be lost in awe and wonder. It would spur us to shower our Lord with more gifts and with praise and thanksgiving.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Register Now for Andrews Academy

Andrews Academy is now enrolling students in grades 9 - 12 for the 2025/2026 school year. We invite you to join the AA family! You will be blessed by what Andrews Academy has to offer. Students consistently score above state and national levels on standardized testing, they are involved in many spiritual and service activities throughout the school year. Our Seventh-day Adventist school’s mission is to inspire our students to think deeply, live fully, serve unselfishly and to honor God completely. School begins August 18. Registration day is August 13. Financial assistance may be available. Call 269-471-3138 for more information or visit https://www.andrews.edu/aa/ and click on “apply today”. 

Help Us Welcome New Students

Many new faces will soon join us as they begin their academic journey at Andrews University. We are preparing to welcome them with our traditional Welcome Picnic on Sabbath, August 23. You can support Belong by signing up to be a table host, preparing food, becoming a general volunteer—or all of the above! Text the word “PICNIC” 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.

Something in Common Sabbath School

Better Decisions/ Fewer Regrets video series by Andy Stanley continues

  • July 19–The The Conscience Question
  • July 26–The Maturity Question
  • August 2–The Relationship Question

Everyone is welcome in PMC Boardroom off of the Fellowship Commons Room from 10:30-11:30 AM on Sabbath.

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will not be a fellowship dinner during the months of July and August, 2025.