COVID-19 Updates

The long-awaited day has arrived!  The CDC downgraded Berrien County's Community Risk Level to Low, and we are able to suspend COVID restrictions at Pioneer! We have been so blessed and we are so grateful that you have all worked so hard over the past two years to keep the disease at bay. Thank you! 

You are welcome to bring the entire family to worship at Pioneer, with or without a mask. Please take precautions as necessary to protect the vulnerable.  

You are also welcome to sit where you want to. Of course, if you feel ill in any way, you are encouraged to join us in worship online.

Please join us as together we lift our voices in praise to God!  

Thank you all so much for working so hard to keep each other safe.

—Pioneer Safety Committee

The Pioneer Safety Committee continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond accordingly at each Community Risk Level determined by the CDC's February 25, 2022 algorithm. God has kept us all safe and we want to continue to do our part. 

The current Community Risk level for Berrien County is Low.  At this level, we encourage masking while in close proximity indoors to help protect our Pioneer family – especially our younger children and high risk members. For additional information see the Pioneer Pandemic Risk Mitigation Matrix.

—Pioneer Safety Committee

The Pioneer Safety Committee continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and respond accordingly at each Community Risk Level determined by the CDC's February 25, 2022 algorithm.  God has kept us all safe and we want to continue to do our part.

The current Community Risk level for Berrien County is  Medium. At this level, we recommend and strongly encourage masking while indoors and physical distancing, regardless of vaccination status. This will help protect our Pioneer family - especially our younger children and high risk members. As a guide, here is the mitigation matrix we are following:

Pioneer Pandemic Risk Mitigation Matrix

*Michigan Food Law of 2000 Section 3-301.11 (B): "Except when washing fruits and vegetables as specified under section 3- 302.15 or when otherwise approved, food employees may not contact exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment."

Thank you so much for continuing to be diligent and vigilant in keeping our Pioneer family safe!

Pioneer cares about the health of our community and our congregation. We monitor the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant, closely. Berrien County's level of transmission continues to be High, as classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In alignment with Andrews University (AU), masks continue to be required indoors at Pioneer, regardless of vaccination status (AU guidelines).

Please:

• wear a mask indoors
• practice physical distancing
• practice good hand hygiene

If you feel unwell at all, even with symptoms of a cold or flu, please do join our online worship at https://www.pmchurch.org.

We pray for God's continued protection to keep our church community safe and healthy.

—Pioneer Safety Committee

Pioneer cares about the health of our community and our congregation. We monitor the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant, closely.  Berrien County's level of transmission is now High, as classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

In alignment with Andrews University (AU), masks are now required indoors at Pioneer, regardless of vaccination status (AU guidelines).

Please:

• wear a mask indoors
• practice physical distancing
• practice good hand hygiene

If you feel unwell at all, even with symptoms of a cold or flu, please do join our online worship at https://www.pmchurch.org.

We pray for God's continued protection to keep our church community safe and healthy,

—Pioneer Safety Committee

Pioneer cares about the health of our community and our congregation. We monitor the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant, closely. Berrien County's level of transmission is now High, as classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).

We continue to align with Andrews University (AU) and, beginning August 16, 2021, masks will be required indoors at Pioneer, regardless of vaccination status (AU guidelines).

Even for this weekend, with higher risks in an indoor environment, we strongly encourage all who worship and/or attend events at Pioneer to:

• wear a mask
• practice social distancing, and
• practice good hand hygiene

In addition, we that you please wear a mask when singing.

We pray for God's continued protection to keep our church community safe and healthy.

—Pioneer Safety Committee

As we draw closer to Graduation weekend at Andrews University, Pioneer has been monitoring the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, closely. About 80% of the counties in our country are at substantial or high risk, as classified by the CDC, with Berrien being surrounded by substantial risk counties.

As the risks are higher in an indoor environment, with people coming from all over the country (and the world), we encourage all who worship and/or attend events at Pioneer this weekend to:

• wear a mask
• practice social distancing, and
• practice good hand hygiene

We wish for everyone to return home safe and healthy.

—Pioneer Safety Committee

The Pioneer Memorial Church Safety Committee has reviewed guidelines set forth by state federal, Church, and University officials related to the use of the Pioneer church facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following information is the latest update in our Preparedness and Response Plan effective June 26, 2021, subject to guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Human Health Services or Berrien County Health Department.

Pioneer cares for the health and safety of our children and adults who are not able to access the vaccine. Recently the Church Board approved the COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Plan Safety Update: May 18, 2021, which calls for the continued practice of healthy hygiene, masking, and physical distancing until further notice, in alignment with protocols issued by Andrews University COVID-19, MIOSHA, and MDHHS protocols.

Pioneer is aware of the updated MDHHS Gatherings and Mask order, effective Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 9:00 AM. The Safety Committee will be meeting soon to review the current policy. Meanwhile, we encourage members and visitors to continue practicing healthy hygiene, social distancing, and masking to protect our friends around us who might not have attained optimal immunity, or have not been vaccinated yet.

Pioneer also welcomes back Children's Sabbath School in a reduced capacity. Families interested in attending Sabbath School in person are invited to apply now for our Summer 1 groups for kids and parents. New families welcome! Safety guidelines apply. Parent volunteers needed. Text "SUMMERSS" to 269-28-12345 or register online. Wait until Summer 2 if you will be away for more than one sabbath from May 15 to June 26 as we will need to take turns with limited capacity. Weekly Sabbath School videos and monthly outdoor adventures will continue through the Summer.

We've been so blessed to be worshiping with you in person at the church again! However, we want to recognize our limitation on maximum occupancy for worship spaces. For your safety, and the safety of everyone we invite some of you, who are able, to join us for the 9:00 AM worship service instead of the 11:45 AM service. Thank you for helping us all to stay safe. 

—Pioneer Pastors

Pioneer's Earliteen and Youth Sabbath morning programs have begun in person meetings again starting January. Masks required to attend and physical distancing is encouraged. Join the Earliteen Sabbath School via Zoom, and Elevate - Youth Sabbath School via YouTube. Meet you there!

—Earliteen & Youth Leadership

For your safety, Pioneer's Earliteen and Youth Sabbath morning programs will be meeting virtually starting November 21, until further notice. Join the Earliteen Sabbath School via Zoom, and Elevate - Youth Sabbath School via YouTube. Meet you there!

—Earliteen & Youth Leadership

We've been so blessed to be worshiping with you in person at the church again! As COVID-19 cases rise in our area however, we want to recognize our safety protocols in place, which includes our maximum occupancy for our worshiping spaces. For your safety we invite some of you to join us for our 9:00 AM worship service if you are able. As a reminder, we wear face masks inside the building at all times, and practice social distancing. We continue to livestream both services so if you have any symptoms or are not feeling well you can stay connected from home. Thank you for helping us stay safe so we may continue our in-person services. 

—Pioneer Pastors

The Pioneer Memorial Church Re-entry Task Force and Safety Committee has updated its phased guidelines related to the reentry and use of the Pioneer church facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. This update is implemented as Phase 4 and begins October 1, 2020. You can review the full Preparedness & Response Plan: Phase 4 below.

During this time of COVID-19, most people are aware of measures to take for their personal safety when they are away from home. Over time, recommendations from health-care leaders in government and academia have proposed different methods to best protect from contracting the COVID-19 virus. One area that has received a lot of attention is the wearing of masks. Evolving recommendations call for the following:

• DO WEAR a face mask covering nose and mouth. These are required when you are at Pioneer Memorial Church.
• DO NOT WEAR face coverings such as a bandana, gaitor, and similar products as these are NOT adequate since most are too thin to adequately protect others around you. Additionally, research suggests they actually cause droplets to break apart into more and smaller droplets. Pioneer Greeters will ask you to wear a regular face mask before entering the church.
• DO NOT WEAR a face shield without a mask underneath. Face shields are the clear plastic devices you wear on your head. These protect you from flying droplets coming from others but do not protect others from you.

Please follow the recommendations of leading authorities and wear a face mask in public, including at Pioneer. Please assist the greeters by wearing the best current method that we know of to slow the spread of the virus and keep us all safe. Thank you for your cooperation.

—The Re-entry Task Force, Safety Committee

Ref: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Does Michigan governor Whitmer’s executive order on Thursday change our on-site worship plans at Pioneer for this Sabbath and beyond? In short, the answer is No. You may read her statement here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90640-535163--,00.html.

In that statement is this single reference to churches and worship services: "14. Religious worship. Consistent with prior guidance, neither a place of religious worship nor its owner is subject to penalty under section 17 of this order for allowing religious worship at such place. No individual is subject to penalty under section 17 of this order for engaging in religious worship at a place of religious worship."

The governor has clearly granted an exception clause for churches and their worshipers. We recognize her exception refers to a legal exclusion from fines—she is not rendering a health perspective or health department recommendation.

Over the last three Sabbaths at Pioneer we have witnessed the choice of some Pioneer members to return to the sanctuary to enhance their worship experience. We are grateful for them. And we have made full provision for their safety while worshiping in our sanctuary (disinfecting, face masks, physical distancing, et al). However, we are not requiring members to leave their homes for worship nor are we even suggesting they do so. In fact, our recommendation to our members when we opened the sanctuary for worship on July 11 remains the same—we recommend those in the CDC risk categories to remain at home for our livestreaming services (9:00/11:45 AM). And our attendance reflects the obvious fact that people are carefully making their decisions one way or the other.

The governor's statement does not change this continuing reality. And so with care and prayer we are proceeding with our on-site worship experience tomorrow and the Sabbaths to come. 

We are the campus church—and we are called to be available to minister to the students who will be coming to campus in less than three weeks. Unless (1) Andrews University changes its present protocol and plans and/or (2) our county experiences a dramatic spike in COVID-19 infections, we will proceed with our worship ministry for those who need and seek the enhanced on-site experience. 

We are grateful for our worship, safety and media teams for making this Sabbath morning experience possible. Whether we choose to worship via our live-streaming services or we choose to come to join others for the on-site worship experience, may the Lord of the Sabbath bring a special shabbat shalom blessing to our Pioneer Family and our wider worshiping community: "'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'" (Matthew 11:28). 

Pastor Dwight shares an update regarding the return to worship inside Pioneer on July 11.

The Pioneer Memorial Church Safety Committee has updated its phased guidelines related to the reentry and use of the Pioneer church facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. This update is implemented as Phase 2 and began June 22, 2020. You can review the full Preparedness & Response Plan: Phase 2 here. Please note the church offices are now open Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM and Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Face coverings are required and time inside the church facility should be minimized. A COVID-19 Reentry Task Force has been created to prepare plans for Phase 3, which is scheduled to begin July 11 (opening the church for members to attend church services in person). To help us prepare, worshipers are encouraged to take our short worship survey.

The Pioneer Memorial Church Safety Committee has reviewed guidelines set forth by state, federal, and Church officials related to the reentry and use of the Pioneer church facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commmittee recommends a phased reentry approach, with Phase 1 beginning June 8, 2020. You can review the full Preparedness & Response Plan: Phase 1 here.

Dear Pioneer Church Family,

On Tuesday Tuesday May 26, the Pioneer Church Board and Board of Elders convened a collective conversation regarding a timeline and protocol for our congregation's re-entry into the Sanctuary, Sabbath School rooms, Commons, and Board Room. 

Because Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, last Thursday, extended our home-bound orders until June 12, the leaders decided to forestall any specific re-entry date until Michigan further modifies its mandated lockdown. At present, the governor has given permission for groups of ten and under to meet (with social distancing and mask protocol). But also at present, Pioneer is blessed with multiple creative lockdown adaptations to worship and Sabbath School—from popular Zoom Sabbath School classes to family circle worship/Sabbath Schools (via YouTube videos created by our Sabbath School and youth leaders for homebound online use). To the place, some are suggesting we give study to eventually creating house churches (multiple families) that might thrive in the midst of further national or local uncertainties.

The leaders repeatedly noted the high level of creativity Pioneer members are exhibiting in the midst of this pandemic lockdown--from remarkable and inspiring music ensembles (with participants contributing from across the continent) to youth productions from Elevate Sabbath School to The Tent programming each evening this week (7:00 PM pmchurch.org/thetent) to the YouTube library of Sabbath School programming our leaders have already produced. The sense was unanimous that any plans for re-entry to worship and Sabbath School need to incorporate the effective homegrown creativity on display during this season of shelter-in-place.  

Regarding re-entry to Pioneer, the leaders are envisioning an incremental or phased in re-entry for worship and Sabbath School. The consensus is that worship will be the first re-entry experience--probably beginning with a single service both live-streamed and live with worshipers in the sanctuary. A second service would be added in time to accommodate the arrival of university students (classes begin August 24), with enough space in the sanctuary to provide the necessary social distancing stipulations in effect.

The board established a task force, to be led by Jim Ford, Head Deacon, to give careful study to (1) implementing social distancing in our newly renovated Sanctuary; (2) disinfecting the spaces; and (3) establishing an entry-exit protocol to ensure safety and peace of mind for all worshipers. Also, the Pioneer Safety Committee, chaired by Richard Parke, presented a recommendation—"COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Plan—Stage 1"—to the board members with procedures for Pioneer employees' eventual re-entry into their workspaces. All plans are subject to the state's revised orders. 

Watch here for further updates to re-entry plans. 

In the meantime please pray for God's guiding wisdom on behalf of: (1) our campus leaders (Andrews University, Andrews Academy, and Ruth Murdoch Elementary School) who face unprecedented educational challenges in this pandemic; (2) the leaders of our church at the Michigan Conference and the Lake Union Conference, along with our national and global church leaders, who share with us the challenge of connecting with a lost world in the midst of this crisis; (3) the volunteer leaders of our own congregation as they make plans for their ministry in this season COVID-19; and (4) your team of pastors who pray daily for your health, your safety, your peace of mind in Christ Jesus. It is still true, no matter what you may have heard--the best is yet to come--with Him.

Dwight K. Nelson
Lead Pastor

For the additional news related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.

Given today's Executive Order from the governor of Michigan, Pioneer will no longer hold regular office hours. Our staff and pastors remain committed to serve you remotely. If you need to contact someone on the team, please visit our contact page.

Sabbath School content is available for all ages. Adult quarterlies (including Quarter 2 Bible Study Guide) are available online, as well as many resources for children and families.

For the latest update related to Pioneer's response to COVID-19, please view our e-letter.