All Sermons

September 11 and Its Aftermath

In Remembrance of Our Hero Celebrating Calvary in the Light of NYC

Resources

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

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.
Saturday, September 29, 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?
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.
11/17/2001
The Thanksgiving Phoenix: From Ashes a Grateful Heart, Part 1
A discovery of joy: out of the trials of life a phoenix of gratitude can indeed yet rise.
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
Wilson Retirement

Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.

Andrews Academy’s Graduation Weekend Events

Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 21, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 22, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 23, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 24, 11:00 at PMC.

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to a Hymnsing on 23 May, 4:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal. For further information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.

Offering for May 16, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1

Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).

As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails