September 11 and Its Aftermath

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

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
An ancient dungeon-bound prisoner once scribbled words out of which a phoenix of hope arose, "Come before winter!"
12/01/2001
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
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?
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 We will not be having fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons.

Katherine Smith Celebration of Life

We are saddened to share that Katherine Smith, 95, passed away on August 8, 2025, in Mesa, AZ, from complications of Alzheimer's. A former Associate Dean of Women and Pioneer Memorial Church co-Head Elder, she was a fixture in the Berrien Springs community for over 50 years. An informal Celebration of Life will be held at the Pioneer Memorial Church Commons on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5-7 PM. Please join us as we share fond memories and  fellowship together while enjoying a light supper. Share your favorite memory with Susie at livrefou@hotmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Neighbor to Neighbor at https://www.n2nhelps.com.

Pioneer Children's Activity Bags

We are grateful that so many families enjoy using the children's activity bags during services. To help maintain this ministry and manage costs, please return the bags and all items inside after each use. We also ask that the contents be handled with care so they remain in good condition for others to enjoy. Thank you for helping us keep this resource available and welcoming for all our children.

Locations for Men's and Women's Foot-washing (Ordnance of Humility)

Due to ongoing renovations to in the Children's Sabbath Schools under the sanctuary locations of the Men's and Women't Foot-washing has been changed. 

The Women's Foot-washing will occur in the Youth Chapel. For the Youth Chapel, please exit the Sanctuary through the front piano-side doors.

The Men's Foot-washing will occur in the Earliteen Loft. For the Earliteen Loft, please exit the Sanctuary through the front organ-side doors; then proceed up the stairs or use the elevator to reach the Earliteen Loft.

The Family Foot-washing will occur in its normal location - the Commons Area. For the Commons Area, please exit through the front Sanctuary doors and proceed down the stairs to the lower level.

Offering for November 1, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

“Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years” (Deuteronomy 8:4, NIV). When the Israelites trusted in God for their needs and were faithful to Him, He always came through. Imagine clothes and sandals that did not wear out over 40 years of use! Now that is the miracle of God. That is a testimony of His love and care of His children.

In our family, my wife and I remind ourselves that everything we own belongs to God! The first microwave we purchased as a married couple became a living testimony of God’s faithfulness. This microwave, after ten years of usage, became a topic of discussion. My wife said, “Any time now, I want to replace this microwave when it stops working!” One morning, the microwave stopped working! My wife rejoiced at the thought of a replacement. I didn’t know anything about fixing appliances. Well, as I was visiting a church member that afternoon, he heard of our dilemma and offered to look at the appliance. In two minutes, he said, “Pastor, here’s the problem. I replaced the fuse and it is now working!” The cost of the fuse? Twelve cents. That microwave continued to work for a total of 21 years—to my wife’s dismay— until we finally donated it to a family member! Our God is always good! Let’s see how God will take care of our needs today.

—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Time Change

Clocks will "Fall Back" on Sunday morning at 2 AM so we all can get an extra hour of sleep this weekend.

Andrews Academy - Penny Arcade

Andrews Academy invites all seventh and eighth graders to Penny Arcade, Saturday night Nov. 8, 2025. This is a fun evening of games, activities & food; all for just pennies. Get to know Andrews Academy students better as you and your seventh & eighth grade friends enjoy Penny Arcade from 7 - 9 PM. Due to costs, we can only open this to 7th & 8th graders & Andrews Academy students, this is not open to siblings and families.  Parents can drop your child off at 7:45 PM and pick them up at 9 pm. If you have any questions please contact the school at 269-471-3138

Adopt-a-Student

Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org

Something in Common Sabbath School

Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025.  Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.

Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration

The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/

Pages