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September 11 and Its Aftermath

The Christmas Phoenix: Out of the Ashes a Hopeful 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

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?
Saturday, December 01, 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.
11/17/2001
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!"
12/08/2001
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
Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy

One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets; or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.

Offering for August 23, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

Some think that asking for offerings needs to be a polished “sales pitch” to convince people to give or give more. There are two types of givers. One group says, “they give until it hurts!” and the other group says, “every time they give, it hurts!”

The apostle Paul says we should give “not out of necessity or grudgingly. For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV). The Bible is clear about not making people feel guilty or obligated to give. Otherwise, they will give with an attitude that is not pleasing to God.

So how does one become a cheerful giver? The Bible tells us that our offerings must be given willingly and freely. This springs from the principle of love for Christ. As our love for God grows with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will want to share His love with other people so they, too, can learn of God’s love. This should prompt us to be giving a “love” offering or a “free will” offering that is not “urged” or “begged.”

When we do this, God will fill our hearts until they’re completely free of earthliness and blend with the divine. He removes selfish motives. Let’s give cheerfully, gladly, willingly, while being thankful that we advance God's kingdom in the world. 

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram 

We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11.  We meet in PMC Board Room.

Calling All Families: Sabbath Delight Challenge

Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH 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.

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

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