We are looking for dedicated, experienced volunteers to step into leadership positions in Children's Sabbath School. There are also plenty of opportunities if you don't feel ready for leadership. No matter your experience level, your contribution matters! To learn more please email volunteer@pmchurch.org. Let’s lead and serve together!
2 B Friends
2 B Friends: Ready or Not–Here We GROW!
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight 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
Saturday, January 12, 2013
More In This Series
“2 B Friends:
Ready or Not—Here We GROW!”
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□ The Research
- The British National Child Development Study (a longitudinal study tracking individuals born in the same week in 1958) reported in 2012 that of the men and roughly a of the women said they now have more than friends and relatives they get together with once a month or more.
- Regarding psychological health, these people ranked themselves significantly than the others with less friends.
- The researchers concluded: “Having fewer than friends at age 45 predicted significantly poorer psychological well-being at age 50.”
- The education men had, the more likely they were to have a larger social network—but the opposite was true for women.
- Being was associated with a smaller circle of friends.
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□ The Reason
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John 15:12-17
- “[Jesus is] our best and most sympathizing friend.” (5T 201)
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vv 13, 14 The Voice: “‘[13] There is no greater way to love than to give your life for your friends. [14] You
celebrate friendship if you obey this command.”
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I.e., when you read v 13 and v 14 together, Jesus isn’t so much describing His death the day
as He is commanding our willingness to die for our friends day.
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Craig Keener: John 15:12 “is emphatic that believers must love one another in the same way that Jesus loved
them (cf. 13:34), which means dying for their , as Jesus would die for them (15:13-14).”
(The Gospel of John 1004)
- John 15:5
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John 15:12-17
Friends and fruit—what do they have in common? You must them both.
Because friends and fruit are all about .
Acts 2:38-47
3000 brand new radical followers/disciples of Jesus Christ
And how do they GROW? (Acts 2:42)
o They share .
o They share .
o They share .
o They share .
Just as Jesus taught in John 15—first, you with Me and then you with each other, and thus you .
The simple mission of the church in Acts: CONNECT.GROW.SERVE.GO.
□ The Result
- Five VIP points about GROW Groups:
#1—They are about friendship, not .
#2—They are about short-term, not .
#3—They are about “interesting,” not “.”
#4—They are about growing spiritually and . #5—They are about growing together, not .
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Desire of Ages: “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to impart this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, ‘Love one another, as I have loved you’ (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.” (641)
Friends and fruit are all about GROW
Children's Sabbath School Leadership Opportunities
Belong Seeks Coats & Sweaters
Do you have gently used coats and sweaters sitting unused in your closet? Belong would be happy to collect them to help our new international students prepare for the coming winter months. We'll collect these items on Sabbath, September 6th.
FREE Critter Carnival and Family Fun Day
The annual Eau Claire Pathfinder Critter Carnival will once again be held 2–5 PM on Sunday, August 31, at Veterans Park in downtown Eau Claire. The event this year features a FREE inflated slide and bounce house as well as FREE carnival games including balloon darts, kid friendly ax throwing, corn hole and so much more. Popcorn, hot dogs, watermelon, and more will be available for purchase along with fresh homemade bake sale items. Enjoy FREE fun for the entire family. Donations for the carnival games are accepted but not expected and support the Eau Claire Critters Pathfinder Club. Location: 6364 W Main St, Eau Claire, MI 49111 For more information text 269-405-5026, email eauclairecritters@gmail.com
Women’s Ministry Kickoff Brunch
Women of all ages are invited to the first women’s ministry gathering for this school year. Enjoy brunch while Silvia Bacchiocchi shares thoughts on our theme for this year: “Stronger Together.” Please register by texting the word BRUNCH to 269-281-2345 so we can plan enough food. We look forward to seeing you there!
Adventurers is About to Start!
The New Year is here—calling all boys and girls ages 4-9 to join the Forever Friends Adventurer Club for a year of faith, fun, and friendship! Meet us for games, crafts, nature hikes, and so much more as we grow closer to Jesus as a family. In-Person registration opens September 7 at 9 AM in the Pioneer Memorial Church Welcome Center, with the first meeting at 10 AM. Scan the QR code or text “ADVENTURERS” to 269-281-2345 to sign up today!
PMC Sanctuary Choir
Come join the Pioneer Sanctuary choir for a place to sing and worship together. We're looking for new voices to join our musical family, so whether you've been singing for years or have always wanted to try, now is the perfect time to get involved. All skill levels are welcome! Rehearsals are Tuesdays (starting Sept. 2) from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Early Teen Loft. Come share your talent and help us bring music to our church. We can't wait to sing with you!
Offering for August 30, 2025
Pioneer Operating Budget
Data from a Barna Group research project called “Why Giving Is Good” reveals that generosity is reciprocated. This is especially true among practicing Christians—the 65% majority—say they have been the recipient of someone’s generosity and now are motivated to model generosity for others.1
If this is true, have you ever wondered how much we should give? In Deuteronomy it states, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:17, NKJV).
How has God blessed you this month and this year? Let’s give according to the blessings He has given us. We are encouraged to expect larger blessings from the Lord for the sake of His kingdom.
Listen to this promise, “The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith… The word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us” (That I May Know Him, p. 226).
Today, why not ask God to bless you for the sake of His kingdom?
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
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.
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 Pioneer Board Room.