There will be a fellowship dinner, following the second worship service in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are always welcome.
How To Quantify Your Happiness
How To Quantify Your Happiness: Alchemy of Virtue
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
More In This Series
“How to Quantify Your Happiness: The Alchemy of Virtue”
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□ NT—Acts 20:35
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University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School study: “Regardless of how much income
each person made [in the national sample], those who spent money on reported greater happiness, while those who spent more on did not. . . . The employees [in the Boston firm] who devoted more of their bonus to gifts for or toward charity consistently reported greater benefits than employees who simply spent money on needs. . . . Participants [in the random $5 and $20 giveaway] who spent the windfall on reported feeling happier at the end of the day than those who spent the money on .” (www.publicaffairs.ub.ca/media/releases/2008/mr-08-032.html)
- Study conclusion: “You are happier when you give than when you receive”
- Jesus: “It is more blessed to than to .” (Acts 20:35)
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Three benefits from the blessing of giving:
#1—Whenyougive,youaredrawnawayfromyourown.
o Ed Gungor: “ touches a nerve in us that nothing else does. We look a lot likeGod when we do it. When you give, you defy the fear that you won’t have enough. You insult greed, the impulse to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves. If you really believe that God owns it all and that he is your source and provider, giving will be a simple matter. . . . According to Jesus, giving keeps your heart in motion toward God and away from material things. . . . Your heart will follow the direction of your giving.” (Quoted in The Chosen 354)
- #2—When you give, you give play to the part of your nature.
- #3—When you give, you receive the of God.
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God is the unlimited of the universe.
- Genesis 22:14—“So Abraham called the place The LORD Will And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.’”
- Acts14:17—“‘Hehasshownkindnessbygivingyourainfromheavenandcropsintheirseasons; He you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.’”
- Philippians4:19—“AndmyGodwill[provide]allyourneedsaccordingtoHisriches in glory through Christ Jesus.”
- Since God is the unlimited Provider, is a God-like act.
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University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School study: “Regardless of how much income
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□ OT—Malachi 3:10
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Arthur C. Brooks: “In 2003 while working on a book about charitable giving, I stumbled across a
strange pattern in my data. Paradoxically, I was finding that donors ended up with more income after making their . This was more than correlation; I found solid evidence that stimulated prosperity.” (http://nyti.ms/1iBHCYm)
- Malachi 3:10—“Test Me, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out that there will not be room enough to store it.”
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“The 90-day Tithe Challenge.”
TitheyourwayintototheLordofCalvarywhohasbeensofaithfultoyou. Tithing is a statement of radical in your omnipotent Creator, your unlimitedProvider, and your never-failing Savior and Friend.
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“Everything that God could do was done to save a perishing world. ‘God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ God has made it impossible for it to be said that He could have done more than He has done for the fallen race. When He gave His Son, He gave Himself. In one great gift He poured out the whole treasure of heaven. He has revealed a love that defies all , a love that should fill our hearts and lives with gratitude.” (Review and Herald January 14, 1902)
“Test Me!”
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Arthur C. Brooks: “In 2003 while working on a book about charitable giving, I stumbled across a
Adventist Community Services
People come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their needs. Adventist Community Services offers diverse services tailored to fit the needs of the vulnerable in their community.
David walked into Joseph’s Storehouse Food Pantry, an ACS center in Oklahoma. The staff soon learned that he had recently been released from prison and was saving money to rent an apartment. At the time, he was living in a tent near a creek just outside of town and had no way to cook. David chose food that was ready to eat out of the package.
Realizing that more was needed, a volunteer invited him back the next day to pick up cooking items. The volunteer went shopping for items they didn’t already have at the center and soon, David received a small cook stove, fuel, can opener, and cookware when he returned. ACS continues to assist David with food when he runs low, and prays for his safety and for God’s continued presence.
Whether giving food and cooking gear, dental care, clothing, after school tutoring, or English language skills, your ACS offering paves a pathway forward for somebody in need.
Ellen White shared, “The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143).
Adventist Community Service’s ministries mingle in our communities, bringing Jesus’ goodwill to the people. Join us and become the practical hands and feet of God in our world.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Our annual Christmas breakfast potluck will be on December 23, 2023, from 9:00 - 10:15 AM at the Commons. Bring your favorite breakfast to share.
A-J - breakfast casserole or hot/cold cereal
K-R - bread, muffin, or pastries
S-Z - fruits
Pioneer will provide hot and cold drinks and nuts.
Pioneer Young Adult Ministries is hosting Soup for Students. All Collegiate-aged individuals are welcomed to attend and enjoy soup and a touch of home while studying for finals. Volunteers can contact Prescott Khair (prescott.khair@pmchurch.org) or text SOUP to 269-281-2345.
Jesus said, "When I was in prison, you visited Me." If you have a heart for reaching out to a lonely person in need of encouragement while incarcerated, have I got a person for you! Please contact Sue Wein (whitewsu@andrews.edu). I will give you the details and help you in connecting with her.
In just a few weeks, on December 9, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service every year where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. These gifts will go to families in our community who are not able to purchase gifts. This is yet another way that Pioneer can be Love on the Move!
It is time to join the 4th Annual "First Advent Reflections". This Christmas season the Pioneer Women’s Ministries Team is delighted to invite you to reflect on Handel's "Messiah".
A daily email and a text will be sent to the ladies who sign-up. To register text the word "Hallelujah" to 269-281-2345
Would you like to show "Love on the Move" to foster, adoptive, kinship families in our community? This is your invitation to join God's Hands 4 Kids in doing just that. Could you make a pan of lasagna for GH4K's Connect Support Group Christmas Celebration on December 8 delivering ready to serve. For details and to sign up go to our website GH4K.org There will be more opportunities to give shared there. Godshands4kids@gmail.com
The award-winning Andrews University Singers and Chorale conducted by Stephen Zork collaborate with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marc Élysée in the 25th annual presentation of Welcome Christmas. The theme of the concert is “Peace on Earth” and comprised of a festive garland of heartwarming and endearing sacred and secular symphonic choral works and carols. The variety of musical offerings encompass Giacomo Puccini’s “Gloria” to Harry Simeon’s choral setting of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Join us for this special concert featuring special guest soloists and presenters.
The Christmas Banquet for Seniors comes this year on Sunday, the 10th of December, at 1:00 PM at the Village Church Fellowship Hall. This year, Village Church is responsible for decorating the tables, the meal, and the program. (Next year it will be PMC's turn.) The cost of the meal is $20 for everyone. However, PMC and Village Church will pay for all attending Senior members of their respective churches. All other Senior members will need to pay at the door. If you have not yet signed up for the Christmas Banquet, please call either the Village SDA Church at 269-471-7795 OR Pioneer Memorial Church at 269-471-3133 OR Cleon White at 269-471-5553 by December 5.