Out of His deep love for humanity, God changes our lives and asks us to move His love into our community and world. We are uniquely positioned at Andrews University to share the story of God’s love from the residence halls to the farthest parts of the earth. We accomplish our mission by engaging people across generations to be disciples of Jesus through the process of Connect. Grow. Serve. Go.
Pioneer Media supports the local ministry needs related to classroom and teaching technology. It also creates content for and manages Pioneer's online presence and produces our broadcast television program.
We have volunteer teams that help you to serve the church and the neighborhood in a variety of ways. The best place to serve is where you’re using your God-given gifts, talents, and passions the most.
Your financial gift helps support ministry here at Pioneer. From local to global ministry, keeping our facility safe and clean, to outreach and family growth activities, it all provides a space to worship, learn, and grow together. We invite you to Give Purposefully, Give Faithfully, and Give Joyfully.
Since 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.
The King commands the battle for Earth from His throne in Galaxy One. His followers in Galaxy Three are instantly provided with aid an reinforcements the moment they ask. But can such a proxy war be won?
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Program:
Opening Voluntary
Rejoice, All You Christians • Ernst Pepping
Praise
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
GROW Groups
JoAnna Moses, Brock Menhardt
Children’s Story
Dwight K. Nelson
Worship in Music
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
Kenneth Logan
Sermon
“Galaxy Three: Why What Is Happening a Billion Light Years Away Right Now Matters to You [Magnificence in the Middle]”
The War approaches it's bloody end. The Rebel unleashes his full fury upon the inhabitants of Galaxy Three. The Loyalists cry out to their King for deliverance. How long must they endure? How long...?
The War rages on as the Rebel releases his latest weapon upon the inhabitants of Galaxy Three: a viral infection of "self" rule. Every man, woman and child is infected. What response can the King in Galaxy One bring to counter such a powerful deception?
The disease the Rebel unleashed on Galaxy Three must be not just contained, but completely cleansed from the Galaxy. However, the Council declares that three separate cleansings must be conducted. The universe wonders: Why?
The War rages on. The inhabitants of Galaxy Three groan under it's weight. How can such suffering go unchecked? The universe looks to the King for an answer...
The War has changed. No longer a battle for territory, the Rebel and the King both desire only one thing from the inhabitants of Galaxy Three – Allegiance
When the King left Galaxy One to infiltrate Galaxy Three, there were 270 days during which his whereabouts were unknown. Yet this mystery could hold the key to victory in the long war...
There is a disease in Galaxy Three that threatens the existence of humanity. It's effects are devastating and it carries a 100% fatality rate. But there exists a rare and costly cure...
An intergalactic civil war threatens the existence of the universe. The King of Galaxies battles the tyrannical Rebel who seeks the throne. Now the fate of all life will be decided at the battle for Galaxy Three.
• “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My is my
as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man
pleads for his .” (NIV)
• I.e., He is my —just as I am His .
□ Hebrews 3:1/2:17-18; 4:14-16; 7:25
• Four adjectives about the High Priest in Hebrews:
o (3:1)
William Johnsson: “Because we have such a high priest, the doors of heaven’s temple swing
open wide to welcome us. The command center of the universe no longer holds fear and
uncertainty for us—we there.” (The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier: Hebrews 105)
o (2:17)
Peter O’Brien: “Nowhere else in the Greek Bible are priests or high priests explicitly said to be
. But again and again the Old Testament asserts that Yahweh is
[Exodus 34:6—the first word of His self-revelation]. . . . The Gospels picture Jesus perfectly
reflecting the character of Yahweh, the one. Jesus is often entreated to
have ‘mercy’ (Matt. 9:27; 15:22; 17:15, and parallels), while this theme turns up in his teaching
(Matt. 5:7; 18:33; Luke 16:24).” (Hebrews 119-120)
o (2:17)
F. F. Bruce: “He is merciful because through his own sufferings and trials he can sympathize
with [ours]; he is because he endured to the end without faltering.” (Hebrews
87-88)
o (4:14)
William Johnsson: “Our faith rests on something solid, on Someone. . . . We have a great high
priest in heaven, and He guarantees that what we profess isn’t a matter of feeling or
philosophy, of speculation or possibility. At the heart of our religions stands a Man, and His
name is Jesus—a Man, but much more, for He is God’s Son!” (Hebrews 103)
• Two adverbs about the High Priest’s actions in Hebrews:
o Saves
Desire of Ages: “The Lord would be so bountiful to His human family that it could not be said
of Him that He could do more. In the gift of Jesus, God gave all heaven. . . . The atonement
for a lost world was to be full, abundant, and complete. Christ’s offering was exceedingly
abundant to reach every soul that God had created. . . . There must be enough and to spare.”
(565)
o Intercedes
Amazing Grace: “As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and
daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. . . . And the Father
demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, by receiving and
welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends.” (68)
• Our merciful, faithful and great High Priest is interceding for us in order that He might save
us forever. Therefore, “my is my .”
□ “Magnificence in the Middle”
• At Calvary: John 19:18—“There they crucified Him, and with him two others—one on each side and
Jesus in the .”
• In Heaven: Hebrews 7:25
o John 16:26, 27—“The Father Himself you.” (John 3:16; Romans 8:32, 38-39)
o Zechariah 3:1-4—We do need an Intercessor to convince God on our behalf—we need an
Intercessor to silence on our behalf.
o 1 John 2:1,2—“My dear children, if anybody does sin, we have an advocate [ ] with
the Father—Jesus Christ, the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world.”
“My Intercessor and My Friend”
Pioneer Memorial Church Announces New Associate Pastor
Pioneer Memorial Church is delighted to announce the selection of Jacob Gibbs as a new Associate Pastor. Pastor Jacob was introduced to Pioneer on July 27, 2024, although his official start date was July 18, 2024. Pastor Jacob will serve as Associate Pastor at Pioneer Memorial Church and an Associate Chaplain with the Center for Faith Engagement at Andrews University.
Pastor Jacob Gibbs felt a call to ministry when he accepted Jesus as his Savior in 2002. Over the next nine years, he pursued his purpose and training at Mission College of Evangelism and Andrews University—gaining experience as a Bible Worker and Literature Evangelist. Pastor Jacob graduated from Andrews University in 2011 with a Bachelor's in Art and Theology. He later returned for his Master's Degree in Pastoral Ministry.
During his undergraduate years, he met his wife, Emily Knott, and they were married in 2012. Pastor Jacob has served in the Michigan Conference for 13 years, starting with a three-church district in the central part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and most recently as the Senior Pastor of the Cedar Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church at Great Lakes Adventist Academy. Pastor Jacob's passions in ministry include hobby-based outreach, small groups, applied arts, and personal Bible studies. Pastor Jacob and Emily have two daughters, Eva and Avianne. They look forward to starting this new chapter of their lives by serving the communities of Andrews University and the Pioneer Memorial Church.
Offering for July 27, 2024
Michigan Advance Partners
One of the greatest and most significant challenges hindering the advancement of Adventist Education's mission is financial.
A growing percentage of our students require financial support, placing increasing financial pressure on our schools and churches. The Christian Education Scholarship Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in mitigating this challenge, but its current size is insufficient to address the collective problem. This endowment ensures that the funds placed within it remain intact in perpetuity.
In other words, the principle amount is never touched, but the annual earnings are used to provide scholarships for elementary, secondary, and college students. We are grateful that we can currently distribute approximately $100,000 per year to students, making a meaningful impact in the lives of students across this Conference.
If you are inclined and impressed to contribute to this fund, you can specify Michigan Advance Partners on your tithe envelope, donate online or give a loose offering today.
By Heather Thompson Day
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
AU Sabbath Vespers - Class of 2024
You are invited to join the Andrews University Summer 2024 graduates and their families as we close the Sabbath with music and appreciation at the Howard Performing Arts Center on August 3 at 8 PM.
Requesting Donations of Used Pathfinder Uniforms for Cuba
Cuba seeks help for their Pathfinder Clubs and is asking donations of used formal Pathfinder uniforms by 7/27. Donations can be made to PMC Pathfinder Director, Errol Prentice (email: errol.prentice@pmchurch.org; 269-277-4256). He will take them to Gillette and put them into the shipping container heading to Cuba.
Memorial Service for Linda Thompson
Please join us in celebrating the life of Linda Sherwin Thompson on Sunday, August 4, at 4 PM in the Pioneer Memorial Church sanctuary. Live-streaming will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Family Life Encounter: Summer Challenge
Join us for the Family Life Encounter: Summer Challenge, a Choose Your Own Adventure style activity and reading challenge designed to help strengthen our relationships with each other and God. Text "Challenge" to 269-281-2345 to download the challenge handout.
Turn in your challenge handout at the Pioneer reception desk when it is completed to be entered into prize drawings! For more information, contact simplestirrings@yahoo.com.
Annual Backpacks for Berrien "Stuff-the-Bus"
It is time again for our annual Backpacks for Berrien "Stuff-the-bus." Help ensure students come to school this fall with the tools needed to learn. Get the supplies needed for success and deliver them to the bus, July 26 at Apple Valley parking lot from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. For a list of items needed check out our website: backpacks4berrien.org.
Pioneer Memorial Church Announces New Pastor for Administration
Pioneer Memorial Church is delighted to announce the selection of K. Hans Miranda Chavez as the new Pastor for Administration starting July 1, 2024.
Pastor Hans Miranda Chávez was born in Chiclayo, Peru, and moved to the U.S. at the age of six, where he grew up in Massachusetts. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2015, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2019. In 2023, Hans married Cassidy, who played an influential role in guiding him towards pastoral ministries. Now, Hans is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree, and his wife, Cassidy Miranda Chávez, is the Marketing and Communications Director at the Center for Youth Evangelism and volunteers with the Pioneer Media Ministry.
Hans and Cassidy are eager to serve the Pioneer Memorial Church community and be part of the church family in this new role. Let's extend our warmest welcome and support them in this new step!
Changes to ADRA Giving Options
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist have decided to simplify the number of donation options. Historically, a significant number of options have been available when giving to ADRA allowing donors to specify a specific project or program. Going forward all currently existing ADRA donations will be consolidated into 5 major categories.
ADRA Health Programs
Poor health is often at the heart of poverty and suffering. Giving to the ADRA Health fund helps build healthier lives for those we serve by improving access to safe water sources, providing hygiene and sanitation solutions, helping families access nourishing food, supporting pregnant women and mothers, and delivering reliable health support.
ADRA Education Programs
Education for all helps safeguard against chronic poverty, violence, abuse, exploitation, and even reduces vulnerability to natural disasters. The ADRA Education fund will help remove obstacles to learning by providing access to primary, secondary, and tertiary education, delivering school supplies, uniforms, and other resources, teaching adult literacy classes, and providing technical and vocational education.
ADRA Livelihood Programs
Livelihood training is a key contributor to breaking the cycle of poverty. The ADRA Livelihoods fund will help end generational poverty by empowering savings and loan groups in vulnerable communities, preparing communities for climate resiliency, training farmers to improve their methods, and empowering women to become business leaders in their communities.
ADRA Emergency Response and Preparedness
When disaster strikes, those whose lives are the most at risk are often furthest from help. Every year, ADRA responds to more than 100 emergencies around the world: earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, civil strife, and more. Contributions to the ADRA Emergency Response and Preparedness fund will help support a global network of offices and partners to quickly mobilize resources and bring relief to the hardest-hit areas.
ADRA General Fund
ADRA, the global humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church delivers relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 120 countries. Gifts to ADRA will provide families with emergency aid in times of crisis or natural disaster and longer-term, sustainable assistance to people battling chronic hunger, homelessness, and other life-threatening challenges, so they can live as God intended.
Pioneer Spiritual Life Survey
This quick survey will give our church leadership team a better understanding of how to lead our church. All responses are anonymous and every precaution will be taken with the data.
