Isn’t it fascinating that words make up only about 7% of how we communicate? The way we say those words—our pitch, tone, volume, and pace—makes up 38%, and the biggest part, 55%, comes from what we don’t even say! Things like eye contact, posture, gestures, body language, and facial expressions do most of the talking for us. In fact, with 43 muscles in our faces, we can make over 10,000 different expressions (National Institutes of Health, 2023)! That’s one powerful face, wouldn’t you say? So next time you’re talking with someone, remember—they’ll remember most how you said what you said. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver" (Prov. 25:11).
The Pugwash Factor:
How to Discern the Pope's Agenda for America
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, September 26, 2015
Program:
As We Begin
Stani Nine Gospodine • Traditional Bulgarian / Adela Peeva
Praise
Even So Come • Indescribable • Great Is The Lord • Cornerstone
Prayer
Ben Martin ('15)
Alumni Welcome
Niels-Erik Andreasen ('65, '66)
"By the Word of Their Testimony"
Brian & Becky Von Dorpowski ('88)
Children's Story
The Lord's My Shepherd • Harold Darke
Worship in Music
Angel Band • Traditional American / Shawn Kirchner
Sermon
“The Pugwash Factor: How to Discern the Pope's Agenda for America” • Dwight K. Nelson ('76, '86)
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Hymn
I Will Follow Thee • st.1-3 of 623
As We Depart
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God • Dudley Buck / Sharon Rogers
More In This Series
“The Pugwash Factor: How to Discern the Pope’s Agenda for America”
- The Last Divine Appeal to the World
- Ellen White: “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of [God’s] character of love.” (Christ’s Object Lessons 415)
- Pope Francis: “The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives.” (My Door Is Always Open 58)
- Paul: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)
- The First Papal Address to Congress
- “Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States.” (http://time.com/4048176/pope-francis-us-visit-congress-transcript/)
- ““Yours is a work which makes me reflect in two ways on the figure of Moses. On the one hand, the patriarch and lawgiver of the people of Israel symbolizes the need of peoples to keep alive their sense of unity by means of just legislation. . . . Moses provides us with a good synthesis of your work: you are asked to protect, by means of the law, the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face.” (Emphasis supplied)
- “I will end my visit to your country in Philadelphia, where I will take part in the World Meeting of Families. It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme. How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without.”
- The Last Prophecies to the Church
- Revelation 13
- Catechism of the Catholic Church #2188: “In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society.” (Emphasis supplied)
- Pope Francis: “The obsession with economic profit and technical efficiency puts the human rhythms of life at risk. Moments of rest, especially on Sunday, are sacred because in them we find God. . . . May we always recognize the family as the privileged place to understand, guide and sustain the gifts which arise from our celebrations, especially the Sunday Eucharist.” (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/08/12/pope_francis_at_audience_cele...)
- Ellen White: “Let the principle once be established in the United States [the second power] that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome [the first power] in this country [the second power] is assured.” (Great Controversy 581)
- “We did not follow cunningly devised fables . . . . [but] we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:16, 19)
- “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” (John 14:29).
- “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
- “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)
- “Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)
With This in Mind...
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.