A.U. Pre-Vet Club invites you to an Open House at the Agriculture Education Center (8225 Dairy Rd, Berrien Springs, MI) on Sabbath, April 17 from 3:00-5:00 pm. There will be lots of soft, cuddly animals to pet and learn about. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing at this event.
Mission Possible
Called 2 B Uncool
DVDs
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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
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Program:
As We Begin
Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho • Spiritual / Howard Helvey
Praise
Cornerstone • Blessed Assurance • Whom Shall I Fear
Prayer
Don Dronen
"By the Word of Their Testimony"
Than Laongkul
Children's Story
Built on the Rock, the Church Shall Stand • Ludwig Lindeman
Worship in Music
Coronation • Craig Courtney
Sermon
“Mission Possible: Called 2 B Uncool” • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
Once to Every Man and Nation • 606
As We Depart
Heroic Postlude • Alec Rowley
More In This Series
“Mission Possible: Called 2 B Uncool”
- The Herd
- N. D. Wilson: “Cows like to turn their backs to the wind. At least, all the cows I know do. Slowly, awkwardly, eventually, all that beef will run parallel to the breeze.”
“People aren’t too different. We align ourselves safely in herds, comforted by the hot breath of others breaking on the backs of our necks and ears. Then we huff and we puff and we blow at the fools turned in the wrong direction.”
“Is there anything more compelling to us than the heavy synchronized breathing of a mob, especially when combined with cocked eyebrows of disdain and curled lips of disgust? This is the zeitgeist, inside the church and out, and it will judge you until you conform or commune. This is cool-shaming, and it will make you squirm and itch to turn your back to the wind, to stand with all the other cows.” (“Called to Be Uncool,” Christianity Today June 2014 p 32)
- The Birth
- Luke 1:11-17
- E. G. White: “John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, received his early training from his parents. . . . The words of the angel to Zacharias had been often repeated to John by his God-fearing parents. From his childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he accepted the holy trust.” (Testimonies to the Church 8:221)
- E. G. White: “Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we [as parents] will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.” (Desire of Ages 512)
- E. G. White: “The greater portion of [John’s] life was spent in the wilderness. . . . It was John’s choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of city life for the stern discipline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings were favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted by the clamor of the world [zeitgeist], he could here study the lessons of nature, of revelation, and of providence.” (Testimonies to the Church 8:221)
- The Word
- Matthew 11:7-10
- N. D. Wilson: “But for the rest of us, the single greatest factor in our decision-making is simple compliance. We turn with the crowd because we want the awkwardness to stop. We want them all to stop looking at us like that. We want to feel the wind of opinion at our backs.”
“How did otherwise intelligent people go along with the Third Reich, the invasion of Poland, the extermination of the Jews? We may assume they were evil, brainwashed, or a bit of both, and in part we’re right. But when was the last time you hedged on an opinion because of the hot breathing of those around you? When did you last choose your words more on the politics of a situation than on truth?”
“The zeitgeist is a fickle master, because the zeitgeist is us.” (Ibid)
- E. G. White: “[John] distrusted his own power to withstand temptation, and shrank from constant contact with sin, lest he should lose the sense of its exceeding sinfulness. . . . So far as possible, he closed every avenue by which Satan could enter, yet he was still assailed by the tempter. But his spiritual perceptions were clear; he had developed strength and decision of character, and through the aid of the Holy Spirit he was able to detect Satan’s approaches, and to resist his power.” (Desire of Ages 101-102)
- N. D. Wilson: “Prophets must be fearless, immune to the pressures of kings and crowds, aligned only with the breath of God.”
“We are in need of prophets now. Christians are scattered, but the world’s wind is heavy and unified.”
“Truth and ultimate glory may be in the hands of our Maker, but the keys of earthly shame are in the hands of the mob. Prophets must be immune to floggings on Facebook and Twitter. They must be fearless before friends and tenure committees and stadiums filled with the priests of Baal. The world is busy applying pressure on ‘social issues,’ and Christians are busy caving left and right, trying to accept fresh cultural dogma simply so that they might be accepted.” (Ibid)
- Jesus: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
Stand up—stand out—for Him
Pre-Vet Club Invites You to an Open House at Agriculture Education Center
Offering for April 17, 2021
One day Jesus saw a widow bring her offering to the temple. She gave two of the smallest coins in the temple monetary system. Embarrassed that her gift was so small, she waited until she thought no one was watching. Yet, Jesus commended her. “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Luke 21:3 How can this be?
The rich gave large coins. But the widow gave her heart as part of her offering. A Christian writer commented on this passage. “A heart of love and genuine faith in a worthy object is more acceptable to God than the most costly gift. The poor widow gave her living to do the little that she did.… It was this unselfish spirit and unwavering faith that won the commendation of Jesus.” {3SP p. 72}
We may think the size of our offering makes it valuable to God. But no, the size of the heart gives value to the gift. God will take the offering we givewith our hearts and magnify our offering into something special for His service.
Does this mean we should not sacrifice as we give? Here are the words of Jesus. “For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:4 The widow sacrificed with her heart. As a result, God blessed her gift.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Family Resilience Conference
Over the past year, families have been bombarded by all sorts of stressors and challenges, ranging from the minor to the major, mostly thanks to the pandemic. With limited access to face-to-face help and social interaction, some families have been trying to cope with depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, trauma, and the like, often without the assistance, they need. Others have been overworked and overwhelmed. Family relations may have become strained. And we’re not out of the woods yet. But there is, thankfully, a glimmer of hope. How will our families fare when this pandemic subsides?
Pastor Ben and the Family Life Committee have recognized these challenges for families and in response have organized a Family Resilience Conference. It is scheduled for Sabbath, April 17, 3:00 – 7:00 PM and will be presented via Zoom.
There will be two presentations at each hour on topics related to parenting and family relationships during times of crisis, healthy grieving, the need for nature, and how families can be resilient. These will be followed by a Family Fun Session at 6:00 PM where families can spend some time having fun together and with other families.
You can register online for all or just parts of the conference or text the word PARENT to 269-281-2345. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Helbley at diane.helbley@gmail.com.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Alina Baltazar
Title: Family Resiliency
Description: All families go through difficulties, some handle it better than others. We will explore the concept of resilience and what helps families thrive in the face of adversity. This presentation will include practical tips to increase your family's resilience.
Diana Mitchell
Title: Successful Parenting in a time of Covid-19
Description: Coronavirus disease 2019 is changing family life. Children are out of school or childcare without access to group activities, team sports, or playgrounds. Parents and caregivers are attempting to work remotely or unable to work, while caring for children, with no clarity on how long the situation will last. Evidence shows that violence and vulnerability increase for children during periods of school closures associated with health emergencies, as well as rates of abuse increase. Learn how to build stronger relationships and divert and manage negative behaviors, and parenting stress.
Rosemary Bailey
Title: The Need for Nature
Description: We need nature for spiritual, mental, and physical health. Ellen White wrote, "Nature is the key to unlock the treasure house of God's word." Come learn the benefits of nature and find ways to make nature part of your family's life.
Jasmine Fraser
Title: Balancing and Strengthening Family Relationships in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty
Description: The most basic unit of society, the family, is formed by the interactions among its members. At the same time, the complexities of the family's relational environment influence each family member. In general, family relational interactions are dynamic and difficult, and in times of crisis, the process can lead to tension, which has negative effects on everyone in the family. While we navigate through the complexities of a global pandemic, it's important to rethink the basics of family communication and consider ways to reduce the negative effects of stress and transition from surviving to thriving.
Diane Helbley
Title: Creative Journaling
Description: We all need moments to ourself - to process, to find inspiration, to hear God's voice. In this session, we will explore the benefits of journaling and look at various ways to incorporate all aspects of our lives into a journal. Have some paper and a pencil handy to try out some ideas.
Stacey Nicely
Title: Necessary Hurt: Exploring Healthy Ways to Grieve the Loss of a Loved One
Michigan Conference Women's Ministries Retreat 2021
This Women's Ministries event will be live-streamed from Camp Au Sable. The theme is "Warrior not Worrier".
April 16 – 18, 2021
Streaming at www.michiganwm.com
Ruth Murdoch Elem. School Kindergarten Visitation Days
We are happy to invite you to a Kindergarten Visitation for both parent and child on April 21 and 22 at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School. A $50 coupon will be given to those in attendance—toward the 1st month's tuition. Please call 269-471-3225 to schedule an appointment, with three or four families coming at a time, for a brief meeting. You will be able to meet the teacher, see the room with some projects set out, and meet a few of the other students who will be coming to Kindergarten. There will be a gift for parents and a craft bag for students. Masks required. A Zoom meeting will be available for those who can't attend.
Pioneer Live on Roku
We are pleased to announce the availability to view worship, both 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM services, on Roku® devices and enabled TVs! On your Roku device simply search for "Pioneer Memorial Church Live" and add the channel to your Home screen. You can also sign into your Roku account and add it here. If you need assistance adding our channel please send an email to webteam@pmchurch.tv.
–Media Ministry
Does Prayer Work?
Join ASAP Ministries and the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist Church for a special Spring Week of Prayer, April 12-17. Attend in person or via Zoom to discover the power of prayer through Spirit-filled presentations and united prayer sessions led by
missionary and ASAP Ministries' Prayer Coordinator Gem Castor. Visit asapministries.org for more details, including Zoom login information.
Free Tax Prep!
If you earned $57,000 or less you can have your 2020 income tax prepared for free by IRS certified volunteers at Andrews University. This is a drop-off only site with limited space. Please call 269-471-6538 Thursday, Friday or Sunday 12:30 – 5:00 PM (don’t leave a message) or email Cidfreetax@gmail.com to schedule an appointment to drop off your documents. Appointments can be made for any Sunday afternoon March 21 – April 11 (12:30 – 4:30 PM). Drop-off site will be at Andrews University, Buller Hall, room 203 by appointment only.
Will Prepare
- Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2)
- Interest Income (Form 1099-INT)
- Dividends Received (Form 1099-DIV)
- State Tax Refunds (Form 1099-G)
- Unemployment Benefits (Form 1099-G)
- IRA Distributions (Form 1099-R)
- Pension Income (Forms 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA-1099)
- Social Security Benefits (Form SSA-1099) (RRB-1099)
- Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
- Education Credits (Form 1098-T)
- Child Tax Credit
- Earned Income Credit
- Health Insurance Statements (Forms 1095-A, B or C)
What to Bring
- For married filing joint, both spouses must be present
- Photo identification for you and your spouse (if filing joint return)
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documents for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Birth dates for you, spouse, and dependents
- A copy of last year’s tax return
- All Forms W-2, 1098, and 1099 Form 1095-A (Marketplace Health Insurance)
- Information for other income
- Information for all deductions/credits
- Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number
- For direct deposit of refund, proof of account
40 Days of Prayer Challenge
The Pioneer Family is invited to join Stephen Farr and @Unmistakablymelissa for a very special 40 Days of Prayer Challenge March 31 – May 9, 2021. Melissa and Stephen will be going through the devotional book "40 Days Prayers and Devotions to Prepare for the Second Coming," by Dennis Smith. Each day you can join them on Instagram for a Live re-cap and a special time of prayer. Melissa will also be sharing each day on her YouTube channel.
The goal of this challenge is to empower you and a partner to strengthen your prayer time, to encourage you to pray for others, to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and to pray together as a community for the Second Coming of Jesus. By joining this challenge, you are becoming a part of a revival that is beginning right here at Andrews University and is already reaching people around the world. You are joining in our shared mission to be World Changers for a changing world. You are joining in praying that Andrews University, its staff, faculty and students will be blessed now and, in the years, to come with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We want to see revival. We want to see "His Kingdom Come and His will Done on Earth as it is in Heaven." We want to be part of preaching the gospel to the world as a witness to all the nations and we want to see Jesus coming again in the clouds. Amen
If you'd like to join in the challenge, the book can be ordered on Amazon or at www.spiritbaptism.org. Live sessions will be recorded each day and uploaded to Instagram, YouTube, and Andrews University Graduate Student Association Facebook Page and multiple other platforms.
"Thank you so much for joining us in this 40 Days of Prayer Challenge. I can't wait to hear and share the miracle stories that happen during and after this challenge."
–Stephen William Farr, Andrews University Graduate Student Association Student Chaplain
Media Team Volunteers
The Pioneer Media Team is looking for additional volunteers for its local audio and global television ministry. Members volunteer at least 1 time every 3 Sabbaths, for both the 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM services. Current needs include Platform Manager, and various Audio Technician positions. Extensive experience is not required to volunteer and training is provided. Volunteers should be at least a Junior in high school for media roles.