Join us for an exciting, hands on, day camp for middle school students. Camp dates are June 19th-24th. Pick from one of 5 themed camps to join! Classes are taught by Andrews' professors. For more information, please visit andrews.edu/go/summercamp!
Storm
Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark - 1
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, January 07, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Andante moderato • Marcel Dupré
Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz
Baptism
Gianna Williams with Ben Martin
Tithes & Offerings
Christ Is the World's Light • Robert Hobby
Children's Story
Bible Reading
Psalm 46 NIV
Worship in Music
If With All Your Hearts (from Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
Sermon
“Storm: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—1 • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
O for That Flame of Living Fire • 264
As We Depart
Be Not Afraid (from Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
More In This Series
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—1
- The Storm
- Mark 4:35-40
- Desire of Ages: “Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness and despair they cried, ‘Master, Master!’” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of them in their distress? Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Already their boat is sinking. A moment, and apparently they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters.” (334)
- The Prayer
- Jim Cymbala: “I have come to the sad conclusion that Christians have lost faith in God’s promises concerning prayer. How else can we explain why prayer isn’t paramount in our lives and in our churches? If we believed his promises, wouldn’t we sometimes preach entire series about prayer? Wouldn’t we make room for prayer in [Sabbath] services and set aside weekly times where we could together learn to call on God for his help? We would—unless we are convinced that the status quo is acceptable and we don’t need help from heaven. The key to prayer that changes things is a deep sense of inadequacy and helplessness among God’s people.” (STORM: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In 42)
- Paul Miller: “God wants us to come to him empty-handed, weary, and heavy-laden. Instinctively we want to get rid of our helplessness before we come to God. . . . If we think we can do life on our own, we will not take prayer seriously. Our failure to pray will always feel like something else—a lack of discipline or too many obligations. But when something is important to us, we make room for it. Prayer is simply not important to many Christians because Jesus is already an add-on. That is why . . . suffering is so important to the process of learning how to pray. It is God’s gift to us to show us what life is really like.” (A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World 54, 59)
- Jim Cymbala: “If we look at society today, if we look at the challenge of a country becoming more godless by the week, if we look at laws being passed that mock any form of morality—instead of lamenting and protesting, wouldn’t it be better for us to plead with God to visit his people? We need to move toward God, and it begins with desperate prayer.” (Ibid 43)
- 1 Samuel 1:10, 15, 16
- Ellen White: “We are to pray for the impartation [gift] of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when [the Holy Spirit] shall be graciously bestowed, our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy.” (Ye Shall Receive Power 321)
The New Year Gift
Explore Andrews Summer Camp!
On Guard! Vacation Bible School at Village SDA Church
Children ages 0-12 are invited to Village SDA Church's castle themed Vacation Bible School! There will be games, snacks, Bible stories and crafts! Children will learn all the ways that Satan tries to attack us and enter into our castle minds. The good news
is that Jesus wants to live in our hearts and protect our castles! Please note: Children 5 and over may be dropped off; however, Children ages 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult. T-shirts are available for pre-purchase by June 1. Register online anytime at https://vbspro.events/p/villagevbs2022
Offering for May 28, 2022
Michigan Advance Partners
Provider of All
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
We give a tithe of all because our Lord is the Provider of all. After His victory against a powerful coalition, Abram gave a tithe of everything, food, goods, and possessions to Melchizedek the priest (Gen. 14) Jacob, his grandson, promised to return a tithe of everything (Gen. 28). The book of Leviticus 27:30 does not speak about a good and acceptable for tithe: “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Jesus himself acknowledged that tithing was from “all I get” (Lk. 18:12) and from the minutest gain (Matt. 23:23a). What could be the reason for this emphasis on tithing everything? This real value of tithe is not monetary but symbolic. It reminds us to acknowledge and remember God as the Giver of all: “He asks us to acknowledge Him as the Giver of all things; and for this reason He says, of all your possessions I reserve a tenth for Myself, besides gifts and offerings, which are to be brought into My storehouse.” (Counsel to Stewardship, pp. 80-81).
A partial tithe would mean that God is the Giver of only part of what we need. In a world of uncertainty and confusion, the exercise of tithing from everything, an apex of total dependence, will contribute to our inner peace. This week, as we worship with our tithe and regular offerings we can grow in heavenly peace.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Church Access for Attendees with Physical Challenges
Pioneer is pleased to announce that transportation will be provided for Sabbath services for attendees with physical challenges who would have trouble in negotiating stairs.
Pioneer Traffic and Deacon teams will transport attendees by golf carts from the canopy entrance to the doors at the east entrance (JN Andrews statue). At the end of the service, attendees will be invited to return to the door and alert a greeter to contact the cart that will transport them to their cars.
If you would like to be picked up from your car at the start of the service instead of at the canopy entrance, please call the church office on (269) 471-3133 by Friday at 10:00 AM and supply the following information:
- Name(s) of attendees
- Service attending
- Make, model, and color of car
- Estimated time of arrival
We hope that this interim measure will be a helpful blessing to you.
Summer Grow Groups are Ready to Join!
This summer we have some great leaders who are looking forward to sharing a wide variety of groups, both online and in person. All are welcome to join--Grow Groups are for everyone! Summer groups will meet from June 5-July 30. Head to our digital catalog here, or text JOIN to 269-281-2345 to check out our available groups. Contact growgroups@pmchurch.org if you have questions or need assistance.
Andrews Academy's Graduation Weekend Events
Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! "I am with you always," is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 26, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy; Consecration May 27, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church; Baccalaureate May 28, 11:45 AM at Pioneer, Commencement May 29, 11:00 AM, also at Pioneer.
Join Pioneer’s Prayer Team
If you enjoy praying for others, join one of our Prayer Teams which meet in person at the church during the first and second church services (your choice). Teams will rotate on a scheduled basis. A monitor in the Prayer Room allows the teams to hear the congregational prayer and the sermon. For more information, text "PRAY" to 269-281-2345.
Meals for Moms
Pioneer’s Preschool Pray & Play group provides families who are welcoming new children into their homes (by birth, adoption, foster care, etc.) with meals. You don't need to cook to help out! We're in need of people who can:
- make and deliver meals
- order take-out and deliver it
- help us identify families who are expecting new children
As we get more volunteers, we're hoping to expand this ministry to help families identify the many rich resources available to them at Pioneer and in our community. We want to be the hands of Jesus to new parents and their kids in as families grow.
To volunteer text "MOMMEALS" to 269-281-2345 or register at online. For more information, email prayandplay@pmchurch.org
Traffic Volunteers Needed
We are in need for additional volunteers for Pioneer's Traffic Ministry. The weather outside is getting warmer and this would be a great opportunity for you to show your kindness, caring, and smiles to everyone who enters our church doors for Sabbath worship. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Darryl at legoh@andrews.edu or text 732-379-1300. Thank you.
Ministry Design Project Submission
Ministry and Grow Group Leaders: We are here to help you create appealing materials both digital and in print in order to familiarize people with your ministry or upcoming event. Because we support many ministries, kindly provide us with at least 10 design days from the time we receive your project details to completion. Additional time may be needed for printing and shipping when applicable. Submit your project online today at pmchurch.org/design/submit. -Pioneer Media Ministry