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!
2017 Holiday Season
In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts
DVDs
To purchase a DVD of this sermon please visit our online shopping cart. Proceeds go to support the New Perceptions media ministry.Buy DVD Online
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, December 09, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing • Gordon Young
Praise
The First Noel • O Come, O Come Emmanuel • Joy to the World/Our God Saves
Prayer
Brandon Von Dorpowski
Baptism
Andrea Lauren Saunders with Nathaniel Gibbs
Children’s Story
What Child Is This? • Raymond Haan
Worship in Music
I Hear the Prophet Callin' • Pepper Choplin
Sermon
"In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
There's a Song in the Air • 120
More In This Series
"In the Presence of a King, Don’t Ask for Small Gifts"
www.newperceptions.tv
- Gift #1
- Galatians 4:4-5
- Steps to Christ: "He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. . . . When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity [us commoners] to Himself [the Royal] by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself." (14, 72)
- Carl Cosaert: "Adoption was a legally binding agreement that guaranteed a number of privileges: (1) the adopted son became the true son of his adoptive father; (2) the father agreed to provide all the necessities of food and clothing; (3) the adopted son could not be repudiated; (4) the adopted son could not be reduced to slavery; (5) the natural parents were never allowed to reclaim the adopted son; (6) and adoption mandated the right of inheritance." (Galatians: A Fiery Response to a Struggling Church 88)
- Gift #2
- Galatians 4:6-7
- John Witvliet: "Here are two missions, two gifts, two experiences of grace: God sent his Son, and then God sent the Spirit of his Son. The first gift arrived in Bethlehem. The second arrives deep within the souls of believers. The first Christmas gift came then and there. The second comes again and again in the here and now. Indeed, every single time anyone anywhere professes 'Jesus is Lord,' we can be grateful for the work of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3)." (Christianity Today December 2017 p58)
- Gregory Boyd: "My life is Christ—nothing else really matters" is essentially "My life is the Holy Spirit—nothing else really matters."
- Ellen White: "When the Spirit was poured out from on high, the church was flooded with light, but Christ was that Light; the church was filled with joy, but Christ was the subject of that joy. When the Spirit is poured upon His people in this day, Christ's name will be upon every tongue, His love will fill every soul; and when the heart embraces Jesus, it will embrace God; for all the fullness of God dwells in Christ." (Ye Shall Receive Power 332)
- Desire of Ages: "The whole treasury of heaven is open to those [the Father] seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." (57)
- Brennan Manning: "Everything has been given to us by the Father in Jesus. All we need now is to experience what we already possess." (Lion and Lamb 154)
- Every new morning—ask for Him: "Baptize me today, Lord Jesus, that I might be filled with Your Spirit. AMEN."
- www.steps-to-personal-revival.info
When you get the One, you get them Both.
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