Pioneer Women's Ministries invites you to share in the joy of the season by registering for this year's Advent devotionals, "Why Did Jesus Come? Going beyond John 3:16." Join us as we dig deeper into God's amazing love, care, and deep desire to spend eternity with us. Devotionals will be sent daily December 1-25, 2024. You can receive a brief synopsis of each day's devotional by text and the full devotional by email by texting the word ADVENT to 269.281.2345. We look forward to sharing this blessed season with you.
Vintage Tales
Two Last Stories, One Final Truth
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, October 20, 2018
Program:
Praise
Sweet By And By • He Touched Me • Power In The Blood • I Know Who Holds My Hand
Prayer
John Glass
Ordination of Elders & Deacons
Children's Story
The Lord Is My Shepherd • John Rutter
Ben Martin
Worship in Music
We Are His Hands • Mark Gersmehl
Sermon
"Vintage Tales—Two Last Stories, One Final Truth"
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Rescue the Perishing • 367
More In This Series
“Vintage Tales—2
(Two Last Stories, One Final Truth)”
www.newperceptions.tv
» Two Last Stories
• Vintage Tale #1—Matthew 21:28-32
• The tale modified: “There was a Father who had two congregations. He went to the first congregation and said, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ ‘We will not!’ the congregation retorted, but later they changed their mind and went to work in their Father’s vineyard. Then the Father went to the other congregation and said the same thing, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ The congregation responded, ‘We will, Lord.’ But they did not go and work in their Father’s vineyard. So which of the two congregations did what their Father wanted?”
• Vintage Tale #2—Matthew 20:1-15
• “‘Or are you envious because I am generous?’”
» One Final Truth
• If we have the Father’s heart, we will work the Father’s harvest.
• Revelation 7:9-12
• Bruce Wilkinson: “God has shown us how our story ends—with countless people from every nation on earth crying out joyfully to God. What part of that throng will be there because of you? What part of God’s dream is linked to your destiny? Just think what a difference you could make in many, many lives if you were to pray passionately and faithfully for enlarged territory from God, for God [in His vineyard]. Imagine the miraculous divine partnership that will grow out of your plea, Let me accomplish more for You. With His infinite ability and your willing availability, He can literally do anything.” (Beyond the Prayer of Jabez 108)
• How can you have your Father’s heart for lost people?
#1—Kneel at the foot of the cross—in your mind’s eye.
#2—Look up into your Savior’s face—remember the truth: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
#3—Pray for the Holy Spirit: “Are you using all your powers in an effort to bring the lost sheep back to the fold? There are thousands upon thousands in ignorance who might be warned. Pray as you have never prayed before for the power of Christ. Pray for the inspiration of His Spirit, that you may be filled with a desire to save those who are perishing.” (In Heavenly Places 338 emphasis supplied)
#4—Ask the Spirit to send you to someone today and go.
#5—Stay in the vineyard and work with the Father until the harvest is finished.
If we have the Father’s heart,
we will work the Father’s harvest.
2024 Advent Devotionals
Fellowship Dinner
Following the second worship service, there will not be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath.
Offering for November 23, 2024
Michigan Advance Partners
“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”(Exodus 40:34) Years ago, members of Metropolitan Church in Plymouth, Michigan, decided to build a “tabernacle” to praise His holy name!
Unfortunate things happen on this side of eternity – sometimes to earthly tabernacles. Regrettably, water dripping from a leaking roof drenched the carpeting in various parts of the church building. This prompted the church to initiate a fundraising campaign for the repairs and updating of the church interior. Simultaneously, an indoor pipe burst, producing serious flooding to the entire interior, which caused the immediate need for major repair of the entire church interior.
Given the serious water damage, the Church Board requested financial assistance from the Michigan Conference MAP Department. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the benefits of the monthly, sacrificial giving to MAP by the members of the Michigan Conference. The church was granted $8,536.50, which was used to defray part of the large expense of roof repair. Michigan Advance Partnership is integral to sustaining our churches in Michigan. True to its name, it does act as a Partner when one of the churches requires assistance. Funds used to assist the churches are generated through generous donations by members of all Michigan churches during a special appeal made every last Sabbath of every month. Therefore, when you contribute – you are MAP.
The Book of Exodus records; “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do, and the people were restrained from bringing more . . . “(Ex. 36:5-7) Thank you for your faithful support of MAP and all of our sister churches.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Women and Friends Outdoors Group— Walk With Us!
Would you enjoy meeting sister outdoors-people? Group membership is for women but members are welcome to bring along friends or family members on the hikes. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. No experience needed. During the winter we will hike once a month.
The Crayon Box Annual Christmas Concert
All are invited to our annual program, "Joy to the World," as our children (ages 0–12) celebrate everything that makes this joyful holiday season: Thanksgiving, Winter, Christmas and New Year's! Following the concert, a donation will be collected for our center. "Joy to the World" will be held in the Howard Performing Arts Center.
"Reminiscence" Voice Recital
Come and enjoy music performed by Raleigh Pettey, baritone, and Jonathan Clough, pianist—an evening celebrating God's gift of music through singing.
Grow Groups Ministry Meeting
On Sabbath, November 23, at 3:30 PM in the PMC Commons, there will be an organizing and planning meeting for Grow Group leaders and for those who are interested in small group ministry.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
We invite you to take part in the Feed the Need, Pioneer’s annual Thanksgiving food collection coordinated by the Evergreen Pathfinder club. The club dropped bags in the community last weekend. They will return to pick them up on November 17.
You can also bring your donation of non-perishable food to church on Sabbath November 23. As part of "A Feast of Hymns" Pathfinders will collect the food bags during the Procession of Thanksgiving.
If you know of a family in the area who needs food this upcoming holiday season call Pioneer at 269.471.6565 to submit their name to receive a food bag/box.
10th Annual 'We Sing' Voice Vespers: A Tribute to Hale & Wilder
Join the AU Department of Music voice students for their annual 'We Sing' Voice Vespers. This year marks the 10th year and features a tribute to the iconic singing duo 'Hale & Wilder'. Robert Hale and Dean Wilder sang over 4,000 sacred concerts. The voice
students and special guests will present selections from their repertoire. Marcelo Martins joins as a guest accompanist.
Dinosaur Encounter
Dinosaur Encounter is coming to Berrien Springs High School on December 7, 2024. Reserve your tickets at dinoencounter.com/pmc
