Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight 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, March 07, 2020
Program: 
Introit
The Pure in Heart • Patrick Hawes
Songs of Praise
Open The Eyes Of My Heart • I Am A Friend of God • Living Hope
Prayer
Amen • Patrick Hawes
Pioneer Life
Rodlie Ortiz
Children's Story
Kum Ba Yah (Come by Here) • Philip Jones
Nathan Fernandez
Worship in Music
Jubilate Deo (Rejoice in God) • Dan Forrest
Homily
“PREPARED?—Turning Young Parents Into Vital Mentors”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Pioneer Operating Budget
Hymn of Commitment
Lead Them, My God, to Thee • 653
Benediction

PREPARED?—Turning Young Parents into Vital Mentors
www.newperceptions.tv

 

7 Mentoring Practices for Parents with Children

• Practice #1—Parents must worship the of the child. (Luke 1:67-68)

—It’s one of the great laws of parenting: You can’t pass on what you don’t .

• Practice #2—Parents must declare the of the child. (Luke 1:60-63)

• Practice #3—Parents must pronounce the of the child. (Luke 1:76)

—Gary Smalley and John Trent: “Before the children can walk, they should be carried on the Sabbath and on the Holy Days to their father and mother to receive their blessing. After they are able to walk, they should go to them of their own accord, with body bent and with head bowed, to receive the Blessing.” (The Blessing 33)

• #4—Parents must focus on the of the child. (Luke 1:68-79)

—Donna Habenicht (How to Help Your Child Really Love Jesus):

• Show your children Jesus’ love through love: Hug your baby while you say, “Mommy loves you and Jesus loves you.”

• Paint a   picture of Jesus: Instead of “Oh my, how sad you have made Jesus,” emphasize a smiling Jesus, “How happy Jesus is with what you have just done.”

• Encourage spontaneous with Jesus: “Jesus Christie feels so sad . . . please help her to feel happy soon.”

• Joyfully introduce Jesus through   and pictures about His life: My Bible Friends is a beautiful way for youngsters to meet Jesus, and so is a picture of Jesus surrounded by children hanging in your child’s bedroom.

• “Remind them that Jesus hurts when they hurt. That He would love to take them in His arms and comfort them. Tell them Jesus can be their best friend, their forever friend . . . who never abandons them.” (130)

• “The most important and impressive thing you can do is to show your children openly how much love Jesus, and they will learn to love Him, too.” (130)

• Practice #5—Parents must confirm the of the child. (Luke 1:76-79)

—Re John the Baptist: “From childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he had accepted the holy trust.” (Desire of Ages 101)

• Practice #6—Parents must seek the Spirit’s of the child. (Luke 1:67, 80)

Desire of Ages: “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 will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.” (512)

• Practice #7—Parents must control the of the child. (Luke 1:15, 80)

—Q: How can parents today create a “wilderness environment” for their children? A: You control what comes into your .

—The very word “wilderness” suggests “less” is better.

• Less .

• Less .

• Less .

 

“Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

 

Master Guide Toolbox Training

Please join us for the next Master Guide Toolbox training event at the Andrews University Seminary, September 19-20! Please register at cye.org/toolbox for questions contact Cheryl Logan at cjhlogan@gmail.com.

Grief Share Program

You are invited to a GriefShare program in the Fireside Room at the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church. The 13-week class begins Tuesday, September 16 at  6:30 PM. Help will be shared in a small group setting for those processing their emotions after the loss of someone they love. For more information or to register please contact Mike and Shirley Gammon at 989-427-5669 or Paul and Linda Pellandini 517-243-2767.

Offering for September 20, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

My favorite fruit is mango. A mango boasts an exotic and captivating flavor. The richness and complexity of a mango's taste make it a truly indulgent fruit! The initial taste is a burst of luscious sweetness, followed by a slightly tart undertone that provides a perfect balance.

In Psalm 34, we read, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no lack to those who fear Him.” This figurative language, "Taste and see that the Lord is good," invites us to not just believe in God's rich goodness, but actively experience it in our lives. To "taste" the Lord is to engage with faith in a deeply personal, intimate way.

Just as we use our sense of taste to savor and appreciate different flavors, we are called to savor and appreciate the richness and diversity of God's love, mercy, and grace. It means opening our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit and allowing God's word to nourish and guide us. The goodness of the Lord is revealed in countless ways. It is present in the beauty of creation, in acts of kindness, and in the love we share with others. Today, let’s taste and see that the Lord is good by giving back our tithes and offering!  

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

House of Prayer
Pioneer Earlyteen Loft

Please join us for House of Prayer Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Earliteen Loft for a time of singing, Bible study and prayer.

Grow Groups are Ready to Join

Small groups for PMC, known as Grow Groups, are now beginning for the fall semester. Please text "JOIN" to 269-281-2345 to view the groups and choose one or more that interests you. If would would like to lead your own group, text "LEAD" to the same number, and complete and submit the form.

Pathfinder Registration

It's time for children in Grade 5-12 to register to be part of the Evergreen Pathfinder Club for this school year.  As we start our new year we hope you can join us as we have fun, learn about God and share the good news of salvation in a safe welcoming environment. Please text PMCEP  to 269-281-2345 to receive the registration form.  Questions please contact Errol.prentice@pmchurch.org

Sabbath School Lesson Overview on the Book of Joshua

Everyone is invited to the overview of the Fourth Quarter Sabbath school lesseon presented by Dr. Rahel Wells on the Book of Joshua. We hope you can join us on October 4 at 4:00 PM in the Pioneer Youth Chapel. For further information contact Melchizedek Ponniah, 269-876-7476, melponniah@gmail.com.

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to the last a hymn-sing for 2025 at The Old Rugged Cross Church on September 20, Sabbath, 4:00 - 5:15 PM. The Old Rugged Cross Church is located at 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047.  Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. A free will offering will help to maintain this historic church where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” was introduced to the public by the composer. For further information, please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, melponniah@gmail.com, or 269-876-7476.

Howard Center Presents: Heritage Singers

Heritage Singers October 4, 2025, 8:00 PM. $30 Reserved, $20 Students, $10 Children < 5yrs Heritage Singers is a non-profit gospel music ministry based in California with a goal to bring people closer to Jesus by praising Him through music. When founders Max and Lucy Mace began this ministry, they never thought they would still be doing this 54 years later. Heritage Singers has had the opportunity to travel to over 80 different countries, travel over two million miles, and perform over 7,500 concerts. Max Mace believed that “If there ever was a time to share the Good News about Jesus, it’s now.” 

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet - Fischoff Competition Winners September 28, 2025, 7:00 PM. $20 General Seating, $10 Students, $5 Children < 5yrs Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. 

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