Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.
Celebration of Graduates
Resources
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, May 02, 2020
Program:
Welcome
Michael Nixon, Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion
Praise
My Worship • Great Are You Lord • The Blessing
Rebecca Puii, Laia Burgos, Richla Sabuin, Adoniah Simon, vocals; Trevor Furst, cajon; Lucas Aguiar, electric guitar; Teddy Kim, guitar; Theard Pierre, bass
Prayer
Leah Wooten, Undergraduate Student Association President
Andrews Experience
Kyle Smith, Student Chaplain
Letitia Bullard, Design and Music Major
Joseph Capeles, Master of Divinity
Worship in Music
Just This Once • Abel Siamubi & Jephthah Ndlovu
The Watchmen
Homily
“The Ride of Your Life”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Hymn of Commitment
Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ, Hymn No. 377
Charles and Julie Reid
Celebration of Graduates
José Bourget, University Chaplain
Judith Bernard-Fisher, Director Counseling and Testing Center
Donnie Keele, Dean of Meier Hall
A'Lisa Sorensen, Dean of Lamson Hall
Christina Hunter, Dean of University Towers
Frances Faehner, Vice President for Campus and Student Life
Closing Prayer
Andrea Luxton, President
Closing Music
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, Adjunct Professor of Music, organ
With This in Mind...
Adopt-a-Student
Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org
Something in Common Sabbath School
Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025. Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.
Offering for October 25, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
For many years the story of the widow who gave her two mites has always intrigued me. In terms of monetary value, she did not give much. But why was her deed even mentioned in the Bible?
The lesson I learned was profound—God values the giver's heart more than the amount given. The widow, in her poverty, gave all she had out of love. Her offering consisted of two mites, the equivalent of ¼ of a penny in today’s money, but it was everything she had.
She had sacrificed everything, unlike the others in the temple who only contributed out of the abundance of their funds. The widow’s example has inspired thousands throughout history to give. God offers everyone the privilege to give.
If given from a heart of love, every gift is as acceptable as the large donations of the rich. This means, “The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work.
The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.3, p. 398). Let’s all give today from our heart to God.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration
The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/
RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase
The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!
Wind Symphony Fall Concert: Echoes of Majesty
Echoes of Majesty is a concert of works that depict majestic places. Through this musical journey, you will experience the majesty of noble monuments, grandiose forests, lofty mountains, and spacious cathedrals. Beginning with a rousing fanfare by Jack Stamp, the first half of the concert continues with Salfelder’s Cathedrals, Cathedral Grove by Buckley, and Boysen’s Klang. We end the first half with Wagner’s familiar Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral. The second half of the concert features pieces that depict old churches and beautiful cathedrals, and we end the concert with Rossano Galante’s Cathedral Mountain, a depiction of the grandeur and beauty of nature. Join us for an exciting evening of sounds that will evoke the feeling of having visited majestic places around the world. Our performance will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.
Paint & Sip Night – October 25 at 7 PM!
Join us at Stevensville SDA Church for an evening of creativity, laughter, and connection! Celebrated artist Mark Hunt will guide you step by step as you create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just picking up a brush for the first time, this is your chance to learn new techniques, get personalized feedback, and enjoy a relaxed night with friends and family. Come ready to paint, sip, and take home your very own work of art! RSVP required at form.jotform.com/25279447 Group Discounts! A GYC Fundraiser – don’t miss it!
Communion Service
On Sabbath, November 1, please plan to attend the celebration of the Communion service together during both the 9:00 and 11:45 AM services.
Still Room to Join a GROW Group
There is still time and room to join a GROW Group for the fall semester! Almost every group still has room for at least one or two more to join. To see the complete list of available groups, text JOIN to 269-281-2345.