We at Pioneer were richly blessed by the ministry of Pastor Ben Martin. Unfortunately, due to tithe shortfalls (not at Pioneer, but in other portions of the conference), Michigan Conference administration has determined that his position will not be filled at this time. Please combine your prayers and patience with mine as we work to cover Pastor Ben’s duties with existing pastoral staff members and volunteers. - Pastor Shane
The Sanctuary and Social Reform
Resources
Speaker
Nicholas MillerNicholas Miller received his B.A. in theology from Pacific Union College and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School. He also has a Ph.D. in American Religious and Legal History from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Miller has argued many church/state cases in state and federal courts, has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Mitchell v. Helms, and is the author of more than forty scholarly and professional journal articles and book chapters dealing with issues of church, state, and society. His book on the development of religious freedom in America, The Religious Roots of the First Amendment was published by Oxford University Press in the summer of 2012, and he edited the Andrews University Press book on Homosexuality, Marriage, and the Church (2012). He also serves as PARL Director and attorney for the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Offering
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Program:
Opening Music
"Dare to Be a Daniel" • Philip Bliss / Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Welcome & Call to Worship
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
*Stand Up! A Hymn Cycle
"Lead On, O King Eternal" • "Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!" • "Father, Lead Me Day by Day"
Raleigh Pettey, Abel Siamubi, Fabio Siniscarchio, Andrews University Students; Erin Penrod, horn, Andrews University Student; Kenneth logan, organ, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Praise
"Our God" • "Shout To The Lord" • "Sanctuary"
Leo Aguilera, praise leader; Nate Chung, Jeremy Ahn, keys/piano; Lucas Aguilar, guitar; Alex Aguilera, cajon; Andrès Weiss-Segui, bass; lucas Navia, cello; Rachel Rajarathinam, Ashley Yabut, vocals
Congregational Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Pioneer Life
Errol Prentice, Pioneer Member, with Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Children's Story
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Children's Prayer
Ellie
Scripture Reading
Bruce Babienco, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High" • anon. melody / Kenneth Logan
Erin Penrod, horn, Andrews University Student; Kenneth Logan, organ
Message
"The Sanctuary and Social Reform"
Nicholas Miller
Connect Card and Prayer
Hymn of Commitment
"Standing on the Promises" • SDAH No. 518
Raleigh Pettey, Abel Siamubi, Fabio Siniscarchio, Andrews University Students
Closing Music
"The Church Shall Stand" • Ludvig Lindeman
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
* First Service Only
Update on Pastoral Transition at Pioneer
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
There will not be any fellowship dinner this Sabbath.
Honduras Mission Team January 2026
The Pioneer Youth Missions team is getting ready for the January 2-12 project in Honduras. The team will be conducting a camp directed by Scott Schalk for about 100 children from the Hogar de Niños and the surrounding community. Additionally there will be many worships, activities and projects at the children's home. Your financial support and prayers are requested. For more information, contact Glenn Russell (glenn@andrews.edu)
Belong: Soup for Students
Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up
Belong: Angel Tree
This holiday season, help make Christmas special for a student/student family by selecting a card from one of the Christmas trees at church. Each card includes a family’s list of needs and wishes—simply choose a card, shop, and deliver your items by December 14th. No need to wrap—we’ll handle that for you! Let’s spread joy together with Belong Ministries this Christmas!
Spring Semester GROW Groups
Spring semester GROW Groups will begin the 1st week of February. If you would like to lead a group please text LEAD to 269-281-2345 or click the link below to submit the attached form on or before December 15. https://pmchurch.org/ministries/growgroups/register
Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025
Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11. He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family
Offering for November 22, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
I remember the moment when my wife and I said, “I do” on our wedding day. We made a covenant promise and pledge before God that we would love and be faithful and true to each other. We expressed this covenant of love with words, actions, and gifts to each other! The day we all accepted the Lord, we too made a covenant of love with Him. We honor Him when we take time to worship Him and share His love with others by acts of kindness. But another way we develop our relationship with God and honor and glorify Him is when we return our gifts of time, talents, and our tithes and offerings to Him. "The Lord made a special covenant with men, that if they would regularly set apart the portion designated for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, the Lord would bless them abundantly, so there would not be room to receive His gifts" (Counsels on Stewardship, p.77).
God has given us this opportunity to enter into a partnership with the Ruler of the universe who is not only interested in the orderly operation of the great galaxies of heaven but also interested in every detail of our lives. Have you set aside your gifts for Him today? Let’s support the ministries around our conference that help people learn more about our God of love.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Happy Health Cooking Demonstration
The Happy, Healthy Holiday 2025 Cooking demonstration will be on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM in the Youth Chapel, with samples for everyone downstairs. They are featuring vegan foods suitable for festive events. This event is being co-hosted by Pioneer Health and Wellness, Healthy Together Friends, and RMES Home and School. To register text "FOOD" to 269-281-2345. Questions: please contact Evelyn Kissinger at evelynkissinger@gmail.com.
Pioneer Women's Ministries 2025 Advent Devotionals
Pioneer Women’s Ministries’ Advent devotionals will highlight a few of the promises of Jesus. To receive the “Red Letter Promises” daily devotionals by email for the first 25 days of December, text the word “ADVENT” to 269-281-2345. You can also receive a short daily text message preview of each day's devotional by providing your cell phone number when you register. We pray you will sense the nearness of Jesus during this holy season through these devotionals.
