Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
Advent
In the Shadowland of Death a Light
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, December 05, 2020
Program:
Opening Music
"O Magnum Mysterium (O Great Mystery)" • Morten Lauridsen / Reynolds
Andrews University Wind Symphony; Byron Graves, director
Welcome & Call to Worship
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
* "Advent Light in Darkness": A Hymn Cycle
"O Come, O Come, Immanuel"—SDAH 115, st. 1 & 2 • "What Child Is This?"—SDAH 141 • "Angels From the Realms of Glory"—SDAH 119, st. 1-3 • "As With Gladness Men of Old"—SDAH 123 st. 1
Lisa Jardine, William Fagal, vocals; Kilim Chung, cello, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Praise
"Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)" • "He Shall Reign Forevermore" • "O Come O Come Emmanuel"
Kelly Miller, praise leader; Giancarlo Leonor, Grace Dockerty, vocals; Zachariah Schnepp, cajon; Johnny Schnepp, cello; Ben Loenser, piano; Hadassah Schnepp, violin
Congregational Prayer
José Bourget, Chaplain, Andrews University; Kyle Smith, Assistant Chaplain, Andrews University
Pioneer Life
Michelle Odinma, student
Children's Story & Prayer
Craig Harris; Junesuh
Scripture Reading
Davide Sciarabba, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"Jesu, Joy" • Johann Sebastian Bach / Reed
Andrews University Wind Symphony; Byron Graves, director
Message
"Advent: In the Shadowland of Death a Light"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Hymn
"Joy to the World" • SDAH 125, st. 1, 3-4
Charles Reid, tenor, Andrews University Professor; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Closing Music
"O Come, O Come, Immanuel" • anon. French melody
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
* First Service Only
More In This Series
VBS at Niles Westside Church
Offering for June 28, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
"Speed Friending" and Dulcimer Concert
The Family Life Committee invites our church family to get to know each other better! We will begin with "speed friending," where we will rotate to different tables around the room to ask each other questions (sample questions will be provided). Then we'll eat a light meal together and end with a captivating hammered dulcimer concert. Ted Yoder will be sharing an eclectic set of impressive originals, fun pop songs, and moving hymns. Sunday, June 29, 4:00-6:30 PM, Pioneer Commons. Registration information will be coming soon.
Hymnsing at the Old Rugged Cross Church
You are invited to a hymn sing on June 28, 4:00-5:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. A freewill offering will help to maintain the church. Please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com for any additional information.