Resources

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, December 19, 2020
Program: 
Opening Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Welcome & Call to Worship
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
* "Gloria!": A Hymn Cycle
"Good Christians, Now Rejoice"—SDAH 136, st. 1-2 • "Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child"—SDAH 133 • "O Little Town of Bethlehem"—SDAH 135, st. 1, 3 • "Angels We Have Heard on High"—SDAH 142, st. 1 - 2, 4
Alina Baltazar, Elizabeth Wilson, Karen Nelson, vocals; Jason Marquez, clarinet; Kenneth Logan, organ
Praise
"Angels We Have Heard On High" • "O Holy Night" • "The First Noel / Silent Night"
Natalia Poloche, praise leader; Eli Wilson, Grace Dockerty, vocals; Ben Loenser, piano; Claire Yang, violin; Alex Aguilera, cajon; Gabe Krause, keyboard
Congregational Prayer
Danielle Pilgrim, Associate Chaplain, Andrews University
Worship in Music
"Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" • Jonathan Willcocks
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir; Brenton Offenback, director; Kenneth Logan, organ
Pioneer Life
Benjamin Kip & Family with Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Janet Ledesma, Pioneer Member; Jerianna & Juliesia
Scripture Reading
Matthew 2:3-6 NIV
José Bourget, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"The Birthday of a King" • William Neidlinger / Logan
Leanne Miller, soprano; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Message
"Advent: In the Midnight of Dark a Star"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Worship in Music
"As With Gladness Men of Old" • Felix Mendelssohn / Cummings / Logan
Alina Baltazar, Elizabeth Wilson, Karen Nelson, Ladies Trio
Benediction
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Music
"IN DULCI JUBILO (In Sweet Jubilation) • Johann Sebastian Bach
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church

More In This Series

Offering for May 2, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

In 1987, Northwest Airlines Flight 225 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 155 lives. Miraculously, a four-year-old girl named Cecelia was the sole survivor. Investigations revealed that during the plane's descent, Cecelia's mother, Paula Chican, unbuckled her own seatbelt, knelt in front of her daughter, and wrapped her arms and body around Cecelia to shield her from the impact. This selfless act of maternal love protected Cecelia, demonstrating the profound lengths to which a parent's love can go.

Oh my, the love of a mother, this is what God is telling us today, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15,
NIV). The local church should be a place where people feel that kind of love.

John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day next week, let’s return our tithes and offerings with grateful hearts knowing that Christ’s love is even greater than the love of a mother. Let’s worship God today, and may we love Christ
deeply as we appreciate our mothers.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.