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 Midnight of Dark a Star
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 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
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