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

Opening Music

"Christ Is Alive: His Love Adored"  •  Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church

Welcome & Call to Worship 

Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

"Most Full, Most Free": A Hymn Cycle

"Love Divine"—SDAH 190, st. 1-3  •  "O Love of God"—SDAH 77, st. 1, 3-4  •  "Jesus Loves Me"—SDAH 190, st. 1, 3
Charles Reid, tenor; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, piano

Congregational Prayer

Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor

Pioneer Life

Dyas Fanivana, Student

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Dick Mackie; Prayer: Layla

Scripture Reading 

Patricia Spangler, Member, Pioneer Memorial Church

Worship in Music

"O Love of God, How Strong and True"  •  Kenneth Logan
Charles Reid, tenor, Associate Professor of Music; Kenneth Logan, organ

Message

"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Love Story for a Dark Winter: ' So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Connect Card & Prayer

Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"What Wondrous Love Is This"  •  traditional American Melody
Kenneth Logan, organ

 

 

Welcome & Call to Worship 

Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Pioneer Life

Dyas Fanivana, Student

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Dick Mackie; Prayer: Layla

Praise

"Come Thou Fount"  •  One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)
Leo Aguilera, praise leader; Maia Hamstra, Jaden Leiterman, vocals; Nathaniel Chung, keyboard;
Lucas Aguiar, electric guitar; Andrès Weiss-Segui, electric bass; Alex Aguilera, cajon

Congregational Prayer

Scripture Reading 

John 1:14, 18 NIV
Leo Aguilera

Praise

"Way Maker"  •  "I Surrender"

Message

"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Love Story for a Dark Winter: ' So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Connect Card & Prayer

Closing Song

"Who You Say I Am"

Closing Music

"What Wondrous Love Is This"  •  traditional American Melody
Kenneth Logan, organ

 

 

Offering for May 16, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1

Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).

As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
  • April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
  • April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
  • April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
  • May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
  • May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails