Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.
A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement
Love Story for a Dark Winter: 'So I Am Sending You'
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, January 16, 2021
More In This Series
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
Wilson Retirement
Andrews Academy’s Graduation Weekend Events
Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 21, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 22, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 23, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 24, 11:00 at PMC.
Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church
You are invited to a Hymnsing on 23 May, 4:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal. For further information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.
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.
—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!
- 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