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

"[Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners]"  •  Dale Wood
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church

Welcome & Call to Worship 

John Glass, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

"Jesus, Friend for Sinners": A Hymn Cycle

"Jesus, Friend for Sinners"—SDAH 187, st. 1-3  •  "Rescue the Perishing"—SDAH 367, st. 1-3  •  "Seeking the Lost"—SDAH 373  •  "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"—SDAH 499, st.1  |  Pioneer Sanctuary Choir; Brenton Offenback, director; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, organ

Pioneer Life

Hope Malabrigo, student

Congregational Prayer

Merarie Doyle, Greeter Ministry Director; Kristin Ferrer, Student Andrews University

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Richard Aguilera; Prayer: Genavive

Religious Liberty Video

 

Scripture Reading

Hugo Villalobos, Seminary Student at SDA Theological Seminary

Worship in Music

"Be Thou My Vision"  •  Charles Thatcher
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir; Brenton Offenback, director

Message

"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: 'House by the Side of the Road': ' So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Connect Card & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Work, for the Night Is Coming"  •  Lowell Mason
Kenneth Logan, organ

 

 

Opening Music

"[Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners"  •  Dale Wood
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, organ

Welcome & Call to Worship & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Pioneer Life

Hope Malabrigo, Student
 

Worship in Music

"Be Thou My Vision"  •  Charles Thatcher
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir, Brenton Offenback, director

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Richard Aguilera; Prayer: Genavive

Praise

"Standing on the Promises / Leaning on the Everlasting Arms"
Vivian Raimundo, praise leader; Darius Bridges, Valery Vergara, vocals; Jeremy Ahn, keyboard;
Jake Knowlton, guitar; Chris Wilson, bass; David Dunham, cajon

Religious Liberty Video


John Nay, Religious Liberty Coordinator

Congregational Prayer

Merarie Doyle, Greeter Ministry Director; Kristin Ferrer, Student, Andrews University

Praise

"Testify To Love"

Scripture Reading

Darius Bridges, AU Student Chaplain
Luke 15:3-7

Praise

"Build My Life"

Message

"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: 'House by the Side of the Road': ' So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church

Connect Card & Prayer

Closing Song

"Make Me A Servant"

Benediction

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Work, for the Night Is Coming"  •  Lowell Mason
Kenneth Logan, organ

 

 

Wilson Retirement

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.

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.

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!

  • 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