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.
Marriage
God’s Perfect Plan for Marriage: What Could Have Been and What Is
Saturday, April 17, 2021
More In This Series
Opening Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Welcome
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
"The Very Thought"—A Hymn Focus
"Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee"—SDAH 241
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir, Brenton Offenback, director; Jason Marquez, clarinet, Andrews University Student; Kenneth Logan, piano, Minister of Music
Congregational Prayer
Marco and Ingrid Faria, Pioneer Members
Pioneer Life
Baptism of Hanan Legoh with Ben Martin
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Lindsey Pratt; Prayer: Juliesia Horton
Scripture Reading
Darcy and Judy DeLeon, Pioneer Members
Worship in Music
"How Can I Keep From Singing?" • Sarah Quartel
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir, Brenton Offenback, director
Message
"Marriage: God's Perfect Plan for Marriage: What Could Have Been and What Is"
David and Beverly Sedlacek, Marriage and Family Counselors
Connect Card
Hymn of Commitment
"O Perfect Love"—SDAH 656
Alina Baltazar, song leader
Benediction
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Opening Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Welcome
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Worship in Music
"How Can I Keep From Singing?" • Sarah Quartel
Pioneer Sanctuary Choir, Brenton Offenback, director
Congregational Prayer
Marco and Ingrid Faria, Pioneer Members
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Lindsey Pratt; Prayer: Juliesia Horton
Baby Dedication
Eda Jean-Baptiste presented by Eric and Eda Jean-Baptiste with Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Praise
"So Let Revival Come (Revive Me)"
Abel Siamubi, Guimel Gonzalez, Narda Herimala, Emmanuel Gyamera, vocals, The Watchmen; Philip Wekesa, piano; Joel Wallace, electric guitar; Jeremy Ahn, bass; Opeyemi Adesina, cajon & shaker
Scripture Reading
Genesis 2:18-25 NLT
Praise
"Sometimes It Takes a Mountain" • "Reckless Love"
Message
"Marriage: God's Perfect Plan for Marriage: What Could Have Been and What Is"
David and Beverly Sedlacek, Marriage and Family Counselors
Connect Card
Song of Commitment
"You Are My All In All"
Benediction
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
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