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

"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow"  •  Louis Bourgeois / attr. Henry Purcell
Kenneth Logan, organ

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor

"Blessing": A Hymn Cycle

"Holy, Holy, Holy"—SDAH 73, st. 4  •  "Come, Thou Fount"—SDAH 334, st. 1, 3  •  "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"—100, st. 1, 3 then refrain only once  •  "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead us"—SDAH 545 st. 1, 3  •  "The Lord Bless and Keep You"—SDAH 669
Kaija Perry, soprano, Andrews University student; Daniel Soochkoff-Cerna, viola, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Congregational Prayer

José Bourget & Christine Ramirez, Pioneer Members

Pioneer Life

Taurus Montgomery

Baby Dedication

Ayla Andressa Monteiro Soares presented by Alex Soares and Lenisa Soares with John Glass, Associate Pastor

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Jean Michel; Prayer: Asher

Scripture Reading

Jonathan Raveloharimisy, Pioneer Member

Worship in Music

"Bless This House"  •  May Brahe
Charles Reid, tenor

Message

"Marriage: The Pope and Same Sex Marriage"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Connect Card/Prayer

 

Closing Hymn

"There Is a Fountain"  •  336

Closing Remarks/Benediction

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Bless the Lord, O My Soul"  •  Charles Wood
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

 

Opening Music

"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow"  •  Louis Bourgeois / attr. Henry Purcell
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Praise

"Ancient of Days"
Vivian Raimundo, Shane Pierre, Rachel Rajarathinam, vocals; Jake Knowlton, piano; Jeremy Ahn, acoustic guitar; Solomon Kim, cajon

 

Pioneer Life

Taurus Montgomery, Harbor of Hope

Congregational Prayer

José Bourget & Christine Ramirez, Pioneer Members

Children's Story & Prayer

Story: Jean Michel; Prayer: Asher

Praise

"Divine Exchange"

Scripture Reading

Genesis 1:27-28, 31 NIV

Praise

"There Is A Cloud"

Message

"Marriage: The Pope and Same Sex Marriage"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

 

Connect Card/Prayer

 

Closing Hymn

"There Is a Fountain"  •  336

Closing Remarks/Blessing

John Glass, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

 

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the commons.

Offering for January 10, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

You may have heard it said, and it is true that patience is a virtue. What is also true and closely linked to patience is found in the opening verse of the parable of Luke 18:1-8 (NIV). Jesus told his disciples that they should “always pray and not give up” (verse 1). In today’s fast paced, instant, and have-to-get-it-now world, learning to be patient and not lose heart or become discouraged is surely a quality that is desirable. The widow in this parable showed the importance of being patient in one’s petitions and pursuits.

In her attempt to get the judge to defend her against her enemy, who seemed to have been making her life difficult, she kept on asking for his defense. Finally, the judge yielded to her persistence and vindicated her.

The same is true of God. When we are diligent in our prayer life, longsuffering when we are seeking to invoke Christ’s intervention, and faithful in honoring Him in our stewardship, He will move to positive action. Let us remember that unlike the judge we cannot wear out God. 

Today, as we worship Him through the return of our tithes and giving of our offerings, let us practice being persistent in honoring Him with our substance and the first fruit of our increase.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries