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

 

With This in Mind...

 Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.

Adopt-a-Student

Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org

Something in Common Sabbath School

Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025.  Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.

Offering for October 25, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

For many years the story of the widow who gave her two mites has always intrigued me. In terms of monetary value, she did not give much. But why was her deed even mentioned in the Bible?

The lesson I learned was profound—God values the giver's heart more than the amount given. The widow, in her poverty, gave all she had out of love. Her offering consisted of two mites, the equivalent of ¼ of a penny in today’s money, but it was everything she had.

She had sacrificed everything, unlike the others in the temple who only contributed out of the abundance of their funds. The widow’s example has inspired thousands throughout history to give. God offers everyone the privilege to give.

If given from a heart of love, every gift is as acceptable as the large donations of the rich. This means, “The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work.

The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.3, p. 398). Let’s all give today from our heart to God.

—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration

The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/

RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase

The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!

Communion Service

On Sabbath, November 1, please plan to attend the celebration of the Communion service together during both the 9:00 and 11:45 AM services.

Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang

Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.

Pioneer Jam Session

Pioneer Jam Session will occur on the 1st Sabbath of each month at Pioneer. If you like to sing or play, just come and join in to worship. Sabbath 4:00-6:00

Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar

Did you lose something? Or someone?  Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.

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