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.
For the Love of an Animal
YapYap
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
Opening Music
"Dare to Be a Daniel" • Philip Bliss / Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
John Glass, Associate Pastor
"Heavenly Father": Hymns of Praise
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"—SDAH 12 • "Father, Lead Me Day by Day"—SDAH 482
Elizabeth Wilson, chorister, mezzo-soprano; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Congregational Prayer
Gilbert Wari, Pioneer Member
Pioneer Life
Fred Wagner Baptism with Dwight K. Nelson
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Dick Mackie; Prayer: Micaiah
Scripture Reading
Terry Robertson, Elder
Worship in Music
"To Decide to Walk With Jesus" • Kenneth Logan
Claudio González, violin
Message
"For the Love of an Animal: YapYap"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Connect Card
Hymn of Commitment
"I Surrender All"—SDAH 309, st. 1-3
Elizabeth Wilson, chorister, mezzo-soprano; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Closing Remarks/Benediction
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" • Max Reger
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"Dare to Be a Daniel" • Philip Bliss / Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Praise
"Nothing Compares" • "See A Victory"
Linda Sanchez, Sinegugu Katenga, Abel Siamubi, vocals; Josh Goines, piano; Lucas Aguiar, electric guitar; Nathaniel Chung, keyboard; Caleb Chung, electric bass; Michel Rodrigues, acoustic guitar
Congregational Prayer
Gilbert Wari
Pioneer Life
Emily Violet Andersen presented by Chris and Desi Andersen with Dwight K. Nelson
Worship in Music
"To Decide to Walk With Jesus" • Kenneth Logan
Claudio González, violin
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Dick Mackie; Prayer: Micaiah
Praise
"El Shaddai" • "At The Cross (Love Ran Red)"
Scripture Reading
Message
"For the Love of an Animal: YapYap"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Connect Card
Song of Commitment
"I Surrender All" - st. 1-3
Blessing
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" • Max Reger
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
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