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

"Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"  •  Daniel Towner
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Welcome

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

"Stand Up!": A Hymn Cycle

"Lead On, O King Eternal"  •  "Father, Lead Me Day by Day"  •  "Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!"
Hymn Leaders: Fabio Siniscarchio, Rob Raney, Raleigh Pettey; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Congregational Prayer

Prescott Khair, Associate Chaplain

Pioneer Life

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Children's Story & Prayer

Children's Story: John Glass; Prayer: Asher

Worship in Music

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"  •  Wayne Hooper
Vocal Quartet: Fabio Siniscarchio, Raleigh Pettey, Robert Raney, Nathan Cheng

Message

"How to Become an Influencer: Damascus Road"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Congregational Response in Song

"The Lord's Prayer"  •  Albert Malotte
Brenton Offenback, PMC Sanctuary Choir director

Benediction

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Our Father in the Heavenly Kingdom"  •  Felix Mendelssohn
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

 

Opening Music

"Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord"  •  Daniel Towner
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

Welcome

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Praise

Victory in Jesus

Congregational Prayer

Chase Wilder, AU Student Association Religious Vice-President

Pioneer Life

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Worship in Music

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"  •  Wayne Hooper
Vocal Quartet: Fabio Siniscarchio, Raleigh Pettey, Rob Raney, Nathan Cheng

Children's Story

Children's Story: John Glass; Prayer: Asher

Praise

Wonderful Words of Life  •  Reckless Love

Message

"How to Become an Influencer: Damascus Road"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Congregational Response in Song

"The Lord's Prayer"  •  Albert Malotte
Brenton Offenback, PMC Sanctuary Choir director

Blessing

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Our Father in the Heavenly Kingdom"  •  Felix Mendelssohn
Kenneth Logan, organ, 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