Not everyone who acts inappropriately, harshly, or indifferently is “out to get you” or intends to cause emotional harm. Many people carry silent burdens, and some are unaware of the struggles they face. Often, what we perceive as personal offense is the expression of someone else’s unresolved inner conflict. This is why it is so important to approach one another with kindness, compassion, and without judgment. Be gentle—you never know what someone is going through. One day, you’ll need that same grace shown to you. ( See Titus 3: 2, Ephesians 4:2)
Peace on Earth All Over Again
Redux Part 3
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
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
“The Holy Boy (A Carol of Nativity)” • John Ireland
Organ: Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
CHRISTMAS WELCOME
CHRISTMAS CALL
PASTOR: “Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, to herald our salvation;”
PEOPLE: “He stoops to earth—the God of might, our hope and expectation.”
PASTOR: “He comes in human flesh to dwell, our God with us, Immanuel,”
PEOPLE: “The light of darkness breaking, our fallen race befriending.”
PASTOR: “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
PEOPLE: Amen.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS:“BORN TO SAVE”
“Good Christians, Now Rejoice" • “Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child” • “O Little Town of Bethlehem” • “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
Leanne Miller, soprano; Byron Graves, clarinet, Kenneth Logan, organ
CHRISTMAS FAMILY PRAYER
Rhonda, Aron, and Stella Tomenko
Sonia Badenas and Marco Sciarabba*
CHRISTMAS BAPTISM*
Do Hyun (Paul) Cho with Hong Pal Ha
CHRISTMAS CAROL
“Away in a Manger”
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORY
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
CHRISTMAS READING
Pavel and Sam Tomenko • Davide Sciarabba*
Luke 2:1-7 NKJV
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
“What Child Is This?” • Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Kenneth Logan, organ
CHRISTMAS HOMILY
“Peace on Earth All Over Again—Redux 3”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
CHRISTMAS COMMITMENT
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” • anon. melody
Elizabeth Wilson, mezzo-soprano
CHRISTMAS BLESSING
CLOSING MUSIC
“IN DULCI JUBILO” (“In Sweet Jubilation”)Johann Sebastian Bach
Organ: Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
*Indicates 11:45 AM Service
Calling all seniors aged 55+ to the annual Adventist Seniors of Michiana Corn Roast to be held Sunday, August 10 at 1 PM in the Andrews Grove Pavilion. Bring a dish to share, enjoy the corn provided, and learn who will be our new officers for next year. Early registration for the 2025-2026 membership year will be available. Despite inflation dues remain at $20 per person. Call Cheryl Doss with any questions 269-277-0767.
Pioneer Operating Budget
Birthdays were always a special and happy occasion in our home. When it is one of the sibling’s birthdays, we give all our kids gifts to enjoy, not just the celebrant. But when it was our birthday, our children would draw pictures and color them expressing their creativity and love for us. They didn’t have the money to purchase gifts or nice Hallmark cards. Yet when they presented them to us, we cherished those handmade cards more than all the commercial cards produced by Hallmark. Why? Because they were our children’s expression of love from the heart.
It’s hard not to express this love without giving a gift. Likewise, every offering gift should be measured by the unfathomable Gift of heaven. The greatest offering one could make would then appear as nothing in comparison. “How vain the endeavor to measure with mathematical rules, time, money, and love against a love and sacrifice that is measureless and incomputable!" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.4, p.119). If we can catch a glimpse of just how much God loves us, we would faint. All self-interest and selfish motives will disappear, we will be lost in awe and wonder. It would spur us to shower our Lord with more gifts and with praise and thanksgiving.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Andrews Academy is now enrolling students in grades 9 - 12 for the 2025/2026 school year. We invite you to join the AA family! You will be blessed by what Andrews Academy has to offer. Students consistently score above state and national levels on standardized testing, they are involved in many spiritual and service activities throughout the school year. Our Seventh-day Adventist school’s mission is to inspire our students to think deeply, live fully, serve unselfishly and to honor God completely. School begins August 18. Registration day is August 13. Financial assistance may be available. Call 269-471-3138 for more information or visit https://www.andrews.edu/aa/ and click on “apply today”.
Many new faces will soon join us as they begin their academic journey at Andrews University. We are preparing to welcome them with our traditional Welcome Picnic on Sabbath, August 23. You can support Belong by signing up to be a table host, preparing food, becoming a general volunteer—or all of the above! Text the word “PICNIC” to 269-281-2345
Join us for the Midweek House of Prayer, held online every Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. Come and see how your contributions can benefit everyone in the group! The Zoom link is https://andrews.zoom.us/j/9889172131.
Better Decisions/ Fewer Regrets video series by Andy Stanley continues
- July 19–The The Conscience Question
- July 26–The Maturity Question
- August 2–The Relationship Question
Everyone is welcome in PMC Boardroom off of the Fellowship Commons Room from 10:30-11:30 AM on Sabbath.
There will not be a fellowship dinner during the months of July and August, 2025.