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.
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
Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram
We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11. We meet in Pioneer Board Room.
Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH to 269-281-2345.
