Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11. He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family
Pleading with Jesus
Fighting for Your Life, Pleading for Your Lord
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
Saturday, October 22, 2022
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” • Max Reger
“Be Strong in the Lord” • Kenneth Logan
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
“STRONG IN HIS STRENGTH”: A HYMN CYCLE
“Praise Him! Praise Him!” • 249, st. 1-2
“Redeemed” • 338/339, st. 1,3
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” • 499, st. 2
“Crown Him With Many Crowns” • 223, st. 1
“Soldiers of Christ, Arise” • 616, st. 1, 3
“Crown Him With Many Crowns” • 223, st. 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Isabella Bacchiocchi
“We Would See Jesus” • 494, st. 1
OFFERTORY
“Ride On, King Jesus!” • African-American Spiritual
CHILDREN’S STORY
Noelle Koliadko
SCRIPTURE READING
Fiorella Oudri, Pioneer Member
Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” • Gilbert Martin
MESSAGE
“Pleading with Jesus: Fighting for Your Life, Pleading for Our Lord”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Commune With Me”
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“Be Not Afraid” • Felix Mendelssohn
OPENING MUSIC
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” • Max Reger
“Be Strong in the Lord” • Kenneth Logan
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
PRAISE
“Crown Him” / ”Soldiers of Christ”
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Isabella Bacchiocchi
OFFERTORY
“Ride On, King Jesus!” • African-American Spiritual
CHILDREN’S STORY
Noelle Koliadko
PRAISE
“Build My Life”
“Promises”
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” • Gilbert Martin
MESSAGE
“Pleading with Jesus: Fighting for Your Life, Pleading for Our Lord”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Commune With Me”
BLESSING
CLOSING MUSIC
“Be Not Afraid” • Felix Mendelssohn
Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025
Sabbath School Volunteers Needed
Give our Pioneer kids a gift this holiday season - your time, teaching or supporting Sabbath Schools, 10:30-11:30 AM each Sabbath. Text CHILDREN to 269-281-2345 or email childrenss@pmchurch.org to learn more.
Seeking Voices for Sabbath Video Series!
Adventist Learning Community is producing a short series exploring Sabbath keeping and its impact on everyday life. We're looking for individuals to interview who joined the Adventist Church within the last 15 to 20 years and are comfortable on camera. If you're open to sharing your experience and how Sabbath has shaped your life, please contact Luke Bowers at lbowersweb@gmail.com, we'd love to hear from you!
Join the Traffic Ministry Team!
We’re looking for volunteers to serve in our Traffic Ministry, helping direct vehicles and assist members and guests as they arrive and leave. Your friendly presence helps ensure safety and creates a warm first impression for everyone coming to worship. If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact Derill Legoh 732-379-1300.
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.
Pizza and Parables
Pizza & Parables, Where faith meets flavor! Every Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, high school students are invited for pizza, Bible study, and friends. Come hungry for both food and the Word! Meet in the Pioneer Youth Chapel.
House of Prayer
Pioneer Earlyteen Loft
Please join us for House of Prayer Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Earliteen Loft for a time of singing, Bible study and prayer.