There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the commons.
The Magi’s Guide to Gift Giving
Resources
Speaker
Ben MartinBen Martin is on the pastoral team of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University where he is the Pastor for Children and Family Discipleship. He is passionate about engaging youth in ministry. He believes that every member should be a functioning part of the body of Christ. Over the last few years he has been intentionally thinking through what it means to disciple the next generation. He enjoys photography, camping and spending time with his wife, Brianna. Together, they have 2 children.
Offering
Saturday, December 10, 2022
WELCOME & PRAYER
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
“The First Noel” • arr. Lena Eckhoff
*”Joy to the World” • arr. Lena Eckhoff
RMES Junior Bells
OPENING HYMN
“What Child Is This?” • 141
PRAYER
Salema Faiai, Samuel Fiuza, Grace Zhang, Philbert Ansu
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:23 NIV
Aaron Dormus, Adventurers
MUSIC
“Carol of the Bells” • arr. Michael Hopkins
RMES Strings
MESSAGE 1
“The Greatest Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
“Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child/Go Tell it on the Mountain”
Pioneer Adventurers - Solo Jaliyah White
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:11
Genavive Beckford
MUSIC
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born”
Pioneer Adventurers
*BAPTISM
Samuel Reed Miller with W. G. Nelson
MUSIC
“Three Holiday Glorias” • arr. Donald Moore
RMES Grades 4-6 Choir
MESSAGE 2
“The Right Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
GIFT COLLECTION
“Away in a Manger” • William Kirkpatrick
“O Come, Little Children” • Johann Schulz
MUSIC
“Who Would Imagine a King”
Jaliyah White, Gabriella Langat, Adventurers
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:2
Joanna Jacques
MUSIC
“When We Seek Him”
Pioneer Adventurers - Solos Isabella Mpita, Lucas and Nathan Lovanantenaina, Lena Engelkemier
MESSAGE 3
“The Perfect Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CLOSING HYMN
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” • 140, st. 1, 2 & 5
CLOSING MUSIC
“Good Christians, Now Rejoice” • anon. melody
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer 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