Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
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
VBS at Niles Westside Church
Offering for June 28, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries