Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

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.

Offering

OPENING MUSIC

“Wake, Awake! A Voice Is Calling”
Robert Hobby and Wayne Wold

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

“BEARERS OF LIGHT”: A HYMN CYCLE

“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” • 4
“The Lord Is My Light” • words 515, mel. 83
“We Would See Jesus” • 494, st. 1, 3
“Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” • 363, st. 1, 3

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

“Rescue the Perishing” • 367, st. 1

OFFERTORY

“Joy and Elation” • Cynthia Dobrinski

CHILDREN’S STORY

Tiago Rossendy, Andrews Univ. Graduate Student
Nathan Peña, RMES Student
Kudzani Mbaiwa, RMES Student

SCRIPTURE READING

Feno Hanitriniala Ravaoharisoa, Pioneer Member
Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Share Your Faith” • Donald Phillips

MESSAGE

“Mission: Impossible (Maybe)—Born for Battle—The Saga of a Peace-loving People”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CONNECT CARD

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” • words 609, tune 587

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Work, For the Night Is Coming” • Sharon Elery Rogers

 

OPENING MUSIC

“Wake, Awake! A Voice Is Calling” • Robert Hobby and Wayne Wold

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

PRAISE

“Ancient of Days / Days of Elijah”
“We Fall Down”

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

 

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Share Your Faith” • Donald Phillips

OFFERTORY

“Joy and Elation” • Cynthia Dobrinski

CHILDREN’S STORY

Tiago Rossendy, Andrews Univ. Graduate Student

PRAISE

“Goodness of God”
“Ancient Words”

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV

MESSAGE

“Mission: Impossible (Maybe)—Born for Battle—The Saga of a Peace-loving People”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CONNECT CARD

 

CLOSING SONG“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” • words 609, tune 587

BLESSING

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Work, For the Night Is Coming” • Sharon Elery Rogers

 

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the 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