Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.
Bring Joy! Give Thanks! A Feast of Hymns
Resources
Pastor
Shane AndersonShane Anderson has been the lead pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University since 2023. His passions in ministry include helping others to know Christ personally, the study and sharing of Bible prophecy, and Christian apologetics. He has written for a variety of publications both foreign and domestic (he is currently a columnist for the Adventist Review), and has written a book entitled, "How to Kill Adventist Education (and How to Give It a Fighting Chance!)." He has presented frequently throughout North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean on such topics as the Three Angels Messages of Revelation 14, Adventist Education renewal, and church planting. He and his wife Darlene have two daughters, Sierra and Ellie.
Offering
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Invitation to Rejoice
Prelude and Fugue on “All Things Bright and Beautiful” • Kenneth Logan
Call to Joy: from Psalm 100 NKJV
José Bourget
LEADER: Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
PEOPLE: Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
LEADER: Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
PEOPLE: We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
LEADER: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
PEOPLE: For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
Hymn of Rejoicing
All Things Bright and Beautiful • No. 93
Words of Joy: from Psalm 98 NKJV
Cyril Punay
Anthem of Joy
Praise Hymn • Robert Leaf / Shackley
Hymn of Joy
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee • No. 12
Prayer of Rejoicing
Nancy Mészáros
*Debbie Michel
Anthem of Rejoicing
The Majesty and Glory of Your Name • Thomas Fettke
Hymn of Rejoicing
Lord of All Being, Throned Afar • Words No. 17, Melody No. 227
Homily
“When Gratitude Does Not Compute”
Shane Anderson
Anthem of Thanksgiving
My Lord, What a Morning • Spiritual / Burleigh
Letters of Thanksgiving
In Heavenly Love Abiding • Traditional Finnish Melody
Invitation to Thanksgiving
What Gift Can We Bring? • Donna Kasbohm
stanza 1 solo; st. 2 women; st. 3 all; st. 4 men; st. 5 all
Procession of Thanksgiving: Gifts of Food, Song, Tithes, and Offerings
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart! (No. 27, stanzas 1-2)
The Lord Is My Light (No. 515, stanzas 1-2)
For the Beauty of the Earth (No. 565, stanzas 1, 3)
’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (No. 524, stanzas 1, 3)
To God Be the Glory (No. 341, stanzas 1, 3)
Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow (No. 695)
Hymn of Thanksgiving
Now Thank We All Our God • No. 559
Benediction in Thanksgiving
Shane Anderson
Final Thanksgiving
Now Thank We All Our God • Wilhelm Teschner
José Bourget, presiding pastor; Kenneth Logan, organ, piano; Andrews University Chorale and Singers, Stephen Zork, director, Tyler Ninalga, piano; PMC Sanctuary Choir, Brenton Offenback, director; Davielle Smith, mezzo-soprano; Max Keller, Brayan Maldonado, Matthew Bourne, Christopher Rogers, brass quartet; Carla Trynchuk, Marc Élysée, violins; Kenneth Logan, hymn arrangements; PMC Evergreen Pathfinders, Errol Prentice, director
With This in Mind...
Adopt-a-Student
Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org
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.
Offering for October 25, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
For many years the story of the widow who gave her two mites has always intrigued me. In terms of monetary value, she did not give much. But why was her deed even mentioned in the Bible?
The lesson I learned was profound—God values the giver's heart more than the amount given. The widow, in her poverty, gave all she had out of love. Her offering consisted of two mites, the equivalent of ¼ of a penny in today’s money, but it was everything she had.
She had sacrificed everything, unlike the others in the temple who only contributed out of the abundance of their funds. The widow’s example has inspired thousands throughout history to give. God offers everyone the privilege to give.
If given from a heart of love, every gift is as acceptable as the large donations of the rich. This means, “The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work.
The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.3, p. 398). Let’s all give today from our heart to God.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration
The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/
RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase
The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!
Communion Service
On Sabbath, November 1, please plan to attend the celebration of the Communion service together during both the 9:00 and 11:45 AM services.
Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang
Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.
Pioneer Jam Session
Pioneer Jam Session will occur on the 1st Sabbath of each month at Pioneer. If you like to sing or play, just come and join in to worship. Sabbath 4:00-6:00
Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar
Did you lose something? Or someone? Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.