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 (Whole) Christmas Story
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 09, 2023
OPENING MUSIC
“O Come, Little Children” • Johann Schulz / Kenneth Logan
WELCOME & PRAYER
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Adventurer Club Director
HYMN OF PRAISE
“O Come, O Come, Immanuel” • 115
*GRADE 2 BELL CHOIR
“The First Noel” • traditional, arr. Shari Lyons
SCRIPTURE
Genesis 3:15
Destinee Fio
PIONEER ADVENTURER CLUB CHOIR
“Joy to the World” • traditional
MESSAGE 1
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
*K-2 CHOIR - RMES
“Happy Birthday Jesus” • Carol Cymbala
†RMES STRINGS
“Christmas Quatrain” • arr. Elliot Del Borgo
PRAYER
Aniyah Jean-Baptiste
Jared Raveloharimisy
Arlo Martin
Laural Brown
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:23
Andile Muzira
PIONEER ADVENTURER CLUB CHOIR
“Prince of Peace” • Monica Scott
MESSAGE 2
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
*K-2 CHOIR - RMES
”The Shepherd’s Spiritual” • arr. Donal Moore
†RMES STRINGS
“Away in a Manger” • arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
SCRIPTURE
Revelation 21:1
Josiah Florvilus
PIONEER ADVENTURER CLUB CHOIR
“What a Day That Will Be” • J. Hill
MESSAGE 3
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
TOY & OFFERING COLLECTION
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
”Jesus Is Coming Again!” • 213, st. 1-2, 4
BENEDICTION
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CLOSING MUSIC
”Jesus Is Coming Again!” • George Lee / Kenneth Logan
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