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.
Farewell Pioneer: Vision Calls
Resources
Pastor
Taurus MontgomeryTaurus Montgomery is the pastor of Pioneer’s Benton Harbor Outreach, Harbor of Hope. Having grown up in the southern inner city of Mobile, Alabama, Taurus is familiar with the struggles and challenges facing urban youth today.
Offering
Saturday, December 23, 2023
OPENING MUSIC
“IN DULCI JUBILO” (“In Sweet Jubilation”) • Walther, Piutti, Lang
WELCOME, CALL TO WORSHIP, & PRAYER
Prescott Khair, Associate Chaplain, Andrews University
“BORN TO SAVE”: A HYMN CYCLE
“Good Christians, Now Rejoice” • 136, st. 3, 2
“Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child” • 133
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” • 135, st. 1, 3
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” • 119, st. 1-3
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” • 140, st. 1
OFFERTORY
“What Child Is This?” • traditional English
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
CAROL OF THE SEASON
“Away in a Manger” • 124
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE FOR TAURUS MONTGOMERY
Shane Anderson, Lead Pastor
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 1:18-21 NIV
Acts 16:6-10 NIV
Rachel Wilson, Pioneer Member
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“Here the World’s Desire” • Kenneth Logan
MESSAGE
“Farewell Pioneer: Vision Calls”
Taurus Montgomery, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Be Thou My Vision” • 547
CLOSING MUSIC
“IN DULCI JUBILO”, (“In Sweet Jubilation”) • Johann Sebastian Bach
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