Saturday, August 03, 2024
OPENING MUSIC
“’O Rest in the Lord’, ‘Be Not Afraid’” (Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF PRAISE
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” • 191, st. 1, 3, 4
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
“Be Still, My Soul” • 461, st. 2
Erhard Gallos, Pioneer Member
OFFERTORY
“Offertory” • Simon Luke Brown
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“Stand Fast in the Freedom of Christ” • Kenneth Logan
SCRIPTURE READING
Jonah 1:16 to Jonah 2:2 NKJV
Ildiko Gyeresi, Pioneer Elder
HYMN OF PREPARATION
“We Have Heard a Joyful Sound” • 340
MESSAGE
“A Big Fish Story”
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“So Send I You” • 578
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan
OPENING MUSIC & PROCESSIONAL
“O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing” • Healey Willan
“Lift High the Cross” • Donald Busarow
WELCOME & HYMN OF PRAISE
“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” • 27
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Kevin Ferreira, Flight Instructor
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“Stand Fast in the Freedom of Christ” • Kenneth Logan
OFFERTORY
“Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” • Kenneth Logan
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jacob Gibbs, Associate Chaplain
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” • Thomas Trenney
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:1-8 NKJV
Aimee Vitangcol Regoso, University Registrar
HYMN OF MEDITATION
“Be Thou My Vision” • 547
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
BACCALAUREATE SERMON
“Graduation Day”
Dwain N. Esmond, Associate Director, Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
HYMN OF COMMISSIONING
“Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ” • 377
BENEDICTION
Alyssa Palmer, Asst. VP for Campus & Student Life
RECESSIONAL
“Dialogue” • Gilbert Martin
CLOSING MUSIC
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • Kenneth Logan
Offering for May 16, 2026
Pioneer Operating Budget
Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1
Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).
As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).
As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.
1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
The Tent 2026
Once again, the Junior High students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will lead The Tent this year. This inspiring evangelistic initiative, organized by the 7th and 8th graders, is anticipated to result in several baptisms. The special event will be held nightly from May 8–17 (except Tuesday, May 12), from 7:00–8:00 PM on weeknights, with two meetings on Saturdays at 5:00–6:00 PM and 7:00–8:00 PM. Gather with us at the Tent on M139, in front of Andrews University, to support our students as they share their faith and spread God's love.
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 8
– Bostith — Whispers of the Enemy
Sabbath, May 9
– Isabel — Hand in Hand
– Anna — Don’t Let God Spit You Out
Sunday, May 10
– Asher — Unseen Protection
Monday, May 11
– Lia — Knowing vs. Learning
Tuesday, May 12
– Concert Night (No Tent)
Wednesday, May 13
– Beya — All Things
Thursday, May 14
– Hady — What Is the “Light”?
Friday, May 15
– Cora — What Prayer Has to Offer, Even When We Don’t See It
– Ariana — Our Identity
Sabbath, May 16
– Diego — Spiritual Transformation
– Maddi — Be Not Afraid, for God Gives Peace
Sunday, May 17
– Sofia — Love Brings Change
Something in Common Sabbath School
Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!
- March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
- April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
- April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
- April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
- May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
- May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
- May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
- May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
- June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
- June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails
ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026
ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.
