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.
Accepting the Gift
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 14, 2024
OPENING MUSIC
"O Come, Little Children" • Johann Schulz / Kenneth Logan
WELCOME
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"A Festive Holiday Overture" • Joe Snyder
RMES Concert Band, Elsy Gallardo-Diaz, director
PRAYER
Darryl Fio, Nana Amaniampong, Nyla-Jade Fowler, and Nasya Ruedinger-Quispe
MUSIC
* "Joy to the World" • RMES Jr. BellsShari Lyons, director" Angels We Have Heard on High" • French carol
Grace Yuxin Zhang and Kenneth Logan, organ duet
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:1-3
Josiah Florvilus
MUSIC
* "Christmas Medley" • arr. Daniel Cerna K-2nd Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
** "Love is Born Tonight" • Daniel Cerna RMES 3rd and 4th Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
"NOT ON THE WISHLIST"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
SCRIPTURE
Luke 2:8-11
Kushata Mbaiwa
MUSIC
"Jesus Light of the World"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
"THE GIFT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"Messiah"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:23
Samuel Fiuza
MUSIC
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman" • arr. Daniel Cerna
7th and 8th Grade Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
"ACCEPTING THE GIFT"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CAROL CYCLE
"Away in a Manger" • words of 124, st. 1, 3
"As With Gladness Men of Old" • 123, st. 1-3
"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" • 140, st. 1, 2
BENEDICTION
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CLOSING MUSIC
"While By My Sheep I Watched at Night" • trad. carol
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