One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.
He’s Closer Than You Think
Resources
Speaker
Lindsey PrattLindsey Pratt was called to youth ministry at an early age and God has opened doors for her to minster with teens and youth ever since. She worked in Central California as a Youth Pastor and Youth Evangelism Director before finishing her Masters of Divinity at Andrews University. Some of her favorite things to do are mission trips, backpacking and outdoor activities. She is passionate about giving opportunity for youth to use their talents and gifts in leadership for God. She loves racing in triathlons, camping and spending time with her daughter Ellie.
Offering
Saturday, May 17, 2025
OPENING MUSIC
"Be Still, My Soul, for God Is Near" • David Johnson
WELCOME & PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF PRAISE
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" • 334
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" • 624, st. 1
Marilyn Butler, Pioneer Member
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Andante Molto" • Clara Schumann
OFFERTORY
"We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight" • James Biery
CHILDREN'S STORY
Rebecca Kelln, Pioneer Member
PIONEER LIFE
Andrews Academy Spotlight
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Margaret Howell, Pioneer Member
HYMN OF PREPARATION
"O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee" • 574, st. 1, 3a, 4b
MESSAGE
"He's Closer Than You Think"
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"He Lives" • 251. st. 1, 2
CLOSING MUSIC
"Be Thou My Vision" • trad. Irish melody
OPENING MUSIC
"Be Still, My Soul, for God Is Near" • David Johnson
WELCOME & PRAYER
John Glass, Associate Pastor
PRAISE
"Good, Good Father"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
"I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" • 624, st. 1
Marilyn Butler, Pioneer Member
BAPTISM
Enzo Fernando Bacchiocchi and Gianna Sofia Bacchiocchi with Fernando Canale
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Andante Molto" • Clara Schumann
OFFERTORY
"We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight" • James Biery
CHILDREN'S STORY
Rebecca Kelln, Pioneer Member
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Crown Him!" • D. Forrest
PIONEER LIFE
Andrews Academy Spotlight
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Cora Prouty, Ruth Murdoch Student
PRAISE
"Holy Forever" • "Our God"
MESSAGE
"He's Closer Than You Think"
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
SONG OF COMMITMENT
"He Lives" • 251. st. 1, 2
CLOSING MUSIC
"Be Thou My Vision" • trad. Irish melody
Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy
Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet
Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets; or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.
Offering for August 23, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Some think that asking for offerings needs to be a polished “sales pitch” to convince people to give or give more. There are two types of givers. One group says, “they give until it hurts!” and the other group says, “every time they give, it hurts!”
The apostle Paul says we should give “not out of necessity or grudgingly. For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV). The Bible is clear about not making people feel guilty or obligated to give. Otherwise, they will give with an attitude that is not pleasing to God.
So how does one become a cheerful giver? The Bible tells us that our offerings must be given willingly and freely. This springs from the principle of love for Christ. As our love for God grows with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will want to share His love with other people so they, too, can learn of God’s love. This should prompt us to be giving a “love” offering or a “free will” offering that is not “urged” or “begged.”
When we do this, God will fill our hearts until they’re completely free of earthliness and blend with the divine. He removes selfish motives. Let’s give cheerfully, gladly, willingly, while being thankful that we advance God's kingdom in the world.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Something in Common Sabbath School
Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram
We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11. We meet in PMC Board Room.
Calling All Families: Sabbath Delight Challenge
Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH to 269-281-2345.
Looking for a Prayer Group to Join?
Join us for the Midweek House of Prayer, held online every Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. Come and see how your contributions can benefit everyone in the group! The Zoom link is https://andrews.zoom.us/j/9889172131.
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
There will not be a fellowship dinner during the months of July and August, 2025.