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.
Ruth Murdoch Elementary Dedication & Andrews Academy 2025 Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 24, 2025
OPENING MUSIC
"Praise to the Lord" • Martin Shaw
PROCESSIONAL
"Trumpet Tune" • David Johnson
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Leila Anthony
HYMN OF PRAISE
"Be Thou My Vision" • 547
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Lana Poua
OFFERTORY
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
CHILDREN'S STORY
Riley Boston
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"Amazing Grace" • David Shaffer
SCRIPTURE READING
Aubrey Fitting
Matthew 10:5-10 NIV
PRAISE
"Goodness of God" • "Holy Spirit"
MESSAGE
“The Big Tent and the Little Commission"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
"Christ for the World We Sing" • 370
BENEDICTION
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
RECESSIONAL
"God of Grace and God of Glory" • Paul Manz
CLOSING MUSIC
"Allegro Maestoso e Vivace" • Felix Mendelssohn
OPENING VOLUNTARY
"Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow" • L. Bourgeois
PROCESSIONAL
"Christ for the World" • K. Logan
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
William Crawford
PRAISE
"Friend of God" • "Worthy" • "Make Me a Servant"
PRAYER
Megan Delacruz
OFFERING
Richie & Jahaira Silié
OFFERTORY
"For the Beauty of the Earth" • J. Dawson
SCRIPTURE READING
Timothy Case
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
"God of Our Fathers" • C. Smith
THE SERMON
"Christ, Curiosity & the Class of 2025"
José Bourget
HYMN OF RESPONSE
"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" • 524, st. 1, 3, 4
BENEDICTION
Shawna McNeily
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER RESPONSE
"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" • 669
RECESSIONAL
"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" • P. Manz
CLOSING VOLUNTARY
"Choral Song" • S. Wesley
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