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.
Marriage
Fresh Hope for the ‘M’ Word—He Lives!
Resources
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
Saturday, April 03, 2021
More In This Series
Opening Music
"Were You There?"—Spiritual; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music • "They Led Away My Lord"—Fred J. Allen; Andrews University Wind Symphony, Byron Graves, director
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
"Risen From the Dead!": A Hymn Cycle
"Thine Is the Glory"—SDAH 171, st. 1, 3 • "Christ Is Alive!"—SDAH 182 • "He Lives!"—SDAH 251, st. 1-2
Safari Shyirakera, vocals, Andrews University student, Charles Reid, vocals, Associate Professor of Music; Max Keller, trumpet, Assistant Professor of Music; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Congregational Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Children's Story: Katie Bugbee; Children's Prayer: Lili Pena
Procession of Hope
Dwight and Karen Nelson
Worship in Music
"Resurrection Joy!" • Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Megan Case, oboe; Jason Marquez, clarinet; Erin Penrod, horn; Byron Graves, bass clarinet
Message
"Marriage: Fresh Hope for the 'M' Word - He Lives!"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Hymn of Commitment
"Because He Lives"—SDAH 528
Closing Benediction
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
Opening Music
"Were You There?"—Spiritual; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music • "They Led Away My Lord"—Fred J. Allen; Andrews University Wind Symphony, Byron Graves, director
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
Praise
Redeemed!—SDAH 338
Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
Pioneer Life
Baptism of Tim Omwega, with Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Children's Story: Katie Bugbee; Children's Prayer: Lili Pena
Praise
"Lamb of God" • "The Risen Christ" • "Worthy Is The Lamb"
Procession of Hope
Dwight and Karen Nelson
Worship in Music
"Resurrection Joy!" • Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Megan Case, oboe; Jason Marquez, clarinet; Erin Penrod, horn; Byron Graves, bass clarinet
Message
"Marriage: Fresh Hope for the 'M' Word - He Lives!"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Hymn of Commitment
"Because He Lives"—SDAH 528
Closing Benediction
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Heroic Postlude" • Alec Rowley
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
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