Opening Music
"Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated" • Paul Thompson
Andrews Academy Orion Strings, Elsy Gallardo-Díaz, director
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
"Good Shepherd": A Hymn Cycle
"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"—SDAH 197, st. 3-4 • "In Heavenly Love Abiding"—SDAH 513 mel. SDAH 316, st. 2-3 • "Hark! 'Tis the Shepherd's Voice I Hear"— SDAH 361, st. 2-3
Annelise Burghardt, soprano, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Congregational Prayer
Milton & Neela Bairagee, Pioneer Members
Pioneer Life
Taurus Montgomery, Harbor of Hope
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Don Goodbrad; Prayer: Julie Habiri
Scripture Reading
Don Starlin, Elder, Pioneer Memorial Church
Worship in Music
"To God Be the Glory" • Paul Thompson
Andrews Academy Orion Strings, Elsy Gallardo-Díaz, director
Message
"Marriage: An Answer to My Eleven Year Old Parishioner"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Connect Card/Prayer
Closing Hymn
"O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go" • 76
Benediction
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"Take My Life, and Let It Be Consecrated" • Paul Thompson
Andrews Academy Orion Strings, Elsy Gallardo-Díaz, director
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Worship in Music
"To God Be the Glory" • Paul Thompson
Andrews Academy Orion Strings, Elsy Gallardo-Díaz, director
Congregational Prayer
Milton & Neela Bairagee, Pioneer Members
Pioneer Life
Taurus Montgomery, Harbor of Hope
Pioneer Life: Baptism
Jordynn Wright with Rodlie Ortiz
Children's Story & Prayer
"Holy Water" • "Yes and Amen"
Sinegugu Katenga, Annelise Burghardt, Abel Siamubi, vocals; Joshua Goines, piano; Joel Wallace, electric guitar; Trevor Furst, cajon; Jamison Moore, cello; Philip Wekesa, keyboard
Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 NIV
Abel Siamubi
Praise
"Falling In Love With Jesus"
Message
"Marriage: An Answer to My Eleven Year Old Parishioner"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Connect Card/Prayer
Closing Hymn
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go • 76
Blessing
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
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
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
