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 2024 Baccalaureate
Saturday, May 25, 2024
OPENING MUSIC
“Fantasia” • Johann Sebastian Bach
PROCESSIONAL
”Trumpet Tune” • David Johnson
WELCOME
Evelyn Savory
HYMN OF PRAISE
“To God Be the Glory” • 341
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Jonah Bourget
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
”Spiritual Medley”
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 14:27-29 NIV
Ryan Zygowiec
OFFERTORY
“To God Be the Glory” • Paul Thompson
CHILDREN STORY
Easton Murphy
PRAISE
“It Is Well” • “Our God” • “How Great Is Our God”
MESSAGE
“Sailing the Uncharted Course”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
PRECESSIONAL
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” • 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
Bordes Henry Saturne
BAPTISM
Isabella Dah with Lindsey Pratt
PRAISE
“Praise To The Lord” • “Above All” • “Worthy Is The Lamb”
PRAYER
Youngbo Chun
OFFERTORY
The Brown Family
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” • T. Zimmerman
SCRIPTURE READING
Ana Flores
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“God of Our Fathers” • T. Zimmerman
SERMON
“Lessons from Lepers”
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
CLOSING HYMN
“’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” • 524
BENEDICTION
Paula Fortune
“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