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.
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
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