This year's topic is "Blessed are the Peacemakers". The MWC is a forum for scholarly and professional dialogue, the advancement of knowledge, and the promotion of best practices in Christian worship and music. February 16-18 in the Seminary chapel. Register at andrews.edu/icwm/conference.
Stories in the Rearview Mirror
Why I Believe in the ‘1000 Man March’ After Ferguson
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
More In This Series
“Stories in the Rearview Mirror:
Why I Believe in the ‘1000 Man March’
After Ferguson”
- Joseph Bates
- “About the close of 1831, and commencement of 1832, antislavery societies began to be organized again in the United States, advocating immediate emancipation. . . . I then began to feel the importance of taking a decided stand on the side of the oppressed. My labor in the cause of temperance had caused a pretty thorough sifting of my friends, and I felt that I had no more [friends] that I wished to part with; but duty was clear that I could not be a consistent Christian if I stood on the side of the oppressor, for God was not there. Neither could I claim his promises if I stood on neutral ground. Hence my only alternative was to plead for the slave, and thus I decided.” (Autobiography of Joseph Bates 235-236)
- Apostle Paul
- Philemon 8-9, 12-16
- “I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.”
- Ellen White
- “In the past, some attempts have been made to present the truth to the colored people, but those among the white people who claim to believe the truth have wanted to build a high between themselves and the colored race. We have one , who died for the black man, as well as for the white. Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have pity and love for all who know not the precious Saviour. They will labor to the utmost of their ability to wipe away the reproach of ignorance from white and black alike. . . .
“The colored people have been neglected because the vexed question of how to build a wall of between the whites and the blacks has been in agitation. Some have thought it the best way to reach the white people first, for if we should labor for the colored people we could do nothing for the white population. This is not the right position to assume. Christ’s followers are to learn all about the woes of the in their immediate vicinity and in their own country, be they white or black. The poor, friendless, untaught colored people need our assistance because they are ignorant and friendless. Those who have a dark, disagreeable life are the very ones whom we should bid to hope because Christ is their Saviour. God has jewels in the rough, and His true followers will find them. All who possess the spirit of Christ will have a tender, sympathetic heart, and an open, generous hand.
“Those who press close to the bleeding side of Christ will have the spirit of Christ, and a nature that will be quickly responsive to His call. They will work to relieve the necessities of suffering humanity, as Christ worked, while, before the world fallen, the worlds unfallen, and all the heavenly host, He was representing the ways and works of God. In the life of Christ we see what a Christian can do in relieving the distressed, binding up their physical and spiritual wants.” (Letter 5, July 24, 1895/Manuscript Releases 4:2-4)
- Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963)
“I appeal to you on the basis of love.”
There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath, February 4, following the second worship service in the Commons on the lower level. Visitors are always welcome.
Ladies, make time to unwind and get lost in the RIGHT direction...Camp Au Sable in Grayling, Michigan! Let us find the joy in the journey as we make our way toward our happy place, Heaven!! Glamping (glamour camping) in style! Together we will be blessed by Tami Milligan and the great seminar line-up. Dates are April 14-16 and April 21-23 (same programs/presenters/seminars each weekend). Visit michiganwm.com to learn more. Jesus says…"I will guide you along the best path for your life." Psalm 32:7,8
Pioneer Women’s Ministries invites the PMC ladies to attend with us in a “LOVE ON THE MOVE” project as we show appreciation and support for our beloved church family members who are homebound and grieving by creating encouraging gifts and cards for them. NO MEAL WILL BE SERVED.
Location: Teen Loft
Date: Sunday, February 12
Time: 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM (Check-in at 9:15 am)
Registration: Text “CHERISH” to 269-281-2345
Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20 that where 2 or 3 of us are gathered in His name, He is there with us! I’d like you to enter into the presence of Jesus this Spring by joining a Grow Group, one of Pioneer’s small groups that are designed to help you share a passion, make new friends, and grow in your faith.
Grow Groups are for everyone! We have groups for all ages, and a wide variety of interests. Many of our groups meet online, so even if you’re not part of our local community, you can still join a group here.
Registration is now open for the spring session (February 5-April 29). You can find all the available groups by texting the word JOIN to 269-281-2345 or head to pmchurch.org/grow and find the button that says “Join a Group.”
Andrews University Student Missions Department encourages students to expand their worldviews and deepen their faith by engaging in service and volunteering opportunities domestically and around the world. For more information or to support our program please see https://www.andrews.edu/faith/missions/index.html or contact sm@andrews.edu
Andrews University is hosting the spring Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Johnson Gym. We welcome you to sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time
Pioneer Operating Budget
We Seventh-day Adventists have a reputation of being faithful in returning our tithes to God, at least compared to most other Christian denominations. However, our tithing might contradict what’s in our hymnal, and I’m talking about a well-known hymn. Either we need to change our giving or we need to change the lyrics in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, specifically song #309.
Here’s how the revised version of this song should go: “10% to Jesus I surrender, 10% to Him I freely give.” Join me on the chorus, “I surrender 10%, I surrender 10%, 10% to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender 10%.” Something about that just doesn’t sound right, does it? Jesus never asked us for 10%; He’s always asked for everything. That’s why the hymn goes, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.”
Yes, the Bible talks about a tithe being 10% as a practice of worship and reminds us that everything comes from God, but let’s remember that everything belongs to God, including the local church offering. With what’s left, I buy food to take care of my body or to pay my bills; even this belongs to Jesus. When we bring our offerings to God, we acknowledge that EVERYTHING comes from Him and we can trust Him to supply everything we need. Today I invite you to give everything to Jesus and allocate a portion of that to the offerings at this church as you actively worship God.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
ASM members and guests are invited to hear Dr. Randall Younker discuss his team's recent visit to Mt. Ararat and what they found, on February 12, at 1 PM. It's sure to be an exciting program. Bring some food and enjoy a potluck with your friends. Bring a new friend and invite them to join ASM for the remainder of the present term for only 1/2 of the annual dues.
Isn't It Romantic? In anticipation of Valentine's Day, join internationally renowned tenor, Charles Reid, and friends from the Andrews University Department of Music in an eclectic and fun evening on the theme of love.