Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight 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, September 26, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
Stani Nine Gospodine • Traditional Bulgarian / Adela Peeva
Praise
Even So Come • Indescribable • Great Is The Lord • Cornerstone
Prayer
Ben Martin ('15)
Alumni Welcome
Niels-Erik Andreasen ('65, '66)
"By the Word of Their Testimony"
Brian & Becky Von Dorpowski ('88)
Children's Story
The Lord's My Shepherd • Harold Darke
Worship in Music
Angel Band • Traditional American / Shawn Kirchner
Sermon
“The Pugwash Factor: How to Discern the Pope's Agenda for America” • Dwight K. Nelson ('76, '86)
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Hymn
I Will Follow Thee • st.1-3 of 623
As We Depart
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God • Dudley Buck / Sharon Rogers

More In This Series

08/29/2015
Learn 7 reasons why the mission in your life is to fulfill His mission of seeking to save the lost.

“The Pugwash Factor: How to Discern the Pope’s Agenda for America”

www.pmchurch.tv

  • The Last Divine Appeal to the World
    • Ellen White: “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of [God’s] character of love.” (Christ’s Object Lessons 415)
    • Pope Francis: “The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives.” (My Door Is Always Open 58)
    • Paul: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18)
  • The First Papal Address to Congress
    • “Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States.” (http://time.com/4048176/pope-francis-us-visit-congress-transcript/)
    • ““Yours is a work which makes me reflect in two ways on the figure of Moses. On the one hand, the patriarch and lawgiver of the people of Israel symbolizes the need of peoples to keep alive their sense of unity by means of just legislation. . . . Moses provides us with a good synthesis of your work: you are asked to protect, by means of the law, the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face.” (Emphasis supplied)
    •  “I will end my visit to your country in Philadelphia, where I will take part in the World Meeting of Families. It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme. How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without.”
  • The Last Prophecies to the Church
    • Revelation 13
    • Catechism of the Catholic Church #2188: “In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society.” (Emphasis supplied)
    • Pope Francis: “The obsession with economic profit and technical efficiency puts the human rhythms of life at risk.  Moments of rest, especially on Sunday, are sacred because in them we find God. . . . May we always recognize the family as the privileged place to understand, guide and sustain the gifts which arise from our celebrations, especially the Sunday Eucharist.” (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/08/12/pope_francis_at_audience_cele...)
    • Ellen White: “Let the principle once be established in the United States [the second power] that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome [the first power] in this country [the second power] is assured.” (Great Controversy 581)
    • “We did not follow cunningly devised fables . . . . [but] we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:16, 19)
    • “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” (John 14:29).
    • “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
    • “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)
    • “Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)
Michigan Women's Ministries Events

Michigan Women's Ministries is hosting two events in September. 

On September 6 there will be a One-Day Getaway on September 6 at the Opera House in Grand Ledge, MI. The features speaker is Pioneer member Debbie Michel, and her theme is "Grace, Gratitude, & Grit. For more information visit: michiganwm.com/odg-2025

The Mother/Daughter weekend will be September 19-21 at Camp AuSable in Grayling, MI. The theme is, "Jesus is Our Anchor," and the speaker is Dee Ann Bragaw, Director for NAD Women's Ministries. For more information visit: michiganwm.com/copy-of-mother-daughter-weekend

Music in Worship at Pioneer

We would like to invite all members to answer two questions survey regarding music in the Worship service. If you would like to be more involved in music at Pioneer you can also note how you would like to be involved so we can contact you.

Belong Seeks Coats & Sweaters

 Do you have gently used coats and sweaters sitting unused in your closet? Belong would be happy to collect them to help our new international students prepare for the coming winter months. We'll collect these items on Sabbath, September 6th.

Women’s Ministry Kickoff Brunch

Women of all ages are invited to the first women’s ministry gathering for this school year. Enjoy brunch while Silvia Bacchiocchi shares thoughts on our theme for this year: “Stronger Together.” Please register by texting the word BRUNCH to 269-281-2345 so we can plan enough food. We look forward to seeing you there!

Adventurers is About to Start!

The New Year is here—calling all boys and girls ages 4-9 to join the Forever Friends Adventurer Club for a year of faith, fun, and friendship! Meet us for games, crafts, nature hikes, and so much more as we grow closer to Jesus as a family. In-Person registration opens September 7 at 9 AM in the Pioneer Memorial Church Welcome Center, with the first meeting at 10 AM. Scan the QR code or text “ADVENTURERS” to 269-281-2345 to sign up today!

PMC Sanctuary Choir

Come join the Pioneer Sanctuary choir for a place to sing and worship together. We're looking for new voices to join our musical family, so whether you've been singing for years or have always wanted to try, now is the perfect time to get involved. All skill levels are welcome! Rehearsals are Tuesdays (starting Sept. 2) from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Early Teen Loft. Come share your talent and help us bring music to our church. We can't wait to sing with you!

Offering for August 30, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

Data from a Barna Group research project called “Why Giving Is Good” reveals that generosity is reciprocated. This is especially true among practicing Christians—the 65% majority—say they have been the recipient of someone’s generosity and now are motivated to model generosity for others.1

If this is true, have you ever wondered how much we should give? In Deuteronomy it states, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:17, NKJV).

How has God blessed you this month and this year? Let’s give according to the blessings He has given us. We are encouraged to expect larger blessings from the Lord for the sake of His kingdom.

Listen to this promise, “The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith… The word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us” (That I May Know Him, p. 226).

Today, why not ask God to bless you for the sake of His kingdom?

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy

One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets; or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.

Something in Common Sabbath School

Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram 

We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11.  We meet in Pioneer Board Room.

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