The Family Life Committee invites our church family to get to know each other better! We will begin with "speed friending," where we will rotate to different tables around the room to ask each other questions (sample questions will be provided). Then we'll eat a light meal together and end with a captivating hammered dulcimer concert. Ted Yoder will be sharing an eclectic set of impressive originals, fun pop songs, and moving hymns. Sunday, June 29, 4:00-6:30 PM, Pioneer Commons. Registration information will be coming soon.
#RxF4Now
The Ogre by the Manger
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight 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
More In This Series
RxF4Now—The Ogre by the Manger
- Research
- Eastern Tennessee State University research published in the American Journal of Public Health (reported in Los Angeles Times 11-18-16)
- American Journal of Public Health (reported in Los Angeles Times 11-18-16)
- The median household income in the poorest “state” was $ —while in the richest “state” it was $ .
- The average number of people per county in the poorest “state” was about —compared with about in the richest “state.”
- Although the poorest “state” had a much smaller population, the ratio of people to primary care doctors was that of the richest “state.”
- Smoking prevalence was as high in the poorest “state,” and the prevalence of obesity was % higher.
- Life expectancy for women in the poorest “state” was years, compared to years in the richest “state.” For men, life expectancy in the poorest “state” was years and in the richest “state.”
- The proportion of the population that was African American was times higher in the poorest “state” than in the richest one.
- In the richest “state” % of residents lived in rural areas—whereas in the poorest “state” % of people did.
- People in the poorest “state” were living under conditions seen in the real United States around 1975 or 1980—whereas people in the richest “state” were already living under conditions that won’t apply to the real United States until 2020 and beyond—i.e., “the poorest “state” is between years behind the living conditions achieved by the wealthiest “state.”
- Comparing these poorest and richest “states” with 222 actual countries of the world—if the richest “state” were an independent country it would rank 8th in the world for life expectancy for men, 25th for women—but the poorest “state” would rank 123rd for men and 116th for women—meaning more than the countries in the world have longer life expectancy than the poorest counties in the United States.
- Reflection
- Mark 10:17-22
- The Greek for “great wealth” (NIV) literally reads: “. . . because he had .”
- The average American home today contains items—which would certainly qualify for “many possessions”!
- According to Joshua Becker, the author of The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own, we see about ads every day telling us to buy more.
- As the Huffington Post suggested, the mantra to hook us third millennials seems to be: “Buy like you , only more frequently.”
- “Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus, known as ‘The Minimalists’ to their 4 million readers, help people live more meaningful lives with less through their website, books, podcast, and documentary.” (www.theminimalists.com)
- Millburn: “How might your life be better with ?”
- Millburn: “Consumption is not the problem. consumption is the problem.”
- Proverbs 30:15—“The leech has two daughters. ‘’ they cry.”
- Julie Schor: “There is a widespread sense among the population that people have gotten too materialistic, and that's been around for a while. It’s also the case that materialism is the other person’s disease, so percent of people think that Americans are too materialistic.”(http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/10/juliet-schor-american-dream/409321/)
- Schor: “Economically privileged people can be very critical of the materialism of very poor people, because they have a large television or a pair of sneakers.”
- Desire of Ages: “The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden ‘the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.’ Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour’s sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and stand rebuked in His presence.” (49)
- The Ogre? There beside the manger human stands rebuked.
- Desire of Ages: “Selfishness is . . . . and the soul that refuses to impart will perish.” (417)
- Self-surrender is most convincingly demonstrated by “ surrender.”
- Jerry Bridges: “Contentment with what we have—whether it is possessions, or station in life, or mental and physical activities—is worth far, far more than all the things we don’t have. A multimillionaire reportedly was once asked how much money was enough, to which he replied, ‘One dollar more.’” (Transforming Grace 78)
Stuff
Women's Ministries Offering
Our offering today helps provide opportunities for Adventist women of North America to create deeper connections with other women—connections both within and beyond our church walls whose ultimate purpose is to invite every woman closer to Jesus. We form connections like one young woman found in a group started by the women of her church for mothers of young children. “This mom’s group has ignited my journey of finding faith in motherhood,” she said. “Knowing I am prayed over daily, and having Godly mentor moms in my life means more than I can tell you.”
We form connections like those of the dedicated women who lead an after-school life skills group for teen girls in their neighborhood, providing essential help for a brighter future. We form connections like evangelistic meetings spearheaded by women bringing a message of hope and wholeness to their communities. These and many more touch points are made possible through the women’s ministries offering. Additionally, this offering helps provide funds for leadership training, equipping women of all ages to better serve Jesus in a variety of ways in their homes, churches, and beyond. Thank you for generously supporting the Adventist women of North America in our mission to make a tangible difference for eternity.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
You are invited to a hymn sing on June 28, 4:00-5:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. A freewill offering will help to maintain the church. Please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com for any additional information.
Something In Common Sabbath School presents The Five Love Languages DVD series.
- June 14- Love Language Five: Physical Touch
- June 21- Growing in Love
Everyone is welcome to join us in PMC Room 141 each Sabbath morning from 10:30 - 11:30 AM.