There will not be any fellowship dinner this Sabbath.
Storm
Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark - 1
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
Saturday, January 07, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Andante moderato • Marcel Dupré
Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz
Baptism
Gianna Williams with Ben Martin
Tithes & Offerings
Christ Is the World's Light • Robert Hobby
Children's Story
Bible Reading
Psalm 46 NIV
Worship in Music
If With All Your Hearts (from Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
Sermon
“Storm: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—1 • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
O for That Flame of Living Fire • 264
As We Depart
Be Not Afraid (from Elijah) • Felix Mendelssohn
More In This Series
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—1
- The Storm
- Mark 4:35-40
- Desire of Ages: “Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness and despair they cried, ‘Master, Master!’” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of them in their distress? Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Already their boat is sinking. A moment, and apparently they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters.” (334)
- The Prayer
- Jim Cymbala: “I have come to the sad conclusion that Christians have lost faith in God’s promises concerning prayer. How else can we explain why prayer isn’t paramount in our lives and in our churches? If we believed his promises, wouldn’t we sometimes preach entire series about prayer? Wouldn’t we make room for prayer in [Sabbath] services and set aside weekly times where we could together learn to call on God for his help? We would—unless we are convinced that the status quo is acceptable and we don’t need help from heaven. The key to prayer that changes things is a deep sense of inadequacy and helplessness among God’s people.” (STORM: Hearing Jesus for the Times We Live In 42)
- Paul Miller: “God wants us to come to him empty-handed, weary, and heavy-laden. Instinctively we want to get rid of our helplessness before we come to God. . . . If we think we can do life on our own, we will not take prayer seriously. Our failure to pray will always feel like something else—a lack of discipline or too many obligations. But when something is important to us, we make room for it. Prayer is simply not important to many Christians because Jesus is already an add-on. That is why . . . suffering is so important to the process of learning how to pray. It is God’s gift to us to show us what life is really like.” (A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World 54, 59)
- Jim Cymbala: “If we look at society today, if we look at the challenge of a country becoming more godless by the week, if we look at laws being passed that mock any form of morality—instead of lamenting and protesting, wouldn’t it be better for us to plead with God to visit his people? We need to move toward God, and it begins with desperate prayer.” (Ibid 43)
- 1 Samuel 1:10, 15, 16
- Ellen White: “We are to pray for the impartation [gift] of the Spirit as the remedy for sin-sick souls. The church needs to be converted, and why should we not prostrate ourselves at the throne of grace, as representatives of the church, and from a broken heart and contrite spirit make earnest supplication that the Holy Spirit shall be poured out upon us from on high? Let us pray that when [the Holy Spirit] shall be graciously bestowed, our cold hearts may be revived, and we may have discernment to understand that it is from God, and receive it with joy.” (Ye Shall Receive Power 321)
The New Year Gift
Fellowship Dinner
Offering for October 12, 2024
Michigan Radio Ministries
Over 3 billion people in the world listen to radio weekly, and that number continues to trend upward despite digital media growth. Radio remains the top media format in the United States, where over 200 million people listen to radio weekly! Two of those 200 million are Ryan and Sidney.
Ryan walked into his mom’s home one Saturday evening and was captivated by a program playing on her radio, which was tuned to Strong Tower Radio, 90.7 FM, WBHL. The radio evangelist captured his attention by connecting Bible prophecy with current economic and societal problems. Wanting more, Ryan began regularly listening to Strong Tower Radio for the next several years. He compared what he heard on the broadcast with what the Bible says, and everything matched!
Ryan shared what he was learning with his girlfriend Sidney, who started listening to Strong Tower Radio to find out more. This led to Bible studies with pastor Jacob, and both Ryan and Sidney were baptized in December 2020. They married one year later and are active members of the Cedar Lake Seventh-day Adventist church! Praise God as He reaches more souls seeking Jesus through the radio broadcast!
The Michigan Conference has selected Strong Tower Radio to receive this year’s Michigan Radio Ministry offering. Your generous giving today will help Strong Tower Radio continue to reach thousands of listeners with the everlasting gospel tomorrow! By God’s grace, your decision will change the world.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Pioneer Safety Training
All Pioneer volunteers in ministry are requested to attend Safety Training on Sabbath, October 19, 3:00-6:00 pm in the Youth Chapel. This will include team drills for emergency preparedness. Thank you for planning to participate.
The Bridegroom is Coming!
The wedding of eternity is happening soon! Are you ready? Ladies are invited to a fascinating seminar by Dr. Jo Ann Davidson, sponsored by Pioneer Women’s Ministry. We will take a fresh look at the parable of the Ten Virgins and what it means to us today. Haystack supper will be provided, with vegan and gluten free options. Space is limited so register soon! Text the word “WOMEN” to 269.281.2345 to register. Questions can be emailed to women@pmchurch.org.
Blood Drive
We invite you to join us in an upcoming blood drive! Your donation can make a difference in the lives of those in need. The Center for Faith Engagement is partnering with Versiti to provide an opportunity for you to give the gift of life to others. We hope to see you there!
Honoring Our Past - Wind Symphony Fall Concert
Andrews University Wind Symphony presents a concert of music that honors our past as we celebrate 150 years. We begin with an exciting piece that embodies the spirit of our pioneers, followed by two pieces composed by our very own Dr. Max Keller, Assistant Professor of Music, Theory and Composition Area Coordinator, and Chair of the Department of Music and Dr. Kenneth Logan, Organ Instructor and Minister of Music at Pioneer Memorial Church. Sharing his arrangement of Advent hymn tunes, Dr. Keller’s work weaves in The Morning Trumpet and Oh When Shall We See Jesus. Dr. Logan’s original composition, We, From Battle Creek highlights in four movements important places in Battle Creek SDA history. The second half of the program begins with a march commemorating 150 years of Michigan history, and ends with the Travis Cross arrangement of Be Thou My Vision, a collaboration with singers from the Battle Creek Tabernacle and Pioneer Memorial Church. We hope you will join us for a wonderful evening on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.
Help Pack 8,000 Bags for Christmas Behind Bars
Please join Pioneer Memorial Church, the Center for Faith Engagement and many other groups on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at Johnson Gym to help assemble care packages for men and women who are behind bars.
We don't often get the opportunity to respond to Jesus' invitation to serve those in prison. Families are welcome; Please fill out a separate registration for each person participating and select ALL the time slots for which you'll be present.
We also need a good crew to help with the clean-up at the end. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. Bring a happy spirit and a heart ready to serve. "I was in prison and you visited me [with your care package]." -Matthew 25:36
Care for Cuba
A group of students from Andrews University are preparing to embark on a life-changing mission in March of 2025. They will engage in evangelism, health care, and community outreach in Cuba. This mission trip has been going on for 11 years, and the impact has been tremendous, thanks to your help. Would you support this mission once again by donating right here in your church or give at www.careforcuba.org/donate? Thank you for your prayers as they prepare to send off students to serve and share Jesus!
Healthy, Happy Holiday Meals
Healthy, Happy Holiday Meals plus International Dishes for Special Gatherings presented by leading nutritionist Evelyn Kissinger on Sunday, November 3 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM here at PMC. Discover some healthy, delicious ideas, all plant-based, for Special
Gatherings. Those who register will receive food samples. Please register by texting VEGAN to 269-821-2345. And invite a friend to register and come with you.
ASM October 13th Meeting
Adventist Seniors, 55 years old and up, are invited to come for fellowship and inspiration at the October meeting featuring Dr. Ann Hamel. Dr. Hamel’s talk about her supporting work with missionaries is entitled “Caring for the Body of Christ.” Bring a dish, a friend and join the potluck at 1 pm October 13 in the Village Church Fellowship Hall. For further information call Cheryl Doss 269-277-0767.