Will There Be Thanksgiving in Paradise?

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, November 17, 2018
Program: 
Choral Invitation to Joy
Bring Joy! Give Thanks! • Kenneth Logan
Call to Joy
Psalm 100
Response of Rejoicing
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee • 12
Words of Joy
Job 38:1, 4-7
Hymn of Joy
This Is My Father’s World • 92
Words of Joy
Psalm 98:1-6a
Hymn of Rejoicing
Sing Praise to God • 29
Prayer of Rejoicing
José Bourget
Words of Joy
Colossians 1:15-16
Hymn of Rejoicing
Fairest Lord Jesus • st. 1, 3-4 of. 240
Words of Joy
Ephesians 4:4-6
Anthem of Joy
One Faith, One Hope, One Lord • Craig Courtney
Homily
“Will There Be Thanksgiving in Paradise?”
Dwight K. Nelson
Hymn of Thanksgiving
Now Thank We All Our God • 559
Letters of Thanksgiving
Prelude on Rhosymedre • Ralph Vaughan Williams
Invitation to Giving
What Gift Can We Bring? • Donna Kasbohm / Kenneth Logan
Procession of Thanksgiving
Gifts of Food, Song, Tithes and Offerings
Benediction in Thanksgiving
Dwight K. Nelson
Choral Response in Thanksgiving
Take Joy! Live Thanks! • Kenneth Logan
Offering for May 9, 2026

Disaster and Famine Relief (GC and NAD)

Imagine being trapped on the second story of your home, with rising floodwaters at your chin, after being told that no rescue boats were in your area. That was the terrifying reality for a couple in Tennessee after a devastating hurricane. They were saying their goodbyes to each other, believing their time had come, when an unexpected rescue boat called out to them, offering them a lifeline! Later, this couple arrived at an Adventist Disaster Response distribution site seeking emergency supplies.

They shared their story with volunteers, expressing their gratitude and calling the help they received a miracle. Along with the food and supplies, ACS volunteers prayed with them and encouraged them on their journey of faith.

When crisis strikes, Adventist Disaster Response teams serve communities across the United States—providing practical aid and spiritual care after hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and even mass shootings. In moments of devastation, our volunteers stand beside survivors, reminding them they are not alone.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). When disaster strikes, we have the opportunity to reflect God's love by standing with those who are hurting. Let your neighbors know they are not alone in their time of need. Give today through your local church offering or at www.communityservices.org and bring relief, comfort, and Christ's love to your neighbors. Stand by your neighbors today through your gift. Your offering makes a difference. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.