Out of His deep love for humanity, God changes our lives and asks us to move His love into our community and world. We are uniquely positioned at Andrews University to share the story of God’s love from the residence halls to the farthest parts of the earth. We accomplish our mission by engaging people across generations to be disciples of Jesus through the process of Connect. Grow. Serve. Go.
Pioneer Media supports the local ministry needs related to classroom and teaching technology. It also creates content for and manages Pioneer's online presence and produces our broadcast television program.
We have volunteer teams that help you to serve the church and the neighborhood in a variety of ways. The best place to serve is where you’re using your God-given gifts, talents, and passions the most.
Your financial gift helps support ministry here at Pioneer. From local to global ministry, keeping our facility safe and clean, to outreach and family growth activities, it all provides a space to worship, learn, and grow together. We invite you to Give Purposefully, Give Faithfully, and Give Joyfully.
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.
Hymns of Holistic Wellness: A Hymn Cycle—O for a Thousand Tongues (st. 1, 3, 5-6 of No. 250), It Is Well With My Soul (No. 530), Praise to the Lord (No. 1), The Blood, Above All
Prayer
José Bourget
Children's Story
Deck Yourself, My Soul, With Gladness • Johannes Brahms
Worship in Music
O Be Joyful • Philip Stopford
Homily
“A DIY Guide How to Become the Healthiest University in the World (When Well-being Means More Than Being Well)”
• Waldinger: “It's not just the number of friends you have, and it's not whether or not you're in a committed relationship. It's the quality of your close relationships that matters.”
• Harvard psychiatrist George Vaillant re two foundational elements to the study: “One is love. The other is finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away.”
» 3 John 1-2—a prayer for Mens, Corpus, Spiritus
• English study of retirees: “Spirituality and religion appear to . . . bring [1] a sense of personal meaning; [2] control beyond one's own resources; [3] comfort; and [4] intimacy with a higher power; and they are life transforming, leading people to replace old values with new. . . The findings suggest that older adults who derive a sense of meaning in life from religion tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and optimism.” (www.academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/59/3/P123/563604)
» A DIY guide—5 strategies to grow spiritually (University of Northern Iowa)
• Be . Spiritual truths often come in the form of a still small voice that is difficult to hear above the chaos and confusion of a frantic lifestyle. Set aside time for solitude and meditation. [Go to www.pmchurch.org/projects/newwaytopray]
• Be to the spiritual. Spiritual experiences often come in unexpected forms and packages.
• Be and curious. An attitude of active searching increases your options and your potential for spiritual centering. Meditation may very well allow you to experience tranquility and peace.
• Be to pain and grief. Pain helps us focus on the widest questions of our being. It's a deepener. A life without pain leads to a sparse, shallow existence. Allow yourself to feel your pain fully, then ask, “What is it trying to teach me?”
• Be . Play is a pleasurable, freeing experience. It breeds spontaneous enthusiasm and celebration. When you make music, laugh, sing however you play—listen for sounds of the Spirit. (www.studentwellness.uni.edu/spirituality)
» 1 John 4:19, 10—L-O-V-E
• Steps to Christ: “Such love is without a parallel. . . . The matchless love of God for a world that did not love Him! . . . The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a mother's yearning sympathy for her wayward child.” (15)
• The love story of Robert and Muriel McQuilken
“O Love that will not let me go”
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.
