Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
The Gospel According to Dory
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Program:
Introit
Holy, Lord Of Hosts • Maxcine Posegate
Opening Song
He’s Able
Welcome
Leah Wooten, Alessandra Pineda
Prayer
MariAlexxa Holman
Children's Story
Sanctuary / Total Praise • Thompson / Scruggs / Smallwood
TJ Hunter, O’livia Woodard
Baptism
Sandra Peña-Edington with Lindsey Pratt
Praise and Worship
Great Are You Lord/ Who You Say I Am • Let Praises Rise • Draw Me Close / Draw Me Near
Homily
“The Gospel According to Dory”
Michael Cuke
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Michigan Advance Partners
Ryan Chavit
Benediction
Leah Wooten
Closing Song
When We All Get to Heaven • 633
Closing Music
Be Not Afraid • Felix Mendelssohn
VBS at Niles Westside Church
Offering for June 28, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries