Dear Church family, We wish to thank you for Your wonderful support at the memorial service for my husband and our father Ron Graham. For your prayers, cards, visits, phone calls, flowers and good food that arrived at our home over the 13 weeks of Ron’s illness and since we can not thank you enough. We felt your prayers and love and caring hearts. Thank you so much. The Graham family.
The Sanctuary and Social Reform
Resources
Speaker
Nicholas MillerNicholas Miller received his B.A. in theology from Pacific Union College and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School. He also has a Ph.D. in American Religious and Legal History from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Miller has argued many church/state cases in state and federal courts, has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Mitchell v. Helms, and is the author of more than forty scholarly and professional journal articles and book chapters dealing with issues of church, state, and society. His book on the development of religious freedom in America, The Religious Roots of the First Amendment was published by Oxford University Press in the summer of 2012, and he edited the Andrews University Press book on Homosexuality, Marriage, and the Church (2012). He also serves as PARL Director and attorney for the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Offering
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Program:
Opening Music
"Dare to Be a Daniel" • Philip Bliss / Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Welcome & Call to Worship
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
*Stand Up! A Hymn Cycle
"Lead On, O King Eternal" • "Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!" • "Father, Lead Me Day by Day"
Raleigh Pettey, Abel Siamubi, Fabio Siniscarchio, Andrews University Students; Erin Penrod, horn, Andrews University Student; Kenneth logan, organ, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Praise
"Our God" • "Shout To The Lord" • "Sanctuary"
Leo Aguilera, praise leader; Nate Chung, Jeremy Ahn, keys/piano; Lucas Aguilar, guitar; Alex Aguilera, cajon; Andrès Weiss-Segui, bass; lucas Navia, cello; Rachel Rajarathinam, Ashley Yabut, vocals
Congregational Prayer
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Pioneer Life
Errol Prentice, Pioneer Member, with Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Children's Story
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Children's Prayer
Ellie
Scripture Reading
Bruce Babienco, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High" • anon. melody / Kenneth Logan
Erin Penrod, horn, Andrews University Student; Kenneth Logan, organ
Message
"The Sanctuary and Social Reform"
Nicholas Miller
Connect Card and Prayer
Hymn of Commitment
"Standing on the Promises" • SDAH No. 518
Raleigh Pettey, Abel Siamubi, Fabio Siniscarchio, Andrews University Students
Closing Music
"The Church Shall Stand" • Ludvig Lindeman
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
* First Service Only
VEC First Reading
Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Help Needed!
Do you enjoy sales and pricing? Are you organized and detail-oriented? Would you like to make some new friends? If so, Neighbor to Neighbor needs your help!
Housewares Volunteer:
- Sort, price, and organize dishes, kitchenware, toys, and other household items
- Arrange items within the store Crafts Volunteer:
- Organize and price fiber arts, homeschooling, gift bags, and general craft items
- Arrange items within the store Train with other volunteers and then make your own schedule within operating hours.
Come join the Neighbor to Neighbor volunteer family! Contact Stefanie Marschner at stefaniem@n2nhelps.com or 269-471-7411
Phillip Potter Memorial Service
The memorial service for Phillip Potter will be held Sunday, February 16, at 3 PM, with visitation at 2 PM at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St, Niles, MI.
Offering for February 15, 2025
Pioneer Operating Budget
When Joseph Leek died, he left nearly $1.8 million to an organization that provided guide dogs for the blind. Nothing unusual there. Except that nobody, not even his own family, had any idea that he had that kind of money. The 90-year-old lived like a pauper, according to his daughters. He watched television at a neighbor's house to save on electricity, put off home repairs, and bought secondhand clothes. Joseph’s problem was not the lack of money; he was driven to save money to help others.
Likewise, the lack of funds isn't the real issue in the church, but a lack of understanding in the purpose of giving and why God installed this as part of the redemptive restoration process. When we don’t participate in giving, it weakens our spirituality and the spirit of generosity. By giving regularly, we nurture a generous spirit which aligns more with Christ's character.
Giving offerings shouldn’t be motivated by earthly rewards, but by sharing in Christ's eternal glory. Now this is priceless! The right understanding of giving should propel us to give more for His glory. That’s why our donations to the church should not be driven by emotional appeals and feelings, but by our love and deep commitment to Christ and the people He gave His life for.
Today, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us give so we can reflect Christ’s unselfishness. North American Division Stewardship Ministries
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Sing Praise! Wind Symphony Vespers
An evening of praise and worship, “Sing Praise!” will be presented at the Howard Performing Arts Center by the Andrews University Wind Symphony and invited guest ensembles on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature performances by the Wind Symphony under the direction of Denisse Santos, University Singers under the direction of Stephen Zork, Deliverance Mass Choir under the direction of Michael Owusu, and The Watchmen led by Abel Siamubi. Favorite hymns and contemporary praise songs will be part of the evening, complete with opportunities for audience participation! Songs will include renditions of How Deep the Father’s Love, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Be Thou My Vision, Amazing Grace, In Christ Alone and more! Join us for an evening of music and praise like no other! The event is free and no tickets are required.
Belong is on Social Media!
Tim Parton in Concert
Tim Parton, pianist and singer for 3ABN television, will present a free concert at the Battle Creek Tabernacle on Saturday, February 15, at 7:30 PM. The church is located at 264 West Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek.
House of Prayer Mini-series
We are pleased to announce a new House of Prayer Winter Mini-series led by pastor Dwight Nelson entitled "They, Too, Walked with Him". This series begins February 5th and cover the following:
- February 5 The Antediluvians (in Terrible Times): Enoch and Noah
- February 12 The Patriarchs (in Stumbling Times): Abraham and Jacob (and Moses)
- February 19 The Prophets and Kings (in Meltdown Times): David and Hezekiah, Micah and Isaiah
- February 26 The Disciples (in Crossroad Times): Peter, James, John, and Paul
We meet together for House of Prayer every Wednesday evening from 7 PM - 8 PM in the earliteen loft. Please join us as we enjoy a spiritual shot in the arm in the middle of each week as we worship together through signing, study of God's word, testimonies, and prayer. Hope to see you there!
Master Guide Club
Do you want to complete your Master Guide Program? If so, please consider joining the Master Guide Club that meets weekly on campus to help you complete the requirements.
For more information or to join, please visit cye.org/toolbox
New Children's Sabbath School Curriculum
Pioneer families with 0 to 3-year-olds are the first to enjoy the new Seventh-day Adventist Church Sabbath School Alive in Jesus Bible lessons. This curriculum will roll out in phases:
2025: Baby Steps (0-18 months) and Beginners (1, 2 & 3 year olds)
2026: Kindergarten (4-6 year old) and Primary (Grades 1-3)
2027: Junior (Grades 4-6) and Earliteen (Grades 7-8)
2028: Youth (Grades 9-12) and Young Adult
Here’s what’s new this year.
Baby Steps Lessons: Our Nursery division begins the first-ever Baby Steps lessons. Our program will continue a half-hour interactive Bible learning for infants and a half-hour of parent training and community building. Download free parent and teacher guides at babies.aliveinjesus.info.
Beginners Bible Lessons: Both Beginner rooms and the Kindergarten 3-Year division have begun the new Beginner lessons for 1, 2, and 3-year-olds. This new Adventist curriculum features beautifully illustrated lessons, inspiring stories, practical tips, craft ideas, and activities to support family worship and Bible learning at home. Parent spiritual nurture and community-building activities will also be incorporated.
A new year brings new opportunities! It’s a chance to renew our commitment to spending time with God and helping our children grow in their relationship with Him. Reading and discussing Sabbath School lessons in family worship at home will deepen everyone’s faith.
Children’s Sabbath School family guides are available at the Welcome Center in Pioneer’s lower entry hall during the first month of each quarter. They are also freely available online for families and teachers, along with engaging songs (Nursery and Beginners Alive in Jesus), videos (for Kinder and Primary GraceLink), and podcasts (for Junior PowerPoints). From a device, you can enjoy lessons anywhere and anytime.
We pray that 2025 will bring a closer walk with God for each member of our church family. May Sabbath School lesson study be a blessing to your home, strengthen faith and family bonds, and welcome friends to join you on this adventure!
Children's Sabbath School Superintendent Team