Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. As Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.
Advent
In the Shadowland of Death a Light
Resources
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight 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, December 05, 2020
Program:
Opening Music
"O Magnum Mysterium (O Great Mystery)" • Morten Lauridsen / Reynolds
Andrews University Wind Symphony; Byron Graves, director
Welcome & Call to Worship
Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
* "Advent Light in Darkness": A Hymn Cycle
"O Come, O Come, Immanuel"—SDAH 115, st. 1 & 2 • "What Child Is This?"—SDAH 141 • "Angels From the Realms of Glory"—SDAH 119, st. 1-3 • "As With Gladness Men of Old"—SDAH 123 st. 1
Lisa Jardine, William Fagal, vocals; Kilim Chung, cello, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Praise
"Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)" • "He Shall Reign Forevermore" • "O Come O Come Emmanuel"
Kelly Miller, praise leader; Giancarlo Leonor, Grace Dockerty, vocals; Zachariah Schnepp, cajon; Johnny Schnepp, cello; Ben Loenser, piano; Hadassah Schnepp, violin
Congregational Prayer
José Bourget, Chaplain, Andrews University; Kyle Smith, Assistant Chaplain, Andrews University
Pioneer Life
Michelle Odinma, student
Children's Story & Prayer
Craig Harris; Junesuh
Scripture Reading
Davide Sciarabba, Pioneer Elder
Worship in Music
"Jesu, Joy" • Johann Sebastian Bach / Reed
Andrews University Wind Symphony; Byron Graves, director
Message
"Advent: In the Shadowland of Death a Light"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Hymn
"Joy to the World" • SDAH 125, st. 1, 3-4
Charles Reid, tenor, Andrews University Professor; Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Closing Music
"O Come, O Come, Immanuel" • anon. French melody
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
* First Service Only
More In This Series
With This in Mind...
Adventist Seniors of Michiana (ASM) January Meeting
DINNER FOR SENIORS Sunday, January 25, from 1 to 3 PM, Andrews Academy invites all senior citizens (55 or better) to a banquet at the Academy, to thank us and give us a report on how our support has been a blessing. Bring your appetite and your checkbook, and come enjoy the program and food they are preparing for us.
Master Guide Toolbox!
Please join us for the next Master Guide Toolbox event at the Andrews University Seminary, February 6-7, 2026! Share with your friends, colleagues, students or in your newsletters! If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Logan at cjhlogan@gmail.com. Spread the word!
Introducing Parent Circle: A Sabbath Space for Growing Together
Parent Circle is a new discipleship space where parents of kids ages 4–12 connect, study the Bible, and grow together while their children are in Sabbath School. The resource area features a lending library, as well as support for completing youth and children’s ministry certifications. Join us on any Sabbath, anytime from 10:30-11:30 AM.
A British Winter's Night: Wind Symphony Winter Concert
A British Winter’s Night concert will be an evening of lively traditional British tunes and ballads. From the popular Vaughan Williams Sea Songs and English Folk Song Suite, to the rousing tunes of the Irish Washerwoman and Country Gardens, this evening is sure to delight! The Andrews University Wind Symphony, under the direction of Denisse Santos-Gooden, will once again collaborate with the Southwestern Michigan College Brass Band under the direction of Mark Hollandsworth. The two ensembles will take the stage at the Howard Performing Arts Center on January 31, 2026 at 8:00 PM. Start off your new year with toe-tapping tunes and swaying sweet melodies! Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.
Standout Event
Andrews University invites homeschool and public high school students to attend Standout, taking place February 20–22. This event is designed to serve as a spiritual refueling experience for students who may not have regular access to Adventist revival programs or daily religious instruction. We invite you to learn more and register for this impactful weekend at: https://www.andrews.edu/splash/standout