Advent

In the Shadowland of Death a Light

Resources

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, 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

Offering for May 30, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

When the author of our reading became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church decades ago, a song, “Love is Something,” written by Malvina Reynolds, was sung during their Adventist Youth (AY) programs. This song was sung during the evening offering collection. The first verse went something like this: “Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away. Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.”

The idea that love begets more love could not be truer. When we love like Jesus loves, the benefits are abundant. When we give like Jesus gives—without limitation—the blessings return in abundance, running over.

And we “won’t have enough room to take it in!” (Malachi 3:10, NLT). The Bible says in Acts 20:35, “Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

May the copious blessings of heaven be ours, as we give in love, gratitude, and without reservation to the cause of Christ in our local church today.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Widows and Widowers Picnic

WIDOWS and WIDOWERS are invited to potluck at Rangeline Park, 10138 Rangeline Rd, pavilion 2, in Berrien Springs at 1 PM on Sunday, June 7. Come with your favorite dish and suitable clothing for a boat ride afterwards! See you then! Caring Hearts Ministry

Wilson Retirement

Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails