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 Baton of Faith
Resources
Speaker
Lindsey PrattLindsey Pratt was called to youth ministry at an early age and God has opened doors for her to minster with teens and youth ever since. She worked in Central California as a Youth Pastor and Youth Evangelism Director before finishing her Masters of Divinity at Andrews University. Some of her favorite things to do are mission trips, backpacking and outdoor activities. She is passionate about giving opportunity for youth to use their talents and gifts in leadership for God. She loves racing in triathlons, camping and spending time with her daughter Ellie.
Offering
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Program:
Opening Music
"Bless the Lord, O My Soul", Charles Wood
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
Welcome & Call to Worship
John Glass, Associate Pastor
*"Run the Straight Race" Hymn Cycle
"God of Grace and God of Glory"—SDAH 607, st. 1-2 • "Awake, My Soul!"—SDAH 611, st. 1-4 • "Run the Straight Race", SDAH 613 • "I'm Pressing on the Upward Way", SDAH 625, st. 1, 4
Sinegugu Katenga, Abel Siamubi, vocals
Praise
"O Come All Ye Faithful" • "What Child Is This?" • "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
Ben Loenser, piano; Nathaniel Chung, Keyboard; Lucas Aguiar, acoustic guitar; Claire Yang, violin; Alex Aguilera, cajon
Congregational Prayer
John Glass, Associate Pastor
Child Dedication
Kenzo Osaze presented by Raymond and Halaila Ehios with John Glass, Associate Pastor
Children's Story
Beatrice Martin
Scriptural Pursuit
Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB
James Wilson, Pioneer Member
Worship in Music
"Mary, Did You Know?", B. Greene
Grace Dockerty, vocal; Nathaniel Chung, piano
Message
"The Baton of Faith"
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Hymn of Commitment
"Father, Lead Me Day by Day", SAH 482
Closing Music
"Go Forth, Go Forth With Christ", Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music
*First Service Only
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