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.
A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement
Are the Kids Invited?: 'So I Am Sending You'
Resources
Speaker
Ben MartinBen Martin is on the pastoral team of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University where he is the Pastor for Children and Family Discipleship. He is passionate about engaging youth in ministry. He believes that every member should be a functioning part of the body of Christ. Over the last few years he has been intentionally thinking through what it means to disciple the next generation. He enjoys photography, camping and spending time with his wife, Brianna. Together, they have 2 children.
Offering
Saturday, February 27, 2021
More In This Series
Opening Music
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Welcome & Call to Worship
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
"Hymns for Little Children": A Hymn Cycle
"All Things Bright and Beautiful"—SDAH 93, st. 1-3 • "Once in Royal David's City"—SDAH 149, st.1-2, 4 • "There Is a Green Hill Far Away"—SDAH 164, st. 1-3 • ""Jesus Calls Us"—SDAH 284, st. 1, 3-4
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork, director; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Congregational Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor; Meryen González, Student
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Taurus Montgomery, Pastor Harbor of Hope; Prayer: TJ
Scripture Reading
Gianluca Bacchiocchi, Elder, Pioneer Memorial Church
Worship in Music
"Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee" • Paul Halley
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork, director; Kenneth Logan, organ
Pioneer Life
Dwight K. Nelson with Ben Martin
Message
"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Are Kids Invited?: 'So I Am Sending You'"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Connect Card
Hymn of Commitment
"This Little Light of Mine"
Primary Grades Pioneer Sabbath School Teachers
Benediction
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Children of the Heavenly Father" • traditional Swedish melody
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music, Pioneer Memorial Church
Welcome & Call to Worship
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Praise
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork, director
Opening Prayer
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Taurus Montgomery, Pastor Harbor of Hope; Prayer: TJ
Praise
"A Simple Prayer"
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork, director
Pioneer Life
Dwight K. Nelson with Ben Martin
Worship in Music
"Jesu, the Very Thought of Thee" • Paul Halley
Andrews University Singers, Stephen Zork, director; Kenneth Logan, organ
Congregational Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Moises Reyes, Student
Praise
"God Restores" • "Lord, Open Up our Eyes"
Scripture Reading
Gianluca Bacchiocchi, Elder, Pioneer Memorial Church
Praise
"For Everyone Born (A Place at the Table"
Message
"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Are Kids Invited?: 'So I Am Sending You'"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Connect Card
Hymn of Commitment
"This Little Light of Mine"
Primary Grades Pioneer Sabbath School Teachers
Benediction
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Children of the Heavenly Father" • traditional Swedish melody
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
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