Opening Music
Poem of Divine Love • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome & Call to Worship
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
"Greater Grace": A Hymn Cycle
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"—SDAH 156, st.1, 3 • "Marvelous Grace"—SDAH 109 • "Amazing Grace" & "O How I Love Jesus"—SDAH 108, 248
Songleader: Vladimir Slavujevic, Andrews University alumnus; Erin Penrod, horn, Andrews University student; Kenneth Logan, organ
Congregational Prayer
Terence & Pule Habiri, Andrews University Students
Pioneer Life
Emersond Jean-Baptiste, License Supervisor Berrien Country, Department of Health and Human Services; Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Lianro and Sage WagenerSmith; Prayer: Kayleigh
Worship in Music
"What Wondrous Love Is This?" • Kenneth Logan
Vladimir Slavujevic, baritone; Erin Penrod, horn; Kenneth Logan, organ
Homily
"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Love Story—Return to Sender: 'So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Communion
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Scripture Reading
Prayer of Blessing
Anthony Yeboah, Elder
Partaking of Communion
Closing Hymn
Benediction
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Fugue on 'Marvelous Grace'" • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ
Opening Music
Poem of Divine Love • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome & Call to Worship
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Praise
"Champion"
William Dos Reis, praise leader; Shelby Huse, Eryncia Welsh, Itumeleng Gabasiane, vocals; Shadrach Agol, guitar; Sammy Duany, cajon; Jamison Moore, cello; Brianna Seawood, bass
Congregational Prayer
Terence & Pule Habiri, Andrews University Students
Pioneer Life
Emersond Jean-Baptiste, License Supervisor Berrien Country, Department of Health and Human Services; Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Lianro and Sage WagenerSmith; Prayer: Kayleigh
Worship in Music
"What Wondrous Love Is This?" • Kenneth Logan
Vladimir Slavujevic, baritone; Erin Penrod, horn; Kenneth Logan, organ
Homily
"A 20:21 Mission for a 2021 Movement: Love Story—Return to Sender: 'So I Am Sending You'"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Communion
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor
Praise
"Living Hope"
Scripture Reading
Prayer of Blessing
Anthony Yeboah, Elder
Partaking of Communion
Closing Hymn
"Living Hope"
Benediction
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
Closing Music
"Fugue on 'Marvelous Grace'" • Kenneth Logan
Kenneth Logan, organ
Offering for May 16, 2026
Pioneer Operating Budget
Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1
Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).
As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).
As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.
1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
The Tent 2026
Once again, the Junior High students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will lead The Tent this year. This inspiring evangelistic initiative, organized by the 7th and 8th graders, is anticipated to result in several baptisms. The special event will be held nightly from May 8–17 (except Tuesday, May 12), from 7:00–8:00 PM on weeknights, with two meetings on Saturdays at 5:00–6:00 PM and 7:00–8:00 PM. Gather with us at the Tent on M139, in front of Andrews University, to support our students as they share their faith and spread God's love.
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 8
– Bostith — Whispers of the Enemy
Sabbath, May 9
– Isabel — Hand in Hand
– Anna — Don’t Let God Spit You Out
Sunday, May 10
– Asher — Unseen Protection
Monday, May 11
– Lia — Knowing vs. Learning
Tuesday, May 12
– Concert Night (No Tent)
Wednesday, May 13
– Beya — All Things
Thursday, May 14
– Hady — What Is the “Light”?
Friday, May 15
– Cora — What Prayer Has to Offer, Even When We Don’t See It
– Ariana — Our Identity
Sabbath, May 16
– Diego — Spiritual Transformation
– Maddi — Be Not Afraid, for God Gives Peace
Sunday, May 17
– Sofia — Love Brings Change
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!
- March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
- April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
- April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
- April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
- May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
- May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
- 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
ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026
ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.
