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

Opening Music

"Were You There?"—Spiritual; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music  •  "They Led Away My Lord"—Fred J. Allen; Andrews University Wind Symphony, Byron Graves, director

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

"Risen From the Dead!": A Hymn Cycle

"Thine Is the Glory"—SDAH 171, st. 1, 3  •  "Christ Is Alive!"—SDAH 182  •  "He Lives!"—SDAH 251, st. 1-2
Safari Shyirakera, vocals, Andrews University student, Charles Reid, vocals, Associate Professor of Music; Max Keller, trumpet, Assistant Professor of Music; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

 

Congregational Prayer

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

Children's Story & Prayer

Children's Story: Katie Bugbee; Children's Prayer: Lili Pena

Procession of Hope

Dwight and Karen Nelson

Worship in Music

"Resurrection Joy!"  •  Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Megan Case, oboe; Jason Marquez, clarinet; Erin Penrod, horn; Byron Graves, bass clarinet

Message

"Marriage: Fresh Hope for the 'M' Word - He Lives!"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Hymn of Commitment

"Because He Lives"—SDAH 528

Closing Benediction

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

Closing Music
 

Opening Music

"Were You There?"—Spiritual; Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music  •  "They Led Away My Lord"—Fred J. Allen; Andrews University Wind Symphony, Byron Graves, director

Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

Praise

Redeemed!—SDAH 338

Prayer

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

Pioneer Life

Baptism of Tim Omwega, with Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor

Children's Story & Prayer

Children's Story: Katie Bugbee; Children's Prayer: Lili Pena

Praise

"Lamb of God"  •  "The Risen Christ"  •  "Worthy Is The Lamb"

Procession of Hope

Dwight and Karen Nelson

 

Worship in Music

"Resurrection Joy!"  •  Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Megan Case, oboe; Jason Marquez, clarinet; Erin Penrod, horn; Byron Graves, bass clarinet

Message

"Marriage: Fresh Hope for the 'M' Word - He Lives!"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Hymn of Commitment

"Because He Lives"—SDAH 528

Closing Benediction

Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor

Closing Music

"Heroic Postlude"  •  Alec Rowley
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music

Offering for April 18, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

The Bible makes this interesting analogy: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). Today, we are sitting in church because someone sharpened you and shared the gospel story. This is so true in the life of Riley. Anthony (the writer of this appeal) had driven for approximately an hour on a cold fall day to fulfill a stewardship weekend appointment he had with a small congregation. The service went well.

He preached on the topic, “It’s a matter of the heart.” After the hymn of consecration and the benediction, during the transition time before potluck, he chose to mingle and talk to people. He chose to start with brother Riley, who was sitting at the media booth. After introducing himself, he asked Riley if he was the one responsible for streaming. Anthony had brought with him a recorded instructional video on how to complete the newly designed tithe and offering envelope.

They didn’t get very far into that part of the conversation before Riley began to share with him how he started to attend the church. He identified three people who showed unwavering love and acceptance to him. He eventually got baptized.

Riley’s testimony reminds us of the words of Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness” (KJV). Let’s remember the job we have as a local church to sharpen each other. As we give to help our local church programs, may we experience and show God’s unrelenting love.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700

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.