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 May 2, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

In 1987, Northwest Airlines Flight 225 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 155 lives. Miraculously, a four-year-old girl named Cecelia was the sole survivor. Investigations revealed that during the plane's descent, Cecelia's mother, Paula Chican, unbuckled her own seatbelt, knelt in front of her daughter, and wrapped her arms and body around Cecelia to shield her from the impact. This selfless act of maternal love protected Cecelia, demonstrating the profound lengths to which a parent's love can go.

Oh my, the love of a mother, this is what God is telling us today, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15,
NIV). The local church should be a place where people feel that kind of love.

John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day next week, let’s return our tithes and offerings with grateful hearts knowing that Christ’s love is even greater than the love of a mother. Let’s worship God today, and may we love Christ
deeply as we appreciate our mothers.

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.