There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the commons.
Everyone Is Called
Playing to an Empty Stadium
Resources
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight 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
"I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Hymn of Praise
"Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" • 4
Lisa Jardine, Pioneer Member
Congregational Prayer
Duane & Lori Covrig, Pioneer Members
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Jennifer Bokon, Teacher, Ruth Murdoch Elementary; Prayer: Arlo
Scripture Reading
Hebrew 12:1-2 NIV
Harold Smith & Jeannie Pedersen-Smith
Worship in Music
"Run the Straight Race Through God's Good Grace" • Christian Fink / Kenneth Logan
Alan Mitchell, trombone; Kenneth Logan, organ
Message
"Everyone is Called: Playing to an Empty Stadium (Lessons from the Olympiad)" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
Hymn of Response
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" • 290
Lisa Jardine
Benediction
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Music
"My Jesus" • Johannes Brahms
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, Organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Praise
"Blessed Assurance"
Congregational Prayer
Trey and Galaletsang Mbaiwa, Pioneer Members
Pioneer Life
Baptism of Andrew Tidwell with Rodlie Ortiz
Baptism of Joshua Smalley with Rodlie Ortiz
Worship in Music
"Run the Straight Race Through God's Good Grace" • Christian Fink / Kenneth Logan
Alan Mitchell, trombone; Kenneth Logan, organ
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Jennifer Bokon, Teacher, Ruth Murdoch Elementary; Prayer: Arlo
Praise
"Wonderful, Merciful Savior" • "The Power of Your Love" • "Fill My Cup Lord"
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Message
"Everyone is Called: Playing to an Empty Stadium (Lessons from the Olympiad)"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Hymn
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
Closing Remarks/Blessing
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Music
"My Jesus" • Johannes Brahms
Kenneth Logan, Organ, Minister of Music
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
Offering for January 10, 2026
Pioneer Operating Budget
You may have heard it said, and it is true that patience is a virtue. What is also true and closely linked to patience is found in the opening verse of the parable of Luke 18:1-8 (NIV). Jesus told his disciples that they should “always pray and not give up” (verse 1). In today’s fast paced, instant, and have-to-get-it-now world, learning to be patient and not lose heart or become discouraged is surely a quality that is desirable. The widow in this parable showed the importance of being patient in one’s petitions and pursuits.
In her attempt to get the judge to defend her against her enemy, who seemed to have been making her life difficult, she kept on asking for his defense. Finally, the judge yielded to her persistence and vindicated her.
The same is true of God. When we are diligent in our prayer life, longsuffering when we are seeking to invoke Christ’s intervention, and faithful in honoring Him in our stewardship, He will move to positive action. Let us remember that unlike the judge we cannot wear out God.
Today, as we worship Him through the return of our tithes and giving of our offerings, let us practice being persistent in honoring Him with our substance and the first fruit of our increase.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries