We at Pioneer were richly blessed by the ministry of Pastor Ben Martin. Unfortunately, due to tithe shortfalls (not at Pioneer, but in other portions of the conference), Michigan Conference administration has determined that his position will not be filled at this time. Please combine your prayers and patience with mine as we work to cover Pastor Ben’s duties with existing pastoral staff members and volunteers. - Pastor Shane
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
Update on Pastoral Transition at Pioneer
Honduras Mission Team January 2026
The Pioneer Youth Missions team is getting ready for the January 2-12 project in Honduras. The team will be conducting a camp directed by Scott Schalk for about 100 children from the Hogar de Niños and the surrounding community. Additionally there will be many worships, activities and projects at the children's home. Your financial support and prayers are requested. For more information, contact Glenn Russell (glenn@andrews.edu)
Belong: Soup for Students
Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up
Belong: Angel Tree
This holiday season, help make Christmas special for a student/student family by selecting a card from one of the Christmas trees at church. Each card includes a family’s list of needs and wishes—simply choose a card, shop, and deliver your items by December 14th. No need to wrap—we’ll handle that for you! Let’s spread joy together with Belong Ministries this Christmas!
Spring Semester GROW Groups
Spring semester GROW Groups will begin the 1st week of February. If you would like to lead a group please text LEAD to 269-281-2345 or click the link below to submit the attached form on or before December 15. https://pmchurch.org/ministries/growgroups/register
Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025
Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11. He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family
Pioneer Women's Ministries 2025 Advent Devotionals
Pioneer Women’s Ministries’ Advent devotionals will highlight a few of the promises of Jesus. To receive the “Red Letter Promises” daily devotionals by email for the first 25 days of December, text the word “ADVENT” to 269-281-2345. You can also receive a short daily text message preview of each day's devotional by providing your cell phone number when you register. We pray you will sense the nearness of Jesus during this holy season through these devotionals.
Sabbath School Volunteers Needed
Give our Pioneer kids a gift this holiday season - your time, teaching or supporting Sabbath Schools, 10:30-11:30 AM each Sabbath. Text CHILDREN to 269-281-2345 or email childrenss@pmchurch.org to learn more.
Seeking Voices for Sabbath Video Series!
Adventist Learning Community is producing a short series exploring Sabbath keeping and its impact on everyday life. We're looking for individuals to interview who joined the Adventist Church within the last 15 to 20 years and are comfortable on camera. If you're open to sharing your experience and how Sabbath has shaped your life, please contact Luke Bowers at lbowersweb@gmail.com, we'd love to hear from you!
Adventist-Muslim Relations Group
Join us to pray for active missionaries and explore how to build bridges between Adventists and Muslims. We meet at 6:30 PM on the first and third Monday each month in the Leadership Lab of the Campus Center at Andrews University.
