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

Saturday, December 25, 2021

More In This Series

12/18/2021
12/04/2021

OPENING MUSIC

“The Holy Boy (A Carol of Nativity)” • John Ireland
Organ: Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

CHRISTMAS WELCOME

 

CHRISTMAS CALL

PASTOR: “Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, to herald our salvation;”

PEOPLE: “He stoops to earth—the God of might, our hope and expectation.”

PASTOR: “He comes in human flesh to dwell, our God with us, Immanuel,”

PEOPLE: “The light of darkness breaking, our fallen race befriending.”

PASTOR: “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

PEOPLE: Amen.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS:“BORN TO SAVE”

“Good Christians, Now Rejoice"  •  “Now Is Born the Divine Christ Child”  •  “O Little Town of Bethlehem”  •  “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
Leanne Miller, soprano; Byron Graves, clarinet, Kenneth Logan, organ

CHRISTMAS FAMILY PRAYER

Rhonda, Aron, and Stella Tomenko
Sonia Badenas and Marco Sciarabba*

CHRISTMAS BAPTISM*

Do Hyun (Paul) Cho with Hong Pal Ha

CHRISTMAS CAROL

“Away in a Manger”

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS STORY

Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CHRISTMAS READING

Pavel and Sam Tomenko • Davide Sciarabba*
Luke 2:1-7 NKJV

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

“What Child Is This?” • Kenneth Logan
Betania Cañas, flute; Kenneth Logan, organ

CHRISTMAS HOMILY

“Peace on Earth All Over Again—Redux 3”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

CHRISTMAS COMMITMENT

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” • anon. melody
Elizabeth Wilson, mezzo-soprano

CHRISTMAS BLESSING

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“IN DULCI JUBILO” (“In Sweet Jubilation”)Johann Sebastian Bach
Organ: Kenneth Logan, Minister of Music

*Indicates 11:45 AM Service

 

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the 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