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

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” • Lowell Mason

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

 

“FRIEND OF SINNERS”: A HYMN CYCLE

“Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners” • 187 st. 1-3
“Rescue the Perishing” • 367
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus” • 499, st. 1, 3

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

Marius Jensen, student

CHILDREN’S STORY

Story: Elena, Daryna and Loren, AU Animal Science Students; Prayer: Kena

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Inscription of Hope” • Randall Stroope

MESSAGE

“Good-bye Pandemic, Hello Refugees— Sign Me Up!”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Ildiko Gyeresi, Pioneer Elder

PRAYER

Anthony Yeboah, Pioneer Elder

PARTAKING EMBLEMS

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” • 407

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Gathered Together: We Share You”
Kenneth Logan

 

OPENING MUSIC

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” • Lowell Mason

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

 

PRAISE

“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” • 499

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

Marius Jensen, student

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Inscription of Hope” • Randall Stroope

CHILDREN’S STORY

Story: Elena, Daryna and Loren, AU Animal Science Students; Prayer: Kena

PRAISE

“How Great Thou Art” • 86
“Only Trust Him” • 279
“When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder” • 216

MESSAGE

“Good-bye Pandemic, Hello Refugees— Sign Me Up!”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

THE LORD'S SUPPER

 

SCRIPTURE READING

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Ildiko Gyeresi, Pioneer Elder

PRAYER

Anthony Yeboah, Pioneer Elder

PARTAKING EMBLEMS

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” • 407

BLESSING

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Gathered Together: We Share You” • Kenneth Logan

 

Offering for January 3, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

There is something special about the beginning of a new year. It’s the energy and the excitement. It’s the opportunities that it offers. It provides the chance to forget the past and its challenges, while we embrace the possibility to start over.

The New Year offers the opportunity for us to look at the future with optimism and gratefulness. For this reason, I like new, don’t you? Paul liked the idea of new also. That’s why he encourages us to look towards the future instead of looking back. He says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3: 13, 14, NIV), we should press toward the goal to win.

The encouraging thing is, when Christ is in the lead, we must succeed. For this reason, we can embrace the possibilities of the new year– striving to be better stewards for God. So may our goals this year include spending consistent time in worship and developing a relationship of steel with God. May we take care of our wellbeing (physically and psychologically) and witness about His love by using our talents and gifts.

May we faithfully return to God the designated portion of our wealth and take care of our world and the environment. Let’s determine to make 2026 an exceptional year of sacrificial generosity, in our local church and worldwide. 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries