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, September 17, 2022

More In This Series

OPENING MUSIC

Fugue on “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”  •  Kenneth Logan

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

 

HYMN OF PRAISE

“Worthy, Worthy Is the Lamb” • 246

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

“We Would See Jesus” • 494, st. 1

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Nothing But the Blood” • Craig Courtney

MESSAGE

“Chasing Jesus: Bathing in the Red River"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

FOOTWASHING

“Power in the Blood” • 294, st. 1-3
”Marvelous Grace” • 109, st. 1-3
”My Jesus, I Love Thee” • 321, st. 1-2
“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” • 517, st. 1-2

THE LORD’S SUPPER

 

SCRIPTURE READING

Mark 14:23-25 NIV
Mordekai Ongo, Pioneer Elder

PRAYER

Andrea Gibbs, Pioneer Elder

DISTRIBUTION

“I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked”  •  Geoffrey O’Hara

PARTAKING

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” • 407

CLOSING MUSIC

“O Lamb of God, Unspotted”  •  Johann Sebastian Bach

 

OPENING MUSIC

Fugue on “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”  •  Kenneth Logan

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

 

PRAISE

“Graves Into Gardens” • “God of Wonders”  •  “I Surrender / I Surrender All”

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“Nothing But the Blood” • Craig Courtney

MESSAGE

“Chasing Jesus: Bathing in the Red River”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

FOOTWASHING

“Power in the Blood” • 294, st. 1-3
”Marvelous Grace” • 109, st. 1-3
”My Jesus, I Love Thee” • 321, st. 1-2
“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” • 517, st. 1-2

THE LORD’S SUPPER

 

SCRIPTURE READING

Mark 14:23-25 NIV
Mordekai Ongo, Pioneer Elder

PRAYER

Andrea Gibbs, Pioneer Elder

DISTRIBUTION

“I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked”  •  Geoffrey O’Hara

PARTAKING

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” • 407

CLOSING MUSIC

“O Lamb of God, Unspotted”  •  Johann Sebastian Bach

 

Offering for May 16, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1

Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).

As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
  • April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
  • April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
  • April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
  • May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
  • May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails