If you ordered fruits during the Pathfinder Fruit Fundraiser and requested shipment to PMC, the orders are anticipated to arrive on Tuesday, December 5th. The fruits may be picked up between 6 PM and 8 PM in the PMC Commons.
The Magi’s Guide to Gift Giving
Resources
Speaker
Ben MartinBen Martin is on the pastoral team of Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University where he is the Pastor for Children and Family Discipleship. He is passionate about engaging youth in ministry. He believes that every member should be a functioning part of the body of Christ. Over the last few years he has been intentionally thinking through what it means to disciple the next generation. He enjoys photography, camping and spending time with his wife, Brianna. Together, they have 2 children.
Offering
Saturday, December 10, 2022
WELCOME & PRAYER
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
“The First Noel” • arr. Lena Eckhoff
*”Joy to the World” • arr. Lena Eckhoff
RMES Junior Bells
OPENING HYMN
“What Child Is This?” • 141
PRAYER
Salema Faiai, Samuel Fiuza, Grace Zhang, Philbert Ansu
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:23 NIV
Aaron Dormus, Adventurers
MUSIC
“Carol of the Bells” • arr. Michael Hopkins
RMES Strings
MESSAGE 1
“The Greatest Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
“Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child/Go Tell it on the Mountain”
Pioneer Adventurers - Solo Jaliyah White
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:11
Genavive Beckford
MUSIC
“For Unto Us A Child Is Born”
Pioneer Adventurers
*BAPTISM
Samuel Reed Miller with W. G. Nelson
MUSIC
“Three Holiday Glorias” • arr. Donald Moore
RMES Grades 4-6 Choir
MESSAGE 2
“The Right Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
GIFT COLLECTION
“Away in a Manger” • William Kirkpatrick
“O Come, Little Children” • Johann Schulz
MUSIC
“Who Would Imagine a King”
Jaliyah White, Gabriella Langat, Adventurers
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:2
Joanna Jacques
MUSIC
“When We Seek Him”
Pioneer Adventurers - Solos Isabella Mpita, Lucas and Nathan Lovanantenaina, Lena Engelkemier
MESSAGE 3
“The Perfect Gift”
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CLOSING HYMN
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” • 140, st. 1, 2 & 5
CLOSING MUSIC
“Good Christians, Now Rejoice” • anon. melody
Fruit Delivery Next week
Fellowship Dinner
There will be a fellowship dinner, following the second worship service in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are always welcome.
Offering for December 2, 2023
Pioneer Operating Budget
December starts off the Christmas season in earnest for many people, even if merchants have been pushing the need to buy gifts for weeks already. What makes the Christmas season special for you? Is it the music, the decorations, special foods, family gatherings, or the gifts—what you might receive, as well as what you might give?
Gift-giving can be problematic. What if someone gives you a gift, but you don’t have one to give in return or vice versa?! Which matters more: the amount of money you spend on the gift or giving a “perfect gift” to a particular person? Let’s reverse that; what if someone gives you a gift and it’s not something you’ve ever wanted or will ever use? Should you put on a happy face and say something like, “How can I ever thank you enough for this gift?”
Each Sabbath we collect an offering as you give your gifts to God. We don’t limit this to the Christmas season because Christmas happens every time we come to church. We come to worship the greatest gift of all time—the gift of God coming to this earth in the form of Jesus Christ.
Our gifts, whether they are wrapped in beautiful Christmas paper or given as cash or checks or through online giving with a credit card, show our thankfulness to God.
So, “Merry Christmas!” And let’s take this opportunity to give our gifts to God.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Soup for Students
Pioneer Young Adult Ministries is hosting Soup for Students. All Collegiate-aged individuals are welcomed to attend and enjoy soup and a touch of home while studying for finals. Volunteers can contact Prescott Khair (prescott.khair@pmchurch.org)
You Visited Me
Jesus said, "When I was in prison, you visited Me." If you have a heart for reaching out to a lonely person in need of encouragement while incarcerated, have I got a person for you! Please contact Sue Wein (whitewsu@andrews.edu). I will give you the details and help you in connecting with her.
Bring a Toy, Spread some joy.
In just a few weeks, on December 9, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service every year where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. These gifts will go to families in our community who are not able to purchase gifts. This is yet another way that Pioneer can be Love on the Move!
4th Annual "First Advent" Reflections
It is time to join the 4th Annual "First Advent Reflections". This Christmas season the Pioneer Women’s Ministries Team is delighted to invite you to reflect on Handel's "Messiah".
A daily email and a text will be sent to the ladies who sign-up. To register text the word "Hallelujah" to 269-281-2345
Love on the Move - GH4K
Would you like to show "Love on the Move" to foster, adoptive, kinship families in our community? This is your invitation to join God's Hands 4 Kids in doing just that. Could you make a pan of lasagna for GH4K's Connect Support Group Christmas Celebration on December 8 delivering ready to serve. For details and to sign up go to our website GH4K.org There will be more opportunities to give shared there. Godshands4kids@gmail.com
Howard Center Presents "Welcome Christmas: Peace on Earth"
The award-winning Andrews University Singers and Chorale conducted by Stephen Zork collaborate with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marc Élysée in the 25th annual presentation of Welcome Christmas. The theme of the concert is “Peace on Earth” and comprised of a festive garland of heartwarming and endearing sacred and secular symphonic choral works and carols. The variety of musical offerings encompass Giacomo Puccini’s “Gloria” to Harry Simeon’s choral setting of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Join us for this special concert featuring special guest soloists and presenters.
Christmas Banquet for Seniors Sunday, December 10
The Christmas Banquet for Seniors comes this year on Sunday, the 10th of December, at 1:00 PM at the Village Church Fellowship Hall. This year, Village Church is responsible for decorating the tables, the meal, and the program. (Next year it will be PMC's turn.) The cost of the meal is $20 for everyone. However, PMC and Village Church will pay for all attending Senior members of their respective churches. All other Senior members will need to pay at the door. If you have not yet signed up for the Christmas Banquet, please call either the Village SDA Church at 269-471-7795 OR Pioneer Memorial Church at 269-471-3133 OR Cleon White at 269-471-5553 by December 5.