All Sermons

Return to Calvary

The Absent Daddy (How to Find Your Father)

Resources

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

“Alleluia! Laudamus Te” (“We Praise Thee”)  •  Alfred Reed

WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP

 

HYMN OF PRAISE

“Lift High the Cross” • 362, st. 1-2, 4-5

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER

“What Wondrous Love Is This?” • 162, st. 1

WORSHIP IN MUSIC

“An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare”
O WALY, WALY, trad. English / Christopher Nelson

MESSAGE

“Return to Calvary: The Absent Daddy (How to Find Your Father)”
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

THE CLEANSING

 

FOOTWASHING

 

THE LORD’S SUPPER

 

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Rebecca von Dorpowski, Pioneer Co-Head Elder

PRAYER

Bryan von Dorpowski, Pioneer Co-Head Elder

PASSING OF EMBLEMS

“The Love of God” • Frederick Lehman

PARTAKING OF ELEMENTS

 

HYMN OF COMMITMENT

“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” • 407

BENEDICTION

 

CLOSING MUSIC

“Lift High the Cross” • Donald Busarow

 

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