There will be a fellowship dinner following the second worship service in the commons.
Accepting the Gift
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 14, 2024
OPENING MUSIC
"O Come, Little Children" • Johann Schulz / Kenneth Logan
WELCOME
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"A Festive Holiday Overture" • Joe Snyder
RMES Concert Band, Elsy Gallardo-Diaz, director
PRAYER
Darryl Fio, Nana Amaniampong, Nyla-Jade Fowler, and Nasya Ruedinger-Quispe
MUSIC
* "Joy to the World" • RMES Jr. BellsShari Lyons, director" Angels We Have Heard on High" • French carol
Grace Yuxin Zhang and Kenneth Logan, organ duet
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2:1-3
Josiah Florvilus
MUSIC
* "Christmas Medley" • arr. Daniel Cerna K-2nd Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
** "Love is Born Tonight" • Daniel Cerna RMES 3rd and 4th Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
"NOT ON THE WISHLIST"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
SCRIPTURE
Luke 2:8-11
Kushata Mbaiwa
MUSIC
"Jesus Light of the World"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
"THE GIFT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
MUSIC
"Messiah"
Pioneer Adventurer Choir
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:23
Samuel Fiuza
MUSIC
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman" • arr. Daniel Cerna
7th and 8th Grade Choir, Daniel Cerna, director
"ACCEPTING THE GIFT"
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CAROL CYCLE
"Away in a Manger" • words of 124, st. 1, 3
"As With Gladness Men of Old" • 123, st. 1-3
"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" • 140, st. 1, 2
BENEDICTION
Ben Martin, Associate Pastor
CLOSING MUSIC
"While By My Sheep I Watched at Night" • trad. carol
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer 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