Everyone Is Called
Playing to an Empty Stadium
Resources
DVDs
To purchase a DVD of this sermon please visit our online shopping cart. Proceeds go to support the New Perceptions media ministry.Buy DVD Online Buy series
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
Opening Music
"I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Hymn of Praise
"Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" • 4
Lisa Jardine, Pioneer Member
Congregational Prayer
Duane & Lori Covrig, Pioneer Members
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Jennifer Bokon, Teacher, Ruth Murdoch Elementary; Prayer: Arlo
Scripture Reading
Hebrew 12:1-2 NIV
Harold Smith & Jeannie Pedersen-Smith
Worship in Music
"Run the Straight Race Through God's Good Grace" • Christian Fink / Kenneth Logan
Alan Mitchell, trombone; Kenneth Logan, organ
Message
"Everyone is Called: Playing to an Empty Stadium (Lessons from the Olympiad)" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
Hymn of Response
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" • 290
Lisa Jardine
Benediction
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Music
"My Jesus" • Johannes Brahms
Kenneth Logan, organ, Minister of Music
Opening Music
"I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light" • Wayne Wold
Kenneth Logan, Organ, Minister of Music
Welcome, Call to Worship & Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor
Praise
"Blessed Assurance"
Congregational Prayer
Trey and Galaletsang Mbaiwa, Pioneer Members
Pioneer Life
Baptism of Andrew Tidwell with Rodlie Ortiz
Baptism of Joshua Smalley with Rodlie Ortiz
Worship in Music
"Run the Straight Race Through God's Good Grace" • Christian Fink / Kenneth Logan
Alan Mitchell, trombone; Kenneth Logan, organ
Children's Story & Prayer
Story: Jennifer Bokon, Teacher, Ruth Murdoch Elementary; Prayer: Arlo
Praise
"Wonderful, Merciful Savior" • "The Power of Your Love" • "Fill My Cup Lord"
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Message
"Everyone is Called: Playing to an Empty Stadium (Lessons from the Olympiad)"
Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Hymn
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
Closing Remarks/Blessing
Rodlie Ortiz, Associate Pastor, Pioneer Memorial Church
Closing Music
"My Jesus" • Johannes Brahms
Kenneth Logan, Organ, Minister of Music
ABC Sale Items
Offering for September 18, 2021
Pioneer Operating Budget
During the early days of the Seventh-day Adventist movement, church buildings were few. Battle Creek, Michigan, had become the center for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They needed to build a church large enough to house the rapid membership growth, camp meetings, and General Conference sessions.
Elder James White, one of the founders of the church, thought of a plan. He suggested, “If each month, every member would donate one dime, within one year we could raise enough money to build a new church structure.” At that time, the average price of a home was around $2,000.
The members adopted the project. On April 20, 1879, they dedicated the new church, debt-free. The “Dime Tabernacle,” capable of seating 4,000 people became the fourth church structure of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.
The fund-raising plan was simple; Give a dime per month. A dime then would be equivalent to $2.25 today. Even though $2.25 is 22 ½ times more than a dime, it still isn’t much money in today’s economy!
Widespread participation brought success. When the members took this as their project, the Lord blessed.
When God’s people come together, like they did with the Dime Tabernacle, God will move hearts to accomplish His will through His children. “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Fellowship Dinners
Volunteers are needed by the Fellowship Dinner teams to assist with the preparation and service of the fellowship dinners which we hope to be able to resume soon. Teams serve about three times a year, so the time commitment is minimal, but your help is invaluable. Please let us know you if can help by emailing Ben Chilson at bennettc43@gmail.com. You will be assigned to a team that fits your schedule.
Adventurers & Pathfinder Registration Open
Our Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs are back in session this fall. Join below:
Pathfinders text "PMCEP" to 269-281-2345 or join online.
Pathfinder Staff Members text "EPSTAFF" to 269-281-2345 or join online
Adventurers text "PMCFF" to 269-281-2345 or join online
It's Time for Fall Grow Groups!
Fall Grow Groups are here and we are so excited to have more than 50 groups available to join this semester! The session officially begins September 19, so don’t wait!
We have a variety of groups meeting every day of the week. Pioneer is continuing to offer groups both in-person and online, so we think you’ll be able to find one that works for you--whether you’re looking for Bible study, support, art, prayer, discipleship, or activity groups.
Grow Groups are open to everyone–so invite a friend and join us! Text "JOIN" to 269-281-2345 or choose your group online.
If you have any questions, email us at growgroups@pmchurch.org.
The Darkness Will Not Overcome Series
The Darkness Will Not Overcome is an 8-part series that will inspire, equip, and empower you to live your best life possible. In every presentation you will learn practical ways we can experience healing, hope, and change. Whatever your "darkness" is—an addiction, a mental health struggle, dysfunction, past trauma, broken relationships, or lack of direction—the Darkness Will Not Overcome! Beginning Friday, October 1.
Neighbor to Neighbor Helping Hands Team
Neighbor to Neighbor (our local Adventist Community Services center) is currently looking for volunteers for their "Helping Hand Team". To respond, please call 269-471-7411 or visit them at 9147 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI.
Pioneer Collegiate Sabbath School
Pioneer's new Collegiate Sabbath School meets in the Pioneer Commons! This is a place for interactive connections with Collegiates and with God, to study the stories of Jesus and what they mean for us today. Breakfast snacks will be provided.
Weekly on Sabbath, 10:30 AM
Location: Pioneer Commons
Care Giver's Support Group
Are you the primary caregiver for your spouse or another person? If so we have a resource available for you. Care Giver's Support Group, Thursday evenings starting at 6:30 PM, at Neighbor to Neighbor (West entrance). You're invited to come and recharge your "batteries". For more information call Pastor John Glass at 262-825-3632.
Howard Series Presents: Risus Quartet
Winners of the 2021 Fischoff Grand Prize and Gold Medal, the Risus Quartet was officially founded in 2020 in South Korea by four young passionate musicians. "Risus" in Latin means "laugh" and was named in the sense of wanting to give joy and laughter to their audiences. After graduating from Seoul National University, the quartet members began their studies in the United States where they broadened their view as musicians.
