Are you looking forward to Spring? Seniors 55 years and up are invited to the ASM meeting at the Village Church Fellowship Hall March 9 at 1:00 PM Daylight Savings Time. Don’t forget the time change that day! After the potluck, Dr Lois Burn will present “Joy thru Gardening”. Come for a master class in staying healthy and happy as gardening task resume this spring. Call Cheryl Doss at 269-277-0767 with any questions.
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
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
Pioneer Operating Budget
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: Several years ago, I was studying the subject of motivation and motivational factors that drive people. Some people will use reward or threat to get people to respond such as receiving a paycheck or getting fired. Others use fear and guilt. They create fear of losing something if they don’t act. Some are motivated by statistical measures and defined goals that provide them with a clear benchmark to strive towards. However, I discovered that all these are low-level motivators and only short term.
In the spiritual world, the same principles apply when it comes to giving tithes and offerings. The highest motivation should be our love for Christ in response to His love for us! This stems from a deep, personal connection and commitment that far outweighs any other incentives. “We belong to God; we are His sons and daughters—His by creation, and His by the gift of His only-begotten Son for our redemption. ‘Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's’” (Counsels on Stewardship, p.72). We give our offerings not to pay for His sacrifice. It wouldn’t even come close, but to show our love for Him.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
All eighth-grade students are invited to attend Academy Day on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Come and see the exciting programs Andrews Academy offers and experience one day with us. Lunch will be served, and T-shirts and prizes will be given. Registration is in the gym from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM. Activities will conclude by 3:15 PM. Call 269-471-3138 to RSVP or with any questions you may have.
Students who will be in the 1st through 8th grades next school year are invited to visit Ruth Murdoch Elementary School on March 4. Make friends, meet teachers and have fun!
- Grades 1–6: 8:15 AM–11:30 AM
- Grades 7–8: 8:15 AM–3:30 PM
Parents, please call 269-471-3225 to register.
Parents with students who will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2025, are invited to come meet our Kindergarten teacher, tour the classroom and school, enjoy refreshments, meet other Kindergarten parents, etc. Please call us at 269-471-3225 to let us know you are coming! March 10 6:00 PM. Kindergarten Visitor's Day is the next morning, March 11!
Do you want to complete your Master Guide Program? If so, please consider joining the Master Guide Club that meets weekly on campus to help you complete the requirements.
For more information or to join, please visit cye.org/toolbox
A group of students from Andrews University are preparing to embark on a life-changing mission in March of 2025. They will engage in evangelism, health care, and community outreach in Cuba. This mission trip has been going on for 11 years, and the impact has been tremendous, thanks to your help. Would you support this mission once again by donating right here in your church or give at www.careforcuba.org/donate? Thank you for your prayers as they prepare to send off students to serve and share Jesus!