Don’t Miss Our Guest Preacher This Sabbath!

We’re glad to welcome Rodney Palmer, assistant professor of religion here at Andrews University, to our pulpit. Pastor Rodney and his wife Alyssa, along with their son Luke, are members of our Pioneer Family. They have enjoyed a rich pastoral career (see www.andrews.edu/cas/religion/faculty/rodney-palmer.html). Dr. Palmer teaches homiletics and pastoral ministry to our undergraduate theology majors, and Alyssa (Juris Doctor) is associate dean for student life at the university and the Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator here on campus. I am certain the Spirit of Jesus will bless him in worship this Sabbath.
-Dwight K. Nelson

Feature Announcement

Unique Agape Feast Coming!

For a couple of months now we've been looking forward to an "in exile" outdoor communion celebration on Friday evening, June 28. (Howard Performing Arts Center rules prohibit food in the performance hall.) But last evening the planning committee came up with a novel suggestion that deals with two major concerns: the proliferation of mosquitoes in our community given the unusually wet spring we’re enjoying; and, the unpredictability of the weather on June 28.

First, what if—in the interest of deepening our experience of community—we included an "Agape feast" as part of our communion celebration that evening? "The Agape feast originated in the early Church and was a time of fellowship for believers. . . . [seeking] to strengthen the bonds and the spirit of harmony, goodwill, and congeniality, as well as to forgive past disputes and instead love one another" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape_feast). June 28 would be a perfect opportunity for such a combination.

But that decision hardly deals with the hordes of mosquitoes and uncertain weather. And so the committee voted a new unique setting for this combined Agape feast/Lord’s Supper celebration. Why don’t we celebrate the cross of our Lord in the hollowed out and "empty," still very unfinished sanctuary of our beloved Pioneer Memorial Church? We checked with construction crew leaders, we did the arithmetic to calculate the logistics, and we believe that on Friday evening, June 28, 7:00, we as a congregation will gather in the sanctuary to participate in a never to be forgotten worship experience!

So please mark your calendar. The Agape feast (fruit, nuts, crackers or breads) along with the Lord’s Supper celebration will be for all ages, for all our Pioneer Family. With the evening sun (if there will be one!) streaming through the rose window, with dress and surroundings casual for interactive fellowship—we believe our shared spiritual experience with Christ and each other will be truly rich.

Be watching here and on Sabbath mornings for further details. But please plan now to be part of a very special "in exile" moment in Pioneer's kingdom journey.

Feature Announcement

Register for Flag Camp

If you are looking for a fun, safe and wholesome summer experience for your child, look no further! Whether you plan to send your child every day or just a day here and there throughout the summer, FLAG Camp is a great choice when it comes to affordable childcare. Registration may be completed prior to or at your child's first day of camp.

Feature Announcement

Can't Worship at Pioneer this Summer?

Everyone loves the freedom of summertime—and you, too, will be visiting new places and enjoying old company in the weeks ahead. But in your summer travels, please don’t forget Pioneer back at home. Anywhere you go you can access www.adventistgiving.org. Or better yet download the Adventist Giving app (at your App Store). Your summertime faithfulness keeps every ministry of Pioneer growing. And keeps Renovate: Heart & Home growing, too, in time for us all to return to Pioneer at summer’s end. Thank you.