Volume 7 Issue 05    |    February 3, 2021

N2N Needs You!

I am a volunteer at Neighbor to Neighbor in Berrien Springs, working about 25-30 hours a week. Neighbor to Neighbor is the only full-service community help center left in Berrien County. This is the only place where people needing assistance can get food, clothing, housewares, and furniture all at the same place and all free of charge. The same high-quality merchandise is available to the general public at amazingly low prices, much lower than at Goodwill. Neighbor to Neighbor is truly a marvelous blessing to our community.

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A Pandemic Business Meeting

Nothing like setting the kind of records we never wanted to set! But on Monday evening, February 8, 7 o'clock, our Pioneer Family will mark its first virtual/Zoom/electronic business meeting. In history.

And to mark the occasion we're featuring a series of short video reports to capture life and ministry in the midst of this pandemic these past eleven months—and I hope you'll appreciate and be inspired by them.

But aren't business meetings traditionally the gathering of a congregation's members to review the work of the church board over the previous months? They are. And don’t they usually focus on financial and membership matters? They do. So what's so exciting and essential about that!

I'm not sure I would use the word "exciting"—but "essential" certainly fits. After all, the church board sits as a circle of representative leaders from the various Pioneer ministries who gather throughout the year to oversee the administration of church life. But in two major domains—church finances and church membership—the congregation at large exercises specific and final decision-making leadership.

That's why the church board is submitting to our Pioneer Family at this business meeting its recommendations regarding the financial management of Pioneer (via the 2020 financial yearend report and 2021 church operating budget both shaped by the Finance Committee) and the membership request/actions (reviewed by the board over previous months and passed on to the congregation for final decisions).

But how can a congregation vote on Zoom? Thankfully Zoom has a built-in polling feature we will take advantage of, so have your mouse or pointing finger ready to vote!

But where on Zoom are we going to gather? Later this week every member of the Pioneer Memorial Church will receive an email providing online or telephone links to our Monday evening business session. It's that simple.

So I hope you will help us make history (perhaps in more ways than one!) this Monday, 7:00 PM—and join your Pioneer Family in doing the work of Jesus who declared (in the only place in all four Gospels where the word "church" appears): "'On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it'" (Matthew 16:18, emphasis supplied). 

Good news—the church we belong to belongs to Him.

—Dwight K. Nelson, Lead Pastor

Note from Pastor for Administration

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Despite the unwelcome—and seemingly unending—pandemic, Pioneer's 2020 Financial Report clearly shows that God is still on the throne. Praise His name!

A big "thank you" to all of you for how much and all that you give in these uncertain times. We are grateful to the God who has led all of you to continue to give of yourself, your time, and your means—faithfully and joyfully, with passion and dedication. We cherish your commitment and support.

Members, if you'd like to review the Financial Report referenced above, you should have received an email with links previously.

May our Lord continue to bless and prosper you as we move forward together in hope, looking forward to seeing where God takes us next!

Thank you.

—Jenifer Daley, Associate Pastor for Administration

Family Scavenger Hunt

Sign Up for the First Pioneer Scavenger Hunt Today!

Don't miss the first-ever Pioneer Family-Drive Scavenger Hunt, with fun for all church families with 4-12-year-old children, this Sabbath afternoon, February 6. Drive or walk the 2.5-mile route, starting at the PMC parking lot. Sign up by texting SCAVENGE to 269-281-2345 to get your family start time. Invite friends to this distanced, safe, adventure including activities and gifts for all kids!

Listening to Adventist Pioneer stories and learning Sabbath School memory verses is a tip to acing the clues.

COVID-19 Safety Reminder

We've been so blessed to be worshiping with you in person at the church again! However, we want to recognize our limitation on maximum occupancy for worship spaces. For your safety, and the safety of everyone we invite some of you, who are able, to join us for the 9:00 AM worship service instead of the 11:45 AM service. Thank you for helping us all to stay safe.

–Pioneer Pastors

Devotional Resource

In this 2021 Devotional, Ellen White uses 840 names to introduce Jesus. Pioneer member, John Rorabeck, has prepared an index to this devotional that you might find useful. See attached PDF.

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COVID-19 Resources

Self-isolating because of COVID-19? Pioneer has compiled a list of community resources to aid in our community coming together in support of each other. Find a local support group, as well as links to grocery delivery and financial support. You can also find study resources for all ages in our Sabbath School page.

Pioneer Memorial Church
8655 University Blvd
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
United States

269-471-3133
info@pmchurch.org