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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

At the beginning of the summer, we hoped that the pandemic would recede enough for us to have a full-orbed on-site celebration of the cross at Pioneer come the fall. But alas, the unwelcome Delta variant means that on Sabbath, September 18, Pioneer will sponsor a two-phase Lord's Supper commemoration.

Friday evening (September 17) we invite families, friends, students, acquaintances to gather together to celebrate Jesus' own example of foot washing. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:14-15). Let it be a blessed beginning to a beautiful Sabbath experience.

Then Sabbath morning (September 18) in both celebrations (9:00 AM/11:45 AM) let's gather around the Lord’s Table to relive the deep significance of Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. "How to Become an Influencer: The Last Aching Abyss." Once again, we will have sealed communion emblems for either on-site or in-home worship. The in-home emblem packets will be available for pickup at the church office on Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Jesus' wish for us all is clear: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Supper with you" (see Luke 22:15).

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.

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.