First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 5/24/20
Thank you for joining us for worship this morning! While our place of worship has changed from the usual place and time, we are grateful to know that the Body of Christ can worship anytime, anywhere. As a reminder If you have a need for assistance during this time (grocery delivery, meals, etc.), please do not hesitate to call/text Kim Collins on her cell phone. We have church members ready and willing to help. We can get through this together. Our God is able.
Locations & Times
First Baptist Church
10781 76th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA
Sunday 6:00 AM
Worship Video 5/24/2020
You can view the sermon video that correlates with today's notes on our YouTube page by clicking here.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQahojNwyPo2LMn-ctTG8AWeekly Bulletin: 5/24/20
View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.
https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletins
Mutual Encouragement
Romans 1:12
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Pastor Jerry Koller
Romans 1:12
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Pastor Jerry Koller
Paul did not plant the church in Rome. Still, it was his desire to visit them. His purpose?
Believers in Christ can be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
· The word “mutual” means reciprocal.
· Mutual means shared.
· The word “mutual” means reciprocal.
· Mutual means shared.
The word encourage in this passage, can also be translated comfort or exhort.
The word encourage has a prefix—en—and a root—courage.
· A prefix is basically a group of letters that is placed before a word in order to modify its meaning.
· A prefix is basically a group of letters that is placed before a word in order to modify its meaning.
The word courage is the power or the ability to face danger without being crippled by fear, pain, or grief.
The prefix en means "to cause to be."
· It carries with it the idea of inspiring or supporting someone.
· It carries with it the idea of inspiring or supporting someone.
In this passage, faith has to do not only with what one believes, but it also has to do with how this belief is lived out day by day.
· ...The righteous will live by faith. (Rom. 1:17)
· ...The righteous will live by faith. (Rom. 1:17)
Faith is not some blind leap into the unknown.
· Faith always has an object.
· It is not mere intellectual knowledge.
· It moves from the head to the heart where truth is recognized and received.
· It is expressed in daily life—in how one lives.
· Faith always has an object.
· It is not mere intellectual knowledge.
· It moves from the head to the heart where truth is recognized and received.
· It is expressed in daily life—in how one lives.
Life is filled with trials, challenges, and struggles. Therefore, the need for encouragement is always present.
Example: 1 Thess. 4:18
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul deals with an issue that the church faced that was causing anxiety, uncertainty, even fear. It seems the Thessalonian believers feared Jesus had returned and that they had missed Him.
· Paul calms their fears by explaining what will take place when Jesus comes.
· He reminds them that when He does, they will be with the Lord forever.
· He stresses being prepared, staying alert, exercising self-control, and living out their faith is far more important than trying to figure out dates or times.
In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul deals with an issue that the church faced that was causing anxiety, uncertainty, even fear. It seems the Thessalonian believers feared Jesus had returned and that they had missed Him.
· Paul calms their fears by explaining what will take place when Jesus comes.
· He reminds them that when He does, they will be with the Lord forever.
· He stresses being prepared, staying alert, exercising self-control, and living out their faith is far more important than trying to figure out dates or times.
Encouragement often comes through the spoken word; by what is said and how it is said. Paul wants the saints to share with one another the truths he had just presented for they are encouraging.
In the first 11 verses of chapter 5, he continues the conversation from the previous chapter regarding the second coming of Christ. He again presents truth and clarification that they need to believe.
Words are powerful.
We must use words to encourage one another.
Three Categories of Speech: Shallow, Death, and Life
Shallow talk (also called small talk) are words of little substance.
Death words tear down and destroy.
· They are critical.
· They are judgmental.
· They are degrading.
· They paint a bleak picture of life.
· They tear down and destroy one’s hope.
· They are critical.
· They are judgmental.
· They are degrading.
· They paint a bleak picture of life.
· They tear down and destroy one’s hope.
Life words encourage and build up. They are
... grounded in truth.
... are delivered in love.
... are formed by faith.
... anchor themselves in hope.
... build up rather than tear down.
... grounded in truth.
... are delivered in love.
... are formed by faith.
... anchor themselves in hope.
... build up rather than tear down.
The meaning behind this action is to "to enlighten or instruct so as to help bring about intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement."
Intellect improvement has to do with things of the mind.
i.e. Philippians 4:8 (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy).
i.e. Philippians 4:8 (things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy).
All of us can instruct others in some fashion.
· All of us are capable of speaking the truth in love for love must drive the building process.
· All of us are capable of speaking the truth in love for love must drive the building process.
This building process, guided by love, means others are the focus of our attention—or in this instance, our speech. It becomes mutually encouraging when others build us up; when we all do our part.
Moral improvement has to do with sensuality and well as sexuality.
· It has to do with all of God’s moral standards.
· It has to do with all of God’s moral standards.
Spiritual improvement has to do with what causes us to draw nearer to God.
Parameters of Building Up: according to their needs.
· According to means in agreement with.
· According to means in agreement with.
Identifying Needs:
· Through Observation: To observe means to watch attentively. It means to pay close attention.
· By Asking Them –Asking clears up misinterpretations.
· Through Observation: To observe means to watch attentively. It means to pay close attention.
· By Asking Them –Asking clears up misinterpretations.
We are to build up others according to their needs so that it may benefit those who listen.
APPLICATION
· It is important to carry out encouragement.
· It is important to build one another up as we seek to live out our faith together during this pandemic.
· All of us need encouragement.
· All of us can build one another up according to our needs.
· It is important to build one another up as we seek to live out our faith together during this pandemic.
· All of us need encouragement.
· All of us can build one another up according to our needs.
We are here for you!
We realize that this can be a difficult and stressful time for many of our church members. As this stay-at-home order continues to be in effect and many of you are unable to work, financial hardships can be an issue. Concerns and worry about the virus, financial issues, being stuck at home, etc. can be creating emotional and psychological stress. Your spiritual wellness many be struggling as we are unable to worship together and connect with church family on a regular basis.
We are here for you!! If you need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let us know how we can pray for you! You can submit a confidential request through our website (southhavenfbc.com) or by emailing either Pastor Jerry or Kim directly. In addition, we have persons willing to shop for those who cannot go to the store themselves or help in other ways too.
While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some funds available. If you are in a good spot and willing/able to help others in need, perhaps you would consider a donation to our Benevolent Fund to help those who are struggling during this time.
We are all in this together! If you have suggestions or ideas about how we can support one another, please let us know.
We are here for you!! If you need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let us know how we can pray for you! You can submit a confidential request through our website (southhavenfbc.com) or by emailing either Pastor Jerry or Kim directly. In addition, we have persons willing to shop for those who cannot go to the store themselves or help in other ways too.
While we do not have unlimited financial resources, we do have some funds available. If you are in a good spot and willing/able to help others in need, perhaps you would consider a donation to our Benevolent Fund to help those who are struggling during this time.
We are all in this together! If you have suggestions or ideas about how we can support one another, please let us know.
COVID-19/ Coronavirus Status
· Current Status: In addition to all FBC activities being cancelled until further notice, we are prohibiting access to the building to everyone unless specific permission has been granted by Pastor Jerry. If you need to come to the church, please contact Pastor Jerry in advance.
· Communication is Important! The key to getting through this is to communicate and continue to support each other however we can. Kim Collins will be working from home as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact her via church email, or by calling/texting her cell at 269-767-2226 if you have any questions or need assistance (grocery delivery, meals, etc.)during this time. We have church members ready and willing to help.
· Be Safe: Please be smart in safeguarding yourselves—not only for your sake, but for the sake of others. If you are sick, stay home.
· Be Faithful: Please be financially faithful. Even if you cannot gather with us, please remember that we still have expenses that need to be met.
· Be Prayerful: Please be in prayer for one another and for our nation at large.
· Communication is Important! The key to getting through this is to communicate and continue to support each other however we can. Kim Collins will be working from home as much as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact her via church email, or by calling/texting her cell at 269-767-2226 if you have any questions or need assistance (grocery delivery, meals, etc.)during this time. We have church members ready and willing to help.
· Be Safe: Please be smart in safeguarding yourselves—not only for your sake, but for the sake of others. If you are sick, stay home.
· Be Faithful: Please be financially faithful. Even if you cannot gather with us, please remember that we still have expenses that need to be met.
· Be Prayerful: Please be in prayer for one another and for our nation at large.
Happy Birthday!
· Camille Tate (5/28)
· Lauren Collins (5/29)
· Nathan Hagger (5/29)
· Lauren Collins (5/29)
· Nathan Hagger (5/29)
Happy Anniversary!
· Rocky & Sandi Starland (5/27, 48 years)
Send a Note of Encouragement
If you'd like to send a bit of encouragement to John Ellis while he is at boot camp, his address is:
PVT Ellis, Johnathon
2nd PLT Savages
Charlie Battery, 1st BN 79th FA
5970 South Boundary Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
PVT Ellis, Johnathon
2nd PLT Savages
Charlie Battery, 1st BN 79th FA
5970 South Boundary Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
Blood Drive: 6/4
We will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, June 4, from 1:00-6:00 PM in the gym. Blood donations are exempt from the stay at home order (if it is still in effect). Donors are asked to wear a face mask and safety procedures will be in place. If you're able and willing to donate, walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Sign up by calling 866-MIBLOOD or at
https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/126316Attention Graduates
We know this year is way different than years past, but we want to be prepared and plan to recognize our college and high school graduates once we are able to resume worship. We want to be sure that we don’t miss anybody! If you will be graduating, please contact the church office no later than Sunday, May 31. Also, if you let us know when your graduation open house will hopefully be, we would be more than happy to help spread the word through our communications. Please email your info to southhavenfbc@gmail.com.
Flower Bed Maintenance Needed
Spring is finally here and we need help maintaining the church’s flowerbeds. If you're looking for a reason to get out of the house and yet still maintain your social distancing, feel free to stop by church at your convenience and pull weeds from whatever flowerbed catches your eye. If you contact us in advance, we can arrange for the garage to be open so you can get tools, otherwise feel free to bring your own. Once life returns to normal, we'll work on adopting flower beds as we have in the past.
Online Giving is Now Available!
We are excited to share with you that you now have the option to support our ministries by giving an online donation via debit/credit card or by donating via your bank account. If you're interested in sending a gift via this safe and secure option, you can do so by using this link:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/first-baptist-church-south-haven-miWe Care Pantry Collections
The We Care Food and Personal Care Pantries continue to need supplies. We suggest calling ahead to make sure someone is there to receive your items. If you are able to help.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Opportunities Via Zoom Video Conferences
· Children's Sunday School...Janette Hendrix is leading this class for children ages 5 years through 5th grade via Zoom on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15 AM. If you'd like your child to be included, please contact Janette.
· Youth Group...Allie Wilson is working on getting this group together via Zoom. If your middle or high school teen is interested in participating, please contact Allie.
· Women's Bible Study...Brandy Zantello is leading this group via Zoom on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:40 PM. They are currently studying "The Armor of God" by Priscilla Shirer. If you're interested in joining, please contact Brandy.
· Bible Study...Vasha Ferguson is leading this group via Zoom on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:30 AM. They are currently studying the book of James. If you're interested in joining, please contact Vasha.
If you would like to use the church’s Zoom account to have an unlimited time slot to connect with your family/friends (instead of the 40 minutes Zoom allows for free accounts), please contact Kim for more information.
· Youth Group...Allie Wilson is working on getting this group together via Zoom. If your middle or high school teen is interested in participating, please contact Allie.
· Women's Bible Study...Brandy Zantello is leading this group via Zoom on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:40 PM. They are currently studying "The Armor of God" by Priscilla Shirer. If you're interested in joining, please contact Brandy.
· Bible Study...Vasha Ferguson is leading this group via Zoom on Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:30 AM. They are currently studying the book of James. If you're interested in joining, please contact Vasha.
If you would like to use the church’s Zoom account to have an unlimited time slot to connect with your family/friends (instead of the 40 minutes Zoom allows for free accounts), please contact Kim for more information.
Weekly Prayer List
· Eric Brower is recovering at home following two procedures to have a massive blood clot removed.
· The family of Chan (former neighbor of John & Debbie Owens) who passed away in her sleep on 5/14 during recovery from Covid-19.
· Mike & Laura Underwood and their family (daughter of Rocky & Sandi Starland) upon the passing of Laura’s father-in-law, Mike Underwood, on 5/7.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) continues to recover from surgery requiring 14 pins and 2 plates for a broken leg following a skateboarding accident.
· Alyssa Zantello (niece of Doug & Julie Zantello) who is a physician's assistant and has traveled to New York City to help with the corona virus outbreak there. Pray for safety and protection as well as energy and stamina as she serves in this way.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has begun chemo. Pray for treatments to be successful. Also pray that Louie isn’t a genetic carrier of the breast cancer gene and that it hasn’t passed to his daughters (Tracy’s nieces).
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke that resulted in Locked-In Syndrome. He continues therapy in Grand Rapids and is slowly improving.
· Anna, Gabe, Samantha and Caroline Bocock have all been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
· The family of Chan (former neighbor of John & Debbie Owens) who passed away in her sleep on 5/14 during recovery from Covid-19.
· Mike & Laura Underwood and their family (daughter of Rocky & Sandi Starland) upon the passing of Laura’s father-in-law, Mike Underwood, on 5/7.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Elijah Truer (nephew of Doug & Julie Zantello) continues to recover from surgery requiring 14 pins and 2 plates for a broken leg following a skateboarding accident.
· Alyssa Zantello (niece of Doug & Julie Zantello) who is a physician's assistant and has traveled to New York City to help with the corona virus outbreak there. Pray for safety and protection as well as energy and stamina as she serves in this way.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) is diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has begun chemo. Pray for treatments to be successful. Also pray that Louie isn’t a genetic carrier of the breast cancer gene and that it hasn’t passed to his daughters (Tracy’s nieces).
· Nancy Crowner (friend of Jean Robinson) is recovering from breast cancer surgery.
· Allen Quinn (34 year-old nephew of Jim & Marialice Quinn) is recovering from a massive brain stem stroke that resulted in Locked-In Syndrome. He continues therapy in Grand Rapids and is slowly improving.
· Anna, Gabe, Samantha and Caroline Bocock have all been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com