St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, December 24, 2023)
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
Locations & Times
St. John Missionary Baptist Church (South Campus)
662 S 52nd St, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
Sunday 11:00 AM
Sermonic Text: Matthew 2:10
Sermonic Title: “The Joy Of Christmas”
The Key Idea: The Joy Of Christmas Is All About Jesus.
I. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Experienced.
II. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Expressed.
III. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Expected.
Sermonic Title: “The Joy Of Christmas”
The Key Idea: The Joy Of Christmas Is All About Jesus.
I. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Experienced.
II. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Expressed.
III. The Joy Of Christmas Is When Jesus Is Expected.
“A CHILD IS BORN”
(Isaiah 9:6)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
We are approaching one of the greatest holidays of the year, and it is called Christmas. Christmas is acknowledged annually on December 25th, and it is a day that we celebrate Jesus’s birth (even though we do not know the exact day that Jesus was born).
Jesus existed before he was born because he was in the beginning before the creation of everyone and everything (Jn. 1:1-3, 14). Furthermore, Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years beforehand.
For instance, Isaiah foretold Jesus’ birth about 700 years before Christ’s nativity. Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about Jesus’ birth which was fulfilled as recorded in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2. Isaiah said, “A Child Is Born” who shall be a son with governing power, and his name shall be five-fold.
First, Jesus shall be called “Wonderful” because he is a miracle worker. Secondly, he shall be called “Counsellor” because he is an advisor. Thirdly, he shall be called “The mighty God” because he is God, the son. Fourthly, he shall be called “The everlasting Father” because he is eternal and fatherly. Fifthly, he shall be called “The Prince of Peace” because he restores and perpetuates peace.
Again, about 700 years after Isaiah’s prophecy, on the first day of Christmas, “A Child Is Born” in Bethlehem to a virgin whose name was Mary, and the Holy Spirit impregnated her (not Joseph) which is why he was born sinless. In addition to his name Isaiah prophesied, he is called Jesus because he came to save us from our sins (Mt. 1:21).
If God blesses us to be alive on Christmas, let’s be certain to celebrate Jesus and his birth. We must remember and proclaim to others that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
December 24: Christmas Eve Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. at the South Campus); Also, Children’s Christmas Speeches will be available for viewing via YouTube on this date and thereafter.
December 31: New Year's Eve Worship Celebration (South Campus at 10:30 p.m.)
January 3-5: Old Fashioned Revival (North Campus at 7:00 p.m.)
January 7: In-Person Communion (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. South Campus)
HOMEGOING CELEBRATIONS AT ST. JOHN
Sis. Linda Harvey: The funeral will be at the South Campus, on Thursday, December 21st at 11 a.m.
Sis. Loushica Worley: The Funeral will be at the South Campus on Thursday, December 28th at 11 a.m.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to God regarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are shut in with COVID.
Pastor & Ministers: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Deacon: Elwood Jordan
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Geraldine Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Zadie Patterson, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Gregory Johnson, Anthony Jones, and Brady Stewart
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Drucilla Cooper, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. John who needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“The Light Of Christmas”
(John 1:1-5; Ephesians 5:1-2, 6-14)
Related Scriptures: John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 John 1:1-7
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 21: Micah 6-7; Revelation 12
Friday, December 22: Nahum; Revelation 13
Saturday, December 23: Habakkuk; Revelation 14
Sunday, December 24: Zephaniah; Revelation 15
Monday, December 25: Haggai; Revelation 16
Tuesday, December 26: Zechariah 1-3; Revelation 17
Wednesday, December 27: Zechariah 4-6; Revelation 18
Thursday, December 28: Zechariah 7-9; Revelation 19
Friday, December 29: Zechariah 10-12; Revelation 20
Saturday, December 30: Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21
Sunday, December 31: Malachi; Revelation 22
(Praise God We Read Through The Entire Bible In 2023)
“INCREASE OR DECREASE?”
A man in a church once made a covenant with a former pastor to tithe ten percent of their income every year. They were both young, and neither of them had much money; nonetheless, things changed. The layman tithed one thousand dollars the year he earned ten thousand, ten thousand dollars the year he earned one hundred thousand, and one hundred thousand dollars the year he earned one million. However, the year he earned six million dollars, he just could not bring himself to write out a check for six hundred thousand dollars to the church.
He telephoned his former pastor, who had moved to another church, and asked to see him. Walking into the pastor’s office, the man begged to be let out of the covenant, saying, “This tithing business has to stop. It was fine when my tithe was one thousand dollars, but I just cannot afford six hundred thousand dollars. You’ve got to do something, Reverend!” The pastor knelt on the floor and prayed silently for a long time. Eventually, the man said, “What are you doing? Are you praying that God will let me out of the covenant to tithe?” The minister said: “No, I am praying for God to reduce your income back to the level where one thousand dollars will be your tithe!”
Like the man in the story, many have no problem tithing when their income is low, but when God blesses them abundantly as He promised, then many don’t want to tithe any longer because of the increased amount. People should be careful not to develop this attitude because God may choose to decrease their income to an amount that they will be comfortable tithing with. Remember, the Lord who gives can also take away (Job 1:21).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
MEMORANDUM
Our Worship Celebrations: We have two in-person Worship Celebrations on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. (the North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (the South Campus). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. Let’s continue to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube) or hear them via podcasts. For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.
Our Family Life Center: The city of Richmond has approved the revision of our design and granted us a building permit to build our Family Life Center. We have now proceeded to the next step which is negotiating the total cost of the project. Please pray daily asking God to direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. May God bless each of us who have already fulfilled our pledge and others who have made “Building Fund” contributions. I encourage everyone (if you have not already done so) to contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
1) $10,000.00 or more
2) $5,000.00 to $9,999.00
3) $1,000.00 to $4,999.00
4) $500.00 to $999.00
5) Below $500.00
Our Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. Visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. What’s forthcoming?
Sundays:
Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus)
Online Church School at 2:00 p.m.
Online Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or thereafter. To participate, each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar).
Mondays:
Grocery Giveaway Preparation at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)
Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.
Online Church Leadership Council on Tuesdays following 2nd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays:
Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.
BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
Isaiah prophesied about 700 years beforehand that “A Child Is Born” (Isaiah 9:6). Moreover, in regards to our tithes and offerings, “Increase Or Decrease?” Remember, the Lord who gives can also take away (Job 1:21).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
(Isaiah 9:6)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
We are approaching one of the greatest holidays of the year, and it is called Christmas. Christmas is acknowledged annually on December 25th, and it is a day that we celebrate Jesus’s birth (even though we do not know the exact day that Jesus was born).
Jesus existed before he was born because he was in the beginning before the creation of everyone and everything (Jn. 1:1-3, 14). Furthermore, Jesus’ birth was foretold hundreds of years beforehand.
For instance, Isaiah foretold Jesus’ birth about 700 years before Christ’s nativity. Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about Jesus’ birth which was fulfilled as recorded in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2. Isaiah said, “A Child Is Born” who shall be a son with governing power, and his name shall be five-fold.
First, Jesus shall be called “Wonderful” because he is a miracle worker. Secondly, he shall be called “Counsellor” because he is an advisor. Thirdly, he shall be called “The mighty God” because he is God, the son. Fourthly, he shall be called “The everlasting Father” because he is eternal and fatherly. Fifthly, he shall be called “The Prince of Peace” because he restores and perpetuates peace.
Again, about 700 years after Isaiah’s prophecy, on the first day of Christmas, “A Child Is Born” in Bethlehem to a virgin whose name was Mary, and the Holy Spirit impregnated her (not Joseph) which is why he was born sinless. In addition to his name Isaiah prophesied, he is called Jesus because he came to save us from our sins (Mt. 1:21).
If God blesses us to be alive on Christmas, let’s be certain to celebrate Jesus and his birth. We must remember and proclaim to others that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
December 24: Christmas Eve Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. at the South Campus); Also, Children’s Christmas Speeches will be available for viewing via YouTube on this date and thereafter.
December 31: New Year's Eve Worship Celebration (South Campus at 10:30 p.m.)
January 3-5: Old Fashioned Revival (North Campus at 7:00 p.m.)
January 7: In-Person Communion (9:00 a.m. at the North Campus and 11:00 a.m. South Campus)
HOMEGOING CELEBRATIONS AT ST. JOHN
Sis. Linda Harvey: The funeral will be at the South Campus, on Thursday, December 21st at 11 a.m.
Sis. Loushica Worley: The Funeral will be at the South Campus on Thursday, December 28th at 11 a.m.
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to God regarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are shut in with COVID.
Pastor & Ministers: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Deacon: Elwood Jordan
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Geraldine Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Zadie Patterson, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Gregory Johnson, Anthony Jones, and Brady Stewart
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Drucilla Cooper, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. John who needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“The Light Of Christmas”
(John 1:1-5; Ephesians 5:1-2, 6-14)
Related Scriptures: John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 John 1:1-7
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, December 21: Micah 6-7; Revelation 12
Friday, December 22: Nahum; Revelation 13
Saturday, December 23: Habakkuk; Revelation 14
Sunday, December 24: Zephaniah; Revelation 15
Monday, December 25: Haggai; Revelation 16
Tuesday, December 26: Zechariah 1-3; Revelation 17
Wednesday, December 27: Zechariah 4-6; Revelation 18
Thursday, December 28: Zechariah 7-9; Revelation 19
Friday, December 29: Zechariah 10-12; Revelation 20
Saturday, December 30: Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21
Sunday, December 31: Malachi; Revelation 22
(Praise God We Read Through The Entire Bible In 2023)
“INCREASE OR DECREASE?”
A man in a church once made a covenant with a former pastor to tithe ten percent of their income every year. They were both young, and neither of them had much money; nonetheless, things changed. The layman tithed one thousand dollars the year he earned ten thousand, ten thousand dollars the year he earned one hundred thousand, and one hundred thousand dollars the year he earned one million. However, the year he earned six million dollars, he just could not bring himself to write out a check for six hundred thousand dollars to the church.
He telephoned his former pastor, who had moved to another church, and asked to see him. Walking into the pastor’s office, the man begged to be let out of the covenant, saying, “This tithing business has to stop. It was fine when my tithe was one thousand dollars, but I just cannot afford six hundred thousand dollars. You’ve got to do something, Reverend!” The pastor knelt on the floor and prayed silently for a long time. Eventually, the man said, “What are you doing? Are you praying that God will let me out of the covenant to tithe?” The minister said: “No, I am praying for God to reduce your income back to the level where one thousand dollars will be your tithe!”
Like the man in the story, many have no problem tithing when their income is low, but when God blesses them abundantly as He promised, then many don’t want to tithe any longer because of the increased amount. People should be careful not to develop this attitude because God may choose to decrease their income to an amount that they will be comfortable tithing with. Remember, the Lord who gives can also take away (Job 1:21).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
MEMORANDUM
Our Worship Celebrations: We have two in-person Worship Celebrations on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. (the North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (the South Campus). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. Let’s continue to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube) or hear them via podcasts. For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.
Our Family Life Center: The city of Richmond has approved the revision of our design and granted us a building permit to build our Family Life Center. We have now proceeded to the next step which is negotiating the total cost of the project. Please pray daily asking God to direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. May God bless each of us who have already fulfilled our pledge and others who have made “Building Fund” contributions. I encourage everyone (if you have not already done so) to contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
1) $10,000.00 or more
2) $5,000.00 to $9,999.00
3) $1,000.00 to $4,999.00
4) $500.00 to $999.00
5) Below $500.00
Our Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. Visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. What’s forthcoming?
Sundays:
Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus)
Online Church School at 2:00 p.m.
Online Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or thereafter. To participate, each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar).
Mondays:
Grocery Giveaway Preparation at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)
Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.
Online Church Leadership Council on Tuesdays following 2nd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays:
Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.
BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
Isaiah prophesied about 700 years beforehand that “A Child Is Born” (Isaiah 9:6). Moreover, in regards to our tithes and offerings, “Increase Or Decrease?” Remember, the Lord who gives can also take away (Job 1:21).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor