St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, April 21, 2024)
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 5:16
Sermonic Title: “Turn On Your Light”
The Key Idea: Turning On Your Light Enables Others To See.
I. Others Need To See Emmanuel In Your Good Works.
II. Others Need To See Evangelism In Your Good Works.
III. Others Need To See Endurance In Your Good Works.
Sermonic Title: “Turn On Your Light”
The Key Idea: Turning On Your Light Enables Others To See.
I. Others Need To See Emmanuel In Your Good Works.
II. Others Need To See Evangelism In Your Good Works.
III. Others Need To See Endurance In Your Good Works.
From the Pastor Desk
“STONY PLACES”
(Matthew 13:5-6)
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Jesus sat beside the sea and afterward sat down in a boat when a great crowd gathered while standing on the beach. Jesus said a lot to the crowd in parables, and the first parable was about “The Sower.” Jesus said a Sower sowed seeds that were scattered, and some seeds fell not only by “The Wayside” (as we discussed in last week’s edition) but also on “Stony Places”where the sun scorched them causing them to wither away because they had no depth of soil. Jesus explained what this meant in verses 20-21 which reads: “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
St. John is unique because we are a church with not only “the burning” but also “the learning.” Many churches are known for either one or the other, but not St. John. People who experience “the burning” without “the learning” frequently do not endure long, especially while undergoing tribulation and persecution. These individuals received God’s word in “Stony Places.”
I am excited about what God is doing at St. John, and our prayers are being answered because God is blessing our church to grow spiritually, numerically, and financially. As a congregation, we have a responsibility to nurture and equip new believers in the word so that they can endure tribulation and persecution. Let’s pray for God to protect and preserve people (especially new believers) who are uniting with our church. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitable when we greet and interact with them because everyone is welcome and special at St. John.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoyingone another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
THANK YOU
I am always thankful whenever people share their blessings with me. If God permits, I will be blessed tomorrow (April 19th) to enjoy another birthday, and I am ever so thankful to God because I realize that God has kept me alive all these years of my life. Because many of you have already blessed me with birthday gifts, cards, and expressions, please allow me to convey my gratitude in this week’s edition by saying “Thank You.”
LET’S HAVE A GOOD TIME!
God is blessing us at St. John in phenomenal ways, and this should be propagated. This coming Sunday (April 21st), I am asking everyone to invite and inspire men to come to our Worship Celebrations at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and South Campus (11:00 a.m.). Of course, inviting men does not exclude women and children. In John 4:28-29, the Samaritan woman went into the city and invited the men to “Come, see a man [Jesus]….” Likewise, people (especially men) need to “Come, see a man [Jesus];” therefore, let’s glorify God by persuading men to worship Him this Sunday at St. John.
“WHAT MAKES US VALUABLE”
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. His research spanned from quantum mechanics to theories about gravity and motion; moreover, he is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Einstein said: “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”Alternatively speaking, giving makes us more valuable than receiving. Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b).
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90% which is in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
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).
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 Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brother: Anthony Jones
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho 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
“Healing On The Sabbath”
(Luke 6:1-11)
Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Luke 13:10-17
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, April 18: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 17:1-19
Friday, April 19: 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 17:20-37
Saturday, April 20: 2 Samuel 1-3; Luke 18:1-17
Sunday, April 21: 2 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43
Monday, April 22: 2 Samuel 7-9; Luke 19:1-28
Tuesday, April 23: 2 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19:29-48
Wednesday, April 24: 2 Samuel 13-14; Luke 20:1-26
Thursday, April 25: 2 Samuel 15-16; Luke 20:27-47
Friday, April 26: 2 Samuel 17-18; Luke 21:1-19
Saturday, April 27: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 21:20-38
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
We praise God that Sis. Ann Lucas celebrated her 80th Birthday on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. May God continue to bless her to live well and experience more birthdays.
When requested, we announce Birthdays for the following years: 75th, 80th, 85th, 90th, and every year thereafter.
When requested, we announce Wedding Anniversaries for the following years: 25th, 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, and every year thereafter.
CONGRATULATIONS
Deacon Arthur Lee Johnson is the Servant Leader of our Deacon Ministry. On April 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Richmond Police Activities League will name their Technology Center in Arthur L. Johnson’s name during a special program at the PAL Building, 2200 McDonald Avenue, Richmond, California.
STAY-TUNED
(CHILDREN MINISTRY: AGES 4-12)
On Saturday, April 20th (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), Stay-TUNED (Children Ministry) will have a BBQ at Refugio Park in Hercules. Various games(indoor and outdoor) will be provided and enjoyed. All children are encouraged to participate, so we are asking parents and adultsto please bring them. For more information, contact Sis. Nyra Mitchell, Servant Leader of Stay-TUNED (Children Ministry).
SOMETHIN’ NU
(YOUTH MINISTRY: AGES 13-18)
On Saturday, April 20th (1:00 p.m.), Somethin’ Nu (Youth Ministry) will bowl at Bowlero, 300 Park Street, Alameda, California. The cost per teen is $13.00. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
DEACONS WORKSHOP
On Saturday, April 27th (9:00-12:00 p.m.), the deacons will have a workshop in the Fellowship Hall of the South Campus. All deacons should attend. For more information, contact Deacon Arthur Lee Johnson, Servant Leader of Deacon Ministry.
A MIND, BODY, & SOUL AFFAIR
On Saturday, May 4th, (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), A Mind, Body, & Soul Affair will be at our South Campus providing awareness and resources for hypertension/blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and mental health. Many professionals will be participating. Come and share with others that it is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
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: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves the various design changes, we plan to select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and 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. I am not promoting equal giving, but I am promoting equal sacrificewhich is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
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 after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
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.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
“Stony Places” denotes people who hear and receive the word joyfully but lack depth and shortly fall away because of tribulation and persecution on account of the word (Mt. 13:5-6. 20-21). Moreover, as God gives to us, we should give since “What Makes Us Valuable” is giving rather than receiving (Acts 20:35b).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
“STONY PLACES”
(Matthew 13:5-6)
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Jesus sat beside the sea and afterward sat down in a boat when a great crowd gathered while standing on the beach. Jesus said a lot to the crowd in parables, and the first parable was about “The Sower.” Jesus said a Sower sowed seeds that were scattered, and some seeds fell not only by “The Wayside” (as we discussed in last week’s edition) but also on “Stony Places”where the sun scorched them causing them to wither away because they had no depth of soil. Jesus explained what this meant in verses 20-21 which reads: “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
St. John is unique because we are a church with not only “the burning” but also “the learning.” Many churches are known for either one or the other, but not St. John. People who experience “the burning” without “the learning” frequently do not endure long, especially while undergoing tribulation and persecution. These individuals received God’s word in “Stony Places.”
I am excited about what God is doing at St. John, and our prayers are being answered because God is blessing our church to grow spiritually, numerically, and financially. As a congregation, we have a responsibility to nurture and equip new believers in the word so that they can endure tribulation and persecution. Let’s pray for God to protect and preserve people (especially new believers) who are uniting with our church. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitable when we greet and interact with them because everyone is welcome and special at St. John.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoyingone another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
THANK YOU
I am always thankful whenever people share their blessings with me. If God permits, I will be blessed tomorrow (April 19th) to enjoy another birthday, and I am ever so thankful to God because I realize that God has kept me alive all these years of my life. Because many of you have already blessed me with birthday gifts, cards, and expressions, please allow me to convey my gratitude in this week’s edition by saying “Thank You.”
LET’S HAVE A GOOD TIME!
God is blessing us at St. John in phenomenal ways, and this should be propagated. This coming Sunday (April 21st), I am asking everyone to invite and inspire men to come to our Worship Celebrations at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and South Campus (11:00 a.m.). Of course, inviting men does not exclude women and children. In John 4:28-29, the Samaritan woman went into the city and invited the men to “Come, see a man [Jesus]….” Likewise, people (especially men) need to “Come, see a man [Jesus];” therefore, let’s glorify God by persuading men to worship Him this Sunday at St. John.
“WHAT MAKES US VALUABLE”
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. His research spanned from quantum mechanics to theories about gravity and motion; moreover, he is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Einstein said: “The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”Alternatively speaking, giving makes us more valuable than receiving. Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b).
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90% which is in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
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).
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 Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brother: Anthony Jones
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Margaret LeBrane, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho 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
“Healing On The Sabbath”
(Luke 6:1-11)
Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Luke 13:10-17
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, April 18: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 17:1-19
Friday, April 19: 1 Samuel 30-31; Luke 17:20-37
Saturday, April 20: 2 Samuel 1-3; Luke 18:1-17
Sunday, April 21: 2 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43
Monday, April 22: 2 Samuel 7-9; Luke 19:1-28
Tuesday, April 23: 2 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19:29-48
Wednesday, April 24: 2 Samuel 13-14; Luke 20:1-26
Thursday, April 25: 2 Samuel 15-16; Luke 20:27-47
Friday, April 26: 2 Samuel 17-18; Luke 21:1-19
Saturday, April 27: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 21:20-38
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
We praise God that Sis. Ann Lucas celebrated her 80th Birthday on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. May God continue to bless her to live well and experience more birthdays.
When requested, we announce Birthdays for the following years: 75th, 80th, 85th, 90th, and every year thereafter.
When requested, we announce Wedding Anniversaries for the following years: 25th, 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, and every year thereafter.
CONGRATULATIONS
Deacon Arthur Lee Johnson is the Servant Leader of our Deacon Ministry. On April 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Richmond Police Activities League will name their Technology Center in Arthur L. Johnson’s name during a special program at the PAL Building, 2200 McDonald Avenue, Richmond, California.
STAY-TUNED
(CHILDREN MINISTRY: AGES 4-12)
On Saturday, April 20th (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), Stay-TUNED (Children Ministry) will have a BBQ at Refugio Park in Hercules. Various games(indoor and outdoor) will be provided and enjoyed. All children are encouraged to participate, so we are asking parents and adultsto please bring them. For more information, contact Sis. Nyra Mitchell, Servant Leader of Stay-TUNED (Children Ministry).
SOMETHIN’ NU
(YOUTH MINISTRY: AGES 13-18)
On Saturday, April 20th (1:00 p.m.), Somethin’ Nu (Youth Ministry) will bowl at Bowlero, 300 Park Street, Alameda, California. The cost per teen is $13.00. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
DEACONS WORKSHOP
On Saturday, April 27th (9:00-12:00 p.m.), the deacons will have a workshop in the Fellowship Hall of the South Campus. All deacons should attend. For more information, contact Deacon Arthur Lee Johnson, Servant Leader of Deacon Ministry.
A MIND, BODY, & SOUL AFFAIR
On Saturday, May 4th, (12:00 to 4:00 p.m.), A Mind, Body, & Soul Affair will be at our South Campus providing awareness and resources for hypertension/blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and mental health. Many professionals will be participating. Come and share with others that it is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Min. Eric Frazier (Generation NoWWW Minister).
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: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves the various design changes, we plan to select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and 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. I am not promoting equal giving, but I am promoting equal sacrificewhich is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
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 after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
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.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
“Stony Places” denotes people who hear and receive the word joyfully but lack depth and shortly fall away because of tribulation and persecution on account of the word (Mt. 13:5-6. 20-21). Moreover, as God gives to us, we should give since “What Makes Us Valuable” is giving rather than receiving (Acts 20:35b).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor