St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, April 28, 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: Luke 18:13
Sermonic Title: “Standing Afar Off”
The Key Idea: Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing.
I. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Approach Is Made.
II. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Appeal Is Made.
III. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Acknowledgment Is Made.
Sermonic Title: “Standing Afar Off”
The Key Idea: Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing.
I. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Approach Is Made.
II. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Appeal Is Made.
III. Standing Afar Off Can Be Life-Changing When The Right Acknowledgment Is Made.
From the Pastor Desk
“THORNS”
(Matthew 13:7)
“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.”
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 two weeks ago) and on “Stony Places” (as we discussed last week) but also among “Thorns” where they were choked. Jesus explained what this meant in verse 22 which reads: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”
Many hear God’s word but are unfruitful because they worry too much about life in this world, and they are deceived by their desire to be rich. Alternatively speaking, believers are unfruitful when their focus is on this world and wealth because these “Thorns” choke out the word they receive. God desires all Christians to be fruitful which happens by receiving and applying His word without worrying unduly about the world and concentrating on wealth.
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 believers in the word so that their emphasis will not be on this world and wealth. Let’s pray for God to deliver people from “Thorns” which are choking the word they receive. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitable when we greet and interact with one another (especially new members) 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 Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
UNPLUGGED SUNDAY
On this fourth Sunday, April 28th, we may dress comfortably and casually because it will be Unplugged Sunday. In both of our Worship Celebrations (North Campus at 9:00 a.m. and South Campus at 11:00 a.m.), I will be preaching, and we will be blessed with inspirational singing. Please plan to attend and invite others to attend, especially young people.
“SERVE GOD”
Christians serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mammon is a Syriac word, a name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches, and it has the same meaning as Plutus among the Greeks. We do not know if the Jews ever formally worshipped this idol, but they used the word to denote wealth. In essence, Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:24 that people cannot serve the true God and at the same time be supremely engaged in obtaining the riches of this world. One will interfere with the other.
Although we cannot serve God and money, we can serve God with money. This concept is attributed to someone who said: “You can’t serve God and money, but you can serve God with money.” God blesses us with money, and God requires us to serve Him with some of the money He blesses us to have.
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%, 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 God regarding 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, Cornelia Wilson, 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
“Jesus’ Mighty Power”
(Matthew 14:22-36)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 8:23-27; 9:27-31, 35; Luke 8:22-25
CHURCH SCHOOL EXPLOSION MONTH
Our Church School Explosion Month (in March of 2024) was a success, and we praise God for everyone who participated. We congratulate Sis. Zeffie Bradford (student of Adult Class #1) who had the most guests. We further congratulate the North Campus Adult Class (Min. Peggy Alexander, Teacher) which had the highest attendance. We also congratulate Adult Class #1 (Sis. Pamela Harrison, Teacher) and Adult Class #4 (Sis. Judy Matthews, Teacher) which were tied for 1st place with the highest average attendance increase.
OUR DAILY BREAD
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
Sunday, April 28: 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 22:1-30
Monday, April 29: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 22:31-53
Tuesday, April 30: 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 22:54-71
Wednesday, May 1: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 23:1-26
Thursday, May 2: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38
Friday, May 3: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 23:39-56
Saturday, May 4: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 24:1-35
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 equal sacrifice, which 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
“Thorns” denote people who receive the word but are unfruitful because they worry inordinately about the world, and they are deceived by their desire to be rich (Mt. 13:7, 22). Furthermore, Christians are exhorted to “Serve God” (Mt. 6:24).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
“THORNS”
(Matthew 13:7)
“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them.”
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 two weeks ago) and on “Stony Places” (as we discussed last week) but also among “Thorns” where they were choked. Jesus explained what this meant in verse 22 which reads: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”
Many hear God’s word but are unfruitful because they worry too much about life in this world, and they are deceived by their desire to be rich. Alternatively speaking, believers are unfruitful when their focus is on this world and wealth because these “Thorns” choke out the word they receive. God desires all Christians to be fruitful which happens by receiving and applying His word without worrying unduly about the world and concentrating on wealth.
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 believers in the word so that their emphasis will not be on this world and wealth. Let’s pray for God to deliver people from “Thorns” which are choking the word they receive. Moreover, let’s be loving, kind, and hospitable when we greet and interact with one another (especially new members) 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 Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
UNPLUGGED SUNDAY
On this fourth Sunday, April 28th, we may dress comfortably and casually because it will be Unplugged Sunday. In both of our Worship Celebrations (North Campus at 9:00 a.m. and South Campus at 11:00 a.m.), I will be preaching, and we will be blessed with inspirational singing. Please plan to attend and invite others to attend, especially young people.
“SERVE GOD”
Christians serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Mammon is a Syriac word, a name given to an idol worshipped as the god of riches, and it has the same meaning as Plutus among the Greeks. We do not know if the Jews ever formally worshipped this idol, but they used the word to denote wealth. In essence, Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:24 that people cannot serve the true God and at the same time be supremely engaged in obtaining the riches of this world. One will interfere with the other.
Although we cannot serve God and money, we can serve God with money. This concept is attributed to someone who said: “You can’t serve God and money, but you can serve God with money.” God blesses us with money, and God requires us to serve Him with some of the money He blesses us to have.
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%, 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 God regarding 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, Cornelia Wilson, 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
“Jesus’ Mighty Power”
(Matthew 14:22-36)
Related Scriptures: Matthew 8:23-27; 9:27-31, 35; Luke 8:22-25
CHURCH SCHOOL EXPLOSION MONTH
Our Church School Explosion Month (in March of 2024) was a success, and we praise God for everyone who participated. We congratulate Sis. Zeffie Bradford (student of Adult Class #1) who had the most guests. We further congratulate the North Campus Adult Class (Min. Peggy Alexander, Teacher) which had the highest attendance. We also congratulate Adult Class #1 (Sis. Pamela Harrison, Teacher) and Adult Class #4 (Sis. Judy Matthews, Teacher) which were tied for 1st place with the highest average attendance increase.
OUR DAILY BREAD
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
Sunday, April 28: 2 Samuel 21-22; Luke 22:1-30
Monday, April 29: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 22:31-53
Tuesday, April 30: 1 Kings 1-2; Luke 22:54-71
Wednesday, May 1: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 23:1-26
Thursday, May 2: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38
Friday, May 3: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 23:39-56
Saturday, May 4: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 24:1-35
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 equal sacrifice, which 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
“Thorns” denote people who receive the word but are unfruitful because they worry inordinately about the world, and they are deceived by their desire to be rich (Mt. 13:7, 22). Furthermore, Christians are exhorted to “Serve God” (Mt. 6:24).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor